Author: wpadm
20 Useful travel tips
20 Useful Travel Tips
“Travel tips to make your next trip more comfortable”
These post gives you 20 useful travel tips to make your next trip more comfortable. Every time you travel, you already noticed by yourself, you thought by yourself: If I had this, it would be handy. Well, this post will give you 20 things to make your next trip more useful.
Post estimated read time : 18 minutes
Useful tips to travel with less stress
“Travel with more pleasure and less stress”
Below, we share with you 20 useful tips to travel more comfortable. Read them all and travel the next time with less stress. So, you’ll travel with more pleasure. In most cases, this will have a positive effect on your whole trip.
The list of the 20 useful travel tips
- Comfortable clothes
- Cash
- Activate Debit Card for abroad
- Drinking bottle
- Pick-nick recyclable glass and cutlery
- Power bank
- Multiple plug adapter
- Plastic bags
- Travel & hotel documents on paper
- Only the keys and cards you need
- Offline maps
- Google translate offline
- Music / video offline
- Activate roaming
- Digital copy of your ID-card / travel passport
- App to know sunrise and sunset
- Flashlight
- Register the location of where you stay digitally
- Pillowcase
- Keep electronics / fluids apart
1 – Comfortable Clothes
“Wear clothes to make you feel relaxed”
In most cases when you travel, you are a long time under the way. If you travel by car, airplane, train, motor, bus, bicycle or what else, it also feels better if you are relaxed. The right clothes have their influence on your mood during the trip. When you travel for holiday, why should you wear a bulky tight jeans and shirt if you feel yourself more comfortable in a workout outfit? Why you don’t just wear that comfortable workout outfit? You will feel yourself more relaxed and in your mind your holiday already starts from the moment you decided to wear the outfit where you feel yourself the most comfortable.
“Practical at passenger control”
Also, when you have to pass a passenger control, comfortable clothes are more practical. Because, in most cases you don’t have to wear a belt or something else you have to take off at the control. So, you don’t have to think to take it off. This makes you less stressed and you win also a little bit time. In my opinion, this is a complete win-win on all fronts.
2 – Cash
“Not everywhere is it common to pay digital”
Also because digital payments are more and more in use at a lot of places, at some locations it still is more common to pay cash. Yes, also in Europe. Or what if no digital payment method is working due to technical issues and you have not the possibility to withdraw cash? Well, when you travel it is a good idea to hold a little bit cash, in the currency of the country where you travel to, with you.
But of course, in most countries in Europe it is possible to withdraw cash with your card. So, a little bit cash for during your travel and your first day is maybe enough.
“Cash gives you more flexibility”
Also when you have a little bit cash with you, it gives you more flexibility. As told above, you still can pay when the digital way is not working. Also in some countries, when you pay cash, you get more done of the locals. Some terminals to pay digital also don’t accept cards from foreign countries.
“Cash gives you more flexibility”
Also when you have a little bit cash with you, it gives you more flexibility. As told above, you still can pay when the digital way is not working. Also in some countries, when you pay cash, you get more done of the locals. Some terminals to pay digital also don’t accept cards from foreign countries.
“A tip for a good service”
Did you got a good service? Well, in tourism and in some countries it still is very common to give a tip for a good service. So, with a little bit cash with you, it is more easy to give a tip for a good service. The local worker will love it and like to give you some extra’s they don’t give to everyone.
3 – Activate your debit card for abroad
“Debit cards are cheaper as credit cards”
As told above, in most European countries it is possible to withdraw cash. In that case, your cards have to be active abroad. Of course, a credit card will work very well. But, did you know that sometimes you have to pay an extra fee when you withdraw cash with your credit card and not with a debit card? Some countries also have different types of cash terminals. This means that you have to pay an extra fee at one kind of terminal and not at the other. So, inform yourself about this.
4 – Drinking bottle
“Ideal to refill”
Traveling don’t have to be expensive. It all depends on how you fill it in for yourself. Point 4 informs you about how nice it is to have a refillable drinking bottle with you. So, you have the opportunity to refill this where you want. Many countries have a lot of places where you can tap drinking water. Also in the airport this is very handy. To pass the passenger control, you have to be careful with the liquids you have with you. But, an empty bottle you can refill is no problem. After this control, you can fill this bottle without any problem. It is a lot cheaper as the expensive drinks you find at the airport.
“Also handy on your trips”
It also is handy during your whole trip. If you plan to hike, walk in a city or travel around, you always have a bottle with you that you can refill where you want. Where you stay, you fill this bottle or with your favorite drink you bought in a shop. So, you have your drink always with you in your favorite ecological bottle and on the way you feel yourself comfortable. No hassle!
5 – Pick-nick recyclable glass and cutlery
“Ready to eat and drink”
You want to have a pick-nick or only eat and drink something on your room. But the only glass in your room can find is to brush your teeth. Drinking you favorite drink feels more familiar in glass adapted to it. Then it is a good idea to take it with you in your luggage. Even when you want eat something, a recyclable travel cutlery is a good idea. When you have to pass a passenger control, a (real) cutlery is not possible in most cases. Because, the knife can be seen as a weapon. Sure, you maybe simply also can ask for it at the reception of your stay. But if you have it with you, you can easily eat and drink when and where you want without the need to search or buy a whole set on the location where you travel to.
6 – Power bank
“Power everywhere”
If you have a lot of electronic devices with you, it can be very hateful that all your devices are running out of power. Here comes the power bank. A small compact electronic device to charge all your other devices is very welcomed. Most compact electronic devices charge on USB. The power banks have standard USB as output. When you have a wall power point, like in your hotel, you recharge this power bank again. So, the next day you are ready to go again.
7 – Multiple plug adapter
“Make a multi contact from a single power point”
In almost every room of B&B or hotel is it the same. You don’t find enough power points to charge your electronic devices. Especially, where we live in a time where more travelers have more electronic devices with a battery: A mobile phone, a tablet, maybe a digital camera, a small laptop, an action cam, a flashlight and so on. Luckily, you charge the most of these devices on USB. So, if you have one power point where you could connect more USB devices, it should be wonderful. The multi plug adapter with more USB connection gives you here a solution. So, you can charge for example 4 USB devices on one point and you don’t need 4 separate power points in your room.
“Power from the TV”
Did you know that most flat screen TV’s also have USB connections? Also here you maybe have a power point for your USB devices. You don’t need the power adapter of your device itself, the USB cable is more then enough. OK, this port maybe don’t charge at the same speed as your familiar adapter, but you can charge your device. If it is charged the next day, it is OK, isn’t it?
8 – Plastic bags
“Keep your used clothes separate of your other clothes”
In your luggage, keep your used clothes separate of your other clothes. This holds your clothes, you still didn’t used, clean. When you are back home, it also is more easy to know which clothes you absolutely have to wash and which maybe not. Plastic bags are very handy for this. If you take multiple plastic bags in your luggage, you also can use one for each kind of used clothes. Your underwear together and shirt in another.
