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Amsterdam or Brussels Overview
Amsterdam and Brussels are just two hours apart from by train. Amsterdam has the picturesque canals and prides itself in being one of the most progressive cities in the world. Brussels in known for its grand city square and the gastronomy from the city. If you are trying to decide between Amsterdam or Brussels, here is your ultimate guide to decide between the two cities.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the capital and largest city in the Netherlands with 873,000 residents. Amsterdam is known around the world for having picturesque canals and for being one of the most progressive cities in the world. The Red Light District is one of the most famous aspects of the city. Amsterdam one of the main centers for finance in Europe and is home to the world’s oldest stock exchange.
It has been consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities in the world. It is also home to 177 nationalities, making it one of the most multicultural cities in the world. Amsterdam is currently the 5th most visited European city with nearly 8 million annual visitors.
Brussels
Founded in 580 AD, Brussels is the capital city and has the largest metropolitan area in Belgium. Brussels is known for having beautiful architecture that shows off the wealth of the city in the 1400-1600s. The Grand Place is the city’s main square and is considered to be one of the most beautiful squares in all of Europe.
Brussels has also been known for centuries for making some of the world’s best chocolates. The city is also the headquarters to the European Union. Brussels has a large number of immigrants living there with nearly 70% of the population being people from countries other than Belgium. Over the years, French has taken over the Dutch language as the most popular language spoken here.
Things to See
Amsterdam
Rijksmuseum is a museum dedicated to the arts and history of Amsterdam. The building opened in 1885.
Dam Square is the main square in the center of Amsterdam.
Royal Palace of Amsterdam was originally built as the city hall in 1665. Later on, it became the residence of the Dutch Royal House.
Heineken Experience is a museum about the Heineken brand. It is located in the old Heineken factory.
A’DAM Lookout offers a panoramaic views of the city.
Brussels
Grand Place is the central square in Brussels. It is one of the most beautiful city squares in Europe.
Manneken Pis is a fountain sculpture that was created in 1619. It is meant to symbolize the sense of humor of the people of Brussels.
The Atomium is a 102-meter tall landmark made for the 1958 World Expo.
Parc du Cinquantenaire is a major park in Brussels. It is also where the Arc du Cinquantenaire is located.
Brussels Town Hall was completed in 1420, it is the oldest building in Grand Place. It is known as a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
Food
Amsterdam
Bitterballen is a traditional Dutch cuisine that is basically a ball of meat that is breaded and then fried. It is typically served as a snack or many people think of it as the perfect “drunk” food. On the sweeter end of the spectrum, you should try stroopwafel is the country it originated in. For those of you who don’t know, a stroopwafel is two thin wafer cookies sandwiching a layer of caramel.
Frites are thick fries that make for very common street food in Amsterdam. If you want a more interesting version of frites you could also get patat which is a serving of frites with mayonnaise, peanut sauce, and chopped up onion. Check here for more traditional Dutch foods.
Brussels
Frites is one of the best street foods you can find in Brussels. Belgian people love their frites, you’d be crazy not to like them. Being the capital of a country known for waffles, you can find waffle shops throughout the city. Belgium fights back and forth with Germany for which country has the best beer. Belgium is home to 224 breweries and is home to the world’s largest brewer, AB InBev.
Belgian chocolates are known throughout the world as being the premium. Brussels has over 500 different chocolatiers spread throughout the city which means there is a chocolatier for every 2,000 residents. Godiva chocolate was started in Brussels.
Getting Around
Amsterdam is arguably one of the best cities in the world to explore on foot. Walking next to the canals with the famous canal houses surrounding you is an incredible experience. Most of the attractions are within walking distance of each other. If you want to explore the outskirts of the city, you should definitely consider renting a bike. Amsterdam is known around the world for the millions of bikes in the city. There are also parks surrounding the city that are nice to explore on a bike.
If you want to use public transport, you have the option to use the metro, buses, trams, ferries, and trains. It would be a good idea for you to invest in the iAmsterdam Card because it gives you unlimited access to public transportation, free access to over 70 museums and attractions, a one-day bike rental, and a canal cruise. The iAmsterdam card is more expensive than many other city cards in Europe but it might be worth it depending on your plans while in the city.
Brussels
Most of the city can be explored on foot. The center of the city has many of the city’s attractions making the city easy to see. Of course, there are some landmarks, like the Atomium or the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg, that will require you to use public transportation. You can buy a 24-hour public transportation pass for 7.50 Euros. You can also buy The Brussels Card which allows you to use public transportation as well as entry into the 39 museums in the city.
Nightlife
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is known for coming alive after dark. From the infamous Red Light District to world-class clubs, the city is anything but dead at night. You can find a lot of the bars and clubs in the center of the city and the clubs outside of the city center. Amsterdam is home to the Amsterdam Dance Event which is a five-day festival and is considered the largest clubbing festival in the world. Some of the best clubs in the city are AIR Amsterdam, Panama, Escape, WesterUnie, Shelter, and Melkweg. You won’t have to worry about finding something to do after dark during your time in Amsterdam.
Brussels
Brussels isn’t as crazy as some of the other European capital cities but a night out in Brussels is still an excellent time. There are many bars in the center of the city. There are typically bars that have deals such as 1 Euro pints. If you want to find somewhere to dance the night away there are a few nightclubs you should try. You Night Club and Fuse are two of the biggest and most popular clubs in the city.
Day Trips
Amsterdam
Keukenhof is home to some of the world’s best tulip gardens. It is often referred to as the Garden of Europe.
Rotterdam is just to the south of Amsterdam. A day of exploring the city would be a day well spent.
Utrecht is known for its medieval Old Town and the canals throughout the city.
Brussels
Bruges is known for its many canals and bridges. It is referred to as the “Venice of the North.”
Antwerp is known for having one of the largest ports in the world.
Ghent is known for its medieval architecture and for being a hub for university students.
Overall
Amsterdam and Brussels are only two hours apart by train but offer very different experiences. Amsterdam is known for its picturesque canals and for being one of the most progressive cities in the world. Brussels is known for one of the grandest city squares in Europe and for its famous chocolates and beers. For most people, Brussels can be seen in less than 3 days and you will want at least 3 days in Amsterdam. The biggest factors for deciding between Amsterdam or Brussels are: the amount of time you have and the culture that intrigues you the most.