Amsterdam or Brussels: which city to choose for vacation
Amsterdam or Brussels are two European cities with a great history, two capitals that attract millions of tourists. What is it that attracts travelers from all over the world? What interesting things can be seen here? Let's find out together and decide which city is closer and more attractive to us for vacation.
Climate
Amsterdam is located in a temperate climate zone, which is greatly influenced by the sea. Here you can get into a storm. But winters are warm here and the temperature rarely drops below zero. And the summer is also not hot.
Brussels, in turn, has a climate with high humidity. The hottest months here are July and August (+17°C), while the coldest month is January with a temperature of -2°C.
Given the above, in these cities you will not be tormented by heat or cold. These are ideal vacation spots even for capricious tourists.
Transport
It is always worth planning the route of your trip in advance, so that after that you do not torture yourself with attempts to get by passing transport, etc. Unless, of course, you are not a fan of relaxing “savage”. To get to any corner of the earth, there are several types of transport. You, of course, thought that it was an airplane, bus, train, etc. You are partly right, only this transport is divided into expensive and cheap.
The easiest way to get to Amsterdam is by plane. It's fast, comfortable, but expensive. But by plane you will get to Amsterdam from any corner of the earth. If you are coming from Russia, it is possible to get to Amsterdam by train. We will not say that it will be cheaper, and it will take more time. But if you are afraid of flying, this option is just right for you. You can also get to Amsterdam from Moscow by bus, but you should be aware that this journey will take at least two days.
How to get from Brussels to Amsterdam on your own – read our article.
Brussels is the same story. Only a plane ticket from Russia will cost more.
Hotels
Of course, it is better to book a hotel room in advance, so as not to waste time upon arrival. Do not skimp on a good hotel or inn, because here you will rest, gain strength and eat.
In Amsterdam, according to a social survey, the following hotels can be distinguished, which we advise you to take a closer look at. This:
The Posthoorn is a four-star hotel. The hotel has its own kitchenette, which provides its guests with free breakfast. Having high speed internet is also a plus, well, and room service is top notch. This hotel is excellent value for money. This hotel also won the Traveller's Choice™ award in 2014.
Hotel “The Toren” – the most romantic hotel in Amsterdam, has four stars, there are deluxe rooms, you can also order a package of services. The hotel has a bar-lounge, a business center, Wi-Fi, a restaurant. But most importantly, it is allowed to relax with your beloved pets here.
Hotel “Mauro Mansion” – located near the central station, the hotel itself resembles its own private house. In the rooms: DVD, TV, Wi-Fi, safe.
The Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht is a luxury five-star hotel. Here at your service: a bar-lounge, a fitness club, a gym, Wi-Fi, SPA, a restaurant, pets are allowed. In Amsterdam, the Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht ranks second among family hotels.
The following hotels can be distinguished in Brussels:
Hotel Made in Louise is a business class hotel with three stars. For you free breakfasts, bar-lounge, Wi-Fi. This hotel occupies the first places in the ratings: romantic hotel, family hotel and business class hotel.
Hotel “Sofitel Brussels Europe” – five stars. In the hotel: bar-lounge, business center with internet access, fitness center, gym, pets allowed, restaurant, wheelchair ramps.
Hotel Amigo is a luxury hotel with five stars. For you: a bar-lounge, a business center with internet access, a fitness center, a gym, pets are allowed, a restaurant, ramps for wheelchairs, Wi-Fi and a shuttle bus.
The Brussels Welcome Hotel is two stars. The hotel has a good location, free breakfasts, Wi-Fi, pets allowed, deluxe rooms.
And now let's proceed to the main part of the rest, this is a cultural program. So the sights.
Interesting places
Amsterdam will surprise you with its places. Let's take this trip virtually. Royal Palace in Amsterdam. It was built in 1648. Today it is used for state visits. The palace is an architectural monument; rare Empire style furniture is kept within its walls. The palace is open to visitors, except on days of royal events. The palace is located in the western part of Dam Square. The entrance ticket costs 7 euros. More information about this unique place in our article.
Erotic Museum in Amsterdam. Inside the museum there is a souvenir shop and erotic trivia. Photography is allowed here. Popular and in demand is a special vending machine where you can buy the most unusual condoms you can imagine. The ticket costs 5 euros.
The Torture Museum is a private medieval museum. This museum scares two centuries of history. All the instruments of torture of that time are here. The rooms of the museum are dimly lit, which makes it possible to immerse yourself in this atmosphere. The sight is not for the faint of heart. Entrance costs 5 euros.
Amsterdam Central Park is the largest and largest park in Amsterdam. Its area is 47 hectares. This park is not closed, celebrations and birthdays are celebrated here, children have fun and elderly couples walk. There are many different cafes in the park where you can have a bite to eat.
Tulip Museum. The tulip is known to be the symbol of Holland. The museum itself is young and was created only in 2004. The museum consists of 2200 square meters. The entrance fee is 4 euros.
Brussels will open for you:
Atomium is a monument that symbolizes the limitless possibilities of atomic energy. This is a one hundred and sixty-five billion times enlarged model of an iron molecule, located right in the middle of the road, at one of the terminal stations along tram route No. 81. Exactly six spheres inside are available for tourists to visit. There are restaurants, exhibition centers, an observation deck from which a stunning view of Brussels opens.
Royal Palace in Brussels. Located in a Brussels park. Its highlight is the Throne Room. The ticket price is 5 euros.
The Manneken Pis monument is a small bronze figurine that attracts all tourists so much.
Autoworld in Brussels – there is a collection of more than 300 cars. These are sports cars, and ecological vehicles, and microcars, and public transport, and celebrity cars, and motorcycles. The entrance fee is 9 euros. This is a real paradise for motorists.
Museum of Natural Sciences will notice the largest collection of dinosaurs in Europe. There is also a hall of human evolution, a hall of insects, whales and minerals. Entrance costs 10 euros. What else to see in Brussels, read our article.
Souvenirs and gifts
And, of course, what a vacation without souvenirs, gifts and presents.
From Amsterdam, be sure to bring:
And from Brussels it is worth taking with you:
These are two different, unique and unusual capitals. Everyone should visit here, but what city you will go to for a start is up to you to choose. Have a nice trip and unforgettable impressions.