Amsterdam, Bruges & Brussels

Best and worst sights, experiences and destinations:

Best: Delft Pottey
Why: There are two authentic Delft Pottery manufacturing companies in Delft. One is the "Royal Dutch Delftware Manufactory" and the "Delft Pottery" store. The signs for both are confusing and contradict one another UNTIL you figure out there are two shops! We visited the Delft Pottery place and it was charming. Family owned and operated; they welcomed us, conducted a personal tour and then we visited the gift shop. Very nice place.

Laura & Ed LaVigne in Richmond, TX USA 11/08/2009

Best: Bruges
Why: The whole city, a fairy tale, magical place. Every turn has another beautiful scene. It seems untouched by modern life

Worst: The Red Light District- Amsterdam
Why: Over hyped and quite a sad place to be.

Catherine Fox in Saratoga Springs, NY USA 10/26/2009

Best: Jordaan Walk
Why: see all the canals and visit the market place near the North Church (Noorderkerk).

Mike in Macungie, PA USA 10/23/2009

Best: The Museumkaart, the open air museum, Bruges, and Flemish Beef Stew
Why: Museumkaart: If you're a museum junkie, you will more than make your 40 euro back for purchasing the museum card. And it's good for an entire year. Fantastic.

The Open Air Museum was a gorgeous look at The Netherlands that was. Beautiful setting. Lots of good information. Filled with interesting things to see. http://www.openluchtmuseum.nl/en/

Bruges is full of post card views around every corner. A gorgeous place to be. Great art and architecture. Also, hard to swing a dead cat without hitting a chocolate shop.

Now that I'm home, I need to find a good recipe for Flemish beef stew. It tasted fantastic. Ironically, I think the best helping of it I had wasn't at a nice restaurant, but at a little dump about a block or two SW from Market Square in Burges.

Worst: The weather and restaurant water prices
Why: Rained most of the time in Amsterdam and Brussels. Bruges was sunny the entire throughout my stay. Didn't hurt my liking Bruges any, that's for certain :-)

I've bought mineral water in European restaurants before. It had cost a euro or two for half a liter. So be it. Being charged 2.50 for a _quarter_ liter however seems to be more than pushing it. Couldn't help feeling very ripped off by the practice.

Charles in Darien, IL USA 10/22/2009

Best: Royal Stewart B&B
Why: Maggie and Gilbert are gems. The room was large, beautifully appointed, quiet and comfortable. Breakfasts are wonderful with Maggie leading lively discussions and answering questions. The best part of a three week trip.

Craig in Portland, OR USA 10/17/2009

Best: Amsterdam
Why: We had no idea how beautiful a city Amsterdam is. Spending time on the streets and along the canals was a pleasure, and the great tram system made longer trips a breeze. The Anne Frank House was very moving as expected, and the Dutch Resistance Museum was worthwhile as well.

Ron in DeWitt, MI USA 10/14/2009

Best: Amsterdam
Why: We had no idea how beautiful a city Amsterdam is. Spending time on the streets and along the canals was a pleasure, and the great tram system made longer trips a breeze. The Anne Frank House was very moving as expected, and the Dutch Resistance Museum was worthwhile as well.

Ron in DeWitt, MI USA 10/14/2009

Best: museum commentary
Why: We relied on your books for background in the Rijksmuseum (sp?) and the Van Gogh Museum, and it was wonderful.

Worst: taxis from Central Station
Why: I don't remember your exact note on this in the book, but we were told all taxis from Central Station had a set 20 euro fee, regardless of where they went in the city. We paid the fee to go just a few blocks -- and would have paid about half that amount if we caught a taxi a block away from the Central Station.

Laralyn Sasaki in Columbus, Oh USA 10/09/2009

Best: Van Gogh Museum
Why: I love his work and enjoyed a whole museum full of it

Jeannine Willis in Houston, TX USA 10/07/2009

Best: Dumon chocolate should be mandatory visiting
Why: Go to about five other chocolate places in Bruges and then come here. This woman and her family are really glad to see you and the chocolate is less expensive than other places.

Worst: Bike Koffieboontje Bike Rental
Why: Bike Koffieboontje Bike Rental on page 315 is to be avoided. They have a very nice write up on the book that mentions maps, a museum combo ticket, and a discount for having a Rick Steves book.

They no longer offer the combo ticket and don't have maps. I didn't get the discount for the Rick Steves book. In fact the clerk counted by change back to me and was off by 15 euro. I can't believe that something like that would be an accident. Given the other bike rental places in Bruge, I think it's worth it to give some of them a chance in your book.

Rick Steves books have never let me down. But I have to say that I really just don't agree with listing Koffieboontje. The way it is right now is a scam and there are better values in other places in the city

Craig in New York, NY USA 10/04/2009

Best: Brugge - Jan de Clerck chocolates and candy at Academiestraat 17
Why: Just toward town a bit from The Royal Stewart, this second generation sweets store is terrific. Very fresh and way tasty chocolates AND candies. Much better and far friendlier than Dumond, I'm sorry to report.

