Buying train tickets in Venice. Photos by Tom Meyers

Two regular contributors to EuroCheapo respond to a good question posed on our blog.

Victor posted on March 11, 2010:

“Hi, three of us have planned a trip to Europe from 27th June 2010 to the 10th July 2010. Our itinerary will take us from London to Paris, Amsterdam, Rome, Venice, Vienna, Berlin and back to Paris and London.

We wish to travel extensively by rail. Please help us make a schedule that would enable us to touch all or most of the cities as planned above and at reasonably priced rates. We are all adults above 40 years of age and most likely do not qualify for any discounted fares. Please also inform us when and where rail bookings could be done in the UK. Thanks.”

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Reply from Susanne Kries and Nicky Gardner of hidden europe:

Hi Victor,

We cannot help you with all you ask, but we can venture a few comments that will perhaps inform your thinking, as you and your friends plan your journey. In responding to your question, we hope these thoughts will also be of broader interest to folk here on EuroCheapo.

The key thing here is to think very carefully quite what you and your two traveling companions want to get out of your upcoming journey. Is the journey the centrepiece or are your hearts set on getting to know the various cities you plan to visit? We rather sense the latter.

1. Too packed an itinerary

Europe is a lot larger than many outsiders imagine, and your itinerary touches only a small part of western Europe. You have fourteen days for your explorations (including your days of arrival in and departure from Europe). Let’s assume that you spend at least a couple of nights in London after flying in, and you want to be back in London on the eve of your departure. That brings the time available for the round trip through continental Europe down to ten nights.

Taking the fastest trains, your itinerary from London to Rome and back (as specified) would take 75 hours. Are you really thinking of spending six or seven hours every single day on trains? If you use slower night trains, you can sleep from one city to the next, but your 75 hours travel becomes closer to 100 hours.

Our view is that this could so easily turn out to be the trip from hell. Of course, you could use night trains for some legs, but you are still spending much time travelling. At the pace you propose you have only one day to see some cities. Yes, that is do-able, but how much can you see in that time?

Let’s take an example. You could leave your hotel in Rome before 7 AM and be in the middle of Venice in time for lunch. You could sightsee in Venice for the afternoon, and catch a night train at 9 PM direct to Vienna. You would be in the middle of Vienna by 9 AM next morning – great if like us you sleep very well on night trains. But if you don’t sleep perfectly, you could arrive shattered and it’ll be too early to be able to check into a hotel.

The sequence in which you have ordered the cities is very sensible, but the entire itinerary is too condensed. Over a couple of months it could be fun. Packed into a few days, it might become an ordeal. You could possibly shift Amsterdam towards the end as it could easily be accommodated en route from Berlin to London, assuming you had no real wish or need to go back through Paris a second time. So the home stretch back to London would now look as follows:

Berlin to Amsterdam: 7 hrs by day (with one train change en route at Amersfoot)
Amsterdam to London: 5 hrs by day (with one change at Bruxelles Midi)

Moving Amsterdam to later in the sequence then frees you up to take the Palatino night train direct from Paris to Rome. Departure is around 6 PM each day. Lovely train – you can enjoy dinner on board as the countryside south of Paris slips by outside the window. It is a super way to spend a summer evening.

Bear in mind that our aggregate travel figure is time on the actual trains. Add in transfers in each city from hotel to train and vv, and your time for sightseeing is even more eaten up by travelling.

Our feeling is that each city on your list deserves a week – not just a few hours. At the very least, you need two full non-travel days in each city just to begin to scrape the surface. That implies three nights in each city. With the time you have you could perhaps pack in three cities on the continent (ie. apart from London) but surely not more.

2. What kind of Europe

Europe is a continent of countryside and small towns. The places you propose to visit are busy, cosmopolitan, and (dare we say) much favoured by international tourists. They are spots you can be sure of finding Starbucks, crushed ice and waiters who speak English.

But there is another Europe – the Europe favoured by many Europeans. If you could throw in a dose of small town Europe, you would find out so much more about our continent, our lives and our varied cultures. And if you are to travel so fast, then it is easier to get the flavour of a country in a smaller place. Better Bergamo than Rome; better Potsdam, Görlitz or Quedlinburg than Berlin; better Shaftesbury, Lavenham or Cambridge than London.

Why not drop some big cities in favour of smaller places? Relax. Take time and watch the sun set behind the mountains in the Alps. Less might be more.

