I recommend Florence, Italy as a place to visit and also live for a month if you haven't already. I was there a month for study abroad in college and it was absolutely awesome and dare I say spiritually relinquishing
You’re completely right about The Netherlands. Den Haag is my favourite city in the world. Fantastic art galleries. The train network throughout the country makes day tripping a breeze. And, as you say, the Dutch are endlessly interesting.
I don't think Istanbul is over rated, maybe by US standard, but a lot of people from over the world who appreciate history, Istanbul is an interesting place. I am actually in Istanbul right now.
Ive been to 34 countries in Europe so far, Slovenia was spectacular, it doesn't have the best connections tho, I took a flight to Venice and then a Flixbus. Can't wait to go back. I will add to the list Oman, Georgia and Uzbekistan,
I agree about Istanbul, it is one of my favourite cities, maybe my favourite of all worldwide (and I'm a Brit who was born in Cape Town). Yes, people will try to sell you things (it has been a world market for many hundreds of years and they are good at it), but I have never felt safer than that city including walking around late at night. The food is great, the fresh food markets fabulous, if you're into history and art which I am, it's fascinating. The people are so friendly, and there is a youthful, vibrant and buzzing scene. We had so many enjoyable conversations with Istanbulites. Oh and also, I love the Dutch, they're probably the people I feel most at home with outside the UK. I love their unpretentious directness.
When I visited Amsterdam, I stayed in Haarlem and took the train into the city (15-20 minutes to Amsterdam Centraal Station). I feel like I got the best of the big city and a smaller town.
Great post.. So much to see beyond Amsterdam... yes, the rest of Netherlands is sadly ignored but even more so are some of amazing cities...Gent, Bruges, etc...just a few train stations across the border in Belgium. P.S. Just completed my 7 trip to the Netherlands+ and as you mentioned in an email change "tap to pay" worked perfectly in public transport (in AMS and Rotterdam). Happy holiday season and continued great travels.
Everyone sees Brazil as a dangerous and messy place, but there are extremely safe and cheap places, I recommend Ilha Bela (SP), Florianópolis (Santa Catarina), Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
Completely agree with Montreal. Went there in August to visit some in-laws and go to Osheaga. I spent a week there and it was not enough time. The days definitely fly by. And I didn't get to try the local cafes and restaurants.
I'm doing a Europe trip in January. I'll be there for 2-3 weeks but plan to cover Netherlands, Brussels, Paris, and Italy. How long should I spend in the Netherlands? Right now I have roughly 1.5 days slated for Netherlands. I'm planning to stay in Haarlem and spend my time visiting Rijksmuseum, Zaanse Schans, Zaandam, and the Haarlem sights. Would other places be worth the visit (for example Utrecht)? Please keep in mind that more time in Netherlands would be less time elsewhere in Europe.
Hope I’m not too late with this reply: Totally depends on what you value, but I’d recommend at least 3 full days in the Netherlands. You’ll find the days fly by and you might want to consider skipping Zaandam (more of a social media influencer thing - 1 truly unique building). I do love Utrecht but I’d probably recommend sticking around Amsterdam with the limited time. Haarlem, Zaanse Schans, and Amsterdam will give you plenty to see. And it’d be easy to spend half a day in the Rijksmuseum. I’m assuming you’ll want to bounce around Italy. If that’s the case, consider dropping a day from Paris to add to your Netherlands time. Paris is wonderful but you’ll cover ground fast since you won’t need to train around to different cities. If there’s one place to cut all-together, it’s probably Brussels. It’s a cool city but it’s a melting pot of the surrounding cultures (which you’ll get during the rest of your trip). If you must do Brussels, I’d recommend spending no more than 1 full day. Hope all that makes sense and helps! Have a great time :)
I recommend Florence, Italy as a place to visit and also live for a month if you haven't already. I was there a month for study abroad in college and it was absolutely awesome and dare I say spiritually relinquishing
Funny timing... I'm heading to spend a month in Florence on Friday! Sounds like it should be a great month :)
Ok so now I want a video “The 5 Worst Travel Destinations”
So happy you liked Montreal! It's my town! ⚜️
You've got a wonderful town :)
Yeah agree 100% on Slovenia. What a special place!
It really is!
You’re completely right about The Netherlands. Den Haag is my favourite city in the world. Fantastic art galleries. The train network throughout the country makes day tripping a breeze. And, as you say, the Dutch are endlessly interesting.
