The mysterious land of castles and leprechauns, wonderful Ireland is, indeed, the enigma you would like to discover! And you will definitely find no better place to start your journey than Dublin. The magnificent Irish capital ideally reflects the national character, embodied in the wonderful historic legacy and, above all, the genuine locals who radiate the undisguised pride of their country. Founded by the Vikings in the 9th century, Dublin primarily attracts visitors by its outstanding architectural ensemble imbued with the medieval spirit. Enjoy a peaceful walk around the inspiring winding streets, witness the grandeur of the Dublin Castle and the St. Patrick’s Cathedral, relax at the enormous Phoenix Park, and organize a museum-day as Dublin has a lot of venues for a deeper history immersion. One more distinctive Dublin feature, alongside the great legacy, is, of course, the traditional bustling Irish pubs, perfect for social interaction coupled with the famous Irish whiskey or beer degustations. Sounds like a great experience?...Read more
Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is an extraordinary city with a rich history and a vibrant cultural scene. There are numerous reasons why Amsterdam is interesting, including its unique architectural style, canals, museums, cultural diversity, and liberal policies. Here are a few notable aspects:
Canals: Amsterdam is known as "The Venice of the North" because of its beautiful canals. There are over 100 kilometers of these waterways that traverse the city, creating a stunning urban landscape. The canal belt ("grachtengordel") of Amsterdam, with its picturesque canal houses and arched bridges, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Architecture: Amsterdam boasts a variety of architectural styles, ranging from the 16th-century Dutch Renaissance style to modern design. The city is especially known for its narrow houses, many of which lean forward slightly due to the centuries-old construction methods on the marshy soil.
Museums: Amsterdam is home to some world-renowned museums. The Rijksmuseum has an extensive collection of Dutch art and history, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer. The Van Gogh Museum houses the largest collection of Vincent van Gogh's work in the world. There's also the Anne Frank House, where Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis during World War II.
Bicycles: Bicycles are a primary mode of transportation in Amsterdam, with more bikes than people in the city. There are dedicated bike lanes and parking stations throughout, which makes it a paradise for cyclists.
Liberal Policies: Amsterdam is known for its liberal policies and was the first city in the world to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001. The city's red-light district and coffee shops, where the sale of cannabis is tolerated, are also known worldwide.
Flowers: The Netherlands, and Amsterdam in particular, is famous for its tulips. You can visit the Bloemenmarkt, the world's only floating flower market, where you'll find a wide array of flowers, plants, and souvenirs.
Cultural Events and Festivals: The city hosts a variety of cultural events and festivals throughout the year, such as King's Day, Amsterdam Pride, and the Amsterdam Light Festival, contributing to a vibrant cultural scene.
Multiculturalism: Amsterdam is a multicultural city with residents from various backgrounds. This diversity is reflected in the city's cuisine, festivals, and neighborhoods.
History: The city has a rich history that goes back to the 12th century. The Golden Age in the 17th century was a period of great wealth and expansion for Amsterdam, and this is the era when many of the city's iconic canal houses and buildings were constructed. The city's history is not always a happy one, though, as the Anne Frank House and other World War II sites attest.
Sustainable Practices: Amsterdam aims to become one of the most sustainable cities in the world. They have a goal to become completely carbon-neutral by 2050, and they encourage eco-friendly practices such as cycling and use of electric vehicles....Read more