3. Advance booking is the way to deep discounts

You suggest that you may not qualify for any discounted fare. This is not the case. Anyone in Europe can qualify for a discounted fare.

Let us take Vienna to Berlin as an example, using the only direct trains that link the two cities. These all run via Prague and Dresden (yes… more temptations Victor, we know, for now you’ll surely want to pack in an afternoon in each of those two cities as well).

If you just pitch up in Vienna and buy the Berlin ticket on the day (and that is always possible), the regular one-way fare is €117. If you purchase the ticket well in advance (we always recommend 10 to 12 weeks), then you can ride the same route on the same trains for €29. Even with the cheapest fares, you can still break your journey (in Prague, Dresden or anywhere else on the way), but you have to specify that at the time of booking. With the full fare you do not need to pre-specify stopovers.

If you book slightly in advance, say just a week or two before travel, you will still get a ticket for way less than €117, but it will no longer be €29. For a midweek off-peak day, booked a week in advance, you might pay €49. For a peak summer travel day, you might pay €99. But chances are that you will still get a discount.

But it is not as if students or seniors can somehow get privileged access to the rock bottom €29 fare. You can secure the most heavily discounted fares if you book well in advance. Advance booking is the key to cheap travel – not age.

4. Night train fares and the Eurail pass

If you take our suggestion above of using the Palatino train from Paris to Rome, bear in mind the fares structure. We give this as just one further example of how much fares can vary. That run can cost as little as €76 per person if booked in advance (using the Artesia Depart+Go fare). Or as much as €265 each if you book at short notice and opt for the highest class of accommodation (ie. sole occupancy of a sleeper compartment).

Be wary of rail passes sold outside Europe. If you are doing a very packed itinerary, spending hours each day on trains, they may be great value. But check the small print. For many routes they may not offer entirely free travel.

Let’s go back to our Artesia example above, using the Palatino night train from Paris to Rome. Book now, and as we said you could get tickets for €76. If you have a rail pass that includes either France or Italy, you might imagine you would ride for free. But actually not – a Eurailpass valid in France or Italy will give you a €6 discount on the €76 Depart+Go fare. So you pay €70 in all.

5. More information and booking

Web sites are great for travel planning, and you can book most or even all these tickets online now – even before you leave the US. We would advise that, rather than waiting (as you imply in your question) until you arrive in the UK to book tickets. 

And remember that the best deals will always be on the websites run by the rail operators - not those run by agents outside Europe. To get the best from those websites, use the native language versions of them.

Once your exact itinerary is clear we can advise you the best site to book each leg. You could end up using such a variety of services, that you might be looking to a mix of train companies for your bookings: Eurostar, DB, Thalys, Artesia, SNCF, Trenitalia, SBB, ÖBB and more besides.

With a packed itinerary like this, and so many trains, there will surely be a hitch or two along the way. In such cases, there is no substitute for a printed timetable – and it is good at the planning phase too. We suggest you purchase the current (ie. March 2010) issue of the Thomas Cook European Rail Timetable. Details are available on the Thomas Cook website. That will be a great asset in planning.

You might also consider getting the June issue in due course too – just to ensure that the schedules you have with you on the actual journey are bang up-to-date.

6. Apologia

So, Victor, we fear we have not answered your questions quite as you would have wished. But we hope that in these words there is something that will assist you in your travel planning. We wish you and your two traveling companions a fun time as you journey through Europe.

Susanne and Nicky run a Berlin-based editorial bureau that supplies text and images to media across Europe. Together they edit hidden europe magazine. You can read more of their writing in their regular e-brief and in the Notes section on their website.

Popularity: 2% [?]

The Houseboat Museum. Photo by harry_nl.

By Amy Goemans in Amsterdam—

With its vast number of museums, it is no wonder that Amsterdam is the cultural hub of the Netherlands. It is, of course, the quaint, lesser-known attractions that add color to this image.

The smaller museums in Amsterdam are interesting in their own right, and they also come with a smaller price tag than the more hyped favorites such as the Rijksmuseum.

Houseboat Museum
Prinsengracht opposite no. 296
(March-Oct) Tue-Sun 11 AM – 5 PM
(Nov – Feb) Fri-Sun 11 AM – 5 PM

You can hardly visit a city famous for its canals and not visit one of the houseboats! Touted as the world’s only museum of this sort, this vessel lets you catch a glimpse of life on the canal.