“Wanna shop”
Do you want to shop on your holiday? If you have plastic bags with you, you can use them to put in all your goods in it. So, you don’t have to ask for a bag in the shop. In Europe, in many countries, you have to pay some extra coins when you buy a bag for your products. So take it with you from home.
It also works visa-versa. If you have a plastic bag of a shop where you putted in all your products, you can use it afterwards in your luggage to separate your used clothes from the other clothes.
9 – Travel & hotel documents on paper
“Better to bypass digital issues”
As already told a few times, it is better to have a plan B to bypass digital issues. So also here, I give you the tip to have an alternative if there occur issues with the digital ways of check-in for your transport or hotel. Also if you rent a car. Normally you don’t need these documents on paper. But, what if the digital way at your location is not working correctly, your device to confirm your booking is not working or there are issues with your booking (not found in the system, double booking, …) ? Believe me, if there are issues, in most cases it works better if you can show your booking confirmation on paper.
And also for your mindset it is better to have a plan B that is not digital. Especially, if you go abroad for a longer period. Because you know for yourself that you have a plan B if there are some issues., you can travel in a more relaxed way. That is what a holiday trip should be, isn’t it?
10 – Only the keys and cards you need
“Don’t take things only good to lose”
If you travel to another country, don’t take tings with you that are only good to lose. You are nothing with the key of your postbox or the all the keys of your house. If you have one key of your house with you, that is good enough. And why you should take the keys of your car with you on holiday when your car stay at home.
Even for cards you don’t need on holiday, leave them at home. On holiday you are nothing with loyalty cards of shops near your home and that are not at your travel destination. It saves places in your pocket and your mindset if you just leave them at home. You can’t lose them on holiday.
“Keep items on a save place”
OK, I understand that for some items you don’t feel comfortable to leave them at home when you aren’t there for a long time. For example, the keys of your car when the car still stands in the garage of your house. Well, in such a case leave the keys at a save place where you feel comfortable. The main point is to leave your items you don’t need on holiday at a save place where you can’t lose them and you feel OK that they are there during your trip.
11 – Offline maps
“Not need to travel online”
OK, many cars have GPS system. If you rent a car it can be much cheaper if the car has no GPS system. It also is possible to take TomTom or Garmin device with you. But did you know that with Google Maps you can download the maps of many locations on your device to navigate offline? Also, there are many apps available for your smartphone that you can completely use offline. It has the same cost as a TomTom or Garmin device, but is a lifetime activation code. You don’t miss updates and are able to download the maps and use the app completely in offline modus. When you change from mobile device, only enter your account details and activation code again and you are up and running. Without buying a new GPS-device or service. My favorite navigation app is Sygic.
“Avoid extra costs and roaming data”
Indeed, Waze is a very good app to navigate. But your mobile data have to be always on to load the maps. When you are in another country, this is using your Roaming services and maybe this can have extra costs. Some places on your trip also don’t have a strong internet connection. So, download or update the map of your location to your device and you don’t need to activate your internet during the travel. Only, if you need traffic updates or alternative routes, then of course an internet connection is needed. But you also can use it to find the right way by walking in offline mode.
12 – Google Translate offline
“Talk with the locals”
In the same way as the previous point, it also can be very helpful to download your own mother tongue and the language of your destination on your device in Google Translate. Also in this case, you are able to translate words, texts and sentences in offline mode. Even you and a local both can speak in there mother tongue to the device and Google does the rest. It translates it to the language of the other. Or what do you think to translate of a whole menu in a restaurant with the use of your camera? You will be happy to feel yourself in a modern world where you connect yourself with the locals. Because language is the basic to connect with the others.
13 – Music / Video offline
“Be ready for death moments”
To prepare yourself for your trip, again something to download on your mobile device. Also download your favorite music or videos on your smart device. With this useful travel tip, you are ready to for some death moments on your trip. Especially, if there is no internet connection possible, like in an air plane or in some bus trips.
14 – Activate Roaming
“Be online abroad”
The previous points talked about using the tools offline, without an internet connection. But, of course, there also are moments you want to use your internet connection and you are not able to use WiFi. For these moments you will use the roaming services of your smartphone or mobile device with a SIM-card. Activate your roaming services on your device, but also be sure it is activated in your plan by your mobile operator.
15 – Digital copy of your ID-card / travel passport
“Always possible to identify yourself”
This useful travel tip is the other way as told above. Here I advise you to make a digital copy of your ID-card and/or your travel passport. In that case, your plan B is to have a digital equivalent of your cards. Very useful if you lose them or for some other reasons. OK, in some cases it is not a valid way to identify you. But you always have something with you in case you need it.
“Give a copy in the hotel”
You also can print out this digital copy of your passports. So, for example in the hotel you don’t have to give your ID-card at check-in. You can give this printed copy. At the check-in they will do the same, copy your passport. You make it easier for the accommodation as well, because you did some work for them as well.
16 – App to know sunrise and sunset
“When does the day start and end”
Mostly when you are on holiday, you don’t care about time or when is the day starts and when the day ends. But in some cases you like to know when the sun comes up and goes under. Imagine you want to make a romantic trip, for example a boat trip or a walk in the nature. The best period for a colorful romantic time is mostly in the hour before the sunset, or after sunrise. It can be very interesting to know when such moments are on the day on the location of your trip. When you want to know this, follow this useful travel tip and install a location daylight app on your mobile device.
“The most beautiful colors of the day”
As told above, there are 2 moments on the day which have the most colors. These are called the Golden Hour. In the morning it is the hour starting from the sunrise and in the evening the hour before the sunset. If you like photography, you maybe already know this. To know this moments on your location, an app on your mobile device can be very handy for this. I use the app Golden Hour for this.
17 – Flashlight
“Always light in the darkness”
A good or simply a small flashlight is always handy. A small device, chargeable on USB, does not take much space in your luggage or to carry with you. Smartphones also are equipped with a flashlight. But, a small flashlight can have a stronger light and light further. When you walk in the dark, it can be helpful to have such a separate device with you. Also you can use the battery of your smartphone for other things. For example if you need to call or connect with others in an urgent situation and you only have your phone with you.
18 – Register the location of where you stay digitally
“Find your way back”
Not everyone is even good in finding the way. That is OK. There is nothing wrong with using the tools you have to help you out. So, it can be helpful to save digitally the coordinates or address of the location where you stay. You can do this in your navigation app, like Google Maps. But there also are other apps to do this.
19 – Pillowcase
“A pillow for everywhere”
Put a pillowcase in your hand luggage. You can fold it very small and it doesn’t take much space. So, you can put it almost everywhere. When you need a pillow, put some soft clothes in the pillowcase and there you go. You can use it as a comfortable pillow to relax or sleep. Useful travel tips can be so simple and easy and give you a lot back.
“Used clothes”
In point 8, I also told about using plastic bags for your used clothes. Also the pillowcase of this tip can be used for it. When you have the possibility, you put it together with your other clothes in the washing machine.
20 – Keep electronics / fluids apart
“You find them in a fast way”
When you keep all your electronic devices and also your fluids apart from your other luggage, you find them in a fast way when you need them. For example at a passenger control, when you need to separate these products for the scanner. At that moment, you only have to separate the pocket of all your electronics from the other luggage and you’re done. You can do exactly the same for fluids.
