Amsterdam, Bruges & Brussels

Best and worst sights, experiences and destinations:

Best: Wynand Frockink
Why: Expected to be there for one drink but after The locals were so nice to us, we closed the place down. The the bartender suggest drinks. Tell them what you like (Cherry Chocolate, apple pie), they'll mix it and you'll love it. Don't forget the "bend over".

Bill in Buena Park, CA USA 09/10/2008

Best: Royal Museums of Fine Arts, and the BELVue Museum, Brussels
Why: Fine Arts: excellent collection of Old Masters, well displayed -- though we weren't impressed with the modern collections so much. BELvue is a little gem, which tries very hard to educate the public about the country's history. According to the guard we chatted with, it is smaller than it once was, which disappoints him terribly. Part of his disappointment is from the fact that it now focuses on political history, with very little on cultural and scientific achievements.

Nancy in San Carlos, CA USA 08/14/2008

Best: Brussels Royal Army & Military Museum
Why: Thanks to the tip I read the Royal Army & Military museum in Brussels was included in my itinary. It was 10 times what I expected. Thought the Aircraft and Tanks were the largest exhibits - it was just the tip of the iceberg. And free. Enjoyed the beer in the hanger too.

Sherry Pietras in Huntington Beach, CA USA 07/31/2008

Best: Minnewater Park
Why: This is what I imaged Bruges to be. I returned here two days in-a-row and spent hours sitting on a park bench. This place is magical. Thank you for recommending it in your walk.

Beverly Lui in Thousand Oaks, CA USA 07/11/2008

Best: Bell tower Bruges, Ann Frank House, the self guided walks.
Why: The Bell tower provided nice views over the city. Ann Frank House was very interesting and it was worth every Euro (we ordered our tickets online to avoid the lineup...worth it) All the self guided walks were wonderful although sometimes we did get lost.

Worst: Not really the worst, but I think overrated.
Why: Groening Museum bruges. I guess maybe I am not an art person, but my husband and I were bored. The Van Gogh museum was very good to see but the collection at the Orsay Museum was much better.

Kate Buechler in Winnipeg, MB Canada 05/22/2008

Worst: Red Light District in Amsterdam
Why: With so much beauty to see in art and architecture it seemed to be the Las Vegas of Europe. Party Time. With little effort and no research you can find the worst of humanity, but with good effort and good research your can find the best.

Dug Waggoner in El Cerrito, CA USA 05/12/2008

Best: Parking at the train station
Why: We traveled to Brugges by car and Rick was correct about parking at the train station. The parking as in most European cites is a pain. We didn't have to pay and walked thru the station to find our bus that would take you anywhere in city.

J Mason in Powell, OH USA 05/12/2008

Best: Brussels Royal Army & Military Museum
Why: I felt this should have been at least a 2 star sight. The vehicles on display were amazing - never saw so many tanks up close. The aircraft were also great. If Rick created a nice walking tour of the museum, highlighting a few choice pieces and how they participated historically, this could easily be a 3 star attraction. The price of admission is also right (at free!).

Winston & Suzie in Seattle, WA USA 05/11/2008

Best: Anne Frank House reservations
Why: It was so easy and conveinient, and I felt smart walking by the people standing miserably in the cold rain.

Amy in Anoka, MN USA 05/01/2008

Best: museum descriptions
Why: extensive and accurate.

Worst:
Why: Just a note re: Van Gogh museum...they require a credit card minimum of 25 Euros while the entrance fee for each adult is 10Euros each. Thus you must have cash when purchasing only 2 tickets

Clint Robins in needham, ma USA 04/25/2008

Worst: Cheese Stand in The Magna Plaza Amsterdam
Why: The lady is very nice, generous with samples and there is a big discount if you have an I Amsterdam card. Without that discount card the prices are quite high. We paid 23 Euro and then saw the same at the airport for 15 Euro. I wish we would have shopped around a bit more.

Peter Banchieri in Union City, CA USA 04/23/2008

Best: BRUGES--the bobbin lace ladies; the Corrie ten Boom Museum
Why: KANTCENTRUM, Peperstraat 3A, Bruges--Mind-blowing to see the ladies work at their bobbin lace art. They are friendly and patiently answer questions they must have heard a million times before. Photos are allowed. Only E2.50 admittance fee. Adjoining museum full of old, beautiful, handmade lace items. Photos are allowed.

Corrie ten Boom--as emotional as Anne Frank House. Photos are allowed. Volunteer guides give a good, very friendly and informative tour, 'preaching' is at a minimum, limited mostly to love-thy-neighbor and peace topics, not pushy at all. You must wait in the alley for visiting times as the watch shop is still in operation and is VERY small. I don't blame them for not wanting crowds of tourists in there.

