I’ll go wherever the Megabus takes me!

I recently took a 12-hour epic bus ride, at night, from London to Amsterdam. We left Victoria Coach Station at about 9.30pm and stopped in Dover around 1am, then took the ferry to Calais and continued our journey towards Brussels. After a short stop in the Belgium capital, it was dawn already; we headed towards our final destination. We alighted from the bus at around 9.30 am in Amsterdam. And all for only £20 round trip!

You could wonder why one would spend their night on the road from London to Amsterdam instead of taking a 45 minute-flight and spare a sleepless night and uncomfortable seats that ruin your neck and hurt your spine. Well, obviously, because it is one of the cheapest ways of getting from point A to B. And because, in some cases, it is fun! Either way, this is an experience that allows you to spend less for more! Not only that you get to enjoy a trip with the ferry, make friends on the bus and listen to new stories, but you also get a glimpse of other cities, especially Brussels, in my case.

Low-budget is not for everyone, but for those who like to taste the adventure by different means. A ride with the Megabus will also give you time to read, listen to music, watch a movie, write on your blog or just let your mind wander anywhere and everywhere. The good part is that you have free Wi-Fi on the bus, so you won’t get bored if you’re an internet savvy.

Course there are some downsides and risks that you must be willing to take: lack of comfort – remember to bring a neck-pillow if you want to catch forty winks; dysfunctional toilet – this could have turned into a massive issue, but at least our driver fixed it half way to London; the excessive cold or heat from the AC; some crazy passengers with seats right next to you, so you’ll have to put up with their stomach issues and relationship matters for almost 12 hours. And the biggest risk of all: having an insane driver. But let’s think positive and see the full part of the…Megabus.

You can find this mega value bus in the UK, the United States and Canada. Basically, it is a low cost inter city travel, so you can see the country at a minimum price. That is if you have enough time to do it! But its best feature is that it can take you across the borders into the big bad world

Leave the UK to go to Paris, Boulogne, Brussels or Amsterdam. Plus, Megabus loves Wednesdays when you can travel for only £5 on all English and Welsh routes. On the American continent, you can become one of Kerouac’s characters, jump on a bus and travel the country. And it can also take you to Canada; switch from English to French in a blink of an eye. Or more, to be honest. If you’re lucky enough you can catch a much comfy seat in the new fleet of double deckers, with at-seat plug ins and panoramic windows.

The megabus.com service was first launched in the UK in 2003 and offers fares from £1 (plus booking fee) across the UK, linking around 50 locations. The coaches are carrying more than 2 million passengers a year. On the American continent, it was launched in April 2006 and has served more than 15 million passengers throughout more than 70 major cities in the Midwest and Northeast of the USA and Canada.

It is not the fastest way to travel, but definitely a safe and cheap one, so you can give it a try. There’s a new motto me and my friends laugh about: I’ll go wherever the Megabus takes me! 

Top 5 things to do in Amsterdam

Beyond the brownies and the girls in the windows lies a fascinating and strangely welcoming city. Amsterdam’s unity, its hospitality and colourful locals, and the surrounding waters define this “Little Babel.” It is multicultural, intimate and warm as a woman who knows how to soothe your worst pains.

The cheerful houses with narrow, uncovered windows allure you into peeking at the locals’ lives. Amsterdam is the city where the ladies on bikes unveil languorously their legs, the packed trams cluster on the bustling streets and the drivers rarely honk as the cyclists – either locals or frenetic tourists –have priority regardless of the colour of the traffic lights. It seems hectic, but the city helps you adapt in a few hours.

1. Cycle

Hire a bicycle, hop on it and start paddling. It’s the best way to see the city up on a saddle. Amsterdam has miles of safe bike lanes on flat, canal-skirting roads. The city is home to almost as many bikes as people and the locals use their bikes for every occasion. It is a chance to experience the cutting-edge and hedonistic Amsterdam on two wheels. And you have to take a picture with your bike on a bridge. This will be a sweet memory.

2.Take a boat cruise

The number of canals have led Amsterdam to become known as “The Venice of the North”. You can’t leave Amsterdam without taking a boat cruise. By day, it will be fascinating and relaxing, and by night it will romanticize the entire city with its illuminated houses and bridges. The four main city center canals are Prinsengracht, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Singel.

But you can even hire a private, smaller boat that will take you on the numerous smaller canals in the area of Jordaan. This is hot on contemporary art - Torch Gallery on Lauriergracht is a small, family-run mainstay with a host of loyal international artists on its books. You can take a glimpse of the neighbourhood on the Bloemgracht and the Leliegracht, which are especially pleasant.

Create your own sightseeing tour. Hop on and hop off as often as you like with the Canal Bus. The stops are located near museums, shopping districts and tourist attractions.

3.Walk and Stop

There are lots to see, taste and smell in Amsterdam, from the famous Albert Cuyp Market – the best-known and busiest outdoor market in Europe – where the odor of fish combines with the scents of chocolate and spices, to Museumplein, where you can discover Van Gogh’s secrets, fall in the history of the Dutch fleet in Rijksmuseum and then stroll on the streets of Damrak.

