20 replies to this topic

[Mippie]

I'm from a town near Amsterdam and currently living and studying in Delft. Although from Delft Amsterdam is a bit further than Rotterdam, I'd say it's worth it. Amsterdam has more cultural heritage compared to Rotterdam, and a better nightlife also. This is largely due to the fact that Rotterdam's centre was heavily bombed during WWII, so in a way Rotterdam is a city build in the '50s. Rotterdam is a very nice city too but Amsterdam has got a very nice,old atmosphere and many tourist attractions.In the Netherlands most people speak decent English, so you'll be fine. In France though it would sure be handy to have some kinda travel dictionary or something, although in the tourist areas you'll probably be fine anyway.

[Ambroos]

I'd love to come to Brussels on the 26th and give you a little tour and visit the most interesting places in the city centre! I could teach you some basic Dutch/French too ^^ Us Belgians love good food, so try something Belgian! Steak with fries for example is heavenly! And beer. Lots of really good beer. (and yeah, Heineken is absolute rubbish, it's quite hard to find in Belgium since it's ****)

If you need any information at all about Belgium, a prepaid mobile card (can get you one for €15 that includes 2GB on HSPA - completely prepaid) or WiFi or whatever, just send me a PM!

You'll find that you can get along perfectly in English when in Brussels or Amsterdam, but will probably have a harder time in Paris. The French aren't very keen on learning other languages. Most Belgians are pretty distant at first too, unfortunately, and when going out it's not always easy to meet new people. Brussels is a lovely eclectic place though. Every street is different, but it's a lovely city in general! Very safe too, in contrary to the stories you might hear.

As it's been said before, I'd avoid taking the bus between cities. It'll take you ages, and you'll be tired when you arrive. Trains are excellent, but can be a bit expensive. But it's much much better than taking the bus.

[Brian]

I did the trip to Brussels and Bruge from Canada. LOVED my time there. Take the trains... Train to Amsterdam was pretty cheap from Brussels -- train the other way wouldn't have been to bad either as far as I know. The Belgians I met in Bruges were amazing, the ones in Brussels were a bit colder, but was still AWESOME to meet them... I was near Louise or whatever, and it was a market bar night -- met some really cool people. Loved it. But my suggestion, DONT bus take the train. SO much better.

[Brandon]

For everyone saying to take the train, is there somewhere you get tickets cheaper? I would love to, but we found bus tickets from rotterdam to paris for 42 EUR vs 110 EUR for the train

[Ambroos]

Brandon, on 04 February 2012 - 02:14, said:

For everyone saying to take the train, is there somewhere you get tickets cheaper? I would love to, but we found bus tickets from rotterdam to paris for 42 EUR vs 110 EUR for the train

Try http://www.b-europe.com/Travel - it should have all European destinations at pretty good rates.

[-Alex-]

Brandon, on 03 February 2012 - 21:38, said:

So (slight) plan changes. We're staying with some friends in Delft, Netherlands, which means that it would seem to make more sense to take the bus into Rotterdam.

For those who know the area, what has more to do-- Rotterdam or Amsterdam? We plan on being there for 3 days, then taking the bus (overnight) to Paris for a day... unless I can convince them to go to Dusseldorf or something that is closer. It seems like a long drive to Paris for the night.. and we really don't seem to be spending much time in Brussels... but then again I don't know what cities will offer the best experience for us.

I lived in Amsterdam for the last 2 years, up until a couple of months back since moving back to the UK... definitely go to Amsterdam over Rotterdam... you won't regret it!