Bill in Miami, FL USA 09/24/2009

Worst: Dumond Chocolates
Why: Chocolates not nearly as fresh and tasty as previous years. And the woman serving us was deeply unpleasant, also a shocking change from earlier visits.

Bill in Miami, FL USA 09/22/2009

Best: not to buy the Amsterdam card and to go to museums early or late and to use CanalBoat for transport and canal tour and guide Ab Wallet
Why: We spent less than we would have had we bought the card. The CanalBus moved us beautifully, albeit slowly, about the city. Ab helped us get started in Amsterdam at a very reasonable price and showed us places we would never have found on our own. I may not have his name right. I've lost the guide book.

Worst: taxi from train station to our B&B
Why: We were charged 20 euros (an outrageous price) and taken to the wrong address. We find that rip-off by taxi is common. Need to warn travelers.

Susan in Ledford, MT USA 09/21/2009

Best: Leidseplein
Why: fun to people-watch, great atmosphere

Mike in LA, CA USA 09/18/2009

Best: Keukenhof
Why: It was better than I imagined! The food was REALLY good there as well! Lots of foods to choose from in the mail hall and traditional fish carts were around the fringes as well -- very Dutch!

Worst: Musical Instrument Museum, BE
Why: It was a hard place to find and it was a very strange confusing self giuded tour. The best word I can describe for the staff: SOUR

The restaurant was good, however!

Carla in Hollister, CA USA 09/17/2009

Best: Hotels, restaurants
Why: Divided by cost and locations

Jan Larson in Worthington, MN USA 08/26/2009

Best: Hotels, restaurants
Why: Divided by cost and locations

Jan Larson in Worthington, MN USA 08/26/2009

Best: the walking tours
Why: My mother and I have become a devoted Rick Steves follower, using his books in 8 countries with definite success. For our trip in Bruges and Brussels, all of his walking tours were fabulous. We were able to see nearly everything we wanted to in an organized manner, while learning about it from his informative descriptions at the same time.

Worst: Groeninge museum, bruges
Why: This museum is closed until October, as we discovered upon arriving there.

Sarah in Bethesda, MD USA 08/16/2009

Best: The City of Amsterdam
Why: I loved walking around the city, getting to know it and enjoy the ambiance.

Worst: Dutch Restaurants
Why: The book on Belgium and Netherlands was great (I would have loved to see Ghent there, but no problem), however, one this that is either missing or was not very clear to me...the way the Dutch specifically (and some Brussels) restaurant merchants treat tourists. We just returned a few days ago and were through Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam. We found a large increase in cost for meals in Amsterdam, largely because they will not serve tap (table) water or serve bread/butter with your meals without a fairly substantial fee. While bread and butter is not necessary, water is and the fact that they will not serve it from the tap is very frustrating. I was traveling with my husband and three children. Having to pay for individual drinks (about 3 Euros or $4.50 each) or bottled water (about 5 Euros for a liter, or $7.50) increased our meal bill by asbout 30%. Amsterdam has the best drinking water in Europe, however, the merchants will not serve it because they want you to purchase expensive drinks. I found the attitude to be disturbing. One restaurant told us that they will not serve it because they are not a 5-Star restaurant. In Paris this was not an issue at all, but in Belgium and Amsterdam it was prevelant and while I wanted to frequent the restaurants, I found the costs very prohibative. The dollar has little value to the Euro and this custom add insult to injury -- and these places want American tourists....this policy does not help their cause. I wish I had known this because I might have chosen a different city (although I adored the city of Amsterdam), these tourist traps are upsetting. While talking to the locals, it appears that this policy is not prevelant outside of the city. Also, what is the deal with the .40 Euro ketchup/mayonnaise....it feels like they are ripping off the American's! I think this needs to be highlighted in the book.

Karen Greenberg in Chappaqua, NY USA 08/15/2009

Best: Zandvoort
Why: We're normally not beach people, but it was a hot day, and we wanted to get out Amsterdam for a bit. We took the 1/2 hour train to Zandvoort and enjoyed walking along the immense stretch of beach. It was great fun to people watch and get some sand between our toes.

Amery & Dan Bodelson in La Crosse, WI USA 08/13/2009

Best: Amsterdam and Brussels
Why: Great place to visit...awesome chocolates

Worst: Bruges
Why: People were rude to a fault. Is it just the Flemish?...They all seemed to have chips on their shoulders...AVOID...a restaurant in Bruges town center called Pickles...the guy who owns the place hates Americans...

chad in orland, fl USA 08/04/2009

Best: Anne Frank House and Van Gogh Museum
Why: Amazing museum and the Anne Frank house was an emotional experience and very moving

Joy in Dayton, OH USA 07/23/2009

Best: Anne Frank House reservations, renting bikes in Bruges, Grande Place in Brussels,
Why: I usually reserve things in advance if possible, but it's never seemed *critical* before, however reserving ahead for this seems 100% necessary based on my experience. The line wasn't particularly long, but super slow. I was able to walk right in with my advance reservation. Even if you don't usually do this, this is the place to do it!

I'm not a biker, but getting a bike near the Bell Tower and spending some time on the back streets was easy and really fun. It was a new way to see the city.

