Being in lockdown got me thinking about how much we took for granted before. One of these things was how easily we can travel to Europe from the UK. In a matter of hours you could be riding a bike along the canals of Amsterdam, taking a trip up the Eiffel Tower or enjoying a gig (or three) in Temple Bar. I have always loved exploring new places so I've detailed my top three in this article. I hope my excitement inspires you to seek out some adventures of your own, whatever the weather
1. Amsterdam
“I love Amsterdam. The city is vibrant and alive. It’s fresh and so open. It’s definitely one of my favourite places.”
– Stefon Harris, an American Jazz musician
I couldn't have said it better myself Stefon. I love everything about this city, so much so, that I've been three times and would've been a fourth if Covid-19 hadn't halted our plans. The first time I visited Amsterdam was to get over a break up. I'm so glad I went because I felt completely immersed in this new city and forgot all about my life back home - I didn't want to come back! Since then, its held a special place in my heart. I have returned with a group of uni friends, and more recently my boyfriend. September is a lovely time of year in the city, March was pretty chilly, but we still enjoyed ourselves - as long as you keep active and wrapped up you'll still have fun.
Where to begin with this place, I could walk around forever and never feel tired - I always want to see more here. The pretty canal houses, the picturesque bridges, the abundance of tulips and cheese on offer, the shopping and the food. You've got it all in Amsterdam and with freedom comes escapism. You've got the Red Light District, which I stumbled upon by accident the first time I went to Amsterdam. In the day time you wouldn't know you were there, but it has a seedy vibe when it comes alive at night time. Its also densely populated with tourists - so you'll feel safe, but watch your belongings. Amsterdam is also famous for its 'coffeeshops', another freedom that the liberal dutch indulge in - this has to be the only place I have ever seen businessmen in suits casually smoking a joint in their lunch break! Anyway, I will stop waffling and let you read my top recommendations below...
Places to stay?
As a couple, Doubletree by Hilton or Park Centraal Amsterdam (Park Centraal upgraded us to the most beautiful suite overlooking the canal).
As a group, Backstage Hotel.
Places to eat?
Brunch - Either Cafe George in Leidsegracht or venture to de Pijp for an abundance of cute eateries. I liked Cafe de Pijp for their fabulous fresh mint tea.
Brunch with a view - Blue Amsterdam.
Cocktails and small plates whilst watching the sunset - SkyLounge Amsterdam.
Casual Dinner - Grizzly or Burger Fabriek.
Snack - Indulge in the best fries in Amsterdam (you won't need to look hard to find Mannekenpis)
Things to do?
Jazz club - Cafe Alto, but get there early to get a space
Cafe - Hill Street Blues
Bike ride on a Sunday morning, it was so quiet
The Heineken Experience if you enjoy beer
A canal cruise - ideally when you first get there
Anne Frank House - a must visit to feel this important part of history, but prepare to queue
Shopping - the Kalverstraat, the Leidsestraat and cute De Pijp
2. Paris
“Paris is always a good idea."
Paris is always a good idea. Especially by Eurostar, as you can be in the city in a few short hours, and take a bottle of Prosecco for the journey. However, I wouldn't recommend booking your trip up tour Eiffel on the same day (given our Eurostar ended up being severely delayed, which meant we were on the train for 6+ hours and had to run to the Eiffel Tower) just to be safe. After going up the famous landmark, we met family and jumped on a tuktuk to the pretty pedestrianised street that leads on from Rue Cler in the 7th arrondissement. There are a few eateries down this little market street, but we fancied Italian so opted for Tribeca. After a lovely family meal, we hopped on the metro home - always recommend the metro when getting around Paris - its so easy and you can buy a book of 10 (“carnet”) for €16.
Places to stay?
Hotels tend to be pretty pricey in Paris, but Airbnbs seemed to be more for our dates. We opted for Le Marceau Bastille, a four star with great transport links - the metro is just around the corner!
Places to eat?
Lunch in 6th - The Smiths Bakery or the very pretty, but be prepared to wait, La Maison Sauvage
Glass of wine - came across Dame Jeanne in the 5th, just off the Seine
Lunch/Dinner - Le Grizzli in Les Halles (4th Arr.) for a delicious steak. Tivoli (9th Arr.) for an Italian lunch break from Galleries Lafayette. Le Tribeca for Italian and Le Petit Cler for French (7th Arr.)
Things to do?
Visit St Germain des Pres and stumble across the church of Saint-Suplice, with a pretty fountain, nestled amongst the designer shops (6th Arr.)
Cour du Commerce Saint-Andre (6th Arr.), a cute, cobbled passageway with shops
Galleries Lafayette (9th Arr.) for some serious shopping
Le Marais (4th Arr.) - for vintage shopping and a Soho vibe
Pierre Herme for macarons (bought ours and took on a boat trip)
Boat Cruise with le Bateax Parisiens
Louvre - very busy but worth seeing even if its just for the pics
Place du Tertre - one of my favourite places in Paris. If you're heading for the Sacré-Cœur, have a stroll around Place du Tertre, you won't regret it.
3. Dublin
“Dublin was endearing come rain or shine"
Potentially the friendliest city I have ever visited, the people here make the city. Its the only place where instead of a bouncer saying 'can I check your ID?', they said 'how old are you?' and after I told them, they said 'great, come on in' - I love this level of trust! My boyfriend and I visited in a freezing February, and if you are going to go then, pack multiple layers to keep warm, and hats and umbrellas are a must! Dublin was endearing come rain or shine, if it started to rain, we ducked into a pub until it eased off, or did some shopping (no complaints here). The food is fantastic in Dublin, served in some pretty cool venues. The pubs are expensive in Temple Bar (but a must see once), but venture outside of there and you won't regret it. There is so much to see and do in Dublin, we had a pool in our hotel and didn't even have time to see it! We were only in the city for 3 days and would love to go back, but for now, see my tried and tested recommendations below...
Places to stay?
We stayed at the fantastic Clayton Hotel, could not recommend it more - great location, a short walk to the centre and the bus tour stops opposite (bonus).
Places to eat?
Lunch - Wowburger for a quality beef burger (and the best chips I've ever had?) in a cool venue, but its not easy to find, its in the basement of a cafe called Mary's Bar and Hardware Shop off Grafton Street. Pitt Bros BBQ was another delicious lunch spot we enjoyed.
Dinner - Boxty House, a traditional Irish restaurant in Temple Bar. Yamamori, delicious Japanese dining, loved the layout and decor of this place too, a cool find.
Drinks - Auld Dubliner in Temple Bar (cosy with fab live music) and the famous Temple Bar pub - a must visit, very busy maze - I actually preferred the more demure, low key pubs like The Ferryman (conveniently located right by our hotel).
Snacks - who knew the Irish had so many donut shops?! (Boston Donuts, Offbeat Donuts)
Things to do?
St Stephen's Green Park
Guinness Storehouse - even if you don't like Guinness
Trinity College - stroll around for free but book the Old Library and Book of Kells in advance (its stunning in here, really)
Docklands - for a walk along the River Liffey
Ha'penny Bridge
Grafton Street for shopping
Bus Tour - hop on, hop off really helped us get our bearings and see places further afield, we wouldn't have otherwise gone to (Kilmainham Gaol tour is on my list for next time!)
Get in touch if you've been to any of the above places or have recommendations for Amsterdam, Paris, Dublin or even anywhere similar. I'd love to hear from you!
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