Extra : Tips where to eat
“Avoid the touristic places”
Above we already give you 20 useful travel tips. I hope these make your next trip more comfortable and relaxed. Now, I will give you one extra tip for during your travel. Because, a good food is also very important for a memorable trip and enjoy your time. So this extra tip will give you information for your meals.
When you don’t booked an hotel with full pension, you need to go out to eat during lunch and diner. At the most locations, the most bet local restaurants are not at the touristic areas. If you want to get good local quality, and mostly at lower prices, you have to avoid these touristic places and go to regions out of these areas. In most cities, the best restaurants are not in the region where all the restaurants are together.
So, you want to go local? Then also go local..
#usefultraveltips #traveltips #howtotravel #travelcomfortable #relaxedtrip
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Watertaxi
Watertaxi Rotterdam
“Over the river to 50 places”
Post estimated read time : 2 minutes
Travel over the river in Rotterdam
“Your transport over the Nieuwe Maas to 50 places”
On the Nieuwe Maas, the New Meuse, you can take a transport to almost 50 different places in the city. On this link you find a map of all the pick-up and drop-off points of the Watertaxi in Rotterdam. This is a nice way to travel over the river in Rotterdam. This is part of the public transport network in Rotterdam.
“A fast unique way of transport”
The Watertaxi is a fast way to bring you from one side to the other side of the city. This without a lot of hassle or traffic jams. But all over the water of the Nieuwe Maas. Isn’t it nice? This network is a unique way of transport in Europe.
“For locals and tourists”
Many locals take this kind of water transport every day, like others take the bus, tram or metro. But, it also is very popular by tourists. And, I only can advise you when you make a trip to Rotterdam, this is a must do!
“One way trips, round trips or events”
It is possible to take the water taxi for only one trip. In this case, they bring you from one point to another point. But you have to book your ticket in advance. Click this link to book your ticket now. You also can book a round trip and define your route by yourself. Or what do you think to make a private booking for an event or a special occasion? Well it all is possible. Click on the button below for more information.
#watertaxi #nieuwemaas #transport #riverside
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Rotterdam
Rotterdam
“Erasmus & architecture at the largest Port of Europe”
Post estimated read time : 7 minutes
Welcome to the second largest city of The Netherlands. Let’s guide you through Rotterdam, at the Maas. This is the city of Erasmus & architecture at the largest Port of Europe. Read this post to find out why Rotterdam is a must see city in South-Holland.
Information
Country
The Netherlands
Type of location
City
Province/District
South-Holland
Province/District capital
Den Haag (The Hague)
Regional part
Holland
Country capital distance
80 km
Nickname
Rotjeknor
Website
Erasmus, architecture and largest Port of Europe
In Rotterdam, you can discover a lot of modern, special architectural buildings near the river Maas. If you want to make your name as an architect, than Rotterdam is the place to be. But of course, Rotterdam is not only architecture. In Rotterdam, they also claim that the great humanist Erasmus is one of them. Finally, Rotterdam has the largest sea port of Europe, and that is a certainty.
“Manhattan at the Maas”
When you arrive in Rotterdam and you walk through the city, you see it immediately: high buildings and skyscrapers. A lot of these buildings have special, modern and unique forms and building styles. Some monuments that define the skyline are the Erasmus Bridge, Euromast, the central library, the cubic houses and the pencil, De Hef and the Market Hall. Together with the large sea port and history of the transatlantic sea route, Rotterdam is also called the “Manhattan at the Maas”. Below you read more about the reason of how these buildings arose in the city.
“Bombed to the ground in 1940”
At the begin of World War II, the historical heart of the city was completely bombed down in almost 15 minutes by the Nazi’s. Now Rotterdam was occupied by the Nazi’s. A lot of rubble had to be removed. Some waterways were filled with all this rubble. After the war, the city had to rebuilt. So, a lot of architects were needed to do this. This was the start of the new city. The new Rotterdam was born. The statue “De Verwoeste Stad” reminds on this history.
“The claim of Erasmus”
Perhaps, you already heard of the great humanist, writer, theologian and philosopher Desiderius Erasmus. It is assumed that he was born in Rotterdam. But also in Gauda, a little bit further, they claim that Erasmus could be born in their city. Also, about his year of birth are discussions. Is it 1466, 1467 or 1469? A certainty is that he was born on 28 October. His father was a Catholic priest. This is probably one of the reasons of the uncertainty of Erasmus’ exact year and place of birth. Because, a Catholic priest is not allowed to father children, certainly not in that time. So, let us assume that Erasmus is from Rotterdam. But for Erasmus himself it was never a problem. Because, one of his slogans was:
“Quaevis terra patria”
In English: “The whole world is my home”.
A nice slogan, which also fits with the spirit of Let’s Guide You.
Location keywords:
Erasmus, South-Holland, Skyscrapers, Maas, Sea Port
Buy your tickets online
Do you wanna visit a some interesting monuments? Did you know that you can skip the line? Nice, isn’t it? It is easy to buy your entrance tickets online on Tiqets.com. So, you don’t have the wait in long line to enter the monument.
Save the date
Film Festival
End of January
At the end of January, the International Film Festival of Rotterdam takes place. It is the largest film festival in The Netherlands. It also is marked by the many festivities in the evening.
The festival is hold on many locations in the city, with the most of them near the Central station.
Marathon
Half of April
The largest 1-day event of The Netherlands, that is the Marathon of Rotterdam. With more than 900.000 participants it is a very famous run. Also, the World Record has already been broken 2 times on this marathon.
The start and finish of this marathon are on the Coolsingel, near the city hall.
Rotterdam Unlimited
July
Rotterdam Unlimited is the combination of 2 summer festivals. Since 2013, the Summer Carnival and Dunya Festival came together in 1 new summer festival. This festival takes place in July in the center of the city on many different locations.
The Summer Carnival is a variant of the Latino Carnival and takes 3 days, spread over 2 weekends. It was for the first time organized in the 80’s. In the 70’s, you had the Dunya Festival for the first time. This was a festival with street actors, world music and storytellers. As told, now these festivals are blended together into 1 huge summer city festival.
VKV City Racing
Begin of August
Do you like fast cars of the highest level? Do you like Formule-1? Well, in that case this is an ideal event for you. In August, you get a huge demonstration of Formule-1 cars in the city of Rotterdam. The pilots drive over the Coolsingel, Blaak and the Willems Bridge. This is no race, but a demonstration of the racing cars. The event took place in 2005 for the first time and is also known as “Monaco at the Maas”.
World Port Days
September
Rotterdam has the largest sea port of Europe. So, there has to be an event to celebrate the port. The World Port Days is a 3 days event in September and attracts every year around 500.000 people.
This is the ideal moment to take a look into the port of Rotterdam. You can visit a lot of ships and demonstrations near the Nieuwe Maas, the New Maas.