Margaret Ferguson WA USA 04/16/2008

Best: Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam
Why: This public library is a model for what all public libraries should be. It's an absolute must-see and is a true oasis, for locals and tourists alike. It is spotlessly clean (check out the bathrooms on the lowest floor), offers more than 100 free Internet terminals, and has a top-floor restaurant to die for! The best food value we found in Amsterdam: 8.50E for salmon grilled right in front of you, as you like iThe restaurant has all kinds of food, including grilled steak, an amazing vegetable salad bar, fruit smoothies, pizza, dessert, a coffee bar, beer, wine ... You simply MUST visit this library!

Worst: Red Light District
Why: Even though we are politically liberal, we were really turned off by the Red Light District. So many of the women appeared to be non-Dutch, it made us wonder what's going on there. Rick does mention this issue in his guidebook.

Mary in New YOrk, NY USA 03/23/2008

Best: Dumon Chocolates, Bruges
Why: We met Madam Dumon herself and she packaged her delicious chocolates for us. She asked if we were traveling with Rick Steves' guidebooks and showed us pictures of herself with Rick and the Christmas card he sent, she just loves being a favorite in your guidebook. She was so sweet to us and recommended lots of different chocolates. My brother and I each bought our own box of chocolates and she helped us pick them out and made lots of recommendations and choices for us that we are very excited to try. We also bought a box of her pralines for our parents.

Then she recommended her son's new shop, Stephan Dumon, at Simon Stevinplein 11, where we met Stephan and he made us hot chocolate (the Mexican hot chocolate is thick with grains of dark chocolate while the Brughia is lighter and milkier with hazelnut flavor, there are 6 or 7 choices in addition to those). Really amazing!

Erin Hutton in Tampa, FL USA 02/25/2008

Best: Christmas markets, Ghent, Train system and the Amsterdam museums
Why: The Christmas markets were fun and full of great photo opportunities. Almost every Belgian city had one. Ghent was an enjoyable surprise with great museums, a photographic city square and canals. The food was nothing less than amazing. The city square is a bit of a walk from the train station, but after the way we ate, the exercise was welcomed. The train sysytem in Belgium was efficient, clean and very user friendly. Amsterdam had many enjoyable museums to include the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House. It will take at least two full days to see all the sights in Amsterdam, but best if you have 3-4 days so you can take your time.

Worst: Bruges
Why: The city was well kept, but almost too much so. It had a Disneyesque feel to it. There was a horde of tourists that was the worst we have ever encountered. The streets were literally packed with people. The shopping was also very kitschy. Train ride back to Brussels was also overpacked, get to the station early so you can make a dash for a seat.

Vince in Crestline, CA USA 02/24/2008

Worst: Hotel Welcome
Why: SCAM. 3 day, written cancellation policy at Hotel Welcome, Brussels...no phone cancellations accepted! You will owe the total room rate.

As an experienced traveller, the one thing I do know is that you should expect the unexpected...stay flexible. Having said that, I had to change my travel dates to Brussels. I called Hotel Welcome 4 days prior to my arrival to notify them I would be arriving a day later than planned. I was told that I needed to send an email to cancel and explained that as I was enroute, I would not have access to email for 2 days. "No problem, just send us a cancellation email when you can". When I arrived at the Hotel Welcome I was hit with a NO SHOW Bill of $280 Euros ($410.00 USD). When I explained that I had phoned and sent an email cancellation (36 hours before my arrival), I was told that they did not accept phone cancellations and since my email was only a day and a half before arrival, I was responsible for the full room fee.

I think 3 days is an excessive and unrealistic time frame for a cancellation policy. Not to mention that one should be able to call and cancel if they can provide the proper credit card verification.

As it stands, I was informed that I would not receive my passport back if I did not pay the total bill...roughly $588.00 for one night stay!

**Note: They also tried to sneak in higher room rate than I was originally quoted and I had to log on to my email to show them their own confirmation letter!

I felt that I was being taken advantage of and that the staff was dishonest.

Kelly Puffer in SAN FRANCISCO, Ca USA 01/10/2008

Best: Bruges
Why: the people are friendly, sights are charming, food is great

Kathy Geaslen in Macon, GA USA 12/02/2007

Best: WW I tour with the small group
Why: Outstanding. This was the best day we had in Bruges out of two trips there. The leader (can't remember his name) is an exceptionally knowledgeable and sensitive guide who tailors the day to his guests, no more than 6-8. Our day included a good lunch in a restaurant where our guide taught us about Belgium beers as well as entry to the excellent museum in Ypres.

Laurie Guitteau in Santa Barbara, CA USA 11/20/2007

Best: De Halve Mann Brewery
Why: Great tour, very insightful and gives you a feel for how passionate Belgium is about their beer. You really get to see parts of a brewery that nobody would ever see, even the roof. (a lot of steps though)

Worst: Gruuthuse Museum
Why: Closed in 2007 for renovations, will reopen sometime in 2008.

