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Visit Amsterdam in 3 days: the essentials

Amsterdam is a city that has been on our bucket list for a long time. So, we took advantage of a romantic fall weekend to visit Amsterdam in 3 days. We share with you our must-sees and our good addresses for a first weekend in the Dutch capital.

As soon as we arrived, we went to  Dam Square , the main square of Amsterdam. Located in the historic center, 750 meters from the Central Station, Dam Square is a very lively place. It is surrounded by very beautiful monuments such as the  Royal Palace that we recommend you visit. City Hall in the 17th century  became the Royal Palace at the beginning of the 19th Century  , this palace is still used by the royal family of the Netherlands for official visits. During your visit, you will discover a very beautiful building and beautiful richly decorated rooms. The audio guide is really essential to understand the history of this monument.

Go shopping

For shopping, we highly recommend the Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets) district  to discover pretty little shops near the canals. Far from the big brands, there are art galleries, decoration stores but also restaurants and cafes. It’s a really nice place!

You can also find what you are looking for on  Kavelstraat  , which is a busy shopping street with big brands. However, this shopping street has less charm than De 9 Straatjes (Nine Streets).

Strolling around the Beguinage

visit-amsterdam-in-3-days

 

The Begijnhof in Amsterdam, like the Beguinage of Bruges, is a peaceful place. This courtyard was home to beguines (nuns) in the 14th century. Visitors can also see the small chapel there. Today, the traditional houses are privately owned. The visit is short, and visitors should remain quiet. Entry is free, and it is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

You may also like: Visit Venice in 3 days: what to see, what to do?

Take a trip to the Flower Market

Located on the Singel Canal, the famous flower market is worth a visit on a first visit to Amsterdam. Situated in the heart of the Rembrandtplein district, the Bloemenmarkt has been open year-round since the 19th century. A wide variety of flowers and plants are offered, such as the  tulip,  which is the national flower of the Netherlands. In autumn, you can mainly find bulbs, but in spring, the market looks like a real palette of colors!

Venturing into the Red Light District

The Red Light District is definitely a curiosity to visit during a weekend in Amsterdam. De Wallen is known for being the oldest district in the city but also that of prostitution. The women are exposed in windows illuminated with red neon at night, hence the name Red Light District. During the day, it is a district almost like any other bordered by pretty canals.

Strolling through the Jordaan

The Jordaan is a neighborhood that we really liked for its bohemian and quiet side. Here, you just have to let yourself be carried away and get lost in its alleys to discover the charm of its canals. It is certainly the most charming and pleasant neighborhood in Amsterdam!

Visit the Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House is a must-see during a weekend in Amsterdam. In any case, for us it is a visit that we absolutely wanted to make. We remember reading Anne Frank’s diary in our youth and how moved we were…

The visit to the Anne Frank House is very well organized and done with respect for the place. The audio guide retraces the story of this young Jewish girl and her family forced into hiding to escape the Nazis. It is a very poignant visit especially when you enter the annex…

Entrance tickets must be booked online on the official website . They go on sale every first Tuesday of the month. You must choose a specific day and time. Be careful, places go very quickly! (16€/adult, 7€/youth from 10 to 17 years old, 1€/child under 9 years old).

Take a Cruise on the Canals of Amsterdam

A canal cruise is a must-do activity when visiting Amsterdam. Seeing the city from the canals is another way to discover and learn about its history. For this cruise, we did not book our tickets in advance because we wanted to adapt to the weather. Despite the bright sunshine when we got on the boat, it rained all along our trip!! The weather is unpredictable in Amsterdam…fortunately the Amsterdammers are used to it and umbrellas are never far away.

Many companies offer these river trips to different locations in the city. We chose the  KINboat company right near the Anne Frank House.

Spend the evening at Leidseplein

Leidseplein is certainly the liveliest square in Amsterdam. There are cafes, restaurants, cinemas, nightclubs, theatres… If you want to party, enjoy a good restaurant or just have a drink, it’s a really nice place. In the summer, street artists perform on the square and in the winter a large ice rink is installed there.