6 Days of Track Cycling
December
Again a huge sport event in Rotterdam. In December, you have to go to the Ahoy for the 6-Days of Rotterdam Track Cycling. The event hall of Rotterdam transforms for 6 days in a huge cycling event with a lot of joy. If you love cycling and a lot of atmosphere, than this is the place to be. Find out more on their website.
Book your stay now
Find your perfect stay in Barcelona and enjoy this lovely city by yourself.
How to reach
By car
Because Rotterdam is one of the largest cities in The Netherlands, a lot of highways pass this city. So, it is very easy to reach Rotterdam by car. In the center of the city are a lot of parking places to leave your car. But, there also are many P+R parkings around the city. Here you can park your car for a cheap price or for free. Public transport brings you in an easy way to the heart of Rotterdam.
By bus, tram, metro, water taxi
Rotterdam has a very good bus, tram and metro network. RET is the company who transports you in and around Rotterdam. If you don’t wanna walk to the other place in the city, than RET is there for you. In Rotterdam, also a must do is taking the watertaxi. On many places you can go on board. These taxi’s bring you over the river to almost every place in the city.
By train
Rotterdam Central is the main train station in the city. This is a central place for public transport in the city. With the NS, it is possible to reach this station from many places in The Netherlands. Also an international train from Belgium brings you from Brussels and Antwerp to Rotterdam.
By airplane
Rotterdam has his own airport. But the international airport of Amsterdam, Schiphol, also is not far away. A train brings you from Schiphol to Rotterdam Central station. There also is a connection to the airport of Brussels, Belgium, with the international train.
#rotterdam, #seaport, #erasmus, #maasriver, #southholland, #thenetherlands
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3 Houses of Gaudí
3 Houses of Gaudí
“Buildings of the typical Catalan Modernism style”
Post estimated read time : 8 minutes
“3 Different houses, but all in contact with the nature”
Maybe the most famous architect of Barcelona is Antoni Gaudí. His style is known as the Catalan Modernism Architecture. Barcelona has 3 houses of Gaudí, where this typical style comes alive. Although, the most famous buildings are The Sagrada Família and Park Güell. Nature is the main factor that appears in all Gaudí’s buildings. This post tells you more about Gaudí’s 3 most wonderful houses.
“Use the nature to make it alive”
For Gaudí, the people is part of the nature. Nature and natural aspects were the basics of his buildings. In the house, he wanted to use the natural elements to bring color, atmosphere, light, ventilation and so on. Also, curved lines are typical for him. Nothing is straight. You will never find straight corners in his buildings, but always rounded. This way, it stays alive and it doesn’t feel as collisions.
“Art must be functional to be beautiful”
Gaudí didn’t designed artistic things without any goal. Everything had to be functional. But of course, it also had to be nicely designed and finished.
Locations
“Gràcia is the key”
If you wanna visit the houses, than it is important to know where these are located. The first house in located in Gràcia. While the other 2 houses are on the Passeig de Gràcia in Eixample.
Visit the 3 houses
Wanna visit the 3 houses? Book your bundle on
This is the place to be to buy your entrance tickets in advance. So, you don’t have to wait in the long row at the monument itself. You just can go to the entrance and visit the house. Press the image below.
Casa Vicens
“First house of Gaudí”
“A summer house for a tile manufacturer”
Casa Vicens is the first house built by Antoni Gaudí. The location of this building is in Gràcia. It was a summer house for Manuel Vicens, a tile manufacturer and owner of a brick factory.
“Refraction of light for another feeling”
As told above, nature and natural elements were the key elements of Gaudí’s buildings. When you visit this house, you get immediately a good impression of this idea. By entering the house, you come in a nice entrance hall full of natural elements. Further in the house, each room has his specific aspects of color, natural aspects. It learns you how simple elements like a fountain with a metal raster above, together with the sunlight, can give a room a whole different dimension. Because, this is based on the principle of the refraction of light through a prisma. As a result, you get other colors in the rooms of the house. Of course, this gives you another feeling and dimension.
“A practical rooftop”
Also the rooftop is not flat, but built with oblique surfaces. The meaning of this was to collect the water of the rooftop to reuse it. Also here, a lot of artistic elements can be found. They look like colorful artistic decorative elements placed on the rooftop. But, as I already told above this is not the way how Gaudí designed his buildings. Everything had to be functional, remember? Well, these are the chimneys from the rooms and the kitchen.
Visit Tip
“Buy tickets in advance and use audio guide”
Do you wanna visit this house? Fine! This is a good idea!
It may be a good idea to buy your ticket in advance. Also, it can be needed if you wanna enter. A second reason is that it also can be cheaper. Buying your ticket in advance, is possible in an easy way through their own website. Or you can use a site specialized in entrance tickets like:
Finally, it is also a good idea to use the free audio guide with your mobile device. So, you learn more about the Casa Vicens during your visit.
Casa Battló
“UNESCO classified Gaudí’s Catalan Modernism masterpiece”
The second house in Barcelona designed by Antoni Gaudí, was for the family Battló. Battló was an industrialist in the textile sector. The house was built at the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century. This is one of the masterpieces of Gaudí. You find this UNESCO World Heritage classified house on the Passeig de Gràcia in Eixample. In the street, it immediately stands out through his typical and wonderful facade.
“Live like you are in the water”
The whole house has skeletal organic designs of a fish. Anywhere you find these elements with green to blue colors. You discover this starting from the facade and the main floor, over the 4 other floors to finally reach the rooftop.
“A facade in 3 parts”
The facade has 3 different parts. The bottom part of sandstone from the Monjuïc mountain. Secondly, the middle part with the remarkable balconies, looks like a lake of water lilies. Finally, their is the top part. This is a facade as a crown which connects with the rooftop. In the past, this covered the water tanks of the house. Now it is an empty room.
“The central hall of natural light and ventilation”
The central hall is maybe one of the most impressive places in the house. From bottom to top it is built with blue tiles. All in different color tint. The light comes from above and brings the natural light into the whole building. Through the different color tints, it brings a nice view on each floor. The windows and ventilation grids are also curved. All these aspects together, make it a wonderful appearance when you walk in this building.
“A rooftop with dragon and towers”
The roof has a design like the back of a dragon. There is a theory that the roof symbolizes the symbol of Saint George, the patorn of Catalonia. Because Gaudí was a very Catholic person, this is a very plausible theory. The dragon also appears in Park Güell.
Visit Tip
“Experience the house with the Golden Ticket”
For this house, you need to buy your tickets in advance. Their also are 3 types of visit: basic “BLUE”, “SILVER” and the full experience entrance with “GOLD”.
With all the tickets you get and audio guide, so you learn everything about this masterpiece of Gaudí. But when you buy the full experience ticket, you also have a tablet. On this tablet are reality video’s too. In this way, the house comes alive. I promise you, this is an amazing experience. It is not cheap, but you get a nice experience for your money.
