Tag Archive
Acccomodation review Accommodation Africa Travel Architecture Austria Berlin Budget options Croatia Cruise Cruises Cuisine culture Day trips Destination Guides England Europe Travel Tips Family holidays Flight France From The Road Germany Greece Holland Ireland Italy London Malta Paris photos Puglia Scotland South Spain Sweden Tips Tourism Highlights and Curiosities!! Travel Travel Deals Travel Tips Turkey uk Uncategorized Unforgettable Places! United Kingdom Vienna
25 Things to Do in the Netherlands
For a small country, the Netherlands, often (incorrectlly) known as Holland, has many features which are well-known throughout the world: tulips, windmills and cheeses, just to name a few, and not to mention one of the most famous capital cities in the world in Amsterdam. It’s a great place to travel because everything is nearby and the public transport is great, too – or if you’re more energetic, cycling around is very practical. Here are our travel tips for 25 things to do in the Netherlands to inspire you to plan a Dutch holiday soon.
The Peace Palace in The Hague
Admire the Floral Displays at Keukenhof Gardens
One of my all-time highlights in the Netherlands was visiting the Keukenhof Gardens near Lisse. This vast area is planted with a spectacular array of tulips and other flowers and is only open for a couple of months each year (around March to May) but I would argue it is well worth timing your travels to catch it.
Keukenhof Gardens by Amanda Kendle
Sample Cafe Life in Maastricht
The town of Maastricht is perhaps better known as the home to the Treaty of Maastricht which kicked off the formation of the EU, but it is a lovely place to visit too. It sits in a peninsula of land right in the south of the Netherlands and is almost in both Belgium and Germany, and is full of fantastic cafes.
Watch the Kinderdijk Windmills Turning
You can’t get more Dutch than a bunch of old windmills and one of the most scenic spots to snap lots of windmill photos is at Kinderdijk. There are a total of 19 historic wooden windmills along a canal here and you can either walk, cycle or cruise the canal to explore them.
Kinderdijk Windmills by Amanda Kendle
See Art at Mauritshuis
The Mauritshuis or Royal Picture Gallery in The Hague is a gallery housed in an old palace, and it includes works from a number of famous Dutch painters including Rembrandt and Vermeer and the Flemish artists Bruegel and Rubens.
Go Geometric at the Rotterdam Cube Houses
The cube houses or Kubuswoningen built in Rotterdam are a particularly unique attraction, and well worth a look! Built in the 1970s, these houses are cubes on a strange angle, designed to look like a forest of trees, and one has been opened for public viewing.
Cube houses by Daniela M
Learn about Dutch History at Zaanse Schans
This historic town near Zaandijk is really a big museum, featuring a number of windmills plus a bunch of historic houses moved here from all around the area. There’s also a Zaanse Schans museum to tie it all together.
Go on a Amsterdam Canal Cruise
It may be a somewhat stereotypical tourist activity but cruising the canals of Amsterdam in their low-lying canal boats is popular for a reason – it’s a great experience! Seeing Amsterdam “from below” is an interesting perspective and it’s one of the best ways to see the unique canal-side buildings and some of the narrowest houses you can imagine.
Amsterdam Canals by Amanda Kendle
Visit the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam
Located in Amsterdam close to the Rijksmuseum, the Vincent Van Gogh Museum features a huge range of works from each of Van Gogh’s different periods, and as Kimberley found, it also has great children’s activities to keep them interested and occupied if you are travelling with your family.
Van Gogh’s Wheatfield with crows by Kimberley Sullivan
Tower above the Minature Village of Madurodam
The miniature village of Madurodam, in Scheveningen, The Hague, is a unique way to see all of the main attractions of the Netherlands in one small space. It includes models of many Dutch places at a 1:25 scale and even includes mini tulips!
Maduradam by arwa
Buy some Delft Pottery
The town of Delft is most famous for its Delft Blue Pottery but is a lovely town even for those without a keen interest in pottery. It’s a scenic spot with canals like Amsterdam and has some really interesting architecture in the town centre.
Delft pottery by baralbion
Enjoy the View from Utrecht Cathedral
The Domkerk or cathedral in Utrecht has a high tower which serves as the symbol of Utrecht. It’s also the only truly Gothic church found in the Netherlands.
