Tag: Netherlands

IF WALLS COULD SPEAK: The Best Street Art Project in Amsterdam

Posted onAuthorRenata6 Comments

There are dreamy canals and cute house gables. They have some of the most famous art museums and far more bikes than people: All this is Amsterdam, the quaint’n’quirky capital of the Netherlands. But the city is also famous for some of Europe’s most vibrant urban art. Some of the best pieces were created during the street art project If Walls Could Speak in the otherwise uneventful Eastside of Amsterdam.

IF WALLS COULD SPEAK: The Best Street Art Project in Amsterdam - Better a good neighbor than a distant friend by Smug One.
Better a good neighbor than a distant friend – muralist Smug One from Australia is so right!

In this post, I’m guiding you to the murals that were created on the walls alongside Platanenweg. So tie your trainers, polish your camera’s lens, and just follow me.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

Four Days in AMSTERDAM – Unique Things To See on a Long Weekend

Posted onAuthorRenata13 Comments

Four days in Amsterdam: Just the perfect amount of time to get to know the most iconic spots and landmarks as well as some truly unique gems on a long weekend.

Boats on the Amstel in Front of the Brug 76.
Rush hour on River Amstel in front of the Brug 76 bridge.

During a long weekend in Amsterdam, I got to experience a lot. In this post, I’m introducing my long list of activities and places for you to follow. Or you just pick what suits you most. Either way, you’ll spend a highly inspiring city break.
And if this time, you have only one day to spend, I also have you covered: In my post 24 hours in Amsterdam, I put together custom-made itineraries for either a sunny or a rainy day.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

24 hours in AMSTERDAM

Posted onAuthorRenata Green22 Comments

My category 24 hours in… is designed to transform a stay like a layover into a short extra vacation. You’ll see that my itineraries are so attractive and fun that you might postpone your connecting flight just to enjoy the full 24 hours in Amsterdam.

View of the Basilica of Saint Nicholas across the Oudezijds Voorburgwal.
View of the Basilica of Saint Nicholas across the Oudezijds Voorburgwal.

If you have more time to spare in the city, good for you! In my comprehensive post Four Days in Amsterdam, you’ll find tons of places and activities to choose from – the must-sees as well as some hidden gems.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

ARUBA: The Powerful Murals of San Nicolas

Posted onAuthorRenata20 Comments

While Aruba is famous for its beaches, far too few people venture to the hidden gem San Nicolas in the south of the island where you get to see some of the most powerful murals.

Street Art by ChemiS in San Nicolas in Aruba
He’s looking at you, kid.

In this post, I’m introducing some of San Nicolas’ most impressive pieces that you can explore self-guided or on an organized tour.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

As Easy As ABC: Island Hopping Between ARUBA, BONAIRE, and CURACAO

Posted onAuthorRenata17 Comments

Turquoise waters and tropical fishes, swaying palm trees, and pink flamingos – this is what you would expect on a Caribbean island. But where do the Flemish gable houses come from? And why are locals speaking Dutch on tropical islands just north of Venezuela?
Well, the history and fusion of different cultures are surely one of a kind on the so-called ABC islands. Hence, put on some sunscreen, grab your snorkel gear, and join me in my island hopping between Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao.

Couple on a jetty in Kralendijk in Bonaire, illustrating the post on Island Hopping between Aruba Bonaire, and Curacao.
Beauty in alphabetic order.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

CURACAO – The Caribbean Island That Has It All

Posted onAuthorRenata18 Comments

Curacao is an island in the Caribbean that simply has it all: Idyllic coves and secluded beaches, a fascinating history, great contemporary art, amazing food, and a capital city that UNESCO put on the list of World Heritage.

Old Dutch houses in Curacao, The Caribbean Island That Has It All
Old Dutch houses and lots and lots of water – those two icons of the beautiful island of Curaçao.

But Curaçao has also some well-hidden gems that I’m introducing in this guide – and I promise that you will love all of them!

This Way to the Whole Story ->

What Not to Miss in ARUBA, the Caribbean A-Lister

Posted onAuthorRenata11 Comments

Aruba was actually one of the first islands in the Caribbean that opened its hearts’n’harbors to international visitors by installing well-working touristy infrastructures. Today, Aruba is an absolute A-Lister when it comes to a dream vacation in the West Indies.
However, while most visitors are coming for the dreamy sand beaches, it would be a big mistake to miss out on the natural wonders Aruba is hiding in its hinterland.
In this post, I have you covered by telling you about all the wonderful spots you should not miss when visiting this self-proclaimed happy island.

Eagle Beach - one of Aruba's most famous beaches.
Eagle Beach – one of Aruba’s most famous beaches. However, the bird in the pictures is not an eagle but a seagle seagull.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

One Week in BONAIRE: The Best Activities Beyond Diving

Posted onAuthorRenata14 Comments

Bonaire is the easternmost of the three so-called A B C islands which are part of the Dutch Antilles off the coast of Venezuela.
The popular holiday destination Aruba is Bonaire’s little sister while Curaçao is the bigger and apparently more important one.
This makes Bonaire seemingly the oftentimes overseen middle child.
Very unjustly so since although it might be lesser known, B is still at least as beautiful and varied as its siblings A and C.
Need proof?
No problem: In this post, I’ve put together the best activities you can enjoy on beautiful Bonaire in one week – even if you are not diving.

Couple Snorkeling in Bonaire
Even if you’re not a diver, you certainly won’t be able to resist the turquoise waters surrounding Bonaire.
This Way to the Whole Story ->