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What to do in Menorca in 1 week with the family?

When you imagine Menorca, you inevitably think of its heavenly beaches and coves. And that’s why we chose this Balearic island after falling in love with Ibiza and Formentera . Menorca has 196 beaches, so it’s impossible to discover them all. And since our week in Menorca was also about relaxation, we had to make choices, so here are a few of the beaches we were able to see!

WESTERN BEACHES, around Ciutadella:

Cala In Brut

Cala En Brut located very close to Ciutadella is not a beach but a cove with exceptional water. It is also the most beautiful place we have seen in the west of the island. Platforms have been set up to be able to jump from the cliffs. It is therefore not the ideal place for little ones but it may please the youngest!

Cala Blanca

Cala Blanca is a small, easy-to-access, U-shaped sandy beach . It is located in the residential area of ​​the same name! Unfortunately, there was quite a bit of seaweed at the water’s edge when we went.

Cala Santandria

Cala Santandria was very close to our hotel. And like all the beaches around Ciutadella, it is quite small. It stretches for about 100 meters but it is perfect for families. Its little extra is that it is adapted for disabled people . All around there are hotels and restaurants.

Sa Caleta

La Sa Caleta d’En Gorries is a very small family beach but there is a small beach bar. The water is clear although when we were there in early July there was also seaweed on this beach. The sea is calm and therefore it is an ideal beach with young children but can quickly get crowded in summer.

What to do in Menorca in 1 week with the family?

SOUTHERN BEACHES:

It’s Calo Blanco

Es Calo Blanc is the first beach we discovered when we arrived in Menorca because it is located in the southeast of the island, 15 minutes from Mahon airport. You should know that you can see planes flying by very close by (and hear the noise that goes with it). Es Calo Blanc is not a beach but a rocky cove. As a result, it is not a very comfortable place to lay your towel but its crystal clear water is truly magnificent. In addition, it is easy to park in the car park located just above.

Cala Galdana

Cala Galdana is one of the most famous beaches in Menorca but it is also one of the most urbanized. The hotel bar on the seafront spoils the landscape a little. However, the beach seen from above is large and beautiful. There are many water activities there. It is also and above all from Cala Galdana that you can hike via the Cami de Cavalls to admire the most beautiful beaches in the south of the island.

Cala Macarella & Cala Macarelleta

These two beaches are certainly the most famous beaches in Menorca. After the magnificent photos seen on Instagram, we only wanted one thing: to see it with our own eyes!

How to get to Cala Macarella?

In high season, from June 1st to September 30th, it is not possible to park in the Cala Macarella car park. To access this cove , you have to take the Cami de Cavalls hiking trail from Cala Galdana, opposite the Artiem Audax hotel. We had read that it took about 25/30 minutes to reach Cala Macarella. But it took us almost 45 minutes to get there because in the blazing heat of almost 40 degrees and a little girl who was complaining, the hike was longer than expected! We advise you to bring water and sneakers because the trail is not in good enough condition to go there in flip-flops!

Cala Macarella

Once we arrived at the beach of Cala Macarella, we won’t hide the fact that we were very disappointed! The beach looks nothing like the photos seen on Instagram because there is a lot of seaweed. We didn’t swim there and we tried to gain height to reach Cala Macarelleta. And it was while climbing that we marveled at the beauty of this turquoise blue water .

Cala Macarelletta

To reach Cala Macarelleta, it takes 15 minutes from Cala Macarella by taking the path that climbs to the right of the beach. The stone staircase is however a little steep and slippery which can be complicated with young children. The different viewpoints on Cala Macarella reconcile us with this cove. On the other hand, we will not go down to Cala Macarelleta because it is crowded but from above it seems much more beautiful than its neighbor.