Mark Adams in Maple Grove, MN USA 11/12/2007

Best: English Theatre of Burges
Why: Great theatre experience. We saw "Bieng Brel", about the life and times of Jacques Brel, experienced through his songs. A one person play, the actor/musician was Brel - in sight and sound. The only downside to the theatre is that it may close in December because of lack of attendance. On the night we went there were only 10 people in the audience. We all loved the performance, but there needs to be more people attending. If you are in Bruges between now and then, take the opportunity to go and see a performance. It may not be Brel, but whatever is scheduled will be wonderful. Just a few blocks from the Hotel Adornes. Dont miss it!

George Cody in Franktown, CO USA 10/30/2007

Best: The Pink Bear Bike Tours
Why: Miki does an English speaking city tour and an entertaining ride to Damme. She's knowledgable and entertaining. On our tour to Damme, there were four people who spoke only Spanish. She speaks some, but she went out of her way to find common ground. One of the Spanish group spoke French, and Miki had pretty good command of French, so he did the translating for his group. She arranged a lovely lunch in Damme for the group. We all had a wonderful time. My Wife and I were walking in Brugges two days later and she stopped her tour to speak with us. Thy the Pink Bear Bike Tours. Her tours start in front of the Bell Tower, just between the two French Fry carts.

Worst: Flanders Fields Battlefield Day Tours
Why: Nathan led the tour. He picked us up at the hotel. We drove to the sites. While we drove he told us about what we would see. He dropped us off and told us where he would pick us up. We were on our own to try to figure out what we were seeing and link it to what he told us in the bus. He seemed to be rushing us through the tour. He only gives a 3 Euro discount "because of the high price of gas..." Disappointing tour at best.

George Cody in Franktown, CO USA 10/28/2007

Best: Bike trip from Brugge
Why: Beautiful view

Marianne Hendarman in Moorpark, CA USA 10/26/2007

Best: The Belfry and Market Square, Bruges
Why: The Belfry is fantastic. I love the architecture. Market Square is perhaps my favorite square in Europe. It is better than Il Campo in Sienna. Market Square is just such a marvelous public space.

James Kovacs in Troutman, NC USA 10/01/2007

Best: Bicycling in Bruges
Why: We bicycles to Dammes, and around the whole town AND made it to all of the museums in 1 1/2 days, something we could never have done on foot. It also gave us more time at each scenic point and made us feel less guilty when we ate so much great food!

Julie in Provo, Ut USA 09/04/2007

Best: Anne Frank House
Why: It was so moving after doing fun but superficial experiences like the Heineken Brewery and Red Light walk. Besides, the whole family (except my husband) had read her diary. It also was good that it was so carefully designed instead of just a quick tour of a building. It gave time for you to pause, reflect, and take in the gravity of this chapter of the Holocost.

Worst: Noise on the canal and/or street at night
Why: You needed to keep the windows open because few hotels have air-conditoning.

Donna comar in Pleasant Hill, CA USA 09/02/2007

Best: Bruges Carriage Ride
Why: The guide was well spoken. I do not recommend the carriage ride during the day as there is too much car traffic. At night, there is little traffic. The buildings are all lighted. Very romanctic and cheap, only €30. I consider that a bargain.

Roger Goppelt in Cottage Grove, Wi USA 08/22/2007

Best: Anne Frank House was great
Why: However....

Worst: Don't try to get into Anne Frank house in evening.
Why: After long lines 2 nights in a row, we got there at 8 am and were 3rd in line, Had a delicious bagel and coffee from cafe next door while we waited.

Maura Tepper in Stamford, CT USA 08/19/2007

Best: Randy Roy's Red Light District tour
Why: This tour was extremely fun and interesting. Our guide, Kiki, was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the Red Light District and Amsterdam in general. Definitely a highlight.

George Mole' in Bronx, NY USA 08/18/2007

Best: Bruges
Why: This city is friendly. The Hotel Egmond was very nice and convenient. The Hotel Egmond has a wonderful garden that is peaceful in the busy city. The canal boat ride and carriage ride were the highlights. Walking at night to the main square was wonderful.

Roger Goppelt in Cottage Grove , Wi USA 08/16/2007

Best: Hotel Botaniek- Brugge
Why:

Bob Rollins in Davis, CA USA 07/26/2007

Best: Jordaan walk
Why: Beautiful, interesting information during the walk.

Tory Van Wie USA 07/15/2007

Best: Walking tours
Why: Loved the walking tours! And keep your opinions in the books. It give a personal flavor, and anyway, I mostly agree with your opinions!