Don’t wait any longer and buy already your tickets over here:
Casa Milà
“The Catalan Modernism piece of art La Pedrera”
On the same Passeig de Gràcia, it is time to discover Casa Milà. Finally, we reach the third house of Gaudí. This UNESCO World Heritage classified house was built for Roger Segimon de Milà. Milà was a rich family in Barcelona. Also here, the facade and inside of the building is curved. These waves combined with the white look of the sandstone make it a superb view. Some love it some not. Many people find this house more some piece of art without any usability presence. Most of the locals didn’t liked this house, after it was built. So, they came with the nickname “La Pedrera”. “Pedrera”, or the Catalan word “a Pedreira” means “stone quarry”. The nickname “La Pedrera” comes from the typical sand stone look and the waves of the building together with the 2 impressive pateos. For the locals, this house of apartments had something like a stone quarry. This nickname still stays alive by the locals.
“2 Pateos for natural light and ventilation”
Antoni Gaudí designed Casa Milá around 2 impressive pateos. These are rounded and bring natural light and ventilation into the building. All the apartments are situated around one of these pateos. On the upper floors there are large inner terraces at the back side. La Padrera is one of the first buildings in his time in the city that had a lift and a garage.
“An impressive rooftop”
On the rooftop you find the same aspects as by the other 2 houses. A nicely roof where the chimneys look like a sort of heads and of course the catholic cross. Also you get a nice view over the city and of his other masterpiece, the Sagrada Família.
“Catalan Modernism still in use”
At this moment, there still live people in some apartements of Casa Milà. Or you can go to the restaurant “El Café de la Pedrera” and get a gastronomic experience under the roof of Gaudí.
Visit Tip
“A guided light show tour at the nocturne”
It is the same for Casa Milà as for the other 2 houses. The best way is to buy your tickets in advance. Also here, in most cases, you maybe still can reserve your tickets on the same day as you want to visit the house.
By going for the nocturne, you get maybe the best experience. This is a guided tour with a amazing light show on the rooftop. Take in mind, also here, nature is the main idea.
To buy your tickets, click the link below:
3 Houses of Gaudí Bundle
It is easy to book your tickets for all these 3 houses of Gaudí together. Take a look on the online ticket store below to book your bundle. In that way, you get the complete Gaudí experience.
All the 3 houses of Gaudí are located near to each other. This makes it possible to visit them all together on 1 day.
#gaudi #3houses #catalanmodernism #gràcia #unesco
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Grote Markt Aalst
Grote Markt Aalst
“Welcome in the heart of the city”
Post estimated read time : 7 minutes
“A main square full of important monuments”
The main square, de Grote Markt, is situated in the center of this charming city. The main shopping streets connect to this square. Here, we find a lot of important monuments. Below in this post you learn more of it.
Monuments
“Monuments on the Grote Markt of Aalst”
Important monuments on this square are the “Borse van Amsterdam”, the UNESCO classified belfry with in front the statue of Dirk Martens and at the right side the city hall. A lot of good bars and eat houses surround these monuments on the Grote Markt.
Borse of Amsterdam
“A late renaissance style historical building”
“The house of the Guild”
This is a historical building in a renaissance style. But the original building on this place had his origin already in the 14th century. Originally it was the house of the Guilds of the Butchers. In that time, it was very common in Flanders that artisans and merchants of the same craft or trade associated themselves in a guild. To profilate themself, they founded their own guild house.
“History of the current building”
In the 17th century the building over there had to make place to enlarge the main square, de Grote Markt. So the building, as you see it now, dates from around 1630. The name “Borse van Amsterdam”, or “Bourse of Amsterdam”, should come from the striking similarities of the front gallery together with the tower with the old Bourse of Amsterdam.
The building changed many times from owners and use. A chamber of rhetoric, a police office and a waiting house were some of the many exploitations of this building. Afterwards, in the 19th century, the conservative Catholic Party, with the main figure Charles Woeste, bought the building. This was in the time of Adolf Daens, the priest who rebelled against the dire conditions of the workers in the factories of Aalst. Now these days, the Borse of Amsterdam houses a restaurant.
Since 1945, the “Borse van Amsterdam”, or also called Bourse of Amsterdam, is classified as monument and Flanders Immovable Heritage.
Belfry
“UNESCO classified and one of the oldest Belfries”
A Belfry is a typical building in the old region of Flanders. These buildings had a lot of important social functions for the people and the city where it belongs to. Of course, it also was important for the prestige, the image, of the city. In the whole building a lot of important city tasks where done and goods saved over there.
“A unique building in 3 different parts”
The building which includes the Belfry of Aalst is known as the oldest Aldermen’s House of his sort of the old Netherlands (The Netherlands + Flanders). It has 3 different parts:
- The Aldermen’s House: This is the back part where the local council took and still take place.
- The Area Cottage: Formerly it was an open area, now it has a late Gothic rooftop. In the past, this was used to inform the people with news or new laws.
- The Belfry: Last but not least the large tower at the left side is the Belfry, which holds the carillon. This part had many social functions. Read further below about these functions. The carillon of Aalst is one of the oldest. Playing music on the carillon is an invention of a person of Aalst around 1480. Some sources tell that it should be Bertel Coecke, but there is nothing sure about this. In that time, the carillon of Aalst was not yet payable. So, the first played carillon was the one of Oudenaarde.
“De Tettentoeren”
By the people of Aalst, the Belfry of Aalst, is also known as “De Tettentoeren” or “The Tower of Breasts”. Because around 1960, the numbers of the clock were replaced by half spheres. From then on, the people used this nickname referring to the similarities of the clock and breasts.
“The social functions of a belfry”
As told above, a belfry had many social functions. First of all, it was to inform the citizens with news or events. To do this, the area cottage in the front was used. Secondly, because a belfry dates from the late middle ages, it was to inform the people about the hour and inform what to do. So, for each day task or reason there was another music on the carillon or another sound of the bells. Finally, it was used for safety reasons. Because on the tower you overlook the whole city and region. This means, that in case of fire, problems, danger, etc … they could stand above at the side of the danger. In this way, the people knew where the problems were and were they had to go for help.
“More as only a Belfry”
Most belfries also had a part to rack convicted persons. The Belfry of Aalst have a lot of cellars where this took place. The gang of Jan de Lichte was convicted over here.
The building of the Belfry was connected with the city hall over the street. In this way, the prominents of the city don’t had to be in contact with the plebs, the normal citizens, when they had to go from the city hall to the Aldermen’s house or visa-versa.
“UNESCO World Heritage”
Due this building is one of the oldest in his style, the Belfry of Aalst is classified as UNESCO World Heritage. Sometimes there are expositions in the building. A few times a year it is open for the public. On these moments, you can go to the top and admire the whole city overview.
Statue of Dirk Martens
“The first modern printing principle”
In the middle of the Grote Markt, you find the statue of Dirk Martens. He was the first printer of The Netherlands of his time, now with location in Belgium. Dirk Martens was a man of Aalst, born in 1446 and lived till 1534. He was the first who used the modern printing principle of loose leaded letters to print the text.
“Published Utopia, Latin, Greek and Hebrew”
“Dirk Martens and Bertel Coecke”
According the legend, Dirk Martens married a sister of Bertel Coecke, a famous bell founder. Oh yes, this is the same Bertel Coecke who we talked about previously in the topic about the inventor of playing the carillon.