Son Saura/Bellavista Beach

Still in the south of Menorca, 30 minutes from Ciutadella, we find the beach of Son Saura. Here we discover a large beach of fine sand with beautiful clear water! We tried to go there for the first time one morning at 9am but the free parking was already full. So we tried again one evening at 7pm and there was no problem finding a place! From the parking lot, we reached the beach in 10 minutes. Obviously because of the brightness at the end of the day and the wind that day, we did not find clear water but a little cloudy. It is nonetheless one of the prettiest beaches we saw during our week in Menorca.

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Visit Venice in 3 days: what to see, what to do?

You are planning to visit Venice in 3 days and you are wondering what are the must-sees for a first time, then this article is just in time. Venice, the city of lovers, has been on our bucket list for years. We discovered it in the middle of winter and we literally fell under its spell. So, here we share our weekend in the Serenissima with our itinerary, our advice and our good addresses.

Discover St. Mark’s Square & St. Mark’s Basilica

St. Mark’s Square

When we arrived in Venice and as it was still early in the morning, we were eager to discover the famous St. Mark’s Square. Piazza San Marco is the historic heart of Venice but also the most touristy! Bordered by the Grand Canal, there are the emblematic monuments of the city including St. Mark’s Basilica, the Campanile and the Doge’s Palace. It is a truly majestic place and the view from the Piazzetta is magical!

St. Mark’s Basilica

St. Mark’s Basilica, with its Byzantine style and mosaics, is one of the most visited places and the queue can be very long especially in the middle of summer. We recommend that you come at least 30 minutes (in winter) to 1 hour (in summer) before opening to be the first to visit. The entrance to the Basilica has recently been paid, and to visit some places such as the loggia and the museum or the Golden Palace , you will have to pay a supplement (between €5 and €7) . To be honest, we were not impressed by the Basilica. Despite everything, its mosaic ceilings covered in gold are a real artistic feat.

Visit Venice in 3 days: what to see, what to do?

St. Mark’s Campanile

You can also go up to the Campanile overlooking St. Mark’s Square for a breathtaking view of Venice (€10 entry). We didn’t want to do the tour due to the mixed reviews we had received and also because of the price.

For more travel tips, check out our post on the Visit Rome in 3 days

Visit the Doge’s Palace & the Museums of St. Mark’s Square

A visit to the Doge’s Palace is a must on a first visit to Venice. The ticket giving access to the Palazzo Ducale will also allow you to visit the Museums of St. Mark’s Square. Among these museums are the Correr Museum, the Archaeological Museum and the Murciana Library.

The Doge’s Palace 

The Doge’s Palace was the official residence of the doges of the Republic of Venice. This immense building is located on the Piazetta very close to St. Mark’s Basilica. First of all, its exterior architecture is impressive with its arcades and its mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles. Its interior courtyard with a view of the Basilica and its immense staircase is magnificent. During the visit of the Palace, we discover private apartments and rooms of power decorated with impressive works. Conversely, the discovery of the prison cells which are accessed by the Bridge of Sighs is chilling!

Correr Museum, Archaeological Museum & Marciana Library

Among the Museums of St. Mark’s Square, the Museo Correr is one of the most important in the city of Venice. It traces the history of Venice through exhibited paintings and sculptures. It faces St. Mark’s Basilica and therefore offers a breathtaking view of Piazza San Marco . This is also why we recommend the Museo Correr Cafe to sip a spritz or a hot chocolate with a view and in a very Venetian setting! (also open to people who do not have a ticket for the museum).

The Archaeological Museum and the Marciana Library are accessible through the Correr Museum but we found them less interesting.

Photographing the Bridge of Sighs

Like the Rialto Bridge, the Bridge of Sighs is one of the 400 most famous bridges in Venice ! Everyone flocks to the bridge opposite, Ponte della Paglia, to admire and immortalize it. If you discover it from the inside during your visit to the Doge’s Palace, you will see it in a different light afterwards. And if you didn’t know it already, this bridge owes its name to the sighs uttered by prisoners as they crossed this bridge before being judged.

