Tag Archives: Europe

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Kid-Friendly London Itineraries

Child having fun

No matter what age your children may be, London is a great city to take them to. Whether you plan to be spending your time in the sophisticated West End, or the edgy and upcoming East End, here are a few kid-friendly itineraries to consider.

West and North London
If you are staying around the West or North end of London, then start your day off at the ZSL London Zoo. The oldest scientific zoo in the world, having opened its doors in 1828, children of all ages love seeing all the animals that are housed here, from the giraffes to the penguins. Since the zoo is right on the doorstep of Regent’s Park, head to the park for a picnic lunch and a bit of exploration. Once you have eaten and relaxed, walk to the south end of the park, where you will find Madame Tussauds. This is a great activity for children, as they will delight in seeing wax statues of all of their favorite celebrities.

East London
To begin your kid-friendly day out in East London, head to the Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green, which will delight both children and adults with their nostalgic toy collections, as well as the many toys available for children to play with. After the museum, take a stroll around the Dalston Eastern Curve Garden, which is a leafy oasis that has been created on the old Eastern Curve railway line. This is a great opportunity to show your children exactly how their food is grown, which is something that kids in London often do not get to experience. This is also a great spot to grab some lunch, while your children play in the large sandpit outside the café. If the weather is pleasant, head back to Bethnal Green, to the Victoria Park Kid’s Fountain Playground, where the gushing fountains in the Splash Playground will keep your children entertained for quite a while. Finally, if your children love animals, the Lee Valley Riding Centre offers one hour pony trekking sessions for families, and this will take you through the area’s stunning nature reserves and patches of woodland.

Central London
There is no shortage of child-friendly activities to take part in in Central London, with one of the most popular being the London Eye. Make your way there as early as possible in order to avoid the crowds, before taking a stroll along the banks of the river. The Natural History Museum should be your next stop, as there are so many interactive activities here that will enable your kids to really learn about natural history in a hands-on way. Nearby is the V&A Museum of Childhood, which again has plenty of child-friendly daily activities, from treasure hunts to storytelling sessions. If your children enjoy museums, Ripleys Believe it or Not is not too far away, and will no doubt delight them, while those who would prefer to spend some time outdoors can spend the rest of the day exploring the famous London landmarks in the area, from Big Ben to Westminster Abbey.

London is such a kid-friendly city, and you will never be short of activities to do with your children. From the museums of Central London to the nature and wildlife of East London, these are just a few of the child-friendly activities that you will find in the city.

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Explore Puerto Banus Street Market, Marbella

Marbella street market

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Held every Saturday near the Nueva Andalucia bull ring, the Puerto Banus Street Market is always a bustling event, packed with incredible deals and bargains. From local fruits and spices to traditional handicrafts to souvenirs, this is a shopping spot where you are bound to find just about everything that you could imagine.

Visiting the Puerto Banus Street Market
While the Puerto Banus Street Market officially opens at 9am, the majority of the stalls are not completely up and running until around 10am. Nevertheless, it is still definitely worthwhile heading to the market as early as possible, especially if you are visiting during the summer months, as the heat can become quite intense as the morning progresses. With the main section of the market being held around Centro Plaza and its roundabout, it is easy to imagine just how clogged the streets become later on in the morning. If you are driving to the market, you would be best off parking slightly further away and walking over, which would also save you from the parking fee that is required on market days.

Local Spices
One of the highlights of the Puerto Banus Street Market are the stalls that sell local spices, as you will find an incredible variety of these here at prices that are far more reasonable than anywhere else in Marbella. If you are looking to pick up something rare and prized, make sure to buy some saffron, which is sold at a number of stalls at this market.

Local Handicrafts
The spectacular array of local handicrafts available at the Puerto Banus Street Market is another of its strong points, as these Spanish crafts make for fantastic gifts to buy for friends and family back home. From ceramic plates to linen tablecloths to speciality olive dishes, many of these items cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Negotiating for a Discount
As with the majority of street markets around the world, negotiating for a discount is a must, especially if you are visibly a tourist. While this is much harder to do in the mornings, those of you who hang around the area until the end of the day will find it much easier to bag a few bargains, as the vendors will be trying to sell as much of their stock as possible before closing up for the day.