The Dam is the very centre and heart of Amsterdam, vibrating with history and tourists. You can find more about it at the Amsterdam Historical Museum or pay a visit to the Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis) which dominates the square. It was originally used as the town hall and its classical facade and fine sculptures were intended to glorify the city of Amsterdam and its government.

Enjoy a hot coffee in the Vondelpark also known as the lungs of the city, the green space in the nearby of Rijksmuseum, which hosts one of the most impressive collections of Old Master paintings in the world.

Scream ‘Action!’ at the newly relocated EYE Institute, Amsterdam’s film museum. Explore the bohemian art spaces of the huge NDSM wharf on the north side of the city and play with physics at the Nemo Science Centre.

Heineken Experience

Being in Amsterdam will offer you the chance to see how beer is made at Freddy Heineken’s factory. It will whirl you, splash you and let you taste ‘a few’ glasses of beer. You can also visit Anne Frank’s house and read her personal diaries, or enter the world of the most famous Bags and Purses (Museum).

4.Nightlife

Indeed Amsterdam’s reputation is the first that comes to people’s mind, but there is more to this city than the Red Light District. So you can have a decadent time without falling into an ocean of smoke, booze and, er, other stuff.

The nightlife can mean a fancy dinner in the Old Centre, a glass of wine and a juciy steak on a ship restaurant, a beer on the deck of Hard Rock cafe just on the Amstel river bank or pushing your adrenaline up in Dam square by riding various G-force rollercoasters.

However, we have to admit that you must visit the Red Light District, Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein squares to catch the ‘popular’ spirit of Amsterdam: pubs, restaurants, cafes, hotels, gay venues, souvenir shops, cinemas and theaters.

Talking about sex is tabu in some countries, but in Amsterdam is something that everyone can do, watch or…sale. Which is not really very pleasant and you should be aware of any attempts of human trafficking for sexual exploitation.

The Red Light District is somewhat of a very busy sexual amusement park, but it has its unique canals and bridges under which geese, swans and ducks have their night rest, ironically, at the watch of the sex shops, erotic museums and porn booths.

5.Visit the tulips

In the spring you should head to the tulip fields a short drive outside Amsterdam around the town of Lisse, in Keukenhof (“Kitchen garden”). Only 35min by bus from Amsterdam, this could be a one-day trip that will fill you with happiness and colour.

The fields represent the world’s largest flower garden. Approximately 7 million flower bulbs are planted annually in the park, which covers an area of 32 hectares. Check out the website to find a list of possibilities or how to get there.

You’re mistaken if you see Amsterdam as a promiscuous chaos, this capital is more about common sense and knowing your own limits. Give it a chance and let us know how it was! 

Related posts on Amsterdam:

Visit the tulip fields in The Netherlands

Amsterdam Insider Tips

Amsterdam Insider Tips

Welcome back city lovers to another Friday edition of I Heart My City. This week Keith Jenkins, traveler and writer behind the Velvet Escape blog, gives us his insider’s tour of Amsterdam. Read on to discover some of Keith’s great tips, like where to score the city’s best Flemish fries.

Original post via National Geographic.

Amsterdam is My City

Amsterdam’s Begijnjof (Keith Jenkins)

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is the Begijnhof or Nunnery in the heart of Amsterdam; a tranquil place with beautiful houses and trees. It’s simply a magical place.

When I crave Dutch (or Flemish) fries, with mayonnaise of course, I always go to Fleminckx (Voetboogstraat 31, a small lane between the Spui square and the Heiligeweg). Simply the best fries in town!

To escape the daily grind of blogging, I head into town for a leisurely stroll along the canals or an afternoon at one of the many terraces to people-watch. Any of the terraces at Rembrandt plein (square) is a good bet for an entertaining afternoon.

For complete quiet, I can hide away in the countryside just north of Amsterdam. There are many options but my favorites are the area around the little village of Schoorl (simply ‘Holland At Its Best‘) or the islands of Texel or Vlieland with their endless beaches and dunes.

If you come to my city, get your picture taken on the drawbridge that crosses the Groenburgwal canal. Amsterdam is very photogenic and there are many great spots for a memorable picture. When you’re on the bridge, keep an eye out for Amsterdammers on their bikes to avoid being run over!

If you have to order one thing off the menu from Saturnino (my favorite Italian restaurant) it has to be the sirloin steak with black truffles and porcini mushrooms.

Locals know to skip the canal tours and check out options for hiring a boat instead. It’s so much more fun to hire a boat, pack a picnic basket and cruise through the canals at your own pace. The canals of Amsterdam offer visitors a unique window into the history of the city and the lifestyle of its inhabitants.

When I’m feeling cash-strapped I go to my favorite neighborhood restaurant: Eten aan de Rijn. I love to cook but I enjoy eating out just as much. Eten aan de Rijn has a daily three-course menu for 25 euros. Excellent food and the owners Jaap and Nadja are great company!

