A whirlwind trip to Benelux + Germany: What's not to miss?

In My Humble Opinion
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So in 3 weeks I am taking a 3 week long trip to Europe. I’ll be landing in Brussels, but spending 2 weeks in Mons (it’s a tag along trip that affords me 2 free weeks in a hotel). After that, a day and a half each in Amsterdam, Berlin, Franfurt, and Luxembourg, then back to Brussels by train. So, dopers who have traveled to these places, I am looking for “must-see” suggestions for my short duration in everywhere except for Mons.

A couple things to keep in mind: travel to each city will be by train, which means transportation within the city will be limited to on foot and via taxi / local transportation. I’ll only be in each place for a little over a day, unfortunately. But I’d like to make the most of it. So, suggestions, please!

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Sounds like a cool trip! Shame you only have a day each for the cities though…

I’ve been to all cities but will only comment on Amsterdam as I know it fairly well. Of course, it always depends on what sort of thing you want to do.

In Amsterdam I would recommend visiting a coffee shop and smoking some dope. Even if it’s not something you’re into at all, it’s a thing to have done, ticking it off the bucket list and all that. Also, the laws are changing and soon you’ll need to be a Dutch citizen to visit a coffee shop, so go for it while you can.

I like visiting Anne Frank’s house & I’ve taken loads of visitors there. There’s something special about being there, realising what it is all about, the reality of what happened in Europe, how it really affected people. It confronts you with the truth of our history, no matter how much you already know it. That said, it’s an empty house with some signs put up, it might not be your cup of tea. If you do go, read the diary before hand if you haven’t already.

I like the van Gogh Museum, because I like van Gogh. YMMV.

You can take a boat trip along the canals. It might sound cheesy, and, of course, it is. But it’s a nice way to see the city and you do get a lot of the history.

For street food, see if you can find some “poffertjes” (tiny pancakes with butter and suger) or fresh “stroop wafels” (waffles with hot syrup). When you go for a beer (you’ll get a foamy head, that’s the way) make sure you get “bitterballen” with your beer. Bitterballen are what I miss most. Yum!

Wear sensible shoes, the streets are cobbled and not made for heels! I’d just go for a walk around the centre. It’s a beautiful town.

Hope you enjoy it! I’d show you around if I were there, I love showing people Amsterdam :slight_smile:

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Every city I’ve been to in Europe, that hasn’t been a problem. The public transportation has been excellent. Just read up a little bit in advance on how to use them. In some places (Berlin and Frankfurt, last I was there) it’s kind of on the honor system. There’s no turnstile to get into the subway, but there are roving inspectors who can ask to see your ticket. If you don’t show them a valid pass or a ticket, you get fined. Some tickets are good for a day, some for 90 minutes (or whatever) and you time stamp them at the beginning of your journey. It sounds weird, but it really speeds things up; you don’t have everyone squeezing through one door to get on the bus or trolley. So learn that, how to read the maps for subways and trolleys, and where the nearest stop is to your hotel, and you should be golden.

My impression of Berlin is of fairly recent history. In Prague you can seen where the Thirty Years War was started in 1618, but Berlin was front page news during my lifetime. I found the remaining section of the Wall to be quite powerful. (Standing in a place that was legitimately called the “death strip” will do that.) There’s a museum at the old Checkpoint Charlie, but I didn’t have time for that.

Any particular reason you’re going to Frankfurt? It’s “Frankfurt am Main” (Frankfurt on the Main River), and someone told me it’s jokingly referred to as Mainhattan; all glass-and-steel skyscrapers, but nothing interesting or cultural about it. That said, I’m sure you could find something worth spending a day-and-a-half on, or take the train to a nearby town with a castle or something. I think Nuremberg is only two hours away.

As always in these threads, help us out a little. What sort of things do you like to see when you’re travelling; gardens, churches, castles, art museums, science and technical, architecture, historic sites?

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Berlin, the first thing you will notice is how beautiful the train station is, giant glass sculpture, truly a work of Architectural Art. If you are using a Eurail or DB pass you may have the regional and subway passes included check your ticket, if not most hotels will sell you a discount subway pass. In Berlin and most German cities the train station is a central hub so the regional trains and subways are in the same station, just on different levels.

I would go to Potsdammer Platz by U-Bahn(subway) it puts you in walking distance of Checkpoint Charlie, Brandenburg gate, still existing parts of Die Mauer(the Wall), the Reichstag and make sure you check out the former East Berlin, now the hipster part of town but there are still buildings with bullet holes from 1945, just look for the giant tower with the big ball on it, trust me you can’t miss it and walk that way. In this general area there are a ton of Museums ranging from the utterly appalling to the odd. Berlin is also covered in channelized rivers and boat rides are a great side trip to see the city. Most people speak at least some English but Bitte(please) und Danke(thank you) go a long way. I almost forgot you will want to see the dog sled guy in Potsdammer Platz, he gives rides, you want to see/do this. Have a great time

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If you’re in Brussels for a day, go to the Grand Place (large square) in the city center. Beautiful architecture, good beer, good food, and of course you MUST have the Belgian version of French fries, which are the best on the planet. Oddly enough, I lived in Frankfurt for three years and can’t think of anything to recommend; I agree with the notion of trying to find something better in the area, perhaps up near Bonn. As I recall, there is an old castle on a hill near there. Berlin is a much more attractive city than Frankfurt, IMO. Luxembourg caters to tourists (casinos), but it’s an attractive place. I was only there for a day, so can’t be more specific than that.

