I will try to explain what we have done, where we stayed, where we have seen during a week of Benelux trip without drowning you in great detail. But first of all, let’s talk about Benelux before going into these details. In 1944 Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxemburg came together to lift their borders and cooperate for the free movement of peoples and produced goods. The name of the region is Benelux, which consists of the initials of the countries. Of course, this process has changed over time and improved cooperation.
We planned this trip about five months ago. Last year I had the opportunity to see the Netherlands and Belgium within the scope of the interrail, but this time I made plans with my girlfriend and Zaanse Schans, Volendam, Gent, Brussels and the excitement of going to Luxembourg for the first time. Stay in the Netherlands for three nights and Belgium for 3 nights; we went to Luxembourg one day.
First stop in Netherlands
After three hours of flight, we are finally in Amsterdam. Abu welcomes Orhan we met us at the airport InterRail group in Turkey. Orhan Abi, who supported us during our three-day tour of Amsterdam, opened a separate parenthesis; thank you.
The first stop is Zeeburg Camping. With our own tent for 3 days 2 people only 48 euros we are intertwined with nature. We go to Zaanse Schans, famous for its windmills, and Volendam, a sweet and sweet fishing town. When you see these places, you understand that Amsterdam is not famous just because it is the ş city of freedoms.. If you haven’t come to Amsterdam and seen these places, you will have missed a lot.
It’s from me. We spend half a day for Zaanse Schans and half a day for Volendam. You can easily reach these places from the center. Then the must-have channel tour, Red Light and Dam Square, of course. We also pamper ourselves with the famous French fries and Heineken. Don’t forget to add this pair to the list. When you go to Belgium you will see many shops selling fries. Try around here too.
Netherlands tips
1- If you do not buy a daily (24, 48, 72 hours) ticket, it is very expensive and we have spent serious money. If you are going to stay for a few days, there is the GVB’s office (think like our IETT) around the central train station; you can get the card from there.
2- Heineken has a museum in Amsterdam. You can tour a museum called Heineken Experince, but the entrance is 18 euro. We queued to live this experience, but when we saw the fare, we quietly walked away. Definitely try it if it fits your budget.
3- Channel tours are very famous in Amstrdam. There are many companies that regulate the tour and prices are changing between 10-20 euros. I think we found the cheapest by chance. The Rondvaart- Reedery P.Kooy. We were quite satisfied. Only 9 euro per person. Highly recommend for a canal tour.
4- Red Light District is extremely moving as you know. In addition to interesting places such as ‘Sex Museum’, Tarihi Historical Museum of Prostitution 40, you can participate in live erotic shows lasting 1 hour for 40-50 euros.
5- Albert Heijin is a supermarket chain that you can see in many places in Amsterdam. With Orhan Abi’s advice, we have always done our food shopping here. Keep in mind. Cheap.
6- If they didn’t cut you, then let’s get you to the casinos where you can enter free of charge. We tried; We lost very little money but it was fun.
7- Do not fold the famous French fries. You can also try it with various sauces. Also extremely satisfying; to tell me. It’s not dark before 10:00.
We continue to Belgium
We are in Belgium, the second leg of our trip. First stop is Brugge, where we will stay for two days. We arrived from Amsterdam to Brugge with Eurolines buses for 16 euros per person. The journey took about five hours. We stayed at Snuffel Hostel, 10 minutes away from the square. For two nights, we paid 112 euro for 2 people (breakfast included). I would recommend this place with its location, pleasant bar, garden and immaculate rooms.
For two days, we stepped into the city tirelessly and tried many of the flavors of Bruges. Chocolate, waffles and of course the most famous Belgian beers are Delirium and Jupiler. We also had a half-day Ghent getaway. Frankly, I didn’t know Gent was so beautiful. Good thing we said we were gone. Go, see. From Ghent to Brugge, we paid 56 euro, 14 euro per person to go by train. In the meantime, if you are under 26 years of age, you can buy more convenient tickets.
One and a half days before the end of the trip, we moved to Brussels. We stayed at the 2-star Albert Hotel in the Turkish Quarter in Brussels. Only night, two people have paid 50 euro money only in the room. It’s a lot for Brussels, but we had to come to Brussels because our return plane was here. And here we went to Luxembourg. All you need to do is spend a day in Brussels. The famous square in the Grand Place Markt; there are many historical buildings. You will also see the famous Pissing Child Statue, whose reputation goes beyond the borders of the country. Obviously Brussels did not affect us. However, we did not visit in detail. You might like it.
Belgium Tips
There are hundreds of beer types in Belgium, but the most famous is Delirium, whose alcohol content is 8 and a half percent. Definitely try it. The taste is different as well as the alcohol content.
1- Another Belgian flavor is chocolate. There are countless brands. I’m not saying especially try this because they’re all good. There are many chocolate shops in Bruges. You can taste chocolate even if you don’t buy it in these places.
2-Another thing you should definitely do in Brugge is the channel tour. I didn’t do it again this year because I did it last year. But if you go for the first time; Do not fold. 1-hour tours cost around 8-10 euros.
3- The most important building in the square is the Belfry Tower. You reach the top by climbing 366 steps. The scenery is exquisite. Add to the top of your to do list. The fare was between 5-10 euro.
4- We never used city buses in Brugge and Ghent. You can visit these cities on foot. This is the most enjoyable one.
Last stop in Luxembourg
We are in Luxembourg, the capital of Luxembourg, the smallest country in Benelux. The capital has the same name as the country. The population is around 500 thousand. It is in the middle of France, Belgium and Germany. A three-hour train ride from Brussels is possible. Go-come 35 euro per person.
One of the most important notes for the country is that it ranks first in the national income per capita according to World Bank and IMF data. He is also a founding member of the European Union. Because living standards are expensive, there are many people who work in Luxembourg and live in neighboring countries. He usually goes to work every day by train. Three official languages are spoken in the country, but the French we observe are predominant.
Contrary to the small size, the country’s history dates back to Roman times. Historical buildings are generally used as state buildings; this was the first thing that caught our attention. The most important point of the country is the Old Town. Because of our narrow schedule, we immediately got there. Then we toured the city and back to the train station.
Luxembourg tips
1- I cannot share any advice about the kitchen. We had dinner at Pizza Hut. The price was very reasonable.
2- Luxembourg was the sixth country I have seen in Europe. I bought the most expensive magnet I’ve ever bought. 3 euros.
3- Famous citysightseeing buses are also available here. We couldn’t get in because we saw him going back to the train station.
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