City Hall
“The Land of Aelst”
The last monument on the Grote Markt of Aalst, is the City Hall. At the back side, the old Country Hall connects with this building. The front side near the Grote Markt, dates from 1830. The part of the former Country Hall is older and in a Rococo style. They were used as service buildings for The Main College of the Land of Aelst and as a residence. On the courtyard, at the entrance of this Country Hall, you find at the left side a memorial monument of the fallen people of 1830. At the right side stands the statue of “Ondineke”.
In the past, the whole city hall and Country Hall came to the Kattestraat. This is the small street near, and further behind, the Belfry. Over there it was connected to the Belfry building. Now, the buildings near the City Hall are a shop and a restaurant.
#aalst #grotemarkt #belfry #dirkmartens #unesco
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Barcelona
Barcelona
“Gaudí and his Catalan Modernism”
Post estimated read time : 6 minutes
This post informs you about the capital of Catalonia. A city near the Mediterranean Sea with a lot of art, culture and his typical Catalan Modernism buildings thanks to Antoni Gaudí. Wanna learn more, than you need to read this post further below.
Information
Country
Spain
Type of location
City
Province/District
Province/District capital
Barcelona
Regional part
Catalonia
Country capital distance
626 km
Nickname
Barceloní / -ina
Website
“The capital of an autonomous region near the Mediterranean Sea”
Hola! Hello! Now we are in the capital of Catalonia, in the northeastern part of Spain. Near the Mediterranean Sea, we discover Barcelona. But don’t just call it Spain. Because they are very proud on their community. Catalonia is an autonomous community of Spain with his own recognized language and governance. Even in school, the lessons are in Catalan, but they also have Spanish lessons.
As told in the introduction, Barcelona is located near the Mediterranean Sea. So, it has also a lot of wonderful beaches near the sea. The most well known of them are located in La Barceloneta and El Poblenou.
“Barcelona and his famous artistic people”
In the latest centuries, a lot of famous artistic people became famous in this city. Like Antoni Gaudí, Pablo Picasso and Joan Miló are some of them.
“Antoni Gaudí as a Catalan Modernism architect”
It is not possible to visit Barcelona, without seeing a building in the typical Catalan Modernism style of Gaudí. He wanted to build other than others. Some love(d) his buildings, some not. Across the city are so many buildings of Gaudí. His 3 wonderful houses and the famous Park Güell all are UNESCO protected. Last but not least, of course, there is the showpiece of the Sagrada Família. This cathedral must normally be fully completed in 2026, 100 years after the death of Antoni Gaudí itself.
“Abstract artists with fame all over the world”
Aside of this architect, you had also the painter Pablo Picasso and painter/artist Joan Miró who left their mark on this city and booked international fame. Both of them were abstract artists who worked with a few colors to make great works.
Location keywords:
Antoni Gaudí, Pable Picasso, Catalonia, FC Barcelona, Catalan Modernism
Buy your tickets online
Do you wanna visit a some interesting monuments? Did you know that you can skip the line? Nice, isn’t it? It is easy to buy your entrance tickets online on Tiqets.com. So, you don’t have the wait in long line to enter the monument.
Save the date
Santa Eulalia Festival
Around the week of February 12
Already since the 17th century, Santa Eulalia is the patron of Barcelona. She is celebrated on February 12. So, in the week around this day, Barcelona holds a lot of festivities as an homage. A huge winter festival arrives in the streets of Barcelona with parades, the human castles of the Castellers, sardana dancing and fireworks.
Mobile World Congress
End of February
The Mobile World Congress of Barcelona is the most important mobile phone technology convention in the world. Every brand will show his new gadgets and flagship of the year to the world. If you love technology and gadgets, than you have to be here to impress yourself and make contacts. This convention takes place at the Fira Gran Via.
Barcelona Marathon
Half of March
Do you like sport and love to run? than you have to participate in the Barcelona Marathon. This is the 5th biggest marathon of Europe. A nice way to discover a lot of Barcelona’s hotspots on a 42 km long sportive route.
Museum Night
Half of May
Do you like to visit a museum? And what did you think, you can visit it for free? Well, than this is your day! On the Museum Night day, all the Barcelona’s museums are free to visit. Because, it is a special day dedicated to culture, shows, guided tour visits and live music. Elsewhere in Europe, you can also find this opportunity.
Saint Joan
June 23
June 24 is the day to celebrate Saint Joan. In Spain, this is a national holiday. So, this makes it a great excuse to celebrate on June 23.
Brunch in the Park
June till September
On Montjuïc, every Sunday afternoon it is time for dancing in the sun. This together with music from international DJ’s and a huge picnic, beer and family time with the kids around the playgrounds.
Festival Grec
July
In July, a lot of concerts are in the Montjuïc Greek Theatre. On different moments in July, you can look at a variety of shows, concerts, theatre and circus shows. For this reason, the Greek Theatre may be closed during the day to visit.
Fiesta Mayor the Gràcia
Half of August
For almost 1 week, Gràcia transforms in a sort of fantasy world. Every block decorates their street according a chosen theme. In the streets itself is music, joy and parties till early in the morning. During these days, Gràcia is an open disco.
National Day of Catalonia
September 11
The Dia National de Catalunya maybe is the most important day in Barcelona and whole Catalonia. On this they, the Catalan people commemorate the fall of Barcelona to the Spanish troops in 1714. From that moment on, Barcelona lost the Catalan institutions and laws.
Castellers
February till November
Building human castles, it is a typical Catalan tradition. This is also known as Human Tower building. they are called “Castellers” or “Castells”. In whole Catalonia, you have many groups who do this and compete together. The Barcelona’s group “Colla” started in 1969 and is the 4th oldest group of Catalunya.
From Santa Eulalia, the castellers’ season start. From that moment on, they train almost every week. Tourists may visit these trainings at the Carrer de Bilbao, near the Clot metro station. Their trainings our on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Only, in August it is closed for holidays.
The catalan Castellers Tradition is on the list of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. They also perform all of the world.
Book your stay now
Find your perfect stay in Barcelona and enjoy this lovely city by yourself.
How to reach
By car
Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia. So, a lot of important highways pass this city. This means that you can reach Barcelona from any direction by car, except coming from the East. Because, over there you find the Mediterranean Sea.
By bus
Busses are anywhere in and around Barcelona. The bus is a nice sort of public transport to reach the city or travel around in the city center. Or, when arrived in the center of Barcelona, you can of course also go for the metro. Find your way on TMB.
By airplane
El Prat is the international airport of Barcelona. Over there you can take flights to and from almost anywhere in the world. Also, a good place if you want to travel to other cities in Spain. Click the text-link above to navigate to the airport website. In Europe, Vueling is a great airline to book your Barcelona trip.
#barcelona, #catalonia, #anonigaudi, #sagradafamilia, #fcbarcelona, #unesco
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Maastricht
Maastricht
“A quirky city full of history”
Post estimated read time : 4 minutes
On the 2 bank sides of the Maas river, you find the old city Maastricht. This is a small quirky city, founded around 2000 years ago. Furthermore, here is a lot of history bundled into one city. Read more below to discover it all together with us.