This freighter-turned-houseboat once was home to its owners for 20 odd years and thus, comes complete with a cozy living area, kitchen and other homely facilities. Admission costs €3.50, though entrance is free with the I’amsterdam card.

Tulip Museum
Prinsengracht 112
Open daily 10-6 PM

Since the Dutch are crazy about tulips, it makes sense that there would be a tulip museum. The museum takes you down memory lane, revisiting events like the tulip mania of the 17th century. The spot also has a shop with helpful books about growing these flowers as well as fun facts about various types of bulbs. Admission costs €4.

Willet Holthuisen
Herengracht 605
Mon – Fri 10 AM – 5 PM

Speaking of nostalgic trips, how about a glance at the life of ardent art fans? The Willet Holthuisen Museum was the house of Louisa and Abraham Willet, both of whom gathered an expansive art collection.

The house now showcases their fantastic collection of decorative ceramics, elegant furniture, and fancy cutlery.  The collection also includes beautiful paintings. Perfect for the history buff, the fully-preserved interior provides a peek at the life of the upper class. Admission is €5.25 (free with I’amsterdam card).

Popularity: 2% [?]

De Slegte bookshop in Amsterdam. Photo by Kemal Y.

By Amy Goemans in Amsterdam—

For a lot of us, the appeal of Amsterdam lies in its diversity—be it food, culture, or the shopping experience. Tucked away from all major shopping spots, you are likely to find smaller, Dutch-specific stores that offer an interesting gift-hunting experience.

Try these shops for a unique souvenir from the Netherlands:

For Books: De Slegte
website
Kalverstraat 48-52
1012 PE Amsterdam

Those looking for a unique gift for a bookworm should check out this quaint second-hand bookshop. De Slegte bookshops, which are found all over the Benelux region, contain a wide range of Dutch and English books, some of which are older, hard-to-find novels. Gift buyers take note: They offer a number of antique books as well as comic books.

For something Dutch-specific, look for the local recipe books or ones about the country’s rich arts and history. Keep in mind that comic books (”stripboeken”) are extremely popular in Netherlands and thus, you can easily find popular European works in such shops. Think older strips such as Tintin (”Kuifje”), Willy and Wanda (”Suske en Wiske”) and Leonardo.

Where English books are concerned, you’re likely to come across well-loved books from previous decades like Alistair MacLean’s thriller novels. Books here have a starting price of €2.

For Music and Movies: Free Record Shop
website
One of the many locations in Amsterdam:
Ferdinand Bolstraat 79
1072 LC, Amsterdam

For the music lover or movie fan, these shops are the place to go. Free Record Shops are budget-friendly shops that sell a number of movies, music, and games at low prices. Not just that, they are also well-known for their marked-down deals and bargain-bin goodies.

Free Record Shops can be excellent places to find Dutch music and movies and other international items as well. Look for music by Dutch singers Anouk and local flicks that have made it big worldwide like Ciske de Rat. Keep an eye out for arthouse flicks. Goods usually have a starting price of €5.

For Vintage Fashion: Laura Dols
website
Wolvenstraat 6 en 7
1016 EM Amsterdam

Be it window shopping or hunting down the perfect gift for the fashion lover, Laura Dols is a definite must on a souvenir shopping trip. This classy little shop is renowned for its wide selection of vintage clothing, most of which is priced at affordable rates. From charming accessories like hats and pearl necklaces to sleek attire of the good old days, this vintage boutique has much to offer.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Bojo restaurant in Amsterdam. Photo by fidothe.

By Amy Goemans in Amsterdam—

Amsterdam is the most popular city in Netherlands, and so, unsurprisingly, it can be hard to find a cheap meal here. By a cheap meal, I mean a nice, sit-down meal at an eatery, as opposed to grabbing something from a bustling fast food spot or street food vendor. (View my earlier post about Maoz if you’re interested in on-the-go eats in Amsterdam.)

Here are a few budget-friendly restaurants offering a variety of international cuisines:

De Bazar
Albert Cuypstraat 182
+31 (020) 675 0544
website

With its charming Middle Eastern décor, this cozy restaurant is great for a relaxed meal. It offers lunch and dinner menus, both with affordable prices. Considering the price range (expect to pay around €9-12 for a main dish here), the dishes are quite generous. Try the “Ghorak,” a delicious chicken and rice dish complete with assorted vegetables and fruit.