View from Utrecht Cathedral by Mark Samson
Visit the Original Haarlem
Although it’s the namesake of New York’s Harlem district, the Dutch town of Haarlem is different in many ways. It’s a short ride from Amsterdam to Haarlem and is actually the eighth largest city in the Netherlands – visit on Saturday for the big outdoor markets held in Grote Markt.
Haarlem by Kimberly Sullivan
Take on some Culture at the Museums in Leiden
The oldest university town in the Netherlands is Leiden, part way between Amsterdam and The Hague, and there is a museum to interest everyone. Take your pick from museums such as the National Museum of Antiquities, the Rembrandts at the Municipal Museum or Boerhaave Museum, covering contributions to science from Dutch researchers.
Relive History at the Anne Frank House
The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam is not just my favourite Dutch museum but one of my favourite museums in all of Europe. Housed in the very building where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II, it will be exceptionally meaningful to anyone who has read Anne Frank’s diary, but also very interesting to people who haven’t.
Anne Frank Huis sign by henrikj
Taste Dutch Beer at the Heineken Experience
Fans of the Dutch beer will love a visit to the Heineken Experience, a combined brewery and visitor centre in Amsterdam.It was renovated and reopened in 2008 and includes a combination of history, how-to and, of course, some beer samples.
Take in the Sun at Zandvoort Beach
As a half day trip from Amsterdam, visiting Zaandvoort Beach is a great way to spend a warm day in North Holland. Motor racing fans may know the name as being home to Circuit Zandvoort, but it is also one of the Netherlands’ most popular beach resorts.
Zaandvoort Beach by furbyx4
Try Watersports at Scheveningen Beach
Another beach alternative is on the North Sea near Rotterdam where you can spend a summery day at Scheveningen Beach. There is a long pier and numerous water sports and boating activities available here.
Take a Rotterdam Harbour Cruise
For a cruise of a different kind, the Rotterdam Harbour Cruise will showcase not the quaint buildings and sweet canals of other Dutch cities, but rather the bustling port that until 2004 was the busiest port in the world, and is still by far the largest port in Europe.
Aerial view of Rotterdam Harbour by jochemberends
Go Underground at the Sint Pietersberg Tunnels
The Sint Pietersberg of Maastricht date back to Roman times and the tunnels used to extend right into Belgium. Sint Pietersberg is actually a Roman fort near Helpoort and is the best point to explore some of the tunnels.
Sample the Wares at Alkmaar Cheese Market
The Netherlands is famous for its cheeses and one of its most popular tourist attractions is the Alkmaar Cheese Market. Every Friday from April to September the locals recreate the old-style cheese market which has been running since the 16th century.
Alkmaar cheese by Miles.18
Try some Gin at the House of Bols
If the Heineken beer tasting didn’t meet your requirements, perhaps it’s the House of Bols you’re looking for – it is a Dutch gin museum run by the Bols distellery and you can take an hour long tour ending up with a special cocktail.
Have a Cheesy Experience in Gouda
Another well-known Dutch cheese is Gouda, and the town that gives its name to this cheese is a lovely place to visit. I enjoyed a day in Gouda and was surprised at how much cheese I saw! (I ate a fair bit of it, too!).
Town of Gouda by Amanda Kendle
Buy Books at the Deventer Boekenmarkt
For book lovers, time your visit for an early August date and you may be able to see the Deventer Boekenmarkt, the largest book market in Europe held in the town of Deventer. Over 800 book stalls are set up outdoors along the Ijssel River and browsing them all could take you most of the day.
Deventer Book Market by arwa
Visit Rotterdam Zoo
With over a million visitors a year, the Rotterdam Zoo or Diergaarde Blijdorp as it is known locally is a great day out. It also includes an Oceanium with sharks, penguins and all manner of fish.
Penguins at Rotterdam Zoo by wwwleraar
Walk Through Amsterdam’s Enchanted Forest
For something a bit off the beaten track, Andy recommends the Amsterdame Bos or Amsterdam Forest, one of the largest city parks in Europe. It’s a great place to cycle and there is also a goat farm to visit, or you can just enjoy the green, peace and quiet.