Food and Drink
With the market becoming increasingly crowded as the day wears on, your best bet for grabbing breakfast or lunch would be to head to one of the cafés or restaurants nearby. Centro Plaza itself boasts several different cafés with outdoor seating, meaning that you can relax in the sun and continue to soak up all of the atmosphere from the market. Alternatively, head to La Tahoma for some freshly baked pastries, or to Pasta Café for a glass of local wine.

The Puerto Banus Street Market has always been popular with both locals and visitors, and is definitely a must-see when in Marbella. However, keep in mind that, with such large crowds of people around, pickpocketing can often occur, so be sure to keep all of your valuables safe.

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Take a Game of Thrones Inspired Tour

Woman with sword

One of the most popular television shows of all time, Game of Thrones has captured the hearts and imaginations of many all across the world. For those of you who want to experience all of your favorite locations in person, here are some of the best Game of Thrones inspired tours to take.

Iceland: Game of Thrones Tour, Reykjavik – Gray Line
The brutal and mysterious landscape of Iceland has featured heavily in the television series, and this tour takes you to some of the show’s most popular Icelandic filming locations. The incredible landscape at the Pingvellir National Park will be one of the first sights that you see, including the Trail of the Wildings from North of the Wall and the stomping ground of the White Walkers. You will also be able to explore the Settlement Era Viking Lodge, which is where a number of intricate scenes were shot, and is also the site of one of the most disturbing massacres to be featured on the show.

Iceland

Malta: Game of Thrones Group Tour – Malta Film Tours
This Game of Thrones tour, offered by Malta Film Tours, is organized and led by two local actors who actually took part in the first season of the series, meaning that it does not really get much more authentic than this, as you will also be able to hear all about the experiences that come from working on the show. The first location that you will visit on the tour is The Gardens of King’s Landing, followed on by the Tower of the Hand. The Shadow Cliffs and the Red Waste come next, followed by King’s Gate, which was the main entrance to King’s Landing. Those who are fans of Ned in particular will especially appreciate the visit to the Main Square, as well as the Street of Steel and Tobho Mott’s Smithy, which was where Ned discovers Gendry. Many of these locations are only available to this particular tour, and the actors leading it have worked alongside the show’s biggest stars, making this the tour of choice in Malta.

Northern Ireland: Stones and Thrones Tour – City Tours Belfast
With Northern Ireland being the primary filming location for Game of Thrones, it comes as no surprise that there are a multitude of tours to choose from here. However, one of the finest has to be the Stones and Thrones Tour, offered up by City Tours Belfast. This is another tour in which you will be able to discover plenty of insider information, as the transportation company used is the same one that transports the cast and crew around the area.

Giant's Causeway

There are two tours to choose from, each lasting around one and a half hours. The first is the Westeros tour, which includes the Giant’s Causeway, as well as other locations such as Cairncastle from the beheading scene, Dunluce Castle, known as Castle Greyjoy on the show, and The Dark Hedges, or the King’s Road. The second is the Winterfell Tour which includes the exclusive opportunity to meet Direwolf Pups Thor and Odin from the show.

Each of these tours provides you with an exclusive insight into Game of Thrones, as well as plenty of photo opportunities. Even if you are not a huge fan of the show, the majority of the stops that each of these tours will make is at a naturally beautiful or historic site, meaning that they are still well worth seeing.

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The Megalithic Temples of Malta

While the temples of ancient Greece and ancient Egypt may be amongst some of the most famous in the world, the oldest megalithic temples, which are even older than the Pyramids of Egypt, are actually found in Malta, as well as her sister island of Gozo. From Hagar Qim to Ggantija, these are some of the must-see temples for those looking to learn more about Malta’s history.

Temples in Gozo

Ggantija Temples, Gozo
The Ggantija temples on the Maltese island of Gozo are considered to be one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, and date back to around 3600 BC. The megaliths used in the creation of this temple are absolutely enormous, with some weighing over fifty tons, which is what led locals to believe that the structure was one created by giants, which led to its name, Ggantija, meaning giant in Maltese. The complex consists of two separate temples, which are surrounded by a huge wall that forms the boundaries of the complex. The entire complex does not take too long to tour, meaning that you can easily squeeze in a visit during your time in Gozo.

