Results for Central Europe

Amsterdam is the first stop for many incoming (and departing) international flights so you may find yourself with a long layover and want to get out of the airport and explore. In this guide we’ll share everything you need to know about a layover in Amsterdam. How do I get from the airport to the city center? The train is a quick and convenient way to arrive in the city center in less than 20 minutes. You can even use your contactless debit card, credit card or mobile phone to pay and not worry about messing around with the ticket machines. Just tap and go. Each way costs about 5 euros per person making it relatively affordable too considering how much it can cost to get to and from the airport in other major European cities like London and Paris. Where do I store my luggage? If you have bags or suitcases you’d like to store while you’re out exploring you can use luggage lockers or the baggage storage area. There are 5 luggage lockers after security that cost 8 euros a day. The lockers are 40x40 cm and have a depth of 70 cm. You can leave bags in a locker close to your departure gate before leaving the secure area or take them to baggage storage on level -1, between Arrivals 1 and Arrivals 2. Hand baggage (max size 55x35x25cm) costs 6 euros a piece per day. You can also store larger luggage here for an additional fee. You can view the map on the Schipol website and search “locker” to find the luggage lockers after security or search “storage” to see where the baggage storage before security is located. Additional information on luggage storage can be found on the Schipol Airport website. What can I do on my long layover? There’s a lot you can do near Amsterdam Centraal. - Take photos at the row houses. - Take a boat tour for a unique perspective of Amsterdam from it’s iconic canals. The Our Lord in the Attic Museum is a lesser known spot just around the corner from where many of the boat tours leave. - Visit Amsterdam’s oldest building, Oude Kerk Amsterdam, which was a church but is now used for concerts and cultural events. It’s located in the middle of the Red Light District. - If you’re looking for free sites, check out the Basilica of Saint Nicholas. It’s free to visit and just only a 5 minute walk from Amsterdam Centraal. - Do some shopping on Damrak Avenue and grab souvenirs like cheese (many of the stores offer free samples!) and other Dutch goods. HEMA is a cute store worth checking out for affordable and often practical souvenirs as well. - At Dam Square you’ll find the ornate Royal Palace Amsterdam and The New Church. - One of the best ways to enjoy Amsterdam is admiring the picture perfect canals. If you want to go inside a canal house and see what it was like back in 1620, check out the Museum House Bartolotti. - If you want to visit the Anne Frank House be sure to reserve your tickets two months in advance! How long do I need for a long layover? We wouldn’t recommend leaving the airport if you have less than a 6 hour layover. If you’ve been to Amsterdam before and are familiar with the airport, public transportation, and the city you can maybe get away with leaving on a shorter layover, but for first time visitors you want to make sure you give yourself enough time. Seven hours or more would be ideal. Remember, if you’re traveling internationally and this is your first stop in Europe, you’ll need to go through customs and immigration and if it’s your last stop before leaving Europe you’ll need to go through immigration after security when leaving. The lines for immigration can be quite long in Europe so always give yourself plenty of time and stay up to date on current conditions at security. What can I do if my layover is under 6 hours? If you have a short layover there are a lot of shopping options in the Schipol airport. Pre-security you can find local stores like the grocery store Albert Heijn or the department store HEMA for local souvenirs or shops like Bloem and Fleurtiek for tulips and bulbs. Also, before security check out the Panorama Terrace for plane spotting and tour a KLM Fokker 100 plane too! Just because you can’t make it into the city doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the artwork from the Dutch masters. After security the Rijksmuseum Schiphol has a small collection of art from the middle ages to now straight from the Rijksmuseum. It even has its own gift shop. You can also visit the Airport Library with books by Dutch authors in different languages, music, and other cultural displays. Do I need a visa to leave the airport on my layover? That depends on what country your passport is from. As of now US citizens do not need a visa to visit the Netherlands. Starting in 2025 US citizens (and other countries) will need an 8 euro ETIAS travel authorization. That official date for when that will be rolled out has not been announced, but you can check this site for updates.

The Netherlands, or the friendly nickname "Holland," is like a hidden European treasure chest. It's got a little something for everyone, seriously! From cool cultural spots to chill nature escapes, this place has you covered, no matter what floats your boat.

Looking for a budget friendly trip to Amsterdam? Here's how I did it without breaking the bank! This guide of more than 20 places includes fun places to eat, quirky shops, affordable lodging, and cheap/free sightseeing opportunities. If you enjoy this guide, please save it, share it, leave a tip, or write a review! Follow me and be the first to know when I create new guides. Thanks!