Admire the view from the Accademia Bridge

Before discovering Venice, we had an emblematic image of the city in mind. That of the Grand Canal, the Palaces of Venice and the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute in the background. This wooden bridge that connects the San Marco district to the Dorsodouro district offers a truly unique view. Day or night, we never tire of this exceptional panorama!

Cross the Rialto Bridge

Undoubtedly the most famous bridge in Venice, the Rialto Bridge is also the oldest and the first bridge that allowed you to cross the Grand Canal on foot. It connects the San Polo district to that of San Marco. Its arch-shaped architecture stands out from the other bridges in the city. From the Bridge, you can admire the ballet of gondolas and vaporettos on the Grand Canal.

Nearby, in the San Polo district, the Rialto Market is held every morning from Tuesday to Saturday , the largest and oldest market in Venice. In reality, it is made up of 3 separate markets, the most famous of which is the fish market. A visit to it will immerse you in authentic Venice!

Take a Gondola Ride

As I said on Instagram, going to Venice without taking a gondola ride is like going to Paris without going up the Eiffel Tower! For some it may seem too touristy, too expensive, too kitsch but for having done it, I can tell you that it is our best memory of our weekend in Venice. We had an almost magical time on the canals!

If you want to live this experience in an intimate way, we advise you first to move away from the Grand Canal . The canals in the Castello or San Polo districts are much quieter. Then, prefer lunch time between 12pm and 2pm and finally try to negotiate the price. You should know that the price of a gondola ride is fixed throughout the city: €80 for 30 minutes during the day and €100 in the evening from 7pm. However, the gondolier could offer you a discount if he waits for the customer (especially in the middle of winter). That’s how we paid €70 for our gondola ride!

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Visiting Paris: the must-do activities in the capital

Paris is full of activities to do and places to see. It’s impossible to get bored during a short or long stopover in the capital. And with so many things to do, it’s hard to find your way around. Visit the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, stroll through the Marais, climb to the top of the Montparnasse Tower, attend a cabaret at the Moulin Rouge, you know the essentials! So here is a non-exhaustive list of the little-known must-dos to do during a Parisian weekend.

  • Discover the vineyards of Montmartre just a few minutes walk from the Sacré-Coeur.
  • Visit the city’s catacombs , several kilometers of tunnels lined with femurs and skulls.
  • Save Marie-Antoinette during a life-size escape game in the 4th arrondissement.
  • Fly over Paris in virtual reality.
  • Attend a symphony concert of your favorite music by candlelight.
  • Visit the Paris of cartoons , to discover the unusual places that inspired them.
  • Visit the “Paris of crime” in the 6th arrondissement.

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Visiting Paris: the must-do activities in the capital

In which neighborhoods can you see the Eiffel Tower?

Day or night, in the sun or in the rain: this is what we want to see. The Eiffel Tower is the queen of the capital and, for many, it is impossible to go to Paris without being able to admire it. So the ideal way to do it properly is to get a room with a view.

Many Parisian hotels offer rooms with views of the Eiffel Tower, although you often have to leave a small bill. Since the Iron Lady is located in the 7th arrondissement, it is still from there that it is best seen. The hotels on Rue de Grenelle, Rue Saint-Dominique, and Avenue de la Bourdonnais are particularly well located. But elsewhere, then?

In the 15th arrondissement, hotels located near the Champ de Mars and Avenue de Suffren often offer views of the Eiffel Tower. In the 16th arrondissement, it is better to find a room on Avenue Kléber or Rue de Passy. In the 8th, we aim more for Avenue Montaigne and hotels near Place de l’Alma. In the 1st arrondissement, some hotels near the Louvre and Rue de Rivoli can offer partial views of the Eiffel Tower. As well as those located near the Luxembourg Gardens, in the 6th arrondissement. And, finally, some high-rise hotels can also offer this type of view at La Défense.