Your Netherlands Tips
Do you have any tips on what to do in the Netherlands? Let us know about something we’ve left out of our list by leaving a comment below.
25 Things to Do in the Netherlands
Tips on the what to do in Europe. Copyrighted content published on Europe a la Carte.
How to Book YOUR Inca Trail Trek for Spanish students
25 Things To Do in Hungary
Hungary is one of those particularly unique countries in Europe – despite being landlocked and sharing borders with seven other countries, it’s developed and maintained a quite distinct language and culture. Hungarian is well-known to be one of the most difficult languages in Europe, but fortunately plenty of Hungarians speak a little English and you don’t need to learn the language to enjoy a trip there. I found it a particularly welcoming country with friendly, helpful locals, and would love to go back there again in the future.If you’re considering a trip, here are our travel tips for what to do in Hungary
Admire Lake Balaton
When I lived in Slovakia, many of my local friends told me I should take a trip to Lake Balaton, one of their most popular holiday destinations. Lake Balaton is the biggest lake in Central Europe and there are numerous villages on its edges catering to tourists – tiny Tihany with its lovely Benedictine Abbey was one of my favourites.
Lake Balaton on a stormy day by Amanda Kendle
Enjoy History in Pécs
Down towards the Croatian border, the town of Pecs is a popular destination in Hungary for its cultural and historical sites – it was even elected one of Europe’s Capitals of Culture for 2010.
Explore the Danube in Budapest
One of the highlights of Budapest and its surrounds is taking a cruise on the Danube River. You can even start way up in Germany and cruise down to Hungary if you want. Andy recommended the cruise along the Danube as a unique way to see the most beautiful spots of Budapest.
River Danube, Budapest by Amanda Kendle
Be Scared at the House of Terror, Budapest
One of the most popular museums in Hungary, the House of Terror in Budapest has exhibits explaining the various occupations of Hungary over the years and an explanation of the fascist and communist times the country has experienced.
Hike in Hungary
Many visitors to Hungary go there to follow some of the good hiking trails through the mountains. There’s no one best place, but some of the popular mountain ranges include the Mátra, Zemplén, and Bükk ranges, particularly in the summer season of course.
Sopron
Sopron in the west of Hungary is full of heritage buildings from the medieval era and onwards, and some of its highlights are the Firewatch Tower, Storno House and the Gothic Goat Church.
Sopron by Emmanuel Dyan
Keszthely
Keszthely is one of the major resort towns near Lake Balaton and I personally found it the calmest and nicest. It includes a large palace but seems to have a relaxed atmosphere and good access to the lake and lake-based activities.
Take a Dip in the Heviz Baths
One of my personal highlights of Hungary was swimming at the Heviz Baths in the north-west. The thermally-heated water is warm all year round and apparently the fact that it’s slightly radioactive is good for our health? I’m not sure how that works but the setting is gorgeous so I highly recommend it!
Heviz Baths by Amanda Kendle
Dance to traditional music in Resck
Vineyards and wine are popular tourist attractions in Hungary, and Jeremy recommends the small town of Resck for a spot of wine tasting and in particular the Kohari Prince winery where there’s also musical entertainment and dancing offer.
Violinist at the Kohari Prince winery in Resck by Jeremy Branham
Party at Siofok
One of the resort towns around Lake Balaton, Siofok is famous as a summer destination for young people because it’s home to numerous nightclubs. I haven’t been there myself but have heard from party-loving friends that it’s heaps of fun!
Explore Baradla Cave
The Baradla Cave (and several more caves) in the Aggtelek National Park in northeastern Hungary is a great destination for travellers. These are World Heritage listed caves and the Baradla Cave is famous for being the largest stalactite cave in Europe.
Baradla Cave by rover0
Get regal at Godollo Castle
The Godollo Castle is an easy half-day trip from Budapest, and it’s become famous because it was once the summer residence of the famous Sisi! It features an impressive Empress Elisabeth exhibition devoted to her and is also a beautiful building in its own right.
