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Why You Can’t Miss The Christmas Market Haarlem
Looking for the largest Christmas Market, or Kerstmarkt, in the Netherlands? You must visit Haarlem. Not only is Haarlem one of the most picturesque cities in the country, and sure I’m biased because I lived there, but it’s also home to the vibrant Grote Markt which hosts some stunning events throughout the year including a cozy holiday market. The Christmas Market in Haarlem is big, and it can be overwhelming with the crowds, but if you know how to meander, where to take breaks, and what else to do in the area, you can spend a great day in Haarlem. We’ve visited the Haarlem Christmas Market twice and here’s what…
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Discover the Bastei Bridge: The Most Popular Place in Germany’s Saxon Switzerland
I had to look at the map three times to confirm we were in Germany despite being told I was in Saxon Switzerland so many times. Wait, where are we? Headed from Prague to Berlin, we stopped to see the famous Basteibrücke, or Bastei Bridge, in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. The mountains, part of the Saxon Switzerland National Park which sits on the border of Germany and the Czech Republic is nowhere near Switzerland, but worth the stop. The Bastei Bridge has the highest number of visitors of all lookout points in Saxon Switzerland (which is in Germany). You won’t be the only one there, but you’ll still be impressed…
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The Unique Way To Experience Prague Castle In Lobkowicz Palace
Experience the House of Lobkowicz for a truly unforgettable visit, where dining comes with a view, and you can explore one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious private art collections. Add a live classical music performance in a stunning Baroque concert hall, and you’ll discover that this is the most extraordinary way to immerse yourself in the beauty and history of Prague Castle. A visit to the Prague Castle is a must, but if you’re looking for a way to make the visit less crowded, more intimate, and with undisturbed views, you’ll want to make sure you find the Lobkowicz Palace once you enter. The Lobkowicz Palace provides a unique…
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A Family-Friendly 2-Day Amsterdam Itinerary
We have lived in the Netherlands for almost two years now and have had numerous a family and friend come to visit so I think it’s high time I share our tried and true family-friendly Amsterdam itinerary. There are some great things to do with kids in Amsterdam and so many of the sights here are planned for you and your kids to get more out of the visit. There is a vibrant arts and culture scene, beautiful architecture, and parks for a break from the walking. The museums in the Netherlands tend to do a fantastic job catering to children by providing opportunities for them to explore and learn…
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6 Of Our Favorite Parks In Haarlem To Walk, Play, and Enjoy
There are some beautiful parks in Haarlem, Netherlands with flowers to see, playgrounds for kids, and lots of walking paths. Get ready to explore the outdoors!
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Pilsen Restaurant Prag: Art Deco & Prague Food
I’d been enjoying the Art Deco architecture and decor of the buildings in Prague, Czech Republic and went on a search for a dinner spot that would be just as intriguing to the eye but delicious to boot. The Pilsner Urquell brewery of the Municipal House immediately piqued my fancy and off we went. Beginning its operation on January 5, 1912, this restaurant in Prague prepares a menu of Czech traditional dishes. The meals are hearty, the decor is artistic and fun, and to top it off, they have an accordion player on staff that will amp up the festive atmosphere. Looking for a place to eat in Prague? I’ve…
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Modern Art & Free Too: The Musee D’Art Moderne De Paris
We were taking in the Eiffel Tower from the banks of the Seine river and as we walked away, we came upon the striking Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris, or MAM Paris. Featuring free admission and more than 15,000 works of art, it is one of the biggest museums of modern and contemporary art in France. If you’re like us, planning a weekend in Paris and looking for all of the free things to do in Paris, here’s a spot to add to your list. We had visited Petit Palais on our first day and this was a fun modern continuation of that artistic experience. There are some fabulous free…
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Petite Palais: One Of The Best Free Things To Do In Paris
We planned a weekend in Paris and rather than looking for the top things to do in Paris, we were on the hunt for the best free things to do in Paris. Why? Well, free is always good, but also, we decided waiting in lines at the biggest hot spots just wasn’t for us this trip. Petit Palais ended up being a fabulous addition to our Paris itinerary. Not only was it great for kids, doesn’t have the “silence” rule of some of the other museums, but it has a fantastic collection for art lovers like me but isn’t so big that it’s overwhelming for kids and husbands that may…
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The Sistine Madonna and The Other Amazing Works at Zwinger
After spending the morning walking through the Old Town Dresden and getting the lay of the land, I decided to spend the afternoon enjoying the amazing Old Masters Picture Gallery in Zwinger Palace. Ever wonder where you can find those bored looking cherubs that have been created into many a meme? They’re here in Dresden and they’re not the only famous work on display. If you’re looking for things to do in Dresden, a visit to Zwinger is no doubt on your list already. As one of the top 10 museums in all of Germany, it’s a must-see, just make sure you know what to see when you get there…
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The House of Meissen: Tour The Meissen Porcelain Factory and Buy Your Own Piece
I have become a little porcelain obsessed in the past few years. It all started when I got a beautiful Korean moon jar, we moved to the Netherlands and I visited Delft and learned about Royal Delft Blue, and the obsession continued when we landed in Meissen, Germany home to Meissen porcelain. Like Royal Delft Blue, the House of Meissen offers a factory tour and production tour to learn how their exquisite pieces are produced and really, it’s a way to learn how to appreciate the craftsmanship on a deeper level. If you’re traveling to Meissen, it’s really a must visit. Get ready to see why. Did you know you…