For more travel tips, check out our post on the Visit Rome in 3 days

How to get around Paris?

Getting around Paris can easily become hell if you come with your own vehicle. The public road transport network is well developed, which makes it a wise solution. The Paris metro has 16 lines, running from 5:30 a.m. to around 1:15 a.m. The RER has 5 main lines. And the Tramway has no less than 10 lines, which mainly serve the outskirts of Paris. Of course, the bus network is also extensive and covers the entire city, day and night.

To get around Paris, the youngest prefer to rent a Vélib’ or electric scooter. But it is also possible to call a taxi or a VTC. On the Seine, it is the Batobus that we take. This river shuttle allows you to travel along the Seine, with stops near the main tourist attractions.

Paris offers endless activities beyond the usual landmarks. In addition to iconic sites like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre, visitors can explore lesser-known spots like the Montmartre vineyards, the eerie catacombs, and even a Marie-Antoinette-themed escape game. Neighborhoods such as the 7th, 15th, and 16th arrondissements offer stunning Eiffel Tower views from select hotels. Navigating Paris is best via public transportation, with extensive metro, tram, and bus networks. Alternative options include renting Vélib’ bikes, electric scooters, or using the Batobus river shuttle along the Seine. The city is ideal for both traditional and unique Parisian experiences.

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When is the best time to travel to Istanbul?

The best times to travel to Turkey are autumn and spring. So, ideally, you should book your tickets from March to June, then from September to October. In summer, the temperature can reach up to 30°C and it is not always easy to walk and visit the country in such heat. Not to mention that the summer period is also the most touristic season for the country. The most touristic areas are therefore black with people. The rest of the time, there are fewer tourists and the temperature is ideal.

From March to May, temperatures range from 15 to 20°C. The crowds are smaller, and it is a perfect time to admire the tulips in bloom. From September to November, the weather is similar and tourists have often finished their summer vacations. In the parks and gardens, the autumn foliage is particularly pleasant to look at. In addition, at the end of October, hotel and flight prices start to drop and it is a great time to get a good deal. And if you like snow? Then don’t hesitate, and fly to Istanbul in the middle of winter.

When is the best time to travel to Istanbul?

What is the budget for going to Istanbul?

The budget for a trip to Istanbul obviously varies depending on the length of stay, the type of accommodation chosen and the activities planned. However, you can expect a budget of around 200 euros for a round trip in economy class, departing from France. Then, you will need to count between 30 and 70 euros per night in a mid-range hotel and more than 250 euros per night in a luxury hotel.

Once settled in, the cost of living in Turkey is lower than in France (about 37% lower). But Istanbul remains one of the largest cities in the country, and therefore one of the most expensive. For a backpacker trip, you will need to budget around 20 euros per day. For a more comfortable trip with a few good restaurants and activities, then you will need to budget 50 to 70 euros per day and per person. But if you look hard enough, you can always find the best deals for a low-cost trip.

For more travel tips, check out our post on the Visiting Paris: the must-do activities

What are the best areas to stay in Istanbul?

Istanbul is a vast and diverse city, with many neighborhoods with different advantages. Obviously, here, everything comes down to individual preferences.

Sultanahmet

History buffs and culture vultures will prefer to head to the historic heart of Istanbul: Sultanahmet. Ideal for those visiting the metropolis for the first time, this district is home to the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace.

Beyoglu

The Beyoğlu district is also very culturally rich, and is located north of the Golden Horn. It is perfect for travelers looking to go out after dark as it has many bars, theaters and restaurants. Along Istiklal Avenue, you will also find many fashion, music and book stores. Perfect for those looking for entertainment.

Besiktas

The Beşiktaş district has a lively and fairly youthful atmosphere. It is popular with students and offers many cafes and restaurants.

