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Best Things to Do in Amsterdam If You Only Have Two Days

7/16/2018

4 Comments

 
I Amsterdam sign in Amsterdam at museum square
By John Roberts

On my fifth visit to Amsterdam, I finally made it a priority to visit the legendary Rijksmuseum.  
This is one of the iconic tourist sites of this great city, along with other notable attractions like Anne Frank House and the Heineken Brewery.

With two days to spend in Amsterdam and with my hotel accommodations situated right at the edge of Museum Square, I was certainly going to get over to Rijksmuseum. So many of my friends have raved about this spot for years.

This Dutch national museum is worth a visit for the grounds and building as much as for the incredible works inside. You can see numerous masterpieces by Rembrandt (self portrait and "The Night Watch", Vermeer ("The Milkmaid"), Van Gogh (self portrait) and so many others. You could spend hours inside, and the Nightwatch Gallery is an impressive room dedicated to the massive painting of the hometown hero Rembrandt, who is a Netherlands native.

The Rijksmuseum dates to its founding in 1800, but the museum has been housed in the beautiful building at the end of the lawn on Museum Square since 1885, and it underwent a massive decade-long renovation that was completed in 2013.
The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam
The bustling entry to the Rijksmuseum serves as the hub of the Museum Quarter.
The Milkmaid at The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam
"The Milkmaid" by Vermeer
The Night Watch at The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam
"The Night Watch" by Rembrandt
The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam
The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam
Wander inside the facility to see the works of art at your leisure, but be sure to save time to explore the grounds around the museum, which features pretty garden spaces and small park areas with water features, benches and picnic facilities. The iconic red "I Amsterdam" sculpture/sign sits near the entrance and offers a nice photo opportunity. And a long green lawn is filled with residents and visitors spreading out to relax on sunny days. Paths lead away from the museum and create a large square around the lawn where you can find kiosks and pavilions selling refreshments like the famous Dutch waffles and crepes, as well as delicious coffees and other local drink specialties.

Art fanatics will make a visit to Rijksmuseum a priority (ticket info) when coming to Amsterdam, but every traveler will find it worthwhile to spend a few hours here and in the surrounding area.
Museumplein in Amsterdam
People flock to the expansive green lawn at Museumplein.
Museumplein in Amsterdam
I also have a few more recommendations for the best places to go when you have just a couple days in Amsterdam.

Parks -- Within the busy city confines, which I mostly associate with streets filled with pedestrians, cars and thousands of cyclists dodging each other, nature lovers will be pleased to know that Amsterdam has a handful of brilliant parks. I woke up one morning just as the city was coming alive and headed to Vondelpark for a run. I was amazed to find a serene place filled with trees, green grass ponds and wide paths and walkways. It grew busier and busier during my hour in the park on a Monday, as I was joined by people walking dogs, joggers and cyclists commuting to workplaces.
Vondelpark in Amsterdam
Large homes and pretty canals encircle Vondelpark.
Vondelpark in Amsterdam
Vondelpark in Amsterdam
The parks in the city are tucked within the city and often feature festivals on the weekends, children's playspaces, small eateries, and barbecues and picnic areas.

Vondelpark is especially lovely, as it follows meandering canals and is lined with trees and gorgeous old homes and historic buildings in spots at various entry points into the park. Sculptures, flower beds and exotic birds also fill the space (I saw a stunning green parrot fly overhead as I stopped on a small bridge over a canal within the park).

Other top parks include Rembrandtpark, Sarphatipark and Oosterpark.
Vondelpark in Amsterdam
Vondelpark in Amsterdam
I enjoyed the peaceful running paths through the park. They weave through the space, passing ponds and so much greenery that it's easy to get into a relaxed frame of mind.
Pubs -- The city is packed with pubs and bars, all with their own interesting vibes. Just walking through the city (the best way to work up a thirst and explore, of course), you quickly realize that you are never far from a watering hole, where you can find a chair inside or out to chat up fellow travelers, enjoy a bit of people watching and taste the flavors of Amsterdam.

I have found pubs with decent food, boisterous and friendly patrons and bartenders and showing sports on TVs. Rugby, soccer, cricket or Aussie rules football always lead to good conversations when I -- as an American traveler -- ask a fellow drinker who their favorite club is or "What the heck are the rules of this game?"