Cindy in Shurleff, Wa USA 07/13/2007

Best: Historic Triangle
Why: A map of the open air museum in Enkhuizen would be great! The boat ride doesn't have any and it dumps you off at the back-end of the museum where there is no information, and you would have to hike all the way to the front to get anything. Though, even with the challenges and the lack of english signs it was absolutely worth doing the historic triangle.

Stephen Heverin in Oreland, PA USA 06/19/2007

Best: Getting to Anne Frank House late
Why: It was crowd-free and really nice to be able to tour through the house without being rushed. Great tip!

Worst: Hotel De Leydsche Hof
Why: We stayed in Room #7 but peeked into Room #3. There is a huge difference between the 2 rooms and there is not a difference in the price of the 2 rooms- which by the way has gone up to 105 euro.

One room is nicely appointed, as is the rest of the house. The other looks like Loes and Frits put all the furniture they wanted to throw out up on the top floor in room 7. Just my opinion.

Breakfast was nice. The location was great but it really stopped there. There are no phones in the rooms or any phones accessible to use in the building which made it rather inconvenient when trying to call a taxi for an early morning departure. I think there is definitely better value at other B&Bs in Amsterdam.

Gwen in Oyster Bay, NY USA 06/13/2007

Best: Brugge
Why: Most beautiful city we've ever been to. Everything picture is postcard perfect. Plus, great hosts, great food, great sites. Arrived 6/3 which is the slowest of summer months for them.

Worst: Food choices
Why: There are so many options for food/chocolate/ drinks it is dizzying. However, it's not really a bad problem to have.

Dave Huthwaite in Leesburg, VA USA 06/07/2007

Worst: Wynand Fockink
Why: Have you ever seen how they WASH their brandy glasses? We were all set to order when we saw the dirty glasses go in a pan of water and then get taken out to be used again!!

Marcia in Manchester, CT USA 06/04/2007

Best: Museum boat in Amsterdam
Why: Such an effecient way to get to the muesums. It also provided some narratation.

Worst: Description of the Nieuwmarket area Amsterdam
Why: The book called the area seedy.We found it to be full of great little resturants and a lovely grocery store.

Evelyn Clark in Montain View, Ca USA 05/21/2007

Best: Queen's Day, Netherlands
Why: The Queen's Day holiday (April 29 or 30; plus the night before) is best avoided if you have limited time in Amsterdam. Even though some sights are open, travel within the city is difficult--the trams shut down since the streets are mobbed. On the other hand, the exuberance, the music, the friendliness, and the overall weirdness (the flea market/child performers in Vondelpark and champagne and oysters sold on the street for example) make this an experience not to be missed, if you're in the right frame of mind. Wear orange, walk on the right side of the street--most of the Dutch actually do, and be prepared to explained why you, as a non-Netherlander, are there. We had a great time, helped by the fact that Amsterdam was having California weather this year. Don't plan on traveling into, out of, or around Amsterdam--except by foot--on Queen's Day or the night before.

Jack Kashtan in Sacramento, CA USA 05/21/2007

Best: Keukenhof Gardens
Why: We were just slighly after peak time, but the tulip displays were amazing!

Melissa in Maryville, TN USA 05/10/2007

Best: Bruges and Daytours of Flanders
Why: Bruges is a great city, very quiet and relaxing, especially after 6 days in noisy Amsterdam/Haarlem.

Daytours recommended by your book was highly professional and very informative. Well worth the money we paid for it; Nathan owns the business and gave a very personal touch to the infamous sites we visited.

Regan Turner in Kailua, HI USA 05/07/2007

Best: Bruges
Why: It is the perfect size for a city. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. Winding, narrow, cobbled streets and canals a-plenty. Charming architecture. And plenty of chocolate on offer!

Worst: Amsterdam
Why: I stupidly went on a weekend and it was full of stag/hen parties. It reminded me of how embarrassing Brits Abroad can be. I felt quite ashamed.

Edward Avila in Blackpool, UK 05/04/2007

Best: Dutch Resistance Museum, Amsterdam
Why: It really allowed me to understand what it must have been like living in an occupied country. Since I'm in my 30's, WWII was just something you read about in school, this museum made you really understand how people were treated by the Nazis. Very powerful. I now want to read more about this time in history.

Kristin in Philadelphia, PA USA 04/27/2007

Worst: Anne Frank House
Why: The interactive session at the end of the tour with the thinly veiled comparison of America to the Nazis and George Bush to Hitler were angering. While I give all the chance to voice an opinion, this was not the place to air their disagreement with America's foreign and domestic policies. I found it more ironic and disgusting that Steven Spielberg was the person that funded the building and what was within. I left angry and disgusted rather than pensive over the life of a young little girl that deserved more.

