As summer rolls away in Amsterdam and fall brings in cooler temps, locals still flock to the beaches for one last hurrah. Luckily, the fun cafés, clubs and bars along the beaches of Zandvoort and IJburg throw grand finale parties until the last week of September. Getting to a beach in Holland is a breeze, » Read more

We had a friend from Russia staying over the weekend. “It’s so nice to be back in Europe again,” he said as we met him from the train in Berlin after his overnight journey from Kaliningrad. His comment made us ponder European geography. Kaliningrad is just 330 miles from Berlin and it is most certainly not » Read more

As in many European countries, going out for breakfast in the Netherlands is a rare event. Yet some of us cherish the true enjoyment of a morning meal. Here’s how the Dutch do it on the go and on the cheap, along with a few tips for finding a nice a.m. sit-down spot in Amsterdam. » Read more

June 30, 2010. As we have said before, it is not compulsory to take the fast train. On most routes through Europe, there are plenty of slow train alternatives, often more scenic and sometimes much cheaper. A great weekend bargain in Germany On the weekends, for example, travelers can roam the length and breadth of » Read more

June 4, 2010: Flash— Taking the train between Paris and Amsterdam, Brussels, or Cologne this summer? If you act quickly, you could book a seat on a high-speed train for as little as €25. The French National Railway, SNCF, announced today discounted train tickets on the Thalys line from Paris to a select number of cities for travel » Read more

In my opinion, the Magere Brug (the “Skinny Bridge” in English) is the best bridge in Amsterdam because of its beauty (by day and by night) and its ideal location on the Amstel River. It’s my favorite place to sit and dangle my feet in the sunlight. A trace from the Golden Age The Skinny » Read more

There are over 400 museums in the tiny Netherlands, but, for me, one stands out for its value and quality: Amsterdam’s Foam Photography Museum. Foam holds a roster of spectacular collections by world-famous photographers past and present, though its discreet Keizersgracht location keeps the place relatively peaceful. Its interior is modern and inventive, and the gallery size » Read more

Editor’s Note: For our “Favorite Places” blog series, we’re asking our local correspondents to write about one of their favorite places in town. For an ultimate Dutch time out in Amsterdam, head to Café Koosje. From coffee to apple pie with whipped cream, the place warms its patrons with cups of culture and a charming » Read more

While some folks relax by taking a leisurely stroll in the park, others unwind by sweating it out in the gym or going for a soothing swim in the pool. Accordingly, there are plenty of options for staying active when visiting Amsterdam. From golf to swimming, here are some ideas for recreation in the city. » Read more