The late afternoon walkabout can quickly stretch into the late night with a few fun stops, several beers, a hearty meal and plenty of great memories. Just remember to keep enough of your wits to find your way back to your hotel.
More Museums -- Museumplein is the museum quarter at which Rijksmuseum is the anchor. But you will find other fine museums and attractions to check out here. The Van Gogh Museum is houses the world's largest collection of works by the famous Dutch master.

Stedelijk Museum is home to the Netherlands' largest collection of modern art pieces. The Royal Concertgebouw also flanks the Museum Quarter. Tours are available for this music hall, which is reputed to have some of the best acoustics in the world. Concertgebouw offers free lunchtime concerts on Wednesdays (ticket required) and tours in English on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Many other museums are located throughout the city. The Anne Frank House is extremely popular, of course, but you might also want to look at Hermitage Amsterdam, Moco Museum, National Maritime Museum and the NEMO Science Museum. This NEMO Science Museum is a great choice for families and kids and is distinctive with its ship-shaped green sloped structure that sits at the waterfront and offers amazing views of the city center from its upper floors.

What are some of your favorite spots in Amsterdam?

Thanks for reading and joining the conversation.

Cheers!
JR
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4 Comments

Off the Boat, On a Bike: The Best of Both Worlds On Your Cruise

2/9/2016

1 Comment

 
Biking to Russian Bay on Poros in Greece
I had a wonderful day riding a bike around the island when I was in port on Poros in Greece.
By John Roberts

Biking is a perfect way to explore many destinations around the world. I love how we can use a long day of biking to explore a new place at our own pace, while seeing much more than we ever can on foot alone.

Plus, you get the added benefit of exercise!


In Malaga, Spain, we took part in a cool guided bike tour to check out that port city. But many other cruise ports in Europe and elsewhere offer opportunities for active travelers to pedal around on a day of sightseeing, whether you join a tour group or go it alone.


River cruise boats often have bicycles onboard that passengers can sign out for the day, but ocean cruise lines typically have policies prohibiting bringing your own bike along on your sailing. Windstar Cruises, an ocean line, rents bikes on its sailing yachts for $39 to $59. Check with your cruise line on whether you can bring your bike on the ship or whether your river boat offers bikes. Ocean sailings in the Mediterranean and river cruises on the Rhine and Danube offer the best way to explore a port area by bicycle because you usually can find well-maintained paths -- usually not too crowded, either -- within steps of your cruise ship. The river ships, especially, land ashore at biking and walking paths that follow the curves of the waterway.


Not to worry if you arrive at port with no bike. These destinations feature plenty of businesses that rent bikes or have "city bike" rental stations where you can just swipe a credit card, grab your wheels and go.


Amsterdam, Netherlands -- The city has more bikes than residents. Amsterdam is one of the most bike-friendly cities on the planet. You'll delight in wheeling around town checking out canals, historic architecture, restaurants, museums or even zipping into the countryside. I would recommend using a tour guide if it's your first time pedaling around Amsterdam because the maze of roadways and bike paths intersect amid the busy city center with crowds of tourists and traffic, which can all be very intimidating and confusing.


Vienna, Austria -- The city, which sits along the Danube River, contains a network of more than 740 miles of well-designed bike paths, making it easy to venture out on your own to explore the capital city's coffee houses, museums, Vienna State Opera House, cathedrals and more. Need a bike? Find one at any of the 120 Citybike Vienna rental stations (first hour is free, and prices are about $1 to $2 an hour depending on how long you keep the bike).


Bike and Boat Tours -- The best way to ensure you'll get to pedal in every port is to look for a cruise specifically geared to cyclists. Adventure companies like Backroads, for example, create itineraries for active cruisers. The company's upcoming Danube River Cruise Bike Tour on AmaWaterways' AmaViola will take bikers on rides in the Bavarian Forest in Germany, through the Austrian countryside, along the popular Donauradweg Danube bike path and around historic Budapest. Also, look for barge and bike cruises that arrive and ride in port towns in France, Belgium, Croatia, Spain, Italy, Turkey and the Czech Republic. Bikes are provided or you can bring your own.


Thanks for reading, and have fun on your adventures.


