During our staycation in Zeeland we stayed on the Schouwen-Duiveland peninsula in the cozy town of Zierikzee. This monument city really surprised us! And it is a good base to explore Zeeland. We slept right in the city center in a former warehouse with authentic elements. From here we could easily discover all the highlights of Zierikzee. The evening walks are especially unforgettable. The sunset is so magical! The towers turn into beautiful silhouettes and the facades of the detailed buildings get an orange glow. In addition to beautiful evening walks, Zierikzee has many monuments, a harbor, city gates, cozy squares full of terraces, delicious – instagrammable – food spots, unique boutiques and winding alleys where you can walk for hours.
Restaurant tip in Zierikzee: At Meneer Nilsson you can enjoy a delicious, colorful breakfast, healthy lunch or a nice drink. The looks of this cute restaurant immediately make you want to eat or drink something here! We recommend choosing a spot on the terrace. From here you have a view of the cozy Havenplein.
Admire the impressive Delta Works at Neeltje Jans
The waves crash against it, the wind rages through it and above all, they keep the water level low. We are of course talking about the Delta Works; the famous defense system of the Netherlands. The Netherlands is one of the lowest countries in the world and parts of the country have been flooded, such as during the flood disaster in 1953. Delta Works have been developed and deployed to prevent such terrible disasters in the future. For example, the Oosterscheldekering. This is a lockable storm surge barrier that can close in case of a heavy storm, so that the high water cannot enter the Oosterschelde. Great piece of engineering! The work island Neeltje Jans was specially made for the construction of these Delta Works. Since the completion of the Delta Works, the island has been an information center about the Delta Works.
Spot wildlife in their natural habitat
You can spot seals and porpoises in the Oosterschelde. The clean water, tranquility and space make this the ideal habitat for these animals. For the ultimate experience, we recommend that you bring a binoculars or zoom lens. We were lucky to spot a seal in the water around the work island of Neeltje Jans. So cute! At low tide you have a great chance to see them lazing on the sandbanks, enjoying the sun.
In Koudekerk, the Plompe Toren stands in the middle of the rugged nature. You can also regularly spot seals from this watchtower.
Wander around through the capital Middelburg
Middelburg is the capital of Zeeland and has many beautiful sights. Stroll through the old city center towards the square Markt, admire the special Gothic town hall, shop at the nicest boutiques and concept stores, discover the decorated alleys and the history of this former VOC trading city. During this golden period, Middelburg was the most important city in the Netherlands after Amsterdam. The biggest eye-catcher is the 90.5 meter high Lange Jan abbey tower. The best way to admire this tower is from the photogenic Reigerstraat. The street is full of colorful umbrellas. Here you will also find cozy cafes and a bright pink candy store.
Get a breath of fresh air on the beautiful coast of Zeeland
Ouddorp beach is a vast beach where you can enjoy the sun, the peace and the sound of the waves. From the beach you can see the 52 meter high bright red-brown lighthouse Westhoofd. The lighthouse is surrounded by the dunes and has been recognized as a national monument since 2007.
Restaurant tip: In the dunes of Ouddorp you will find restaurant Bij Marc. The food is delicious and for the vegetarians among us; you have plenty of choice! We recommend the ‘Dirty Fries’. These are fries with vegetarian chicken pieces and various tasty sauces.
At the furthest point of the west coast of Schouwen-Duiveland is the wide sandy beach of Burgh-Haamstede. There was a lot of sea fog on the day we visited the beach. This gave a super mysterious view of the beach and the waves disappeared into thin air.
For a small amount you can park near the beach and you can walk onto the beach via the dunes
Visit the picturesque villages Veere and Goedereede
Veere is a 13th century harbor village with beautiful houses, cozy streets and an imposing town hall. The unique thing about this village are the Scottish influences, which can be found in the architecture. The village was used as a storage place for Scottish wool in the 16th century where a large Scottish colony lived for a long time. Be sure to discover the surroundings of Veere. Rent a boat and sail on the Veerse Meer or take a walk along sheep, mills, defenses and the beach.
Goedereede is a cosy, authentic village in Zeeland. During your visit it feels like you are going back in time. The streets are full of authentic houses, there is a special herb garden and the ‘everyone knows each other’ feeling prevails throughout the village. The remarkable tower is the Reformed Church and can be seen from almost every street. Goedereede has a lively center with terraces along the canals and that is the perfect place to enjoy the view with a drink.
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Florence – the beautiful capital of Tuscany – is one of our favorite cities. The city is known for its impressive architecture, such as the cathedral the Duomo, the iconic bridge the Ponte Vecchio and the influences of famous artists including: Michelangelo, Botticelli and Donatello. It is therefore one of the art cities of the world.
But Florence has much more to offer, such as delicious Italian cuisine, royal palaces and gardens, spectacular viewpoints, sculptures and atmospheric squares. Are you planning a trip to Florence soon? Check out all our tips about how to spend a multi-day trip to Florence.
2. The tower city, San Gimignano
San Gimignano is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Italy. No wonder it is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. San Gimignano is known as the tower city; From afar you can already see 14 – of the original 72 – towers rising above the town. The missing towers were destroyed during wars between the 12th and 14th centuries. The (residential) towers used to be a status symbol. Noble families showed their prestige with the height of the tower. To get to know everything about San Gimignano and go to all the highlights, towers and museums you can get the San Gimignano pass.
Within the town walls there is a cozy and authentic atmosphere. The square Piazza della Cisterna, named after the water well, is the heart of San Gimignano. Pick a spot at one of the many terraces and eat the most delicious ice creams at Dondoli. You can choose from many special flavors, such as Limoncello! Tip: Walk into one of the narrow side streets every now and then. From here you can spot jaw dropping viewpoints over the rolling hills of Tuscany.