The plus side is that public transit is plentiful. If you can figure out where you want to go in those cities in advance, and find the transit maps online prior to going, you’re going to be much happier than just trying to fake it, particularly if you don’t speak German or Dutch or French. A nice side trip by train from Brussels is the old town of Brugge. Or, if you don’t want to go that far, Gent is closer still. Both are on highway 40.

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Fort Breendonk is a Nazi concentration camp that has been kept as it was during the war. It is between Brussels and Antwerp, reachable by train and bus.

[Understatement] It’s a tour you won’t forget.

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That was under construction when I was there, and I’ve seen pictures of the finished product. What were the two main stations before that, Zoologischer Garten and Ostbahnhof? I guess everything has moved to the new one, now.

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When I travel I really prefer to walk around and take in the outdoor scenery. I’m a sucker for architecture, parks, historic buildings, etc.
As for Frankfurt, I’m not married to the idea of going there. I’m trying to make a loop between Brussels, Amsterdam, Germany, back through Lux and ending back in Brussels to leave. If any other city would be better to go to, I’m perfectly fine changing the itinerary. Nothing is in stone at this point except entering through and leaving through Brussels.

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I actually seem to remember two mains as well, its been two years but Ostbanhof(East train station) is still there, I think. The main station is clearly marked though and really a wonder

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I agree and would give Frankfurt a pass, ride the extra two hours and go to Nurnberg, the main train station is across the street from the old fortified city and is unreal, if the OPster wants details about this city just ask I know it well

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The train ride from Brussels to Cologne is about 2.5 hours, and it drops you off right in front of the Kolner Dom, one of the most majestic churches in the world…

Also, nothing wrong with Cologne’s local brew Kolsch, (a style of beer) traditionally served in little flutes, several at a time.

Berlin is a truly amazing city, but so is Cologne, and both of them are much, MUCH more historically interesting than Frankfurt, which has all the charm of Phoenix.

(Amsterdam might well be the singlemost overrated city on Earth, but Utrecht, Rotterdam, Groningen and Tilburg are all wonderful places to visit in the Netherlands)

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Huh? Got to disagree there. I grew up in Rotterdam, there is nothing, I repeat, absolutely nothing to do there. I’ll probably be moving back for a while soon and I am not looking forward to it because the city is sooo boring. There is no art scene, no culture at all (ok, architecture, but the famous stuff is actually really shit and everyone hates it). There isn’t even a real city centre. There is no good place to go out, either dancing or for a drink. Tilburg is possibly worse, though I believe you can find a place for a drink. But at least there you could go to Breda (for a drink) or Eindhoven (to go out).

Groningen is nice, it’s a student city, but really small. If you do go, go to the museum; my great great grandfather was the founder of De Ploeg :cool:

Utrecht is also a student city, and has a great atmosphere. There is a little more in the way of culture.

Amsterdam is a great city, just avoid all the tourist crap & specially the English people. I love Amsterdam :slight_smile:

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I’ve been to both Nuremberg and Munich, and liked them both very much. Nuremberg is a great place to get a feel for what cities were like back when castles and walls weren’t just for show.

But, those are both a bit distant for the time frame the OP is looking at. Nice as the trains are, I’m sure you doesn’t want to spend all your time on them. However, you might consider an overnight train. There are routes between lots of the larger cities, and you get a bright and early start at your destination. (Well, maybe not so bright; I didn’t get much sleep on them and wouldn’t have minded a shower and a shave. But consider it.)

This is what I was going to suggest; not because I’ve seen it, but because I’d really like to. (Saw the cathedral in Ulm, and climbed to the top, and it was amazing.) Cologne is nice and close to Brussels.

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Different strokes—I have really enjoyed my time in both Rotterdam and Tilburg, and I can solemnly attest to you that it is absolutely NO problem finding a place to enjoy a few glasses of pils in either city, although coming from straightlaced Salt Lake City might have colored my judgement on how easy it is to get a beer.

(And I should add that I actually do enjoy Amsterdam for a few days at a go; Over the years I have visited several different times, enjoying great live music at some of the cities various venues, including Koninklijk Theater Carre, Melk Weg, Paradiso, Heineken Music Hall, etc., and Amsterdam’s museums are amazing. I guess the hordes of tourists are kind of offputting to me, and in my opinion, the city is nowhere as clean and friendly as other places in the Netherlands. I hate when people seem to think that Amsterdam=Netherlands, without visiting some of the other smaller Dutch cities)

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AHA, this totally makes sense (also, you seem to know the place pretty well)!

