The Best of Amsterdam | Holidays to Europe

I think for many people who haven't had the pleasure of visiting Amsterdam they misunderstand what this inspiring and cultural city has to offer. There is a certain side to Amsterdam what I and many others call "seedy" but it is only a certain and small part of it. The rest of Amsterdam is truly beautiful, every little street and every corner has something different to offer, from cute vintage and antique shops to pancake and waffle houses.

Rijks Museum 

Amsterdam in fact has more museums than any other European city as well as hundreds of protected historic buildings found along the winding canals. The most famous museum Amsterdam is home to is the Rijks museum which holds 4 floors of over 200,000 masterpieces from artists such as Vincent Van Gogh and Rembrandt Harmensz. I could literally go on forever talking about all the different paintings and collections I seen but I would be here forever, plus it's best going unaware of what to expect like I did, you will find yourself quite overwhelmed. 

Dam Square

After a day of exploring the spectacular Rijks museum we headed to Dam Square which has some wonderful buildings, shops, restaurants and bars. We stopped for a drink at the quite famous Majestic  Bar where you can eat in the restaurant or sit in the bar to sample some of their high class and delicious cocktails, no guess to what I chose! Just off Dam Square is a handful of streets with big shops like River Island and Foot Locker so if you fancy a bit of shopping you wont be stuck for choice.

The Streets and Red Light District

I found the more you wonder the better it gets. Every time we went out of our hotel we got lost, we didn't mind as every time we did get lost we found something new and beautiful to see. I think it's probably the best way to see Amsterdam, obviously once you have seen all the famous museums and hotspots like Anne Franks House. Forget your map and get completely wanderlust in this magical, quirky, pretty city. 

Although it's not everybody's cup of tea it is still worth a short visit, the Red Light District at night is, well I don't really know how to describe it. I wasn't sure whether to punch my boyfriend in the face for looking or look with him! 

Our Hotel 

Seen as we were visiting for my 24th birthday I asked my boyfriend if we could stay in a nice hotel and he happened to pick the best hotel I have ever seen in my life! When we walked in through the reception doors of Hotel Estherea we were amazed, chandelier after chandelier followed by the most beautiful decor, big old grand father clocks, a florescent blue bar lit by pink candles and lanterns. Every little detail in this hotel is truly stunning. I fell in love with the hotel so much I had to find out it's history, the family owned hotel dates back to the early 17th century and has been passed down from generation to generation. The hotel has maintained it's elegant, charming and vibrant decor and every room in the hotel is completely different and unique. Every room has a Jacuzzi bath, walk in shower, TV and huge queen sized bed. 

The sad thing about my trip to Amsterdam is it wasn't long enough, I would have loved to have seen more in my time I was here like Anne Franks House, Van Gogh Museum and more, nevertheless our trip to Amsterdam was magical. One of the bets birthdays ever! 

Visit eShores who specialise in tailor made holidays and multi centre holidays to Europe. We have used them a number of times and found them so accommodating and helpful and their prices are fantastic! 

The Magic of Prague | European City Breaks

It has never been top of my list of most places I want to visit, probably because I was unaware of what the city holds beneath its borders. My view was quickly changed, this city is a magical treasure that is completely breathtaking, packed with magnificent architecture, culture, history and art.

The great thing about Prague is many of it's most famous attractions are all within walking distance of one another and even though the city is cheap you wont have to pay for taxi's back and to from spot to spot. I much prefer walking and getting lost in a new city anyway, you can get a real feel for what it has to offer so forget your map and get wanderlust. Here are the top things to see and do in Prague:

Charles Bridge 

  

Charles Bridge is spectacular, it is the most famous bridge in the whole of Prague which towers over the river Vltava, boasting 6 impressive arches and is lined with 30 Baroque statues of religious figures, angels, bishops, Jesus, the cross and more. The bridge is a total of 1,700 ft and was built in 1357 under the commission of King Charles IV. Across the bridge you will find a variety of buskers, painters, and people selling handcrafts and jewelry. It is a must see if you are ever in this wonderful city. 

St Vitus Cathedral and Prague Castle

I don't think even the castle in fairy tales can compare to St Vitus Cathedral! As you enter through the portal of the western facade, opposite the passage way between the second and third courtyards of Prague Castle you find yourself gazing up at the most beautifully detailed architecture of the cathedral. The Gothic cathedral is the largest and most appreciated temple in Prague which is a interment of remains of provincial patron saints and archbishops. The walls are covered in the most impeccable detail in stone carvings while inside the high walls beam over you to form a spectacular scene. The stain glass windows cast a magical site upon the walls when the light shines though, magnifying their beauty of colour and religious stories upon the walls. I was lucky enough to catch a beautiful bride having her photos taken outside, so very pretty! 

John Lennon Wall

The John Lennon wall is a fantastic to see, even if you don't appreciate graffiti or the iconic signer and writer (although I don't think I have ever met anyone who doesn't like John Lennon). The wall is covered in famous quotes from his lyrics like "all you need is love" and "war is over" as well as images and messages from the walls visitors. Literally anyone can go and write on the wall, though we was not informed of this when we went to see it so we missed out on that part. Hidden down a back alley on the other side of Charles Bridge the John Lennon Wall is a symbol of our very own familiar culture, music, art and message of peace. 

The Astronomical Clock and Square 

Probably the most beautiful construction I have ever had the pleasure of seeing! The Astronomical clock is built on one side of the Old Town Hall Tower and dates back to the 15th century. It's best to see the clock on the hour as every hour a small trap door opens and Christ marches out ahead of his disciples, while the skeleton tolls the bell to a defiant statue of a Turk. Below the spectacular astronomical clock are 12 medallions with signs of the zodiac. The old town hall is a striking building situated in the square which holds some great cafes, restaurants, shops and bars. The square offers a variety of entertainment from buskers, people dressed as jesters and knights, painters, musicians and more. 

A River Cruise 

There are many different cruises to choose from in Prague, I was lucky enough to get a Valentines Day river cruise with a 3 course meal as a lovely surprise from my boyfriend. The cruise set sail from the Czech Bridge and sails up and down the river Vltava passing Charles Bridge. At night it is truly beautiful to see as the lights mirror from the river waters creating a magical scene. The food was great too, we had tomato and mozzarella cheese for starters followed by salmon and potatoes for our main and tiramisu for dessert with a free bottle of white wine. The tables were decorated to celebrate the romantic theme with balloons, flowers, candles and heart shaped sweets. A fabulous way to spend our last night in Prague, I am a very lucky girl! 

Prague's Pretty Streets 

Once you've seen the famous hotspots in Prague, it's time to get wanderlust and leave the map behind. Losing yourself in the pretty streets of Prague will inspire you, you will find the most beautiful buildings hidden away in the back streets alongside some freaky buskers, quirky shops, and fabulous restaurants, even adorable little micro pigs! 

The only problem I can find with my visit to Prague is it wasn't long enough! If you're looking for somewhere extraordinary packed with history, culture, art, architecture and beauty then go to Prague! Put it on your list of top places to visit and just go. 

I was lucky enough to visit Amsterdam in January as well, not at all bad two countries in just two months! I am now thinking of visiting a city in Europe every month or two, especially when I found prices in Prague to be so cheap although Amsterdam is on the more pricey side, however many cities in Europe are also cheap it just depends where you go. You can visit up to 7 different European cities in one trip with a multi centre holiday offered by eShores travel agency or something more personal to you with a tailor made European holiday. Whatever you choose, explore Europe and its wondrous cities and hidden jewels.