Tag Archives: hotels

Visiting Amsterdam for the first time 

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Red Light District

Canal Tour

Amsterdam Museum

I visited Amsterdam for the first time with my girlfriend in February over the Valentines weekend. If you’re looking to go expect it to be busy then (and expensive) but that’s to be expected anywhere. We went for 3 days flying out early on the Friday so we got a full day out of it.

We flew with easyJet from Stanstead with my Dad doing taxi duties. My parents kindly let us stay the night before as we were closer.

Flight is so short that you spend more time at airport security and departure lounge than in the air 🙂

Once we landed we got the train from the airport to the main train station where we got off to buy tickets for the tram network. Trams are great in that you pay for a day ticket and you just get on and off swiping on the machine when you get in which checks you in/out. Very civilised! Our hotel was the Best Western (just outside of town, link to TripAdvisor review to be added).

We visited the Sex Museum, Red Light District, main museum (check name) and ate a lot of good food including crepes which they do really well with fruit and cream etc!

My parents also gave us tickets to get a river tour which was a good way of seeing lots of sights and history in a short amount of time so would definitely recommend that if you are planning on going!

The rest of the time it rained a lot and was freezing cold! We got wet and a bit moody having to lug heavy rucksacks around so would definitely recommend paying the extra and taking a suitcase… This will allow you to enjoy your trip more. I could write more but I’m running out of time so will add the links to reviews and fact check later.

The general consensus is that we would definitely like to go back and maybe spend some time in a coffee shop 😉

Hope you enjoyed the read.

Nights out in Oxford

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Oxford is a lovely, lovely place. I have come to the conclusion of this after only being there a couple of times and both at night / late evening.

The people are different, and it’s definitely more friendly than some places you can visit.

The first time I visited, in December 2012, we were recommended The Living Room to eat at which is absolutely fabulous and probably some of the best food I’ve ever had to eat… in some of the most stylish surroundings. The waitress was hot, the food was hotter and there was live music (guitar and piano) afterwards in the bar area. The drinks they served were also top notch!

On asking the waitress where to go on to drink we were recommended Raoul’s Bar! This turned out to be rated ‘One of the top 50 bars on earth’ – Sunday Times 2012.

On my second visit for my Birthday last weekend, we were recommended Lola Lo’s (now closed, unfortunately) by some very nice ladies in Raoul’s. (At least I think that’s where we ended up). Ultimately they know how do things properly! I would also highly recommend you try a Bourbon Street! Very tasty!

Both times we stayed at the Victoria Hotel, which is reasonably priced, considering that it’s a 25-30 minute walk from the centre.

I recommend you visit Oxford!