Bojo
Lange Leidsedwarsstraat 49-51
website

If you are in the mood for Asian food, drop by Bojo, a quiet Indonesian restaurant located close to the canal belt. This quaint spot offers fantastic rice table (rijsttafel) options. “Rijsttafel” is a bit like a buffet where you can try a number of different smaller dishes along with your rice meal. Main dishes range from €8.50-18.

Café Luxembourg
Spui 24
+31 (020) 620 62 64
website

For those craving a bit of Western food, there’s always Cafe Luxembourg. Its rustic interior, with leather seating and wooden furniture, adds to the chill atmosphere. The Luxembourg has a wide price range: Meals start out at €10 and can go up to €22. Because of the yummy and affordable lunch menus and specials, this place is best for a late lunch. The burgers and club sandwiches are highly recommended, filling meals.

Popularity: 4% [?]

The Rijksmuseum at Amsterdam's Museumplein. Photo by Maxey.

By Amy Goemans in Amsterdam—

Those of us who drop by a city like Amsterdam for a short visit never really get to see each and every attraction. Nor do we want to in most occasions. Quite often, however, we try to stay in neighborhoods that offer our various interests and seem “right” for our trip.

Choosing the right ‘hood, therefore, is a good first step in ensuring that you’ll be well-positioned to get the most out of your trip. Keeping that in mind, here is my quick guide to Amsterdam’s neighborhoods, according to travelers’ varied tastes:

Museumplein
For art lovers

The Museumplein (Museum Quarter) is a charming neighborhood filled with museums and beautiful buildings dating back to the 19th Century. There are plenty of art-related activities here, from museums like Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum to everyday buildings boasting interesting architecture.

Classical music fans will benefit from the neighborhood’s famous Concertgebouw concert hall. Not only will its classical concerts dazzle visitors, but the building’s design will fascinate them. Keep an eye out for free lunch-hour performances.

For glimpses of local art and architecture, stroll down P.C. Hooftstraat and the neighboring lanes.

An outdoor market in De Pijp. Photo by amsfrank.

De Pijp
For students, eating out

Unlike the overtly European touch of the Museumplein, De Pijp offers flavors from all over the world. This is evident in the various architectural touches, the types of shops and activities, and of course, the fantastic eateries.

This neighborhood has a definite multicultural feel that will appeal to travelers looking for something off the beaten path. Given its bustling atmosphere and student community, this neighborhood will appeal to younger travelers and students. From exotic Moroccan food to dainty French cuisine, this is the perfect spot to eat out. Check out Bazar and Burgermeester for some yummy dishes at affordable prices.

A street in the Jordaan hood. Photo by Terretta.

Jordaan
For seniors

The Jordaan has an interesting history that includes an influx of immigrants, working class developments, and later, a redevelopment of the neighborhood. As a result, the area today boasts a unique and exotic vibe.

Because of its rich history and relaxed atmosphere, older travelers tend to fall in love with the neighborhood. For example, you can walk down meandering lanes lined with boutiques, studios, and galleries. You can visit historic spots like Rembrandt’s house on Rozengracht and his studio on Bloemgracht.

And there are quirkier spots, too. If you are curious about the way of life in a house boat, the Houseboat Museum is the place to go. The Pianola Museum, meanwhile, features a number of different pianos and other instruments.

Grachtengordel (Canal Belt)
For bar hopping

Canalside in Grachtengordel. Photo by stevecadman.

This area is easily recognizable because of its semicircular set of canal rings. (In our Amsterdam guide, the neighborhood is divided into Grachtengordel South and Grachtengordel West.) Formed mainly from three bigger canals called Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht, this canal belt has a variety of attractions for everyone. However, since the canal belt surrounds the center, and hence the most popular tourist spots, this area offers a number of lively nightlife activities.

Catering to different types of travelers, this hood offers a variety of different bars and cafes. There’s the rustic De Pieper (Western Canal Belt Prinsengracht 424), the laidback Café `t Arendsnest (Herengracht 90), Bar Struik (Rozengracht 160) for the hip young ones, and for those who love sampling different liquors, try the De Admiral (Herengracht 319).

Popularity: 4% [?]

Outside the Boom Chicago comedy club. Photo by ramblingrovers.

By Amy Goemans in Amsterdam—

You’ve been to all the famous Amsterdam attractions—the zoo, the Van Gogh Museum, and other popular spots. But what about Amsterdam’s beloved comedy club scene?