Nishantasi

For a chic and trendy stay, Nişantaşı is where you can find accommodation for a few nights. This district is often compared to a mini-Paris and is full of designer boutiques and art galleries. It is perfect for travelers looking for a cosmopolitan and high-end experience.

Ortakoy

The Ortaköy district is known for its cafes and shops. It offers magnificent views of the Bosphorus Strait and Bridge. Here, you can browse flea markets and art galleries. This district is perfect for those looking for a bohemian and relaxed atmosphere.

Uskudar

Finally, the Üsküdar district is rather traditional and historical. There is the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque and the Maiden Tower. But also many local markets for an authentic atmosphere. This district is ideal for lovers of less touristy historical sites.

What are the must-do activities in Istanbul?

Istanbul, with its rich history and vibrant culture, offers many must-see attractions. Here are the top activities that you should definitely not miss during a stay in Istanbul:

  • The Hagia Sophia , famous for its immense dome and Byzantine mosaics.
  • The Blue Mosque, known for its six minarets and beautiful blue ceramic tiles.
  • The Grand Bazaar, which stands out as one of the oldest covered markets in the world.
  • The Archaeological Museum, which has an impressive collection of artifacts from different civilizations, including sarcophagi and ancient sculptures.
  • Turkish baths, an essential experience for relaxation, like at the Hammam of Çemberlitaş or Süleymaniye.
  • Topkapi Palace , former main residence of the sultans.
  • The Galata Tower, to enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the city.
  • The Balat district, which stands out for its colorful facades, is the former Jewish quarter of Istanbul.

How to get around Istanbul?

Getting around Istanbul is quite convenient thanks to its extensive public transport network and other transport options. But to enjoy it, you still need to get the essential Istanbulkart transport pass. The latter can be purchased directly at the most important metro, bus or tram stations. Some hotels also sell them. Thanks to this pass, on which you deposit the desired amount, the cost of the trips is slightly lower than the initial price.

In Istanbul, the ideal is still to get around on foot. For longer journeys, we opt for the metro, which has now become the preferred means of transport for Istanbulites. There are now seven metro lines, which cover most of the metropolis. The tram has 4 lines, including the T1 which serves the main tourist spots in Istanbul. As for the bus, there are more than 500 lines across the city to reach the most distant places.

The best excursions to do around Istanbul

Although Istanbul is big enough to occupy several days, it is of course possible to push the walls to discover the rest of the country. From the city and in a fairly simple way, it is possible to participate in these excursions:

  • Cruise on the Golden Horn: for a day and aboard a boat, you can admire the banks of the Golden Horn with its mosques and old houses.
  • Belgrade Forest: Located 40 minutes away by car, Belgrade Forest is a green lung in the middle of the city. It is ideal for jogging sessions or lovely walks under the trees.
  • Princes’ Islands: Less than 1.5 hours away by boat, the Princes’ Islands are perfect for a day trip. Each of them is idyllic and can be visited on foot or by bike.
  • Sapanca: This charming village is located on the shores of Lake Sapanca, about 1.5 hours drive from Istanbul. You can have a picnic there and enjoy the water activities offered on the lake. And, nearby, you can also discover the picturesque village of Maşukiye.
  • Bursa: The former capital of the Ottoman Empire is located about 2 hours by ferry or bus from Istanbul. It is home to the Grand Mosque Ulu Camii and the cable car to Mount Uludağ.

All of these tours, although there are plenty more, offer varied options to escape the hustle and bustle of Istanbul and explore natural landscapes, beaches and picturesque villages.

Formalities for traveling to Istanbul from France

For French and Swiss nationals, it is necessary to have a valid identity card or passport to travel to Turkey. No visa is required, therefore. On the other hand, the stay cannot exceed 90 days on Turkish soil.

For Belgians, the rule is not the same. Indeed, they must obtain a visa issued upon entering the country after presenting their passport. This visa costs 10 euros, and is purchased directly at the counter before passing through the border police.

You now have all the keys in hand to fly to Turkey and discover Istanbul for a few days.