Information
Country
The Netherlands
Type of location
City
Province/District
Province/District capital
Maastricht
Regional part
Zuid-Limburg
Country capital distance
210 km
Nickname
Reubeslikker (Turnip swallower)
Website
“A fordable place on the 2 banks of the Maas”
Welcome in Zuid-Limburg. Near the river of the Maas, the small lively city of Maastricht welcomes you. Already around 2000 years, there live people continuously on this place. On the 2 banks of the river where the first settlements, which was a fordable area.
These days, the 2 sides of the river still have their own characteristics. On the eastern side, you find Wyck (pronounced: Wiek). At the other hand, on the other river side, you simply find Maastricht.
“Quirky city with his own language and festivals”
The city, and the whole region of Zuid-Limburg, is a little bit quirky. Very noticeable is the fact that they have their own kind of language. A lot of locals still speak it. Due to the geographical location, it is a mix between Dutch, German and French. Also, make a lot of fun is not strange for this people. Carnival of Maastricht is a huge festival. In summer times, André Rieu brings the best of himselve at Het Vrijthof.
Location keywords:
Maestrich, south-limburg, Maas, André Rieu, carnival
Buy your tickets online
Do you wanna visit a some interesting monuments? Did you know that you can skip the line? Nice, isn’t it? It is easy to buy your entrance tickets online on Tiqets.com. So, you don’t have the wait in long line to enter the monument.
Hotspots
Tours
Food
Local Tips
Book your stay now
Find your perfect stay in Maastricht and enjoy this lovely city by yourself.
Save the date
Carnival
Normally in February
February, is in a lot of places in the world the moment to celebrate Carnival. A Christian festival at the end of the Winter and to welcome the Spring. Even also here in Maastricht, carnival is a huge festival. Take present for this lively street event.
TEFAF
End of June
For already many years, Maastricht is the home location of TEFAF. An international art fair, organized in the MECC. Art lovers, artists and curious visitors from all over the world are here present. TEFAF transforms the city in splendor. In a way that the whole city center sprankles on artistic waves as never before. If you love art, this event is where you have to be.
André Rieu Summer concerts
Begin of July
In the summer time, the Vrijthof transforms in a huge concert arena. At this moment, the great artiest and violist André Rieu performs in any concerts on this square. Together with his Johan Strauss Orchestra, he gives many impressive open air concerts. Tickets are very expensive.
Winter Concerts André Rieu
Half of December
Half of December, on Het Vrijthof in the city center, you can admire the Christmas Concert of André Rieu. The world famous violist, coming from Maastricht, gives a lot of open air concerts with the Johann Strauss Archestra.
How to reach
By car
Through the A2 (E25), it is one of the most easy ways to enter Maastricht. As well as coming from the north, even as coming from the south. The highways from the nearby countries Belgium and Germany also are fine to reach Maastricht. Tip: a nice idea is to park your car at Maastrich Noord and take the bus over there.
By bus
The public transport in Maastricht and Limburg is very easy to bring you to and from the city. Even, you have the opportunity to take a Belgian bus from De Lijn if you are traveling from Hasselt.
By train
Maastricht has 2 train stations. This means that there are good possibilities to go to this city by train. The main station is Maastricht. Maastricht-Noord is located near the free P+R parking.
By airplane
An international airport also is available in Maasstricht. It is not a big airport. But ideal for low cost companies like Ryanair and a Touropperator as Corendon.
#maastricht #limburg #carnival #airport #andrerieu
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Sluis
Sluis
“A Cozy Burgundian city in the Zwin region of The Netherlands”
Post estimated read time : 4 minutes
Discover a small cozy city in the silted region of the Zwin in The Netherlands. Read further to discover all the information you need about this Burgundian city.
Information
Country
The Netherlands
Type of location
City
Province/District
Province/District capital
Midelburg
Regional part
Zwin
Country capital distance
250 km
Nickname
Kajespugers
Website
“A small Burgundian city in a larger municipality”
At the Northsea, near the Belgian boundaries, you find the location of Sluis. You have the large municipality of Sluis with the capital Oostburg and a lot of other municipalities. Also the small city of Sluis is part of this municipality. This is the location where this post is talking about. A location with a Burgundian atmosphere and a rich history. Sluis is part of the Dutch part of the Zwin region, of which to largest part is located in Belgium.
“The outer port of Bruges”
The city of Sluis has his origin due to the silting up of the Zwin. Through this fact, the open way of the large city Brugge (Belgium) for the trade over sea was blocked. So, Sluis became the most important sea port of Brugge (Bruges). For this reason, there is cannel between Brugge and Sluis. This is the almost 15km long Damse Vaart.
“Finally a city”
In the 13th century, Sluis got city rights. Finally, it the Town Hall in the center of the city got a belfry based on these of Gent and Brugge. Sluis has the only belfry of The Netherlands.
Location keywords:
Zwin, belfry, Burgundian lifestyle, Damse Vaart, sea port
Hotspots
Tours
Food
Local Tips
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Save the date
Zwin city run
March
A half marathon through the region of the Western Zeeland. For a lot of participants, it is a good practice for other better known full marathons.
Stand worker competition
End of June
Around 40 stand workers from all over The Netherlands and Belgium take present in this competition. All of them want to gain the title of “Best stand worker”. The workers present their products and try to sell them with a lot of joy. Finally who did this the in the best way, will get this trophy.
Day of Zeeland – Breeding Cattle Exhibition
Begin of July
On the first Saturday of July takes the cozy Day of Zeeland place. For this, you have to be in the center of Sluis. You may discover a typical breeding cattle exhibition and inspection of the cattle, old agricultural tools and old crafts market. All this are in the traditional costumes. This makes the Day of Zeeland in Sluis a nice event to do.
Carillon concerts – Summer concerts
Half of July till half of August
From half of July till half of August, you may listen to 4 carillon concerts in the city center of Sluis. Every week during the whole year, around 15h30, the carillonneur of the city plays a live concert on the carillon of the belfry. But during the summer, on 4 Sundays, there are 4 guest carillonneurs also play a live concert around 15h30. You become the program on the specific day itself.
Evening markets
Half of July till half of August
Sluis has 4 festive evening markets in the summer time. Every Thuesday from half of July till half of August, the city center changes in a street market with a lot of street animation, acts and (live) music. The market already starts from 11h, but the street animation will be there from around 16h. All the shops are open till 22h.
How to reach
By bus
Bus line 42, coming from the Belgian trainstation Brugge, brings you to Sluis.
#sluis #zeeland #zwin #cozy #burgundian
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Lisboa
Lisboa
“The city of passion and natural light”
Post estimated read time : 5 minutes
Learn all about the city of natural light near the Tejo river. The capital of Portugal is an old and historical city with a lot of passion. Inform yourself below and immerse you in their open minded culture.
