Amsterdam

We were strangers to the Dutch way of life but we developed a sixth sense for avoiding the tram and the bicycles quickly enough. We had to because there were thousands of cyclists in the city. We hid from the hustling and bustling at the van Gogh museum where security was tight, but the paintings are beautiful. The depressed artist, whose work was not appreciated in his own lifetime, had painted some daring and bold paintings for us to look at. In his lifetime he had painted about 2000 artworks and at the museum there were more than 200 of his paintings on display.

Amsterdam bikes, The Netherlands by redjar

The other part of the day was spent wandering along the canal through cafes, the sex museum and picturesque shops. Everywhere we went there was an exotic smell of hash or weed. In the afternoon we went to the Anne Frank house where she wrote her famous diary while she and her family were hiding from the Nazi’s. Behind a bookcase there was a secret door, where the family hid from the Germans. In the two floors and the attic she and seven others lived for two years before they were betrayed. We went back to the swift caravan to get some rest for the second day and second destination. We took the train to Utrecht which is only a half an hour journey.

Utrecht

Utrecht felt like the living, beating heart of Holland. The city was built around the old Dom tower. We climbed up the tower to have a view over the city. We saw lots of cellars, terraces and cafes along the canal. There are also a lot of modern houses and a large and modern shopping centre where we spend the whole morning shopping.

Utrecht Dom Cathedral Tower, The Netherlands by Pepijntje

Gouda

From Utrecht we took the train to another tourist hotspot: Gouda. This small city with its gorgeous old city square is world famous for their production of cheese. They sell many varieties at the Gouda market place, which is dominated by a beautiful 15^th century Gothic town hall. With a belly full of cheese and dutch frieten, and with some lovely experiences of the country, unfortunately we had to go back to catch our boat again. Although we’ll definitely visit the Netherlands again!

Gouda Cheese Market in a city of Gouda, The Netherlands by Johi

The post Must-see places in Holland appeared first on Best of European Union.

The Shore, Leith, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK by Zaian

Located, as its name suggests, near the shore, this area of Edinburgh offers a great variety of interesting things to see and do. There are a many great gastro pubs, and very fine restaurants along the shore, all of which offer fresh locally caught fish. The Loch Finn restaurant is particularly good, serving some of the best fish in the area, as cooked by expert chefs. Also good is the Shore bar, a high class Scottish pub, with a modern feel and a very family friendly atmosphere.

The Royal Yacht Britannia is one of the key tourist attractions in Edinburgh, and it is located in the Shore area. A fascinating ship, and a great feat of engineering and naval architecture, the royal yacht has a bold and interesting history, and has housed many very famous celebrities, not the least of which Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The tour offers a great insight into this famous Royal residence, and is well worth the time if you are interested in history.

Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK by Robert Breuer

If you are looking to do some shopping while you are visiting Edinburgh, there is no better place to do it than the Ocean Terminal shopping centre, which offers various different shops and boutiques, arranged across a series of floors. From Topman, to Dorothy Perkins, to Pizza Express, the shopping centre has every modern convenience, and is a fantastic place to get some quality retail therapy in. There is also a cinema and a gym, so if you aren’t much of a shopper, but your partner is, then you have other options to keep yourself entertained, while your other half satisfies some consumer urges.

There are many interesting attractions which spring up during the summer months in Scotland’s Capital city, be sure to make the most of them by finding yourself a good hotel. Edinburgh festival hotel deals are available at most hotels, some offering a few days, some a week, and some the full four week duration of the festival at discount rates. Accommodation tends to fill up fast during the summer months, and it is not unusual for unwary tourists to find themselves with nowhere to stay if they don’t act fast and make sure to book well in advance, so make sure you don’t make this mistake, and that you plan your holiday well ahead.. The City of the Edinburgh offers a fantastic array of different attractions, and The Shore area is no exception. So whether you are looking for a short break or a longer stay, make sure to include The Shore in your travel itinerary.

The post Best of the Shore in Edinburgh | United Kingdom appeared first on Best of European Union.