Get into the groove at the Sziget Festival
One of Europe’s largest music festivals is the Sziget Festival, held every August in Budapest, on an island in the Danube. It runs for an entire week and at least half of the festival attendees come from outside Hungary; in the past the line-up has included famous singers and bands including Prince, Iron Maiden, REM and Lily Allen.
See Double at Komarom
If you travel between Bratislava and Budapest by train, then you are bound to stop in the twin towns of Komarno (on the Slovak side) and Komarom (on the Hungarian side). I enjoyed a day trip here and thoroughly recommend both sides of the border for an interesting cultural comparison.
Komarno by Amanda Kendle
Sample Wine in Resck
Wine tasting is an essential part of your trip to Hungary and the country has a long history of wine making following particular Hungarian traditions. Whichever part of the country you visit you will probably stumble across a wine making region (there are two dozen of them) but if you’re keen, try the areas around Sopron, Eger and in particular Tokaj.
Szeged
If you’re keen on checking out the cities of Hungary then you’ll need to add its second-largest city, Szeged, to your list. It’s an interesting university town (there are three different universities there) and because it was destroyed by a flood in 1879 it was completely replanned and rebuilt.
Experience the Gellert Baths
Thermal baths are a fantastic part of visiting Hungary and while you’re in Budapest, you shouldn’t miss the Gellert Baths. Guide books sometimes liken this to swimming in a cathedral and I had a great experience there and must agree!
Gellert Baths by Amanda Kendle
Eger
Eger is another fantastic Hungarian city and it’s a good place to visit if you’re keen on historical monuments – its most famous being a 14-sided minaret.
Take time to reflect at the Gulag labor camps and Resck memorial
To explore one of the more sombre times in Hungarian history, Jeremy suggests the Gulag labor camps and Resck memorial are worth a visit. This area was home to some of the harshest camps operated by Stalin.
Take a Dip at the Szechenyi Bath
On a lighter note, another well-known thermal bath and set of pools can be found at the Szechenyi Baths in Budapest. I’ve not made it there yet but I have been keen to go ever since I owned a guidebook with a picture of men playing chess while in the water at these baths – looks like great relaxing fun!
Szechenyi Baths by PharPhoto
See the Great Plains at Puszta
In the eastern half of Hungary, the Great Plains (centred around the Hortobágy National Park) is a World Heritage-listed area and is quite different to other parts of Hungary. It’s a place worth exploring for its unique folklore and scenery, especially in the national park where the steppe is relatively untouched.
Try Hungarian paprika
If you have even vaguely foodie interests, then you will be impressed by the paprika of Hungary. In Hungary paprika means not just the ground spice we use in cooking but the actual capsicum or pepper it’s obtained from and you will find them everywhere!
Paprika near Lake Balaton by Amanda Kendle
Visit the former capital of Esztergom
Not too far north of Budapest, the city of Esztergom was once the capital of Hungary and today boasts several interesting attractions including the largest cathedral in the country and a particularly extensive Museum of Christian Art.
Warm up at Fisherman’s Bastion
In Budapest, overlooking the Danube, the Fisherman’s Bastion is a wonderful spot on the “Buda” side of the city. You can walk along the top of the walls (it joins seven towers) or if you’re like me, enjoy a hot drink inside the Bastion.
Fisherman’s Bastion by Amanda Kendle
Go back to WW2 at the Hospital in the Rock
Relatively newly opened to the public, the Hospital in the Rock is part of the caves of Castle Hill in Budapest, and you can now enter some of the areas used during the siege of Budapest during the second World War.
Your Hungary tips
Have you been to Hungary, or heard of a great place to visit there? Please let us know your tips for what to do in Hungary in the comments.
25 Things To Do in Hungary
Tips on the what to do in Europe. Copyrighted content published on Europe a la Carte.
How to Be a Responsible Traveler
10 Things To Do in Bulgaria
Bulgaria is a beautiful country in Eastern Europe full of art, culture, history, and fun. Prehistoric cultures in the area date all the way back to the Neolithic Period, and some of that history can still be seen today. There are also various UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the area, helping to make it a must-see destination on anyone’s travel bucket list. To help you plan your trip, here are my travel tips for what to do in Bulgaria.