Rome, the eternal city, captivates visitors with its timeless allure and monumental history. Steeped in over 2,000 years of civilization, every corner tells a story of ancient empires, Renaissance art, and modern vitality. A visit to the Colosseum, the grand amphitheater that once hosted gladiatorial contests, offers a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Rome, while the Roman Forum nearby serves as an open-air museum of political and social life in antiquity. Beyond the ruins, Vatican City beckons with the awe-inspiring St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums, home to Michelangelo's masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel ceiling. Wandering through Rome's cobblestone streets, visitors encounter an endless array of architectural marvels, from the majestic Pantheon to the elegant Spanish Steps. Each piazza invites leisurely strolls and indulgent dining experiences, where traditional trattorias serve up delectable Roman cuisine alongside world-class wines. Embrace the city's dolce vita spirit with a leisurely passeggiata along the Tiber River or a sunset vista from the romantic Gianicolo Hill. With its blend of ancient grandeur and modern charm, Rome promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of Italy's cultural legacy. This guide includes: - introductory note - places to visit (museums and cultural venues, open squares, and others) - photo spots Get to see more from my travels on my Instagram (@pedralexpereira) and Flickr (flickr.com/photos/pedralexpereira)

Welcome to Palermo, the vibrant and culturally rich capital of Sicily! Nestled along the picturesque coastline of southern Italy, Palermo offers a captivating blend of history, architecture, and culinary delights. From ancient landmarks to bustling markets, there's something to enchant every traveler who ventures into this Mediterranean gem. This guide includes: - introductory note - places to visit (museums and cultural venues, open squares, and others) - photo spots Get to see more from my travels on my Instagram (@pedralexpereira) and Flickr (flickr.com/photos/pedralexpereira)

Bucharest, Romania's capital, is a dynamic city blending history with modernity. Grand boulevards, elegant architecture, and lively squares characterize its urban landscape. From the imposing Palace of the Parliament to the vibrant Lipscani district, Bucharest offers a rich tapestry of culture, cuisine, and nightlife. With museums, parks, and diverse dining options, the city invites exploration and promises unforgettable experiences at every turn. This guide includes: - introductory note - places to visit (photo spots, museums and cultural venues,, open squares, beaches and others) - restaurants, coffeeshops and sweets spots - photo spots Get to see more from my travels on my Instagram (@pedralexpereira) and Flickr (flickr.com/photos/pedralexpereira)

Athens, the historic capital of Greece, is a city where ancient history meets modern vibrancy. Dominated by the iconic Acropolis, crowned by the majestic Parthenon temple, Athens is a treasure trove of archaeological wonders and cultural landmarks. The Acropolis Museum, with its impressive collection of ancient artifacts, provides insight into the city's golden age of classical civilization. This guide includes: - introductory note - places to visit (photo spots, museums and cultural venues,, open squares, beaches and others) - restaurants, coffeeshops and sweets spots - photo spots Get to see more from my travels on my Instagram (@pedralexpereira) and Flickr (flickr.com/photos/pedralexpereira)

What to do, see & eat if you have four to five days in picturesque Amsterdam! In this guide I list my recommendations for accommodation, restaurants, cafes, local shops, museums & things to do!

Accommodation options in Australia can be really overwhelming, so I found the best options for hostels and hotels so that you don't have to! This guide is all you will need to choose and book your hostels up the East Coast! With honest and real recommendations for different options, check out these hostels to plan your trip!

Here are my recommendations for a short stay in Vienna and not miss the essentials!

This 7-day itinerary in Puglia is a "clé en main" step-by-step guide designed for ease of travel, showcasing the highlights of Bari, Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, Alberobello, Locorotondo and Brindisi. It includes daily recommendations for must-see attractions, local dining options, and detailed parking and navigation tips, allowing travellers to seamlessly enjoy the region's rich culture and the relaxed rhythm of Italian life while exploring. Please remember that this itinerary has been custom crafted for a client , but I’m always available for hire to modify it to suit your preferences. Additionally, you can purchase my comprehensive map of recommended places throughout Puglia, allowing you to make different choices beyond what is proposed here.

Are you planning a trip to Lake Como but not sure where to start? This I have you covered. From the options of where to stay, how to get around and where to eat. Hopefully, this Lake Como guide will save you time researching so that you can start making those bookings for an amazing trip to this breathtaking region in Italy! In this guide you will find: - How to get to Lake Como - Which towns to stay in on Lake Como - Budget-friendly acommodation recommendations - How to get around the lake - Which towns to visit - What to do in each town - Best places to eat - Day trips from the lake *Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.* Don't forget to download Thatch free app to best use this interactive guide :)