Hagar Qim Temples
Constructed from the soft limestone that caps the ridge on which the temple stands, Hagar Qim, which dates back to 3600 BC, has experienced more than its fair share of weathering over the years, with many of its outer walls beginning to flake away. Nevertheless, this temple complex and its prehistoric chambers still provide a one-of-a-kind insight into Malta’s history. The temple was first excavated in 1839, and while many of the temple’s original artefacts have been removed and placed into museum exhibits, they have been replaced with close replicas. For those who want to take a look at the originals, these can be found in Malta’s National Museum of Archaeology.

Temple in Malta

Tarxien Temples
Unlike Malta’s other megalithic temple complexes, the Tarxien Temples are surrounded on all sides by urban development, but this has not managed to diminish its significance. Just like the two other temple complexes mentioned above, the earliest temple here, which can be found in the north-east of the site, also dates back to 3600 BC, while the others are believed to have been built during the Tarxien phase, which was between 3150 and 2500 BC. Many of the stones and walls here are decorated with intricately carved patterns, with one chamber featuring the image of two bulls and a sow, all of which give you an even deeper insight into life during this time period.

In total, Malta is home to eleven megalithic temples, with seven of them, including the three mentioned above, being listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Dating from 5500 to 2500 BC, these prehistoric temples give you the opportunity to take a walk through Malta’s history, providing an unforgettable experience that is educational yet fascinating at the same time. While each of these temples can be explored in your own time, there are also several guided tours to choose from, which will leave you with an even more immersive experience.

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Germany Can Do Theme Parks Too

Theme park

Germany’s theme parks draw in millions of visitors each year, and feature homegrown rather than imported elements. From the second most visited theme park in Europe to a park inspired by exotic destinations, these are the best theme parks in Germany that you simply have to visit!

Phantasialand
Phantasialand is inspired by the exotic, and there are surprises and discoveries to be found around just about every corner. This is a theme park that is perfect for the entire family, as not only are there many child-friendly rides, but also a number of adrenaline-pumping ones, from the inverted roller coaster to the Talocan Top Spin, which is the only suspended top spin ride in Europe.

Tripsdrill
Tripsdrill is the oldest theme park in Germany, and is inspired by life in Swabia in the 1800’s, with snippets of everything from local customs and traditions to authentic foods. This is the park to visit if you are after a quirkier experience, as you will find several one-of-a-kind attractions here, from the carousels shaped like bundt cakes to white water rafting in wash tubs. Tripsdrill is also home to a wildlife park, with over 130 animals, ranging from wild horses to wolves.

Europa Park

S. Kuelcue / Shutterstock.com

Europa Park
The largest theme park in Germany, and the second most visited in Europe after Disneyland Paris, Europa Park is located in Rust, and, stretching out for over 90 hectares, boasts over 100 different attractions. The park is divided into 14 different zones, each one inspired by a specific European destination, and the attractions within each relate to these themes. From the crazy London taxi dodgems and the hovering London bus in the England Zone, to the incredible wooden roller coaster in the Iceland Zone to the Poseidon water ride in the Greece Zone, there are so many different rides to try and areas to explore that this is a park well worth spending the night at.

Heide Park
The largest amusement park in the north of Germany, Heide Park, which opened in 1978, is famous for its Colossos ride, which is one of the steepest wooden roller coasters in the world. Its Krake ride is also worth queuing up for, as this is the only dive coaster in the country. If these two rides aren’t enough action for you, you can also stop off at Scream, which is the largest gyro-drop tower in the world. In addition to these heart-thumping rides, there are also many attractions for younger visitors, including gentle boat rides, a mini version of the Scream tower, and rides inspired by children’s fairy tales, and the park itself is also a joy to explore, being so beautifully landscaped with flowers, shrubs, trees and a large lake.

Theme parks always make for a fun day out for the whole family, and each of these parks also offer a range of accommodation for those who want to stay the night. These amusement parks offer rides and attractions that cannot be found anywhere else in the world, making it well worth scheduling in time for some of the best theme parks in Germany when traveling to the country.