Bob Gallagher in Indianapolis, IN USA 04/04/2007

Best: Bruges
Why: It was lovely and not too large. The people were personable. The only problem was getting there by train and then leaving. If you look at is as an adventure, then it wasn't too bad.

Worst: Amsterdam
Why: We spent a week there, and it was way too much time. I found the Dutch people rude as a whole. However, as usual, your info on buying tickets, etc. was good.

Gayle Alston in Ozark, Ar USA 04/03/2007

Best: Brugges: Bikes and Saturday Market
Why: We rented bikes and rode to Damme. It was an easy ride along canals and alongside windmills. Damme is a neat little town, and a nice diversion. We also enjoyed the Saturday market. It was very local, and had some good buys on chocolates!

Jenine in Houston, TX USA 03/11/2007

Best: Brugges
Why: Very inetresting and different.

M.Daniels in Thompson, MB Canada 01/05/2007

Worst: Bruges
Why: I may be in the minority, but I was very disappointed in a recent visit to Bruges. Unfortunately, Bruges has become a major tourist trap, people everywhere and everything overly expensive. When we visited last week, Bruges was unbelievably crowded. Also, the train station is several miles from town, with little directions to the town center. Many tourists seemed lost. The tourist office in the train station offers only a small tourist map and no description of sights.

The worst disappointment about Bruges were the locals. The shopkeepers and the café workers everywhere were extremely rude. My wife and I have traveled all over Europe and we agreed that the people of the Bruges we encountered were the rudest we have met in many years of travel. Maybe all the tourists have changed them. We did not feel welcome here. Brussels was much more accommodating to tourists.

Bill in Beaumont, TX USA 11/29/2006

Best: Biking through Noord Holland
Why: After 2 days each in Brussels and Bruge and 3 in Amsterdam, and we were ready for something different. We rented bikes from MacBike. Starting around 10:30 we spent several hours doing the 36km ring through Broek in Waterland, Zuiderwoude, Marken Maarken, Randsdoorp, Schellingwood and back. Towns are very quaint with beautiful little homes (some floating on the canals).

Words of wisdom for the self-guided bike tour: 1) Plan time to get lost and to explore. MacBike's map is ok but a bit too general. (someone has posted it here http://blog.russnelson.com/images/great-waterland-bicycle-tour.jpg). We took a wrong turn as soon as we got off the ferry from Amsterdam and lost 1/2 hour. The good thing is that there are many trails and shortcuts, so you will for sure can find your way back on track. 2) The towns, though quaint, are small and services suspect. Pack a lunch and water.

3) the wind along the dike can be stiff, a three-speed bike is a must even though the land is flat. I might recommend doing the tour counterclockwise. We faced a headwind along the dike the from Marken through Uitdam to Schellingwoude. Wind would have been lighter coming south from the inland trail.

4) In Zuiderwoude, stop at Suyderwou's Winjloods, a wine tasting room. www.wijnloods.nl. A perfect place.

Jon in Cervino, CA USA 11/13/2006

Best: Brewery tour of Bruges
Why: Excellent interesting tour.Dont eat the soup however

Jack in Sheboygan, Wi USA 10/27/2006

Best: Haarlem
Why: For us it was easier to find the hotels and restaurants. They had fun markets in the square on Sat and Mon. The train station worked fine for any day trip we took. And it was cheaper than Amsterdam.

Worst: Volendam
Why: We were warned it was touristy, but still did it. It was fun, but our least favorite.

Jane Steward in Portage, MI USA 10/11/2006

Best: Amsterdam/Haarlem/Zannse Schans
Why: We really enjoyed Amsterdam - what a wonderful city to visit, great city to walk around and enjoy all the sights. We loved the open attitude and felt very safe in all areas. Anne Frank House is a must and we also greatly enjoyed the Van Gogh and Rijksmuseums.

We did a half day visit (via train) to Zannse Schans for a wonderful view of 17th century Dutch culture, including climbing inside a working windmill and the cheese museum.

We also enjoyed a day visit (via train) to Haarlem. As advertised in Rick's book, it is much quieter than Amsterdam, easy to walk around and fun just to enjoy the city. Rick's tour of Grote Kerk was easy to follow and very informative.

Al Hermansen in Delano, MN USA 09/22/2006

Best: Openlucht Museum
Why: The kids loved it and so did we. The only bad thing - they were verrrrry limited in what was open for eating and that became a big issue with 4 hungry kids. Evidently, not all restaurants are open all year long, even on a weekend.

Melissa Weikel in La Plata, MD USA 09/21/2006

Best: Breakfast at Hotel Amsterdam
Why: Hosts so nice. Breakfast (and I never eat a rich bacon/eggs/pancakes/juice, etc breakfast in the US) was fresh with cheese, delicious coffee, yogurt, fruit, etc. in a beautiful setting.