Couldn't agree more!
My nephew from the US moved there and loves Montreal for the same reasons.
I don't think Istanbul is over rated, maybe by US standard, but a lot of people from over the world who appreciate history, Istanbul is an interesting place. I am actually in Istanbul right now.
Yes 100% Montreal. Living there for some parts of each year. It's so fantastic, hard to find any other city in North America that's like it.
Ive been to 34 countries in Europe so far, Slovenia was spectacular, it doesn't have the best connections tho, I took a flight to Venice and then a Flixbus. Can't wait to go back. I will add to the list Oman, Georgia and Uzbekistan,
I agree about Istanbul, it is one of my favourite cities, maybe my favourite of all worldwide (and I'm a Brit who was born in Cape Town). Yes, people will try to sell you things (it has been a world market for many hundreds of years and they are good at it), but I have never felt safer than that city including walking around late at night. The food is great, the fresh food markets fabulous, if you're into history and art which I am, it's fascinating. The people are so friendly, and there is a youthful, vibrant and buzzing scene. We had so many enjoyable conversations with Istanbulites. Oh and also, I love the Dutch, they're probably the people I feel most at home with outside the UK. I love their unpretentious directness.
Couldn’t have said it better myself
Super interesting, I was digging the weird hammock thing-lol.
Haha glad to weird hammock thing wasn't too weird :)
When I visited Amsterdam, I stayed in Haarlem and took the train into the city (15-20 minutes to Amsterdam Centraal Station). I feel like I got the best of the big city and a smaller town.
A great way to do it!
Great post.. So much to see beyond Amsterdam... yes, the rest of Netherlands is sadly ignored but even more so are some of amazing cities...Gent, Bruges, etc...just a few train stations across the border in Belgium. P.S. Just completed my 7 trip to the Netherlands+ and as you mentioned in an email change "tap to pay" worked perfectly in public transport (in AMS and Rotterdam). Happy holiday season and continued great travels.
Hope you had a great trip and enjoyed the holiday season :)
Everyone sees Brazil as a dangerous and messy place, but there are extremely safe and cheap places, I recommend Ilha Bela (SP), Florianópolis (Santa Catarina), Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
Slovenia is beautiful I spent time in Ljubljana and worked for a month at Lake Bohijn and Lake Bled highly recommend such beautiful nature!
I bet that was an incredible month!
Completely agree with Montreal. Went there in August to visit some in-laws and go to Osheaga. I spent a week there and it was not enough time. The days definitely fly by. And I didn't get to try the local cafes and restaurants.
Hope you get to visit again soon to try those cafes :)
Going for a solo 2 week trip to Cape Town this year! What would you recommend for an estimated budget? (excluding flight)
Montreal residents are highly educated. I think you need to correct that
I'm doing a Europe trip in January. I'll be there for 2-3 weeks but plan to cover Netherlands, Brussels, Paris, and Italy. How long should I spend in the Netherlands?
Right now I have roughly 1.5 days slated for Netherlands. I'm planning to stay in Haarlem and spend my time visiting Rijksmuseum, Zaanse Schans, Zaandam, and the Haarlem sights. Would other places be worth the visit (for example Utrecht)? Please keep in mind that more time in Netherlands would be less time elsewhere in Europe.
Paris 5 days
Brussels 2 days
Amsterdam 2 days
Rome 3 days
Florence 2 days
Hope I’m not too late with this reply:
Totally depends on what you value, but I’d recommend at least 3 full days in the Netherlands. You’ll find the days fly by and you might want to consider skipping Zaandam (more of a social media influencer thing - 1 truly unique building).
I do love Utrecht but I’d probably recommend sticking around Amsterdam with the limited time. Haarlem, Zaanse Schans, and Amsterdam will give you plenty to see. And it’d be easy to spend half a day in the Rijksmuseum.
I’m assuming you’ll want to bounce around Italy. If that’s the case, consider dropping a day from Paris to add to your Netherlands time.
Paris is wonderful but you’ll cover ground fast since you won’t need to train around to different cities.
If there’s one place to cut all-together, it’s probably Brussels. It’s a cool city but it’s a melting pot of the surrounding cultures (which you’ll get during the rest of your trip).
If you must do Brussels, I’d recommend spending no more than 1 full day.
Hope all that makes sense and helps! Have a great time :)
I've been to Montreal. I wasn't impressed.