we're at the end of a five week trip in france. now going to amsterdam for 3 days and bruges for two. we're tired but still eager, spent all of the planning time on france and now we need ricks rangers for suggestions in amsterdam and bruges. thanks in advance
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9222 posts
You are probably correct on that one Tom. We have always gone here in the winter, so forgot that it is a popular beach town for Belgians.
Posted by
OP
lake park, georgia, usa
86 posts
thanks for the helpful suggestions. we have hotels and travel. you're right steve; should've had the book, but...
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
Suggestions for? Lodging? Meals? Activities? Please clarify.
Posted by
Lawrenceville, Georgia
693 posts
Rich, in Amsterdam, go to the two major museums (they're very near each other, the Rijks and the Van Gogh), take a canal boat tour, visit the Anne Frank House and make a side trip to Haarlem to visit the Frans Hals Museum if you're so inclined. Sit in an outdoor cafe at the Leidseplein (Leidsesquare) and watch people, especially after dark. If you're coming in by train, the Amsterdam Central Station has the main tourist info office right there.
Posted by
Michigan, USA
162 posts
In Bruges take the carriage ride and the canal boat ride. Eat lots chocolate. Drink lots of beer. Go to the Choco story museum, climb the belfy tower, see the madonna and child statue at the church of Our Lady.
In Amsterdam, visit Coster Diamonds, walk thru the red light dist in day time, ride a tram, take a canal boat ride, walk along the Bloomenmark and see all the flowers, go to the Boom Chicago show one night ( buy your tickets at the box office in the afternoon at a disounted rate), go to the Anne Frank house. ( buy your ticket ahead on line)
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
In Amsterdam try make sure you visit the new Hermitage Museum. It's now Amsterdam largest art museum, is located in the Jewish Quarter, the building and exhibits are spectacular:
For temporary exhibits around town, browse the selection here:
http://www.iamsterdam.com/en/whats-on
For something fun to do at night, check out the Boom Chicago improv comedy club:
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9222 posts
While in Bruges, take the train up to Ostende. Only takes 15 minutes, only costs about 3 euro or so, and you get to see the North Sea, walk on the beaches, or take the coastal tram. We found the chocolate there to be just as good as in Bruges, but a little bit cheaper. Not the overwhelming crowds of tourists either.
On the dunes along the beaches, you will also find old WW2 gun emplacements.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
"Not the overwhelming crowds of tourists either." I would clarify, not the overwhelming crowds of FOREIGN tourists. Most of the people you'll see here are on holiday from elsewhere in Belgium.