Visit the Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari
This UNESCO World Heritage Site was discovered in 1982 outside the village of Sveshtari. It dates back to the 3rd Century BC and contains unique decor architecture, with murals and half-human and half-vegetable female figures carved into the walls, the only of its kind known in the Thracian region. A visit to this site will give you insight into the ancient Getae tribes, a group of Thracian people believed to be in contact with the Hellenistic and Hyperborean of the ancient world.
Thracian Tomb by Klearchos Kapoutsis
Explore the Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo
Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rock-Hewn churches reside in the village of Ivanovo and in the valley of the Roussenenski Lom River. A visit here will give you the chance to explore an entire community of rock-hewn churches, monasteries, chapels, and cells. From the 1220′s to the 17th century, monks inhabited the caves around the area, and were actually the ones to create this amazing site. At one time, there existed about 40 churches and over 300 other religious rock-hewn buildings. Today, there are five churches for you to enjoy, all with impressive frescoes and unbelievable history.
Rock-Hewn Churches by Klearchos Kapoutsis
Orpheus’ Sanctuary
Also known as the Thracian Sanctuary, this site is located near Tatul Village and is an enormous rock structure dating back to the end of the 5th and beginning of the 4th century BC. Surrounding it is a rock pyramid and tombs that date back to the 13th to 11th centuries BC. During excavations of the site, myriad religious artifacts were found like figures of the Sun God, clay human idols, models of vessels, and bronze items. Moreover, circular formations of clay alters used to make sacrifices were also discovered. Visitors can visit the site today and should, as in 2011 it was named one of the 10 Wonders of Bulgaria.
Orpheus’ Sanctuary by Klearchos Kapoutsis
Hike Around Pirin National Park
Pirin National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and encompasses an area of about 150 square miles. Visitors are immersed in unique limestone mountain landscapes, over 70 glacial lakes, caves, waterfalls, alpine meadows, and lush forests. There are also an array of animals that inhabit the area, like brown bears, grey wolves, eagles, owls, wild cats, badgers, otters, and more.
Pirin National Park by frans.sellies
Visit the Dzhendema Reserve
The Dzhendema Reserve, located in Stara planina (Old Mountain), is made up of the catchment area of the Bayala River, the upper part of the Tundzha River, and the gorge of the Tazha River. It is the biggest reserve in the Central Balkan National Park territory and is also considered a biosphere. The name “Dzhendema” literally means “hell”, which is no surprise as there are many steep gullies, dark forests, and unpredictable weather. Although the area is rough, it is also undeniably beautiful, especially with the array of unique and wild flora and fauna, and visitors can enjoy picturesque panoramic views.
Dzhendema Reserve by Evgeni Karalamov
Spend Some Time in the Ancient City of Nessebar
Visit this city for the perfect combination of history and present, as Nessebar has both an ancient area and a modern area. The ancient area contains millennia-old history with preserved monuments like fortress walls from Roman Times and the Middle Ages, old Byzantine churches, and antique houses. In fact, there is so much history in Nessebar that the area was actually named a Museum City in 1956.
Nessebar by Moty@BG
Peruse the Yambol Historical Museum
The Yambol Historical Museum is located in the center of town in Yambol, Bulgaria. Established in 1952, today the museum features 93,000 historical, cultural, and artistic exhibits. Several departments make up the museum, including Prehistory, Antiquity, Middle Ages, National Revival, Modern History, Contemporary History, Ethnography, and Numismatics. See archeological treasures, peruse traditional costume, and learn about local crafts, customs, and beliefs.
Yambol Historical Museum by vintagedept
Explore the Dragoman Marshland
Dragoman Marshland is located in close proximity to Dragoman (to get there you enter the town and turn at the road for the city of Godech). It is the biggest karst swamp in Bulgaria and encompasses an area of about 480 football fields. The Dragoman Marshland is inhabited by much flora and fauna, including 226 bird species, and plants like reed, threadworm, rush, and bulrush. One really unique plant in the area are the insectivorous plants that act as floating predators without roots. For those who want historical and ecological information, a visitor center offers interactive exhibitions and educations materials.
