history

A perfect day trip to Delft: Interesting things to do in Delft

July 9, 2020 by Karen 14 Comments

I used to think of myself as a big city girl, but after moving to the Netherlands, I fell in love with the smaller quieter cities in the Netherlands. One of my favorite cities in the Netherlands, which is an easy day trip from Amsterdam, is Delft. I’ve been living in the Hague for some months now and I routinely visit Delft each month.

Delft has one of the most prestigious universities in the Netherlands, so despite the history, Delft feels like a young town if you know where you’re looking.

This itinerary for Delft is a mix of historic sights and new modern shops/restaurants, so you get to experience both sides of this beautiful city. Keep reading for things to do in Delft in a compact one day itinerary for Delft.

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19 Best Cities to Visit in the Netherlands Besides Amsterdam by residents

February 13, 2020 by Karen 46 Comments

As a Dutch resident, I’ve been lucky enough to see many of the most beautiful cities in the Netherlands that aren’t as well known to tourists as well as the Dutch countryside.

Although you’ve probably heard why you should visit Amsterdam, the prettiest Dutch cities to visit are often peaceful, less crowded, and more memorable. Keep reading for the 19 most atmospheric and beautiful cities/towns in the Netherlands that will help you discover more of the Netherlands.

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Why you need to visit Mons/Bergen in Wallonia!

September 29, 2017 by Karen 12 Comments

Mons, Belgium is one of the best day trips from Brussels for those seeking culture and history. Mons is one of the many beautiful cities in Belgium and a great introduction to Wallonia (the French speaking part of Belgium).

Although I’ve visited a few cities in Wallonia, I was surprised by the many things to do in Mons and its UNESCO recognized attractions (six!). After a trip to Brussels, it was nice to get off the beaten path in Belgium and discover other things to do in Belgium besides visiting Brussels, Antwerp, and Bruges.

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Day Trips from Brussels: Vincent Van Gogh in Belgium & the Borinage

October 6, 2017 by Karen 13 Comments

Have you heard of the Borinage region in Belgium? The Borinage region has a fascinating history, a beating heart of the Industrial Revolution. Its industry was part of the reason why Vincent Van Gogh was so attracted to the Borinage. If you’re interested in the letters of Van Gogh and Van Gogh’s influences, it is hard to disentangle the history of the Borinage from the history of Van Gogh. Keep reading to learn about Van Gogh’s life in Belgium.

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Covered Passages of Paris: A free self guided walking tour of Paris arcades with map

January 21, 2018 by Karen 17 Comments

If you’re visiting Paris, you might be looking for something unusual to do in Paris besides seeing the Eiffel Tower. Either way, you will not want to miss the arcades of Paris. In my time living in Paris, I loved getting lost in the covered passages in Paris, which retain an air of magic and make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

This free self-guided walking tour through Paris should give you glimpse into the secret Paris that Parisians know, love, and guard with their lives. This walk through the covered passages of Paris includes some of Paris’ most beautiful passages, including Passage Verdeau, Galerie Vivienne, and Passage des Panoramas as well as some off the beaten path attractions.

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