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Best Places to Travel This Fall

There are some destinations that really come into their own during certain seasons, and, when it comes to the warm light and rich hues of fall, it only makes sense to visit a location that is beautifully bathed in the golden autumn glow. From the cobblestone streets of Prague to the surreal northern lights in Scandinavia, these are some of the best places to travel to this fall.

Fall in Norway

Norway
The famous northern lights can be seen from many countries in the northern hemisphere, and while the darkest nights are during the dead of winter, fall is the best time to head off on a trip to catch the northern lights. Since city locations emit large amounts of light pollution, the best areas to view the lights are more secluded, and, for the very best photographs, many head out on a cruise ship for the night. There are several companies that offer journeys centered around viewing the lights, and these usually begin in early September.

Munich
While Munich may be home to some great fall foliage, the primary reason that it attracts over six million international visitors each fall is due to the Munich Oktoberfest, because while there may be many versions of this around the world, none of these have ever managed to live up to the original. This is the largest folk festival in the world, and, with everything from millions of liters of beer to traditional German street foods to massive fairgrounds with one-of-a-kind rides, Oktoberfest promises to be a fun-filled event.

Fall in Prague

Prague
Prague regularly enjoys a long Indian summer, meaning that the city often experiences warm days all the way up through November. With the low angle of the sun, the entire city is soaked in a romantic light, and this is set off by the spectacular fall foliage that can be seen at each of the city’s public parks. Fall is also the time for mushroom picking, and the Kunratice Forest has always been popular for this, while those that would prefer to indulge in city-based activities will no doubt notice that the delicious Czech cuisine is perfectly suited to the crisp days of fall.

Maine
Known for its extraordinary fall foliage, Maine is packed with natural diversity, as well as over 12 million acres of forest, meaning that there are a number of spots worth visiting in the fall. The seaside city of Portland is home to tree-covered mountains and a coastline dotted with islands, while the seaside village of Bar Harbor enjoys a panoramic location right next to the Acadia National Park. For those who want a more action-packed adventure, head to the Forks, where there are raft trips available for all ability levels, as well as a multitude of hiking trails, one of which leads to one of the highest waterfalls in the state.

After the intense heat of the summer, but before the winter chill sets in, fall is a fantastic time to travel and explore a new destination. Whether you travel around Maine for some traditional fall leaf peeping, or head to Munich for some German culture and fun, these places are all worth considering when planning a fall vacation.

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Museums of Benrath Palace

Benrath Palace, Germany

Situated in Benrath, a borough of Düsseldorf, Benrath Palace is a baroque-style palace that dates back to 1755, and, with such historic significance, has recently been proposed to be included on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. The palace was originally built as a summer residence and hunting lodge, and still retains a large portion of its original design and architecture. Consisting of five main buildings, three of these each housing a museum, and extensive gardens stretching out for more than 60 hectares, along with a large lake, Benrath Palace is most definitely worth a visit when in Düsseldorf.

Museum of European Garden History
Situated in the East Wing of Benrath Palace, the Museum of European Garden History occupies an area of over 2000 square meters. Considered to be quite a unique museum, the exhibits here are focused on garden history, with many of them dating back to medieval Europe. From the life-like sculptures to the incredible paintings, this is a great opportunity to view garden art throughout the years, and for those that want even more in-depth information, there are regular lectures and guided tours also held at the museum.

Natural History Museum
While many of the major national history museums around the world may feature exhibits from all over the world, the Natural History Museum at Benrath Palace has a local focus, with a special emphasis placed on the Lower Rhine Basin and the Lower Bergisch area. Situated in the West Wing of the palace, the exhibits at the museum showcase the local flora and fauna, beginning with a brief history of the Rhine, while also paying attention to the Rhein Fisheries. Another highlight for many geological buffs is the exhibit on the Rhine floodplain, which has been at the center of many debates over the years.

Museum Corps de Logis
Located in the main building of Benrath Palace, the Museum Corps de Logis is definitely one of the highlights of the site, as it depicts what court life would have been like in the second part of the 18th century. The unique ornaments, furniture and artwork placed around the building points towards the lifestyle of those that once lived here, while the architecture and interior design are spectacularly impressive.

