Amsterdam, Netherlands

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Amsterdam

Amsterdam is one of the most popular destinations in Europe, and for good reason- Amsterdam has something for everyone. It is one of the most unique cities in Europe, known for the Red Light District, The Anne Frank House, 24/hr clubs, Mary Jane, Heineken, the Canals… and the list goes on.

Amsterdam was the last stop on our trip. We arrived to Amsterdam Central Station from Brussels. Once we exited the train station we were immediately hit with the energy of the city. We arrived the same time as trains from a rugby match were arriving, the entire city was flooded with red jerseys and people singing match chants- it was a blast to watch. Every day we went out and explored Amsterdam you could feel the energy of the city- there’s always something going on and things to do.

how to see the city

The best way to see Amsterdam is to walk the streets, hop in a boat and explore the canals, and of course by bike. The city also has trams and a metro both accessible from the train station providing quick access to the city.

where to stay

Amsterdam has a wide array of lodging options, if you’re looking for upscale, unique, inexpensive, there’s something for everyone. We chose the unique option (also the affordable option!) and stayed at the Arcade Hotel. Each room has color changing LED lights, and multiple gaming consoles, and the lobby has a room filled floor to ceiling with games that you can choose from- it was a really fun way to wind down from action filled days and relax before bed- we felt like kids again. The Hotel has a full bar, patio, serves breakfast, and offers bike rentals.

what to do

The heineken experience

If you’re interested in taking a canal ride and drinking beer sign yourself up for The Heineken Experience. Heineken originated in Amsterdam and The Heineken Experience takes you through the story of how they came to be. The first part is the Brewery Tour where they give you free beer & what’s better than that.

After wandering the brewery and enjoying your pints in Heineken’s micro bar your next stop is the Canal ride. The Canal ride takes you through the streets of Amsterdam offering a different perspective of the city.

At the end of the ride the boat drops you off on the opposite side of Amsterdam at the A’dam Tower, one of the highest points in Amsterdam. Your tour package gets you access to the A’dam Lookout- offering 360° panoramic views. The tower is home to a revolving restaurant, 24 hour club, boutique hotel and the list goes on.

Once you’re done exploring the tower start to make your way along the water to a free ferry to take you back toward the heart of the City. On your walk you’ll pass a few bars with outdoor seating as well as The “I Amsterdam” sign, one of the most iconic photo stops in Amsterdam.


museums

Amsterdam is home to countless Museums and Art Galleries. If you’re interested in Museum hopping take a look into the City Card which grants you access to 70+ museums, free public transportation around the City, a canal cruise, and bike rentals, it’s definitely the best bang for your buck.

We chose to visit the Anne Frank House and couldn’t recommend the tour enough. Out of respect there are no pictures/videos allowed. The tour is self guided and takes around an hour. The stories of Anne and her family as you travel through the house are told through audio, video, and pictures. At the end of the tour there is a gallery filled with original clothing and pictures from Anne’s family as well as her original diary.

Other things to see & do

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jordaan neighborhood

The Jordaan neighborhood is a maze of winding streets lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. Walking the streets you’ll feel like a local.

de 9 straatjes

Translated to nine little streets this area is smack dab in the canal belt and home to endless unique shops with clothing and gifts far from your typical tourist trap.

vondelpark

Think the Central Park of Amsterdam. Perfect for an evening stroll with a beer in hand with plenty of walking paths, benches, and ponds. A great escape from the congestion of the City.

Bloemenmarket

Bloemenmarket is the World’s only floating tulip market originally opened in 1862!



Brussels, Belgium

 

Brussels was the third stop on our trip through Europe and we had a quick 24 hours to discover the city. We set off from Germany first thing in the morning and arrived in Brussels mid-morning.

We stayed at the Sleep Well Hostel and booked a private room for less then 100 euros. The hostel had recently been renovated and was extremely clean. Best of all Sleep Well is located right next to the downtown area making the city easily walkable.

Our room wasn’t ready until the afternoon but the Hostel has sets of lockers where we you can store luggage of all sizes for free as long as you BYOL (bring your own lock). Similar situation to the luggage room in the Paris

Brussels is the capitol of Belgium, filled with street art, unique shops, chocolate, and you cannot forget about the beer! Brussels is another walkable city. You can spend one day here and easily hit all the top things to do.

When visiting Brussels one of your must-see stops should be the Delirium Village. Home to over 2,004 beers from all over the world, it’s a beer lovers dream. Set off a quiet street Delirium Village is maze of multiple bars/serving areas spanning multiple buildings. There’s enough beer to keep you drinking for hours.

We spent the majority of our time in Brussels wandering the streets and dipping into bars/cafe’s along the way. Brussels has a relaxed vibe and you can truly do as much or little as you want.

Other must see’s

Mannekin Pis

A statue in the center of the city featuring a young boy well- taking a piss.

Try a belgium waffle

Every street you turn on has at least one waffle shop. You can have your waffle with something as simple as chocolate sauce or with a mountain of toppings!

The grand palace

The Grand Palace is the City Center. Home to a grouping of buildings that will leave a lasting impression. The architecture of these buildings is some of the most magnificant in the entire city.

Atomium

The Atomium is translated to Atom and is a massive sculpture of an atom and a great backdrop for some photos.

Cantillon Brewery

This is where you’re going to get try some of the most traditional Belgium beers. At Cantillon they’ve been brewing since the 1900’s and offer daily tours.

Cologne, Germany

Cologne is a vibrant European city that most major railways stop in. Home to numerous museums, a historic cathedral, and a large concert venue- there are endless things to do for everyone. Bonus the majority of them are free and the city is entirely walkable!

 
 
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We took advantage of the three hour train ride to catch up on the latest Game of Thrones episode we missed. Our train from Paris (read about our Paris adventure here!) arrived to Cologne in the late evening. The train station is in the middle of the city, which made getting to our air bnb incredibly easy. You exit the train station and your first view is the Cathedral, built in 1248!

It was a quick 10 minute walk from the train station to our Air bnb. We dropped our packs off, explored the apartment, and set out in search of food. We found a bar nearby where we were able to get plenty of German beer, chat with locals, and grab a bite.

The next day was our only full day in Cologne. We woke up early and grabbed cups of coffee and set out to walk the city. First stop: Breakfast; Leah and I dove head first into German cuisine with Currywurst, German pretzels, and German donuts.

We had food in our stomachs and coffee keeping us going so we set off to see the Cathedral! The Cologne cathedral is the oldest gothic cathedral in all of Northern Europe, holds the largest swinging church bell in the world, and holds the remains of The Three Kings. If you’re up to the challenge they let you climb to the top, all 533 steps!

After exploring the cathedral we headed down to the river to explore the historic old town.

A must stop in Cologne is one of the many Merzenich Bakeries. They’re scattered throughout the city and arguably have the best pastries.

The city of Cologne is arguably one of the most walkable city’s in Europe. To end our day in Cologne we saw George Ezra play at the Lanxess Arena. We were able to walk from our Air BnB, across the city, cross the Hohenzollern Bridge, and take pedestrian pathways all the way to the arena.

Other things to see & do

Check out a museum

Cologne is home to the Chocolate Museum and for Art lovers check The Ludwig Museum and the Wallraf-Richartz Museum.

Tour The Rhine

The Rhine River runs through Cologne and is one of the largest rivers in Europe. You can hop on a boat for a tour of the City and surrounding area or take an evening party cruise.


Our next stop on our trip, Brussels! Read all about our time in Brussels Here.