JR
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Best City Running Paths Offer an Easy, Cheap Way to Explore

3/31/2015

3 Comments

 
Picture

Plot your route 

Several apps and websites help you find a safe route to run. You can chart your own course/distance or use a route that has been entered and shared by someone who has been there and done that.

Try these:

MapMyRun.com
RunKeeper.com
TrailLink.com
Runners World Route Finder --rw.runnersworld.com/
route/routefinder.html
By John Roberts

Running along the roads and footpaths in the tiny village of Kinderdijk (pictured), we were surrounded on all sides by twirling giants. What a way to see this quaint destination in the Netherlands. We were away from the crowds and made our own way looping around from the water to the interior canals, and before an hour had passed, Colleen and I had spotted animals (many cows, horses and mallards), ships, trees, flowers, chatted with residents and seen every windmill in town.

This is often how we like to explore ports areas and other destinations. You get to see more, find a little piece of solitude and best of all, it's free and good for your health.

We have enjoyed runs in St. Thomas USVI, London, New York City, Key West, Orlando, Dublin and many, many more.

Many cruise-port cities offer great walking/running paths that are natural fits for excellent sightseeing while you get in your workout.

Just throw on your running shoes and grab your camera, then head out for a cheap self-guided tour in these spots.
Miami
Picture
Go for a morning or sunset run at Miami Beach Boardwalk in South Beach. The route offers continuous views of the ocean, sandy beach -- and interesting people. The route runs for 40 blocks north from the South Beach area, and you can pull off to find a wide variety of other things to see or do: eat, drink, shop on Lincoln Road or check out the Art Deco designs of the hotels and homes. How about, trying it all? 

New York
Picture
Central Park (at left) gets busy, but there is plenty of room for everyone. Miles and miles of loops offer endless variation as you run within view of impressive skyline, trees, foliage and lakes and bridges. Also, you'll spot bikers, walkers, people playing Frisbee, softball, bocce and all sorts of activities. Or, try a run along the High Line Park, a 1.5-mile long path that has been built on a refurbished portion of an old New York Central Railroad section. The park on Manhattan's West Side extends from 34th Street to Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District and contains wildflowers and wild grasses as well as public art, food vendors and unique views of the bustling city life below.

Cozumel
Picture
Enjoy a scenic and sunny run along the Malecon that stretches from the International Cruise Port area all the way to downtown San Miguel (about five miles). Your run follows the ocean the whole way, and you can slip into the water to cool down after your run at several small public beach spots, many adjacent to quaint bars/eateries. I think it's awesome to start the day with a challenging, sweaty run and then reward yourself with a couple beers, chips and salsa and relaxing time in the cool, clear waters. But that's just me. 

Houston
Picture
A slow-moving river, Buffalo Bayou, winds through the city, and you can run along the banks of this waterway. About 20 miles worth of trail segments form a park system shared by bikers, walkers and runners and goes through downtown Houston and features green spaces, a skate park, paddlesports, scenic waterfall, art installations and even an observation deck to view the nightly spectacle of the Waugh Bridge bat colony -- the creatures emerge at dusk to begin their hunt for mosquitos.

Montreal
Picture
The city's popular Mount Royal Park holds a wide variety of trails. You can challenge yourself with some elevation change up the mountain path to Montreal's highest point (at just 764 feet, Mount Royal is really a hill) or glide along to enjoy the green expanse of the Golden Square Mile. Paths are unpaved, making it easy on the knees and feet. 

Hong Kong
Picture
The Hong Kong Trail is a 30-mile-long route that begins at Victoria Peak (pictured) and descends into wooded forests, and along the way includes climbs of some of the islands' highest peaks for amazing views. The trail contains eight sections and goes through five country parks. Don't worry. If you just want an easy run, you can plot out a mild section. (The first leg, from Victoria Peak, is a relatively easy four-mile stretch, for example.)

New Orleans
Picture
A section of the Mississippi River Trail goes through the Crescent City and is a hot spot for visitors and residents. Run on a levee atop the banks of the Mighty Mississippi after you set out from Audubon Park (pictured), which also features its own beautiful two-mile running path. In fact, the city is filled with options for runners who want to enjoy the sights. Check out the mansions on St. Charles Avenue from your route along the roadways' "neutral ground" median.

Please share spots you have discovered for your runs/walks around the world.

Thanks for reading. Travel fit and travel happy!

JR


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