In addition to its three museums, Benrath Palace is also home to the Palace Park, which is divided into three different gardens; the official garden, the private garden, and the bosquet, each authentically displaying what gardens in the 18th century would have been like. The parkland is also home to an animal park, which was transformed into a hunting ground when the palace was in use, and offers quite a romantic feel to the palace’s ambiance, especially with the way in which it is framed by trees that date back 250 years. Considered to be one of the most beautiful garden palaces that was created in this time period, Benrath Palace is a must-see for those visiting Düsseldorf for the first time, as it gives you the opportunity to soak up some of the city’s unique history, culture and heritage.

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Shopping on Königsallee

Retail complex in Königsallee

Ewais / Shutterstock.com

The urban boulevard of Königsallee in Düsseldorf, Germany, is considered by many to be so much more than just another shopping street. Instead, this retail paradise, which locals affectionately refer to as Ko, offers a level of luxury and exclusivity that has helped Düsseldorf to secure its reputation as being a major player in the global fashion industry.

Fashion
With so many designer showrooms, flagship stores and luxury boutiques packed around Königsallee, it is no surprise that there are so many important trade shows held in the area each year. This sets the standards incredibly high when it comes to fashion, and you will find some of the finest designer stores in the world here, from the Chanel Boutique to Gucci to Giorgio Armani. Other boutiques worth visiting include Pio Okan Couture, Marina Renaldi, Stefano Ricci and Prada.

Accessories
In addition to the fashion, there are many one-of-a-kind accessories that can be purchased at the stores around Königsallee, whether you are seeking an international brand or local German craftsmanship. For those who are hoping to pick up a new watch, Bucherer, a Swiss company that has a long tradition of fine watchmaking, can be found on Ko, while those looking for some classic jewelry can head to Tiffany & Co. Cartier can also be found here, as can Juwelier Fine Art, which sells some pieces that you simply would not be able to find anywhere else.

Interiors
Being an area that is so highly involved in the fashion world, all of the interior stores on Ko stock the most stylish of products, each guaranteed to turn your home into a space worthy of a magazine spread. For those just looking for some classic basics, head to department store Galeria Kaufhof, while those seeking craftsmanship that dates back for over 250 years should pay a visit to Villeroy and Botch, where you will find everything from crystalware to ceramics. Another store here that is always popular with interior designers is Riviera Maison, whose products are themed around a French country style, with a product range that makes it easy to furnish and style your entire home from one store.

Sevens
Sevens is a mall that has been around for a while, but was beautifully renovated in 2011, and is now one of the most popular spots in Königsallee. While a large portion of the center is dominated by two luxury labels that fill two storeys, Philipp Plein and Emporio Armani, Sevens is also home to a number of trendy new upcoming fashion labels, while the huge LED ball that hangs over the center of the mall is always a fantastic meeting place, and makes for a great talking point.

Whether you prefer to wear outfits designed by emerging designers, or would rather rock the latest collection from an established designer, Königsallee offers both of these and so much more. While the high-end luxury stores may dominate the area, there are still several high street brands to be found here, making it a shopping street that is able to appeal to just about everyone.

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London’s Spring Art Exhibits

Exhibit in London

ElenaChaykinaPhotography / Shutterstock.com

London’s art scene is always thrilling, and this spring sees some truly exciting exhibits hitting the capital. From pieces by an underground cartoonist to historic Dutch paintings, these are some of the hottest art exhibitions in London this spring.

R Crumb: Art and Beauty
Robert Crumb was considered to be the most famous underground cartoonist in the world, although his underground status has been slowly diminishing over recent years as the artist has begun the transition into the world of art galleries. Crumb’s latest exhibit, held at the David Zwirner gallery in West London, features 54 pieces of work that the artist has been creating since the mid 90’s, many of which put Crumb’s erotic imagination on display. Women are the focal point of many of his pieces, and a number of recognizable sports stars are on display, as well as snapshots and drawings of everyday inspiring women on the streets of London.