Stand-up gigs, improvisation shows, and all other forms of comedic performance are immensely popular in this city. As it is, you will come across a number of Amsterdam shows by famous comedians like Eddie Izzard. Unfortunately, these will most probably be sold-out and a tad expensive.

On the other hand, there are a number of regular acts and visiting shows in well-known clubs which, with their affordable rates and popularity amongst the locals, are definitely worth checking out. Here are a few of Amsterdam’s most noteworthy comedy clubs:

Comedy Cafe

Max Euwplein 43-45
Phone: 020-638-3971
Show starts: 8 pm
www.comedycafe.nl

This cozy little cafe is a great place to drop by for a few drinks and a good show. Most of the shows are in Dutch, but there is an English show every Sunday named “Hole in the Boat.” The English-language act consists of two comedians, Gerry and Martijn, putting on a great improvised show. With an entrance fee of €13, this cafe’s shows involve music, anecdotes, plenty of creative thinking, and input from the audience.

Boom Chicago Comedy Club

Leidseplein 12
1017 PT Amsterdam
Phone: +31 20 423 0101
Show starts: Check site for details
http://www.boomchicago.nl/en/

If you are going to try out Boom Chicago, be sure to arrive early and plan ahead. This club, with its group of talented comedians, is cherished by many fans and thus, shows are usually packed. There are often a few shows running, based on different themes. As for their style, it is mainly improvisation, with a good number of sketch comedy acts as well.

The rates at Boom Chicago can range from €20 to €40. For a taste of their style, why not try the cheaper late-night improvised show for €13? Visit their website for full details of dates, show details, and opening times.

Comedy Theater in de Nes

Nes 110
1012 KE Amsterdam
Phone: 020 - 422 27 77
Starting time: Varies
http://www.comedytheater.nl/en/

Comedy Theater in de Nes is one of Amsterdam’s biggest and most popular comedy clubs, making it also one of the hardest tickets to get. This lovely theater presents a wide variety of comedy acts, both local and international. Keep an eye out for “Comedy Explosion” shows at the theater. These are hilarious shows by skilled comedians, be it improvisation or stand-up gigs. The tickets themselves are usually €13.

Note about food

Most of the comedy cafes and clubs offer food, which will usually be paid for with the ticket price. Since this can be a bit hard on the wallet (averaging a hefty €33), it might be a good idea to grab a quick bite beforehand, maybe at Maoz or even some of the street food like loempias or Turkish pizzas. Then, hop over early for the show and relax with your favorite drink as the show starts.

Popularity: 4% [?]

The admission counters at Artis Zoo. Photo by manfrys.

By Amy Goemans in Amsterdam—

If you are putting together a list must-see sites of Amsterdam, the Artis Royal Zoo will definitely be on that list. And why not? An expansive ground featuring beautiful architecture and housing more than 700 weird and wonderful creatures will be fun viewing on any trip.

However, Artis Zoo, with its €18 admission fee, can be tough on the wallet, so visiting this spot might require a bit of planning ahead. Follow these tips:

Visiting the zoo

The price might be a bit out of the budget range but, on the plus side, it grants access to a vast number of places. Artis Zoo encompasses a variety of attractions which range from colorful fish species to creatures from all over the globe. There are also informational sites like the Zoological and Geological museum as well as the fancy Planetarium included in your admission. Exploring all the spots will take one full day and might be well worth the effort.

Keep in mind that since the zoo is one of the most popular places in Amsterdam, it can get packed easily. If you want to avoid the crowds, skip Saturdays and show up close to the opening time during a weekday.

Noteworthy attractions

There are, of course, a lot of animal habitats sprinkled across the zoo grounds. For something exotic, check out the African Savannah section. It features towering giraffes, springboks and even the gemboks, to name a few. Maybe drop by the Minangkabauan House for a glimpse of tiny, cute creatures. This location boasts famous animals like the world’s smallest deer as well as the doe deer. Then check out the different bird houses which are home to magnificent feathered beings like the black vultures.

The penguin section of the Artis Zoo. Photo by Marco Raaphorst.

If you have a soft spot for underwater creatures, come by the Aquarium. This impressive building is home to a number of diverse habitats including striking fish specimens from the Amazon as well as endangered fish from the tropics. For something truly bizarre, check out the tank that is a window into the underwater life of Amsterdam’s canals!