I spent one night in Brussels and liked it, but I agree with the book that even making a brief stop here is worth it. The Grande Place is definitely the most grand square I've seen in Europe, with some pretty sumptuous architecture and chocolate!

Abby in Seattle, WA USA 07/09/2009

Best: Anne Frank House and Kroller-Muller Museum
Why: Anne Frank-we found ourselves moved to tears. (hint-we had bought "timed" tickets on-line but showed up early and were allowed right in since it wasn't all that busy) Kroller-Muller Museum--well worth the day trip by train, bus and bicycle, especially for van Gogh lovers.

Worst: Day trip to Haarlem
Why: Not really "worst" or really bad, but I think it was played up too much in the guidebook. It was OK for a short interlude for lunch and walking around the square.

Paul Overmyer in Fort Collins, CO USA 06/09/2009

Best: Bike rental near Market Square in Bruges
Why: Amazed and grateful for the discount provided with the book. They gave us the student price with a smile which saved us €8 on two bikes! (€8 each instead of €12)

Jennifer H in London, ON Canada 06/04/2009

Best: chicago boom in amsterdam
Why: terrific show

Ann in Arlington, VA USA 05/26/2009

Best: Keukenhof
Why: This was beautiful and relaxing.

Worst: Van Gogh Museum
Why: There were many insignificant works here. There were few recognizable pieces here.

Anne in Montgomery, IL USA 05/18/2009

Best: Michelangelo's. "Virgin and Child"
Why: What a delight. Art up close and personal! The day we were there we were able to get within a few feet of this piece without any other tourists around. Bruges was just stunning and a romantic destination as well. We arrived by train and Rick's guidebook got us to the right bus into town and back.

Worst: Not enough time
Why: This destination deserves more time! The art in the church and its museum was awesome.

Catherine Bohusz in Clermont, FL USA 04/28/2009

Worst: Hotel Brower, Amsterdam
Why: Hotel Brower in Amsterdam. You have it under a classification that reads "Stately Canalside Homes" and later qualify that by saying that the "...area oozed elegance and class..."Perhaps your other two recommendations in West Amsterdam area still meet those requirements, however, I feel that it is worth another look at the Brower. The red light district has now definately stretched into the Singel Canal area...there is a red light in the door immediately adjacent to the front door of this hotel. There are warnings about theft and also chaining your bedroom door from the inside for your safety. It is humbler, but also tired. Most disappointing was to have them order a taxi to the airport for the morning we left. They gave us the drivers name and quoted the cost as 30E. In the morning they called the room (10 minutes early) to say that the cab was waiting. When we arrived at the airport the driver wanted 45E. We had to scramble to come up with the Euro as we had spent it down so we'd have none left over. In reading Trip Advisor reviews on the Hotel Brower, after returning, there was a report of a similar taxi problem 2 days earlier than ours by a guest...only difference was that they were quoted 28E and the driver asked for 40E. The hotel only uses one driver! Odd coincidence I thought.

Your recommendation to get to the Allsmeer auction early was right on. We felt it wilted after 8:30. It was great to see.

We can recommend Mae's B&B, Herenstraat 26, Amsterdam, only 2 blocks away from the Brower where we stayed on our way into Amsterdam. In Brugge we stayed at a lovely canal home, Huyzewhertsberge B&B, Hertsbergestraat 8-10. The street market in Brugge, held on Wednesdays is exceptional (we did the markets in Brugge, Amsterdam, and Delft and Rotterdam).

Maryann Scherzo in Mercer Island, WA USA 04/13/2009

Best: Van Gogh & Anne Frank
Why: Both just great sights

Worst: Haarlem
Why: Nothing to do!

Heather in London, UK 02/24/2009

Best: Teylers Museum (Haarlem) and Amstelkring Museum (Amsterdam)
Why: If you like science or the history of science, the Teylers Museum in Haarlem, Netherlands is a gem.

The Amstelkring Museum in Amsterdam was great - the English descriptions are very detailed. There is also an adorable "Our Ladybug in the Attic" tour for children.

Dave W. in Seattle, WA USA 01/20/2009

Best: Musical Instruments Museum
Why: I am glad I took a train stop in Brussels to see your recommended museum. I would definitely rate it as one of the best museums I've ever seen. The fantastic collections of instruments and great audiotape with recordings of them as you looked into the glass cases was amazing. Best collection of unusual and old pianos anywhere.

Worst: Groeninge Museum in Bruge
Why: Almost all of the paintings your book highlighted were on exhibition elsewhere which I understand is usually the situation.

Jan Polkinghorne in Boulder, CO USA 10/11/2008

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: Amsterdam: Canal Cruises, stroopwaffels, Rijkstaffel, Van Gogh Museum and the cafes!
Why: Amazing food, the city has an incredible, indelible charm and the Van Gogh Museem was fantastic. We were in Arles a few months ago, so it was wonderful to see the paintings that were inspired by the beauty of the Provencal landscape! Also Siberie Coffeeshop was a cut above. It was a great addition to the day to sit there, relax and listen to jazz and blues while having interesting conversations with the locals.

Stacy in Freiburg, BW Germany 06/04/2008

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