Dutch Flowers
Flowers are not just visually pleasing, but are in fact symbols for everything from passion to love to sympathy to celebrations, and the Dutch Flowers exhibit is all about these beautiful botanicals. Located at London’s National Gallery, the display of paintings dates back to the seventeenth and eighteenth century, and while the exhibition may be small, with just 22 paintings in an intimate setting, the talent on display is extraordinary. From microscopically accurate representations of plant life to vases overflowing with blooms, Dutch Flowers mirrors the inspiring balance between nature and art, while also depicting the many different concepts that flowers symbolize.

Royal Academy of Arts

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Painting the Modern Garden: Monet to Matisse
Gardens have always served as immense forms of inspiration for artists all over the world, and this is especially true for the Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and Avant Garde movements. Painting the Modern Garden: Monet to Matisse can be found at the Royal Academy of Arts, and features a collection of work from world-famous artists. Dating from the 1860’s to the 1920’s, pieces from the likes of Van Gogh, Picasso, Monet, Matisse, Cezanne and more are on display, depicting exactly how the modern garden has shaped the work of these master artists. Many of the pieces here are classics, and, when displayed with others that also focus on the same subject matter, the overall effect is most definitely powerful.

Conceptual Art in Britain
There is plenty of debate about conceptual art, and while many may only associate it with the past decade, conceptual art actually arose over forty years ago. British artists played a huge role in the development and evolution of conceptual art, and this exhibit depicts this impact in a clear and concise manner. Key pieces of British conceptual art are on display, with the overall exhibition aiming to make conceptual art more intelligible and appreciated by the general public.

London has long since been an epicenter for art and culture, and the city is constantly home to some of the most exciting art exhibitions around. From classic pieces by world-famous master painters to modern British conceptual art, these exhibits are the highlight of London’s art scene this spring.

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How to Live Luxe in Amsterdam

Amsterdam

It is sometimes all-too-easy to think of Amsterdam in terms of the clichés that surround it, but, when you take the time to look deeper, the city’s vibrant and dynamic heart shines through. From luxurious shops to extravagant restaurants, this is your guide to living luxe in Amsterdam.

P.C. Hooftstraat

lornet / Shutterstock.com

Luxury Shopping
For the most high end and luxurious shops in the city, head to P. C. Hooftstraat, which has frequently been rated in the top three in lists of the nicest places to shop in the world. This has been an exclusive shopping destination since the 1970’s, and boasts a wide range of international brands, from Hugo Boss to Ralph Lauren to Gucci. If you are searching for high-end local designers, then the Van Baerlestraat is the place to go, as it is here that you will find a fantastic selection of boutiques from Dutch designers. Willemsparkweg is also home to an exciting array of boutiques, and it is quite easy to spend the entire afternoon browsing through the accessory, fashion and homeware stores.

World-Class Fine Dining
When it comes to dining out, Amsterdam has some of the finest restaurants in the world, from classic Michelin-starred fine dining to casual but elegant cafés. La Rive is one of these Michelin-starred restaurants, and while it may not be easy to secure a table here, once you do, you will be amongst the company of dignitaries, royalty and rock stars. Ciel Bleu is the only restaurant in Amsterdam with two Michelin stars, guaranteeing you an unforgettable meal. If you decide to pay it a visit, try to request a table by the window on the northern side of the restaurant, because, with the restaurant being situated 23 floors above the city, these are the windows that offer a rare panoramic view down onto the busy streets of Amsterdam.

Bartender making a cocktail

Handcrafted Cocktails
Amsterdam may be packed with bars and clubs, but there are some that pride themselves on being a cut above the competition in terms of the quality of their drinks and the ambiance of their setting. Hiding in Plain Sight is one of these venues, and has been voted as the best cocktail bar in Amsterdam on more than one occasion. As elegant as this bar may be, there are always times when you want something more exclusive, and this is when you should pay a visit to Door 74, which is one of the city’s secret bars. A phone number needs to be called to secure a reservation, which can only be done each day itself, and the mysterious décor, coupled with the creative cocktails and custom concoctions, make it a bar that is a delight to spend time in.

Luxury living is synonymous with the heart and soul of Amsterdam, and, if you know where to go, it is easy to live luxe in the city. From dining at Michelin-starred eateries to sipping on one-of-a-kind cocktails, Amsterdam is a city that welcomes those who appreciate elegance and class.