Lay Out on Sunny Beach
Sunny Beach is the biggest beach resort in Bulgaria and is situated on the southern side of the Bulgarian Black Sea Riviera. The beach faces east and blends together with the mountains in the north. This is also one of the few places left on the coast of the Black Sea where you can still find natural sand dunes, and rare plants varieties are preserved within these formations. When you’re done getting tan and swimming, shopping, restaurants, sports, and nightlife can all be enjoyed in the area.
Sunny Beach by Star Tour
Visit
The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is located in Sofia and is a Bulgarian Orthodox church. It is one of the largest Eastern Orthodox churches in the world and can hold about 10,000 people inside. Construction for the cathedral began in 1882, and today visitors can enjoy beautiful features like colorful Italian marble interiors, a temple 12 giant bells, a gold plated dome, and furnishings made with luxury materials. Along with the architecture and design, visitors can also peruse ancient relics of Nevsky himself and a museum and art gallery inside the crypt.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral by David&Bonnie
10 Things To Do in Bulgaria
Tips on the what to do in Europe. Copyrighted content published on Europe a la Carte.
How to Book the Inca Trail in Peru: Our Five Step Stress-Free Guide
Tips for My First Trip to Portugal
I’ll be visiting Portugal for the first time at the end of March 2012. I was spurned into finally getting to Portugal when I spotted a £38 ticket on the easyJet Edinburgh to Lisbon route.
Museum of the Discoveries in Lisbon by Jeremy Branham
I decided to split my seven days between Lisbon and Faro. I found a Ryanair flight from Faro back to Edinburgh for around £40.
Faro by mickpix
Mary Goudie of Your Lisbon Guide has very kindly offered to pick me up at Lisbon airport to take me on a tour of Lisbon on my day of arrival. The following day she will take me to Tomar, where we’ll visit the Convent of Christ.
I’ll be staying at one of the Heritage boutique hotels in Lisbon.
We already have some posts for what to do in Portugal and a collation of the best of Lisbon travel tips on Europe a la Carte. If you have travel tips for the destinations I’ll visit, please leave a comment.
Tips for My First Trip to Portugal
Tips on the what to do in Europe. Copyrighted content published on Europe a la Carte.
What to Pack for Your Inca Trail: Our Eleven Essential Items
10 Things to Do in Belgium
Belgium, located in western Europe, is well-known as being the host of the European Union’s headquarters. Along with being a political hub, the country also is home to many cultural, historical, and fun things to do. Here are my travel tips for what to do in Belgium, excluding the capital capitcal city of Brussels.
Visit Mechelen, the former capital of Belgium
Mechelen is a small city in Belgium that used to be the capital from 1506 to 1530. The area may be tiny, but it is filled with history and activities. Visit the late-medieval Saint Rumbold’s Tower, with its unique wood carvings and 15th, 16th, and 17th century religious artwork. Boat tours and brewery tastings are also a popular option, and a stop at the Brewery Het Anker will give you the option to taste beer chocolates. Moreover, a walk around the main square of town will give you the chance to see eight beautiful churches.
Michelen by Clayirving
Make a stop in Durbuy, the world’s smallest city
Durbuy, which claims to be the world’s smallest city, is a traditional Belgian town in the French speaking part of the country. Simply wandering around the tiny city and its quaint streets can make for a relaxing day, and stopping at a local cafe for a strong brew can make the day even better. Begin your tour of Durbuy at the Chateau des Comtes de Marchin, where you will be given stunning views of the river Muse and also delicious Belgian waffles in their cafe. Next, move on to the Grotto de Han, a cave that has been offering tours since the 1800′s. Long stretches of tunnels and a natural cathedral are all part of the experience.
Durbuy by pickinjim
Admire the Grote Markt in Antwerp
The Grote Markt (Great Market) is a giant square in the center of the old city. You will be able to take in 16th century architecture, golden statues, fountains, and lavishly decorated houses of the Guilds. Visit town hall, shop in boutique stores, sip a coffee in a cozy cafe, or enjoy a pint of Belgian beer at one of the square’s pubs. The atmosphere is quite romantic, and although it is a favorite spot for locals and tourists, and prices are still reasonable.