For a huge splurge I go to one of the Michelin star restaurants in or near Amsterdam. My favorites include Ron Blaauw (in the village of Ouderkerk just outside the city) or ‘T Amsterdammetje and Tante Koosje (in the gorgeous village of Loenen aan de Vecht, about a 30-minute drive from Amsterdam).

Keith Jenkins

Photo ops in my city include the bridge that crosses the Groenburgwal canal, the Begijnhof and my absolute favorite spot in the city, the intersection of the Keizers and Leidse canals. The best vantage point is the rooftop of the NEMO science center.

If my city were a celebrity it’d be George Clooney; sexy, mondaine and despite its age, far from past its prime!

The most random thing about my city is how cosmopolitan it is. Almost 200 different nationalities live here, making it a very vibrant town with a broad array of cultural activities every day of the year… and all that within a village-like setting!

My city has the tallest men. The Dutch are some of the tallest people on this planet. Honestly, I sometimes feel like a dwarf (and I’m not particularly short!)

My city has the most diverse, sexy women.

In my city, an active day outdoors involves cycling around town (a daily activity) or into the nearby countryside (I love the route that follows the Amstel River down to the village of Ouderkerk). Rowing (in the Amstel River) is also a popular sport among the locals.

My city’s best museum is the Van Gogh Museum (I’m a big fan of Van Gogh). Amsterdam is famous for its museums and rightfully so. There are many of them, from the Rijksmuseum (with its stunning collection of Rembrandts) to the Hermitage (a branch of its famous namesake in St. Petersburg), the Tropenmuseum (Tropical Museum) and the Museum of Bags and Purses. Did I mention the Sex Museum?

My favorite jogging/walking route is along the entire length of the Keizersgracht– my favorite canal. It’s an excellent walking route through the heart of the city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Start at the canal’s intersection with the Brouwersgracht. You’ll pass the wonderfully atmospheric Jordaan neighborhood, the shopping haven in the Nine Streets neighborhood and many stately houses before reaching the Amstel River. I can also recommend the route along the Amstel River to Ouderkerk. As you leave the city behind you, you’ll pass beautiful windmills, grazing cows and sheep, and historic mansions.

For a night of dancing, go to Jimmy Woo. Or, for live music, check out Muziekgebouw aan ‘t Ij (the Music Center at the harbor front) for an eclectic variety of musical performances and great views of the harbor.

The FEBO, a Dutch institution, is the spot for late-night eats. It’s a quirky experience as you eat ‘out of a wall’ but you have to try it!

You can tell a lot about my city from its different neighborhoods.

You can tell if someone is from my city if they’re on a junk-like bike.

Keith Jenkins

In the spring you should head to the tulip fields a short drive outside Amsterdam around the town of Lisse.

In the summer you should join in the fun at the Vondel Park.

In the fall you should see the autumn leaves in the Amsterdamse Bos (the Amsterdam Forest).

In the winter you should catch a speed-skating competition along the canals (if the ice is sufficiently thick). It’s an unforgettable experience!

A hidden gem in my city is the Our Lord in the Attic Chapel in the Amstelkring Museum. It’s a hidden church with an intriguing history and a gorgeous interior!

For a great breakfast joint try Bagels & Beans.

Don’t miss the Holland Festival in June, the leading performance arts festival in the country. Visit IAmsterdam for info about events in the city.

The best way to see my city is to walk. Amsterdam is very compact so everything’s within walking distance.

Many things could only happen in my city. Amsterdam is (in)famous for its tolerant attitude, that acts like a magnet for many free-thinkers and progressives from around the world. Having lived here for twenty years, not many things surprise me these days.

My city should be featured on your cover or website because it’s arguably one of the most multi-faceted cities in the world. Its cosmopolitan landscape, liberal mentality, world-class museums, stunning canals and fascinating history merge to exude a unique charm that’s simply captivating.

Inntel Hotel Zaandam

Inntel Hotel Zaandam is definitely a love it or hate it affair. Some might say this looks awful some other think it is already cult. Well I have not decided yet but I say: It will bring lots of tourists!

Zaandam is just a 12 min train ride from Amsterdam Central Station.

With the help of Dutch architects,WAM architecten, Inntel Hotels’ newly designed hotel pays homage to Zaandam’s  industrial history. Situated minutes via train from Amsterdam, Zaandam, was one of the world’s premiere hotbeds for industry and an ideal place for construction as its rich history was modernized through the playful design for Inntel Hotels‘ new location. The unique structure is comprised of stacked green wooden houses popular to the Zaan region, symbolizing that the hotel is your temporary house. (found here)

The Inntel Hotel Zaandam, will be the new centre’s eye-catcher. The building with 160 rooms and a conference complex is in part constructed on a viaduct. The colossal, twelve-storey-high hotel tower, essentially square in plan, is a monumental stacking and interpretation of various green painted house types typical of the Zaan region, ranging from a stately notary’s dwelling to workers cottages. The bridal suite is recognisable from the outside as the ‘Blue House’. The varied fenestration, broad protruding sections and bay windows, and decorative white ridge-pieces lend depth and an expressive relief to the façade. (found here)

What do you think? Would you stay there? Do you like the architecture?