Information
Country
Portugal
City
Province/District
Lisboa
Province/District capital
Lisboa
Regional part
Metropolitan area Lisboa
Nickname
Alfacinhas, Lisboetas
Website
“Built on 7 hills with a lot of creativity”
Near the mouth of the Tejo river, Tagus river, you find the capital of Portugal. Lisbon, most called Lisboa, is the largest city op Portugal with a lot of history. The city is built on 7 hills. There are a lot of viewpoints over the city and the river. Combined with the small streets full of color and views to the river, it is called the city of natural light. This city attracts a lot of tourists and creative persons.
“The atmospheric neigbourhoods”
Lisboa has a lot of neighbourhoods to discover. All have their own typical atmosphere. The most old and historical parts are Alfama with the Castle, São Vicente, Graça and Mouraria. Bairro Alto, Chiado and Príncipe Real are nice places for creativity and good restaurants. In the late evening, to go out, you have to be in Cais de Sodré. Last but not least, visit Belém! The cradle of the famous Pasteis de Belém. Fado is the typical music of Portugal. It finds his origins in this beautiful city.
Location keywords:
Tagus, natural light, 7 hills, pasteis, alfama, fado, Belém
Buy your tickets online
Do you wanna visit a some interesting monuments? Did you know that you can skip the line? Nice, isn’t it? It is easy to buy your entrance tickets online on Tiqets.com. So, you don’t have the wait in long line to enter the monument.
LindoPortugal.eu
“A passion all together on one site”
Our most passion goes to Portugal. So with LindoPortugal, we have a whole separated project about this wonderful most western country of continental Europe. Find out more about Lisboa by clicking the button below.
Hotspots
Tours
Get informed more and with our self-guided audioguides. You walk, look around, discover and learn at your own rhythm. The only tool you need are a smart device and a headset.
At the moment, we only use SmartGuide for this kind of self-guided tours. Take a look below for our guides about:
Lisboa
Food
Local Tips
Save the date
25 April
1 Day
25 April 1974, this was the day of The Carnation Revolution. It was a revolution of the “Capitões”. The goal was to make an end on the “Estado Novo” and create freedom for everyone.
Book Fair
End of May till half of June
This is a huge book fair held in the Eduardo VII park, near Marquês de Pombal. It is one of the oldest cultural festivals in the city. A must do for each literal and book lover. No matter if you prefer rare books, well known books or comics, you find them all over there. Around 120 exhibitors welcome you on this yearly fair.
Os Santos Populares
June, whole month
June is the month of festivities in Portugal. First you have June 10, the National Day. Afterwards, it is the time of the famous festivities for the Popular Saints. Saint Anthony (Santo António) is the patron of Lisboa. On June 12 and 13 are the famous colorful parties in the city. These are with a lot of passion and joy. You can read more about the festivities of the Santos Populares over here.
Avante!
First week of September
A huge festival at the southern side of the Tagus river. It has a lot of musical and literary events. The name of the festival is to the official newspaper of the Portuguese Communist Party. Every year around hundred thousand people arrive on this festival. This means that the ground around the festival becomes a gigantic camping park.
Lisboa Marathon
October
Wanna run? You love to run 42 km? Nice, in that case this is yours! In October you can participate, or just take a look, in the Marathon of Lisboa. The start is on Praça de Comércio, near the Tagus river. It is the most famous marathon of Europe. The event attracts every year more and more runners.
How to reach
By car
A lot of the most important highways from north to south, and coming from the east passes Lisboa. So, it is very easy to reach Lisboa by car. You have to know that on the most highways to reach Lisboa, you have to pay TOLL. Definitely on the 2 bridges over the Tagus river: 25 de Abril and Vasco da Gama.
By bus
Portugal has a huge and wonderful bus network. A lot of local buses drive to and from Lisboa. But you have also the large network of the Rede Expressos and Rodoviária ( with 4 rápida lines). These last 2 companies have fast bus lines between important Portuguese cities. Take a look on their websites.
By train
Because Lisboa has 6 important train stations, it is easy to reach the city of Lisboa by train. Oriente is the most important station. Here passes the most trains. Take a look on the wesite of CP (Comboios de Portugal) for more information.
By airplane
Humberto Delgado Airport is the name of the international airport of Lisboa. From all over the world are flights landing and leaving. Sure, you will find a flight from your destination to reach Lisboa. Because tourism is big business for Portugal.
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Aalst
Aalst
“The most charming city of Flanders”
Post estimated read time : 3 minutes
Read more about the most charming city of Flanders. A city where the people are connected together and are always ready for a joyful event.
Information
Country
Belgium
Type of location
City
Province/District
East-Flanders
Province/District capital
Gent
Regional part
Dender (river)
Country capital distance
24 km
Nickname
Ajuinen (Onions)
Website
“A city at the Dender with an important history”
The city of Aalst is located in the central of Flanders, in the northern part of Belgium. Aalst is part of the province East-Flanders, with his capital Gent. The Dender river crosses the city. The city is famous for his UNESCO classified belfry, carnival (in February), Dirk Martens and Adolf Daens.
In the past, there was “The Land of Aelst”. Textile and hop were very important products to trade. So, Aalst had a lot of weaving mills and breweries. Safir was the most famous beer in Aalst. These days it is a nice small shopping city with a lot of history to discover.
Location keywords:
carnaval, belfry, land van Aelst, Adolf Daens, Dirk Martens, Safir
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Save the date
Winter Fair
From 1 week before carnival till 1 week after carnival
This is the first largest fair in Belgium of the year. A lot of fair companies are looking for this time to start their season.
Carnival
February or initial of March
Aalst is the city in Belgium with the most famous Carnival fest. The event takes place 3 days before Ash Wednesday. So, each year the dates changes due to the change of Easter. But, in Aalst it is a whole year carnival. It is part of the DNA.
Cycling criterion after the Tour de France
First Monday after end of Tour de France
After the end of the Tour de France, their are a lot of Cycling events. On these events, the supporters are able to see there heroes of the Tour de France. In Flanders, which is a huge cycling region, these are famous. Already for a long time, Aalst has the first criterion event where mostly the best rides participate. In most cases, the Yellow Jersey Owner of the Tour de France participates in the cycling criterion of Aalst. So, this brings a lot of people to Aalst. And yes, they are proud to keep the entrance free.
Cirk!
End of August
A wonderful street festival in the whole city of Aalst. From the Grand Place in the center to the park at the side of the city.
Food Truck Festivals
During the whole year
During the whole year their are many Food Truck Festivals in the city. They all have different themes. The most are on the Werfplein, near the Dender river.
How to reach
By car
Aalst is located near the highway E40. This means that it is very easy to reach this city by car from Gent or Brussels. There is no TOLL on the highway.
By bus
A lot of bus lines cross he city of Aalst. You can come from Brussels, Gent, Sint-Niklaas, Dendermonde, … to this city. And of course also go back. Find out more on the site of De Lijn.
By train
The railway line from Brussels to Gent passes through Aalst. So, you can reach Aalst in an easy way by train coming from Gent or Brussels. Also, there is a direct train coming from Brussels Airport (Zaventem) to Aalst. And, yes, you can take a direct train to the Belgian coast, with destination De Panne.
More on nmbs.be.
#aalst #charming #carnival #daens #unesco
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