Maybe next time you’re over you can show me where to go in my home town :wink: I’ll need it when I move back…

Sorry for the hijacking ** ladyfoxfyre**

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Hey now! Frankfurt is a perfectly lovely city. It is indeed nicknamed Mainhattan, but that’s not because it’s all skyscrapers but because it’s one of the extremely few cities in Europe that has any skyscrapers at all. There’s still plenty to see that’s rich in history and culture. (Full disclosure: I live about 20 minutes out of Frankfurt, and I’m quite fond of it.)

If you’re interested in opera at all, the Frankfurt Opera is world-class. We’ve had a subscription for the new productions for about 10 years now, and they keep getting better and better. There are parks and pedestrian shopping streets galore, excellent museums, wonderful food, a botanical garden, a terrific zoo … The first German democratic parliament met in the Paulskirche. The Romans established settlements here and artifacts can still be found.

A regional specialty that is just about to come into season is Spargel (asparagus, specifically the white asparagus that is grown locally). It is often served with a butter sauce or Hollandaise, with new potatoes and slices of ham, and it is the food of the gods. Another unique food is Frankfurter Grüne Sösse, which is glorious. You should be sure to take in the ice cream parlors wherever you go. The ice cream is usually freshly made and just wonderful.

There are certainly other cities in Germany and throughout Europe that are marvelous to visit, but don’t count Frankfurt out; it has its own charm and character.

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No problem, I’m enjoying the conversation :slight_smile:
It seems like we might cut out Frankfurt, in favor of an extra day in Berlin or a day in Nuremberg.

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OK, I’ve got some ideas for you. I’m jealous.

I’ve never been to Germany, so can’t help you there, but we visited Belgium last summer. When you are in Brussels, do NOT miss the waffles. They’re usually only one euro for a plain one, a bit more with toppings (tourist style, heh). A “Brussels waffle” is basically what you get in the U.S. when you order a Belgian waffle (a big waffle). It’s ok, but get a Liege waffle instead–it’s dense, chewy, and full of caramelized sugar bits. Get at least one just plain. They’re cheapo street food and they’re all over Brussels and they’re just wonderful!

While in Belgium, try as many different beers as you can. They’re justifiably proud of their beers.

Also in Brussels: if you like old churches with chunks of dead saints and amazing statues, you can’t miss St. Michel & St. Gudula cathedral. It’s just gorgeous. Easy walking distance from the Grand Place, which is a definite must-see. Eat a meal there, the bottom level is all restaurants. There’s also a street that leads off the Grand Place with nothing but restaurants.

I loved Luxembourg City so much I wanted to move there. Don’t miss the Bock, the old fortifications. For a few euro, you can take a walking tour of the Casemates. Definitely worth doing. Also, walk to the Place de la Constitution (where the Gelle Fra is, the big monument with the golden lady on top) and from there, spend around 5 Euro (iirc) to take a 45-minute mini-train tour of the Petrusse valley in the old part of the city. They give you headphones and you can pick your language…it’s a cheesy retelling of the history of Luxembourg, really funny actually. My son and I were laughing so hard we were CRYING. It was awesome, and one of the most beautiful cities I have ever seen. And it’s all an easy walk from the train station, and not expensive at all!

Oh, in Luxembourg, try Diekierch beer. It was just the most light, refreshing beer ever.

In Amsterdam, There are so many fun things to do, I could hardly even start you off. But if you want to see what the city looks like, take a canal cruise. It will orient you and give you a good look in an hour or two. Touristy, but essential for the first-time visitor. They’re around 10-15 euro if you just step on at one of the many kiosks.

I second the poffertjes and stroopwafels. Do get a beer with the traditional Dutch sawed-off head. If you tell your German friends about that, you’ll get a laugh.

I don’t bother smoking dope, since I’m not really a fan, but you’ll smell it coming out of coffeehouses from time to time. Speaking of coffee, maybe one of our Dutch dopers can explain to me why a latte is a “koffie verkeerd” (wrong coffee). Huh?..

Oh, if you want a fun place to just walk around in Amsterdam, how about the Albert Cuypstraat market? It’s a huge flea market, but the people-watching is awesome. It’s full of locals. Albert Cuyp Market - Wikipedia

For Germany, I got nothin’. My husband is Dutch, and for some unmentionable reason, he and his family don’t spend a lot of time visiting Germany, so I’ve never gotten to see it. Maybe when you get back, you’ll let us know what you enjoyed, ja?

Goede reis!

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Edit: Did I suggest that Luxembourg is not expensive? I meant that the activities I mentioned are not expensive. Luxembourg City itself is pretty pricey. And if you want to use the facilities there, carry some change with you. As my husband noted, it costs less to buy a bottle of water in Luxembourg than to relieve yourself of it later.

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It’s only a couple of hours on the train from Mons to Bruges via Bruxelles. A great day trip.

In Bruxelles don’t miss the Delirium Tremens pub with its thousands of beers. And the moules too. Less touristy, there’s an incredible seafood place on a square too, run by Italians, where you just stand on the street and eat off paper plates (we got drunk on prosecco in a gale and ate fish soup for breakfast last time I was there). Can’t remember where it is though. :frowning: