Amsterdam's Unique Wonders: The Red Light District and Canals

Must-see experiences

When it comes to Amsterdam, there are two things that come to mind for most people: the Red Light District and the canals. And let's be honest, these two things couldn't be more different. But they're both part of what makes Amsterdam so unique and worth a visit.

Let's start with the Red Light District. Yes, it's famous for its sex workers and coffeeshops, but it's also a historical part of the city that dates back to the 14th century. Walking through the district's narrow streets and alleys, you'll see red-lit windows with women of all shapes and sizes, and in some cases, men too. But don't be fooled, this isn't your average streetwalker situation. The workers here are licensed and regulated by the government, ensuring their safety and rights.

Now, let's talk about the canals. Amsterdam has more than 100 kilometers of canals, and they're not just for show. These canals were built in the 17th century to help with transportation and defense, and they're still used for both purposes today. But they're also one of Amsterdam's top tourist attractions, with boat tours that take you through the city's waterways and past some of its most picturesque sights.

 

But what do these two wonders have in common? Well, for one, they're both part of Amsterdam's rich cultural heritage. And they're both a testament to Amsterdam's open-mindedness and tolerance. Whether it's the legalization of sex work or the acceptance of cannabis culture, Amsterdam has always been a city that embraces diversity.

So, if you're visiting Amsterdam, don't miss out on these two unique experiences. But just remember, if you're going to the Red Light District, be respectful and keep your camera in your pocket. And if you're taking a canal tour, bring a coat because it can get chilly out there. And who knows, you might even see some of the workers from the Red Light District waving at you from their windows as you float by on the canal. Hey, it's Amsterdam, anything can happen!

Bruges, a City of Historic Medieval Feel

Bruges offers one of the most unique experiences in Europe and listed below are some of the reasons why. Before visiting the city, make sure you have your trusty Bruges Travel Guide with Offline City Street Map.

Like Living in a Fairytale

Bruges looks and feels out of this world, like a place out of a Disney storybook mainly because most of the city has remained unchanged through the centuries. It still has its cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and swirling canals. Many of the buildings have also remained the same, still sporting architecture from hundreds of years ago. The city being fairly small also means you can do all your exploration on foot.

Captivating Canals

Bruges’ fascinating winding canals earned it the nickname of “Venice of the North”. The waterways also make exploring the city through canal boat rides. Many boat operators are also quite knowledgeable Bruges’ history so they can teach you a lot during the boat ride. Just keep in mind that canal boat riding is a favorite activity of tourists visiting the city so it is better to go on one in the morning to avoid long queues.

Tasty Chocolate

Bruges has numerous chocolate shops and all of them sell high quality, authentic chocolate. Many of them also use their own original recipes so their chocolates cannot be found anywhere else. Some even offer sample boxes for tourists who want to have a free taste. The most famous chocolate box is probably the one sold by Chocolatier Dumon.

Different Beers

Beer is a mainstay of life in Bruges. Aside from beerhouses, almost all restaurants and eateries also serve and extensive assortment of beers. One of the city’s most infamous booze is the Pauwel Kwak which is served in a tall, funnel-like cup and is known for its unique crisp taste. If you want to visit just one beerhouse, the 2be makes a great choice since it has one of the largest collections of beers in the city.

Calm Atmosphere

Unlike most European cities that are noisy and fast paced, Bruges is serene and calm. Most of the activity is on the town square. The rest of the city is as laid back as most rural towns. Bikes and walking are the main modes of transportation and most establishments close early.

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