Grote Markt by Alan Stanton
Travel back to the Middle Agest at the “Castle of the Count”
In Ghent, you can visit Gravensteen Castle, a castle as well as a historical museum. The castle dates back to the Middle Ages and in Dutch literally means “castle of the count”. Not only are visitors to this castle treated to amazing views of the city, but also an authentic castle experience with a moat, dungeons, and various torture devices that were once used in the city.
Gravensteen Castle by Coy!
Experience the food and drink culture of Bruges
For those who love to eat and drink, Bruges is the perfect city to visit in Belgium. Home to the Chocolate Museum, Frite Museum, and the De Halve Maan Brewery, this city will have you donning loose-waisted pants the entire trip. De Halve Mann is the still-active family brewery in Bruges, and for 6 euros you can get a guided tour and tasting. At the Frite Museum, you will learn all about Potato Fries, which originated in Belgium. Best of all, this is the only museum in the world to be dedicated to this particular food favorite. And a stop at the Chocolate Museum will give you a chance to learn about the history of the treat while also participating in cocoa-inspired workshops.
Life-sized chocolate statue at the Chocolate Museum by tim2ubh
Pay your respects at the Trenches of Death in Diksmuide
The Trenches of Death is a historical site in the peaceful countryside town of Diksmuide. The site itself is a network of trenches from WWI located next to the River Yzer. An small building provides visitors with information before their journey into the solemn area of the trenches, which have been restored to look exactly like they would have during the war.
Trenches of Death by CityWodge
Expand your knowledge at the Grand Curtius Museum in Liège
Located on the Meuse River in Liège, the Curtius Museum is a historical and cultural museum dedicated to archeology and art. Originally built around the early 1600′s, the museum was originally known as the Musee Curtius (Curtius Museum) but reopened in 2009 after extensive renovations to be called the The Grand Curtius Museum. Visitors can peruse more than 7,000 years of regional and international artifacts and over 5,200 items on display in chronological or thematic order. The collections include decorative arts, Mosan art, archeological treasures, religious art, weaponry, and glass pieces.
Art from Curtius Museum by groenling
Explore the Neolithic Flint Mines in Spiennes
The Neolithic Flint Mines are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and covers more than 247 acres. They are the biggest and most ancient group of land mines in all of Europe. The existence of the mines actually gives evidence of the inventiveness and technological progress of Neolithic cultures. For only 2,50 Euros, you can see this amazing site for yourself and get a glimpse into the extraordinary past of the area.
Neolithic Flint Mines by ines saraiva
Hear the oldest belfry in Belgium in Tournai
The Belfry of Tournai is the oldest belfry in Belgium dating back to medieval times. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and at 72 meters high and with 256 stairs to reach the top, can be seen from miles away. Although a fire damaged the building in 1931 and some of the 44 bells had to be replaced, the largest bell of the period as well as the fire bell were preserved. A visit to this site will show you beautiful architecture and a picture of history.
Belry of Tournai by girolame
See the Waterloo Battlefield up close
In the town of Waterloo resides the Waterloo Battlefield, a historic site from Battle of Waterloo during the War of the Seventh Coalition. A 40 minute tour with historic narration is offered, as well as an impressive lion monument, a wax museum with life-like figures of Napoleon and other soldiers, enlightening films, and restaurants. While there is a great area with panoramic views just be cautioned that there are quite a lot of stairs. For ticket prices, click here.
Waterloo Battlefield by bruxelles5
10 Things to Do in Belgium
Tips on the what to do in Europe. Copyrighted content published on Europe a la Carte.
Croatia Week on Europe a la Carte
Croatia Week will be running on Europe a la Carte from 15 – 21 January 2012. On Europe a la Carte we’ve put together 25 ideas on what to do in Croatia and city guides to Dubrovnik and Zagreb.
I’ve been to Croatia a couple of times; to Zadar and to the Istrian peninsula. I’d love to go back again to explore more of the country.
The Colosseum in Pula
Throughout the week I’ll be sharing our Croatian posts on things to do in Croatia on the Europe a la Carte Facebook page and in my Twitter stream using the hashtag #croatiatips.
Croatia Week on Europe a la Carte
Tips on the what to do in Europe. Copyrighted content published on Europe a la Carte.