And for something more cerebral, hop over to the informational spots like the Planetarium, Geological Museum, and the Zoological Museum. At these different locations, you will find fun facts about our cosmos and quirky mother nature.

Cheap eats at the zoo

Artis Zoo does have plenty of eateries scattered throughout its premises. They include the Two Cheetahs Restaurant as well as smaller vendors like Het Friet and Swirls. Most of them are overpriced especially when compared to street food you can pick up as a quick lunch from outside.

However, since you can bring in your own packed lunch, maybe you can pick a few snacks from Febo or grab a pre-packed sandwich from a supermart like Albert Heijn before heading off to the zoo.

Admission and discounts

First, look into the various discounts offered for the zoo. The zoo offers a 25% discount that comes with using an I amsterdam card, which is certainly welcome, especially if there are quite a few in your group. Bigger groups can look into the €1.50 (per person) reduction offered by the zoo for groups of more than 20 people. It might be worth hooking up with other tourists at your hotel etc. and opt for this discount.

Here are the 2009 admission prices:
Adults: € 18.50
Seniors (65+): € 17.00
Children (3-9 years): € 15.00

Practical info

Address: Plantage Kerklaan 38-40 1018 CZ Amsterdam
(Artis, P.O. Box 20164, 1000 HD Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

Opening Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM
Summer: 9 AM to 6 PM (open longer on Saturdays in June, July and August)
Tel. : 0900-2784796
Fax : +31-20-5233481
Website:http://www.artis.nl/international/index.html
E-mail: info@artis.nl

Popularity: 4% [?]

A delicious moment at Maoz in Amsterdam. Photo: Sairenso

By Amy Goemans in Amsterdam—

Who says that every type of fast food is bad for you? Maoz, a popular fast-food franchise in Amsterdam, breaks the norm with their delicious vegetarian on-the-go snacks. At the very least, Maoz offers Cheapos a healthy quick meal at a modest price.

A bit of History

Maoz is a chain of vegetarian eateries that started out in Amsterdam. Established in 1991, it has since expanded to cities across the globe, including London, Paris, Barcelona, Philadelphia, and New York.

The aim of the founders was to win folks over with sumptuous vegetarian foods. Thus, they introduced the Maoz sandwich, and packed it full of healthy ingredients. The sandwich itself is a simple pita bread shell that is filled with treats like chickpea-filled falafel balls, spices like garlic, parsley and coriander, and other ingredients like hummus, feta cheese and avocado. Hungry yet?

The Combos

At Maoz, you order a basic sandwich and then head to the salad bar for toppings. There are a few sandwich types you can pick as your base (the falafel Maoz, salad pita, or egg pita) and then fill up with the topping of your choice. Choices include carrot salad, broccoli, cucumber, dill, couscous and a number of yummy sauces.

Maoz sandwiches come in two sizes and you can opt for French fries or salad on the side. The base pitas start at €4 and extras on the side can be added for €2-3. Meal deals, offering a sandwich with fries and a drink, run €6-8.

Note: There might be a small variation in price depending on the location. We’ve noticed that the stores in busier areas offered lower prices.

Locations

There are a number of Maoz eateries in Amsterdam. They include:

Muntplein 1, 1017 Ck Amsterdam
Sun -Thu 11 am - 1 am
Fri-Sat 11 am – 3 am

Leidsestraat 85, 1017 NX Amsterdam
Sun -Thu 11 am - 1 am
Fri-Sat 11 am – 3 am

Oudebrugsteeg 30, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland 1012 JP
Sun -Thu 11 am - 1 am
Fri-Sat 11 am – 3 am

Van Woustraat 15, 1074 Amsterdam
Sun -Thu 11 am - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 11 am – midnight

Ferdinand Bolstraat 67
1072 LC, Amsterdam
Mon – Sun 11 am - 11 pm

Popularity: 6% [?]

A Canal Bus station near the Nemo Science Center. Photo by weesen.

By Amy Goemans in Amsterdam—

You’ve walked through the charming little streets of Amsterdam, but have you explored the city’s charming waterways? Sure you can (and will!) walk them, but cruising down the canals on a boat is a fun and exciting way to soak up a bit of the Dutch culture. After all, canal cruising was the preferred means of travel for nobility in the old days.