Worst: Trolleys and trains
Why: We had a very uncomfortable ride on the train from Brussels to Bruges. Five teenaged boys sat across the aisle from us. They taunted and poked me, used profanity. We did not speak to each other as we didn't want to expose ourselves as Americans, so the ride was extremely tense and could have been even worse if they had demanded money or our things, which they could have done as there were only three other persons on our train car and we were quite vulnerable.

Jane in North Mankato, MN USA 09/03/2006

Worst: Train from Brussels to Brugge
Why: Several junior high aged Belgian punks decided to harass my wife on the train ride. The conductor should have thrown them off because there were 5 sitting in 4 seats. I had to threaten them and they still turned what should be a pleasant ride into a terror ride.

Bill Horton in N. Mankato, MN USA 08/27/2006

Best: Quasi-mundo Bike Tour in Brugge
Why: Our family of 6 took a 7:30 pm tour with a fun loving and intelligent young woman named Yfke. She was a delight. Great stories about the history of the area that acually held our 6 year olds attention. Highlight for the kids was body rolling down the Wind Mill hill.

Hellen in Westlake, Ohio, USA 08/26/2006

Worst: Brugges
Why: Lovely but perhaps too loved these days. The crowds can be unbearable but nearby Ghent has the same features plus much smaller crowds.

Courtney in Brussels, BE USA 08/15/2006

Best: Climbing the Bell tower in Brugge
Why: Climbing all the steps is well worth the view. We climbed the tower first thing on market day (Wednesday) and at every platform we were amazed by the view.

Andriana in Sonoma, CA USA 08/10/2006

Best: Van Gogh Museum with Rembrandt exhibit
Why: We liked the Rembrandt/Caravaggio exhibit more than the Van Goghs. Also loved the Heinekin Experience. Met fun folks while having our three beers. Anne Frank house was special too.

Worst: canal cruise
Why: we had jet lag so bad, we wanted to lay down in the center aisle and sleep! Was kinda of lost on us at that time.

Shannon Hammond in Hoover, AL USA 08/08/2006

Best: Kroller-Muller Museum and Sculpture Garden
Why: Oh, my! Definitely a highlight! Over 50 van Goghs and other gems in this amazing museum set in a national park. Yes, getting there is a hassle, but also part of the charm! First, for us, a train from Amsterdam, then bus, then short walk to park to buy tickets, then the bike ride to the museum! Lovely grounds with beautiful sculptures! Pleasant cafe with outdoor seating. There is waiting between train and buses, but wouldn't have missed this for the world.

Andrea in San Diego, CA USA 07/30/2006

Best: Heineken Museum
Why: You get 3 tokens for 3 beers, very exciting and interesting museum, and you even get a souvenir at the end!

Worst: Van Gogh Museum
Why: I love art and was very let down by the museum. I have seen more art by Van Gogh, especially his more famous paintings in Switzerland on a traveling art exhibit then I did here in Amsterdam.

Lorene Tade in Houston, Tx USA 07/24/2006

Best: Brugge:Quasimondo Triple Treat Tour
Why: WE so enjoyed this tour with Philippe. It was good to get out of town after exploring it for 2 days. Seeing the countryside and getting the historical background from a charming native was great. We enjoyed the lunch break near the Gothic Barn with tasty sandwich, waffle, and beer included, then the visit to the chocolate shop to watch a demonstration, as well as savor some of the goodies, then the beer tasting back at the edge of town. Those not interested in trying beer, were offered choice of wine or sodas or juices. It was a full day and so worth every euro.

Andee in San Diego, CA USA 07/23/2006

Worst: Royal Delft Factory
Why: While a very nice 90 min side trip for a neat tour I have been very angry with the end result. We bought over $250 worth of china and decided to use the ship home option they offer at the factory. After 11 weeks its still not arrived and I have been getting the run a round from the Royal Delft Factory customer service for a few weeks. I am know in the process of trying to get my credit card to reverse the charge. So buyer beware.

Desmond in Hoboken, NJ USA 07/17/2006

Best: Anne Frank Huis
Why: This is something I've always wanted to experience! As for timing, Rick hit it right on the money: go after dinner, say around 7pm, when there really aren't many tourists waiting in line.

Jodi de Vries in Kirkland, WA USA 07/15/2006

Best: Dutch Resistance Museum
Why: It is hard to pick one because Amsterdam is so full of great museums, churches, etc. but the one that most pleasantly surprised us was the Dutch Resistance Musuem. It is fabulous, one of the best WW2 museums we’ve seen. We could easily have spent most of the day there. All the exhibits have English translations, and every nook and cranny reveals insights about the Dutch experience.