Here are three canal cruising options for Amsterdam:

Canal Bus: Hop-on, hop-off cruise

Amsterdam offers various cruise options for tourists, but Canal Bus stands out for its numerous benefits. This company offers canal cruises on three select routes, and passengers can hop on and off the boats at any of the 14 boat stops for the duration of the day. Because a number of popular attractions and shopping areas are scattered along these routes, it can be a rather scenic way of exploring Amsterdam’s most famous sights.

To get cruising, buy a Canal Bus day pass. The day pass will cost a not-so-Cheapo €20 for adults, €10 for children between 5-12, and €15 per person in a group of ten people or more (children under four get free admission). Tickets are 10% cheaper if purchased online in advance.

If you purchase the I amsterdam card, which offers free admission to a wide variety of museums (including the Hermitage, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Amsterdams Historisch Museum) and provides free unlimited public transportation, you’ll receive a 25% discount for Canal Bus passes.

Look for Canal Bus ticket shops at major tourist spots, including Central Station, Rijksmuseum, Leidseplein, Anne Frank House, the Amsterdam Tourist Information Offices, and the NZ Hollands Koffiehuis. Furthermore, you can also buy these passes at most hotels. The Canal Bus office is located at Weteringschans 26-1 hoog, and is open 8:30 AM - 6 PM.

Cheaper options: Blue Boat Company

If you prefer a traditional cruise tour to the hop-on, hop-off option, the City Canal Cruise operated by the Blue Boat Company is the cheapest choice. For €12, you’ll get a 75-minute journey along Amsterdam’s canals, complete with audio commentary.

As an added bonus, the canal cruise is free with the purchase of the I amsterdam card. Tickets are available at the boat docks, or online.

Holland International’s “Highlights” Cruise

Like the City Canal Cruise, Holland International’s 100 Highlights Cruise sails past many of the city’s most famous sites, including churches and merchants’ houses. Holland International’s one-hour cruise costs €12.50, and is also free with the i Amsterdam card.

About the author: Amy K Goemans is a writer and web developer based in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Her travel experiences include Europe and Southern Africa with occasional visits to Asia. Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Antwerp, and Durban are currently her top favorite cities.

Popularity: 5% [?]

The Flying Pig Downtown Bar. Photo by nicasaurusrex.

By Amy Goemans in Amsterdam—

It’s been a tiring day of sightseeing and you’re all set to grab a beer or two. Luckily, Amsterdam’s streets are sprinkled with cafés and bars that cater to the tastes of various travelers.

Here are five pubs and cafés that offer drinks and snacks at attractive prices.

1. Cafe Belgique
Gravenstraat 2

Located at Gravenstaat, Cafe Belgique is a cozy pub with a laid-back atmosphere. This is a great place to try a variety of beers, including some well-known Belgian ones. Its rustic décor, complete with wooden counter and brass taps, adds to its overall ambiance. If you’re looking for a quiet night mingling with the locals, this is the place to be.

2. Belushi’s
Warmoesstraat 129

Those who are hoping for a quick snack and perhaps a few pints of beer should check out Belushi’s. This bustling sports bar in the Red Light District has burgers and snacks for under €10, plus a variety of beer and cocktails at decent prices. Belushi’s has live music throughout the week, which draws in a younger crowd.

3. Flying Pig Downtown bar
Nieuwendijk 100

This is another spot that is perfect for the younger crowd. Set in the Flying Pig Hostel, the Flying Pig Downtown bar buzzes with energy and is a great place to mix and mingle. The bar and hostel cater to the university-going crowd, and this is reflected in the low-priced drink menu. This, coupled with the varied music genres on the bar’s playlist, shows that there’s something for everyone here.

4. Nederlands Biercafe ‘t Arendsnest
Herengracht 90

Popularly known as “‘t Arendsnest,” this charming pub is the ideal stopover for the beer connoisseur. Prices are mid-range, but if you are hoping to try a wide variety of Dutch beers, this place is highly recommended. This is a great spot to chill out and relax.

5. Café Hoppe
Spui 18-20

Café Hoppe is a quiet little spot that will appeal to different age groups. This terrace pub offers a full menu with sandwiches (from €2.50) and a wide selection of beer (from €2.10). With its on-the-go vibe, it’s a perfect place to meet new folks. At the same time, its pleasant interiors make it a good place to unwind after a rough day out.

About the author: Amy K Goemans is a writer and web developer based in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Her travel experiences include Europe and Southern Africa with occasional visits to Asia. Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Antwerp, and Durban are currently her top favorite cities.

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