Dave in Richmond, VA USA 07/11/2006

Worst: Dam Square
Why: The least interesting or attractive main square of any European city we've been to. Nearby cafes and stores also weren't very appealing.

Les Share in Miami, FL USA 07/08/2006

Best: Bruge Belgium
Why: This was one of the most and clean cities were have ever seen. This place should be on everyones MUST SEE list.

Steve Snyder in Sacramento, CA USA 07/04/2006

Best: Port of Rotterdam
Why: I assumed any port would be industrial and uninviting, including Rotterdam. I walked from the CS to the port to take a sightseeing boat. The walk was along nice canals and streets. At the port boats were not running so I walked along the dock. Nice walk, great view and nice old houses. Very nice, many locals out, mothers with prams, retirees, lunctime business people. Great architecture in the neighboorhood. Also there was a little inner harbour with colourful boats lining it. I stopped in a little neighbourhood pub and had a fresh glass of Heineken. Great walk when in Rotterdam.

Bill Canada 07/01/2006

Best: Rembrandt's House and Van Gogh Museum
Why: New exhibit of 50 of his paintings. House now furnished like Rembrandt had it. The Rembrandt-Caravaggio exhibit was wonderful. Aalsmeer Flower Auction was a highlight.

Worst: Zaanse Schans
Why: Too commercial but was easy to get to from Alkmaar after seeing the cheese market. Did go to Arnhem's Open Air Museum which is fantastic.

Barb Selis in Glenoma, WA USA 06/25/2006

Worst: The Stedelijk Museum CS
Why: This is the temporary location of the Stedelijk while their building is being remodeled. First, you walk 15 minutes from Central Station to a very obscure location to get there. Then, you pay your 9 Euros to get in. Once inside, you discover that none of the paintings are there. There are various video installations and avant-grade objects. Within 10 minutes, I went back to the door and asked where the collections were. The young woman said "Oh, I was supposed to tell you!" None of the collections of paintings can be dispalyed here because of the humidity. We only have art since the 1970's. I inquired about a refund. After the buck being passed to at least three people, Iwas told very firmly that there were "no refunds" because this information was actually displayed in very tiny signs less than six inches square. Not so much an issue of the nine Euros, but left with a very bad feeling.

Laurie Adato in Denver, CO USA 06/04/2006

Best: People in the Netherlands, tulip fields, Bruges, Delft
Why: --Everyone was so friendly and happy. No matter what we asked for, the response always seemed to be “Of course!” --The tulip fields were truly amazing. I’d strongly recommend planning your trip for the tulip season. You don’t necessarily have to go out of your way to see them-- I had excellent views from the plane, on the train to Keukenhof, and on the bus to Keukenhof. --Bruges was wonderful and even better than I had expected, despite everyone's rave reviews. Yes, there are hoards of tourists in the middle of the day, but frankly it didn’t matter to us. Bruges was just so charming, romantic, and fun—-it’s really a “must see” (and try to spend at least one night there, so you can experience a different, tranquil Brugge). Some highlights include Burg Square, Market Square, chocolates (we enjoyed the Chocolate Line, Dumon, and Sweertvaegher), beer (De Garre, t’Beertje, and the store Het Bierpaleis), waffles (we visited Hennon Restaurant twice, once for the Brussels waffles and once for the Liege), and carts in Markt Square for frites with mayo and bitterballen. We decided to take a quick side trip to Brussels; we were there in a quick hour and spent about another 4 doing a tourbook walk. We are so glad that we went (the Grand Place was wonderful and Rick's walking tours were perfect for the amount of time we had) but were even happier that we were stationed in Bruges. --Delft was just lovely and is definitely worthy of the 2 stars Rick gives it. We wandered around the Market and then visited the Royal Dutch Delfware factory (which was excellent). We took a walking tour using a very well-written brochure from the Visitors Center. We also took a very short tram ride to the Hague, but came back rather quickly (it was a Monday night and the scene in the Hague was quiet). We had a nice dinner at Little Italy at the edge of the Market and my husband enjoyed a beer later at a tiny local brown bar called Trappenstiner just behind the Neuwe Kerk. I'd highly, highly recommend staying in Delft.

Worst: Zaanse Schanes, Volendam, and Markem
Why: These felt like huge tourist, money traps to us (but we should have known better based on Rick's advice and some past experiences we've had with bus tours). Further, we had very little time to explore the nicer parts (Volendam) because most of our time was spent traveling from place to place. We did learn that when we’re in the Netherlands in the future, we won’t need to book any tours given how easy and efficient the train system is.

Noslo MA USA 06/03/2006

Best: Anne Frank House after 6pm
Why: This was the best tip because there was only a line of four people of just walked in ahead of us.

Worst: Clarification on the location of Dumon
Why: If we followed Rick's info in the book to a T, everything would have been dandy because we would have gone to the "right" location. However, I think it's worth noting that Dumon is now selling through resellers under stores named Dumon. Our experience with one of these Dumon resellers was probably one of the lowlights of the trip.

Jason Leung in Vancouver, BC Canada 05/26/2006

Best: Beer in Belgium
Why: Some of the smoothest beers I have ever tasted! I recommend Grimbergin, Palm, and Duvel

Chad Butta in Hebron, KY USA 05/23/2006

Best: Anne Frank House - after 6PM
Why: Great tip by Rick to go after 6PM. There may have been 20 people there the entire time we were there. Excellent. Did not feel rushed.

Chad Butta in Hebron, KY USA 05/23/2006

Best: Market Square, Bruges
Why: Wonderful architecture, a great Wed am produce and flower market, Cafe Craenenburg for a light meal or coffee and people watching, climbing the bell tower and hearing the bells

Worst: day trip to Damme
Why: It might have been better on a bike but we took the boat which was fun but ended up taking almost all day with too much time in Damme and not much to do.

Carol Singler in Seattle, WA USA 05/21/2006

Best: Zuiderzee Museum in Noord-Holland (nr. Enkhuizen)
Why: What a neat place this was. We'd been to open air museums before, but this one took the cake. Interesting look at 19th C. fishing village life, and something new around every corner. Highly recommended.

Ann in Fleetwood, NC USA 05/20/2006

Best: Delft
Why: While the guide book gives it only a page or two I highly recommend more then a day trip stop. True it doesnt have the blockbuster must see sights it makes more and then some on relaxing and atmosphere. Plan to be there on a Thurday for a great market.

Des in Hoboken, NJ USA 05/09/2006

Worst: Rondvaart Kooij canal boats
Why: The boats do not have all seats facing forward. We sat in movable chairs placed around little tables. It was very awkward. The Holland International boats looked more comfortable. The tour was not very interesting. It seemed as though they could have provided more information. The whole operation seemed lifeless. Don't know if the other tours would have been better or not.

Cindy Kennett in Oquossoc, ME USA 05/07/2006

Best: Anne Frank House
Why: No crowd after 6 pm. It was a perfect time of the day to go there.

Ajay Gupta in Flower Mound, TX USA 04/30/2006

Best: Quasimodo Tours
Why: Philippe of Quasimodo Tours was an excellent tour guide. We took both tours (Flanders Fields and the Triple Treat). Each tour covers many sights -- yet we were not rushed. Overall, each tour is a great deal for only 50 Euros (which includes lunch). Phillipe's knowledge and sense of humor also adds to the value of the tour.

Russ and Mandy in San Diego, CA USA 03/31/2006

Best: Quasimundo Bike Tours
Why: We went on the afternoon countryside tour which lasts 4 hours and costs 20 euros and includes a beer. Our guide was excellent and stopped frequently to explain the region in greater detail. You will pedal to Damme a quaint town of only 250 people, see tree lined canals, a German bunker, and many farms. Its fun to interact with other tourists and share travel experiences. If the walls of Bruges are closing in on you and the crowds are making you feel claustrophobic get out of town on a bike tour.

J.D. D'Amico in Sanford, Fl USA 03/28/2006

Best: All
Why: We followed several of Rick's walking tours. Using his book made it very easy. You don't need to pay for a tour while visiting Amsterdam if you follow Rick's walking tours.

Worst: Some maps.
Why: We found that it could've been much easier if the maps were a little more accurate or had more details and landmarks not to get lost.

Juan in Harrisburg, PA USA 03/14/2006

Best: Keukenhof Gardens
Why: Keukenhof Gardens was one of our favorite spots during our vacation last May. It is only open between March 23 and May 19, but the acres of Spring blooms and gorgeous landscaping made it a photographer's dream. It's fairly easy to get to by bus (Amsterdam or Haarlem)and the bus ride takes you through some nice scenery as well.

Jeff Anderson in Tigard, OR USA 02/22/2006

Worst: Bruges
Why: I may stand alone, but overrated Bruges failed to charm, perhaps because I spent two days constantly lost. (I know getting lost is supposed to be half the fun, but this isn't Rome.) For a town crawling with tourists (the Christmas markets are delightful and the shopping bountiful), it is surprising that even the main sights, such as the Memling Museum, are unmarked. The maps look easy, but didn't seem to help. The many stumped visitors asking me for directions suggested I was not alone. Unfortunately the Tourist Office recently moved away from the main square. And the train station is several miles from town; I never did find the bus back Sunday morning.) My final weekend in Amsterdam offered more tranquil and equally beautiful canal walks. I can also recommend Utrecht, a lovely Flemish town.

Joan Tuchman in Wsshington, DC USA 01/04/2006