3. Historic Siena
With its special architecture, basilica, Gothic cathedral, palaces, statues and squares, Siena is a real must-see during your road trip through Tuscany. A popular sight in Siena is the shell-shaped square Piazza del Campo. It is the connector of all main streets and there is a warm atmosphere. Admire the Fonte Gaia fountain and see imposing important buildings such as the City Hall. Twice a year the spectacular Palio di Siena horse race is organized here. The square gets transformed into a horse racing track and the different districts of Siena compete against each other!
4. Popular Pisa
Pisa is very touristy and that is mainly because everyone wants to admire eye-catcher number 1, the leaning bell tower of Pisa. The tower is on the square Piazza dei Miracoli that means the Square of Miracles and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Buy your tickets here in advance. There are even more impressive buildings on this square, such as the largest Baptistery in Italy, Cathedral of Santa Maria and the cemetery Camposanto. Besides the special architecture, Pisa also has one of the oldest botanical gardens of Europe, there are plenty of shops to look around and you can take a lovely walk along the river Arno.
Combine Pisa with a trip to the beautiful surroundings. In 20 minutes you drive to Lake Puccini, where you enjoy the peace and beautiful lake.
5. Cozy Lucca
Lucca is surrounded by a city wall that has remained completely intact. The oldest parts even date from the 2nd century BC! Within the city walls, there are many churches that will impress you: the San Michele in Foro, San Giusto and Chiesa di Santa Maria Forisportam. But the most notable sight is the round square: Piazza dell’Anfiteatro. This square is built on the ruins of a Roman amphitheater. Now it is full of cozy terraces; where you can fully enjoy the Italian hospitality. Lucca is also a perfect shopping city. There are lots of well-known international clothing chains and local Italian boutiques.
6. Undiscovered Arezzo
Arezzo has a beautiful historic center. The nice thing about Arezzo is that the city is not very touristy, so you can explore the city in peace and experience the local life! Admire the Romanesque and Gothic architecture on a city walk or visit its cathedral and museum. And walk through the atmospheric streets towards the sloping square Piazza Grande, which impresses you with the surrounding old buildings. Take a seat on one of the terraces where you can have a delicious lunch. Full of energy again? End the day with a walk through the city park, where you can reminisce about all the impressions of the city.
7. Hill town Volterra
Volterra is located on the top of a hill and is surrounded by a city wall. Be surprised by the culture, the panoramic views of Tuscany and the impressive city gates. There are plenty things to do; visit the Roman theatre, cathedral, one of the museums or art studios. In the heart of the city center you will find one of the oldest town halls in Tuscany; Palazzo dei Priori, built in 1208. See the ancient halls from the inside or climb the bell tower to see Volterra from above.
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Be surprised by the architecture in the middle of nature
From the parking lot you can walk to Tij in about 10 minutes. The road to Tij is already beautiful. Note: If the water is high, the walkway may be under water. So always check this before you set off. Via winding paths, stairs, wooden decking and between the reeds you arrive at a tunnel that takes you to the core of the 8 meter high and 11 meter long giant egg. The tunnel has beautiful viewpoints from where you can already spot many birds.
If you walk further, you will be surprised by the impressive structure, the lines of the wooden beams and the viewpoints where the sun’s rays shine through. This makes bird watching very special!
Go on a bird watching adventure
Climb the iron spiral staircase to enjoy the 360° view over the unique landscape, Haringvliet and the Haringvliet locks. In the breeding season you have a great chance of spotting common terns, terns and black-headed gulls. Outside the breeding season, when the water becomes shallower, the area attracts several species of ducks, spoonbills, kingfishers and egrets. Bring your binoculars to fully enjoy! Which birds will you spot?!
Accessibility
The bird observatory is easily accessible. Park your car for free in the Marinehaven car park in Stellendam and walk in about 10 minutes to the observatory.
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Valencia has different neighborhoods with their own charms and sights. We want to show you all the cute neighborhoods.
The city center
In the historic city center you can stroll through the decorated streets and spot impressive buildings. Eat tapas or paella at one of the cozy restaurants. Visit the most beautiful squares such as; Plaza de la Reina to see the extraordinary cathedral, stroll towards Plaza de la Virgen to admire the Basílica de la Virgen de los Desamparados and walk a little further to Plaza Ayuntamiento, where you will find the town hall, a large fountain and beautiful architecture. And imagine yourself among the locals in the large indoor Mercado Central. This is the place where you can buy the tastiest and freshest food.
El carmen
El Carmen is the oldest district of Valencia and here you will find street art everywhere. The talented street artists are often paid for their colorful creations. It is great to wander through the narrow and beautiful streets and to be surprised by all the creativity. Sometimes even entire buildings / houses have been transformed into works of art.
Camins Al Grau
Be sure to visit the modern district of Valencia; Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, also known as the City of Arts and Sciences. The buildings have a white futuristic look. And they all have a different function, such as an opera house, museum, indoor garden with palm trees, an oceanarium and a cinema. You can also paddle and canoe on the clear blue water.
El Cabanyal
El Cabanyal is an old fishing village, located directly at the beach. Get lost through the authentic streets and spot the nicest artworks on the facades of the small fishermen’s houses. You will experience the authentic lifestyle of the fishermen here. It is a bit impoverished, but the neighborhood is increasingly popular by the Valencians and more and more entrepreneurs are establishing hip and trendy businesses here.
Ruzafa
We stayed in an Airbnb in the neighborhood of Ruzafa. It is an upcoming neighborhood just outside the center. You will find many hip and trendy cafes and restaurants and vintage shops. Many cultural and creative events are organized here where you really enjoy the local life.
2. Picnic in the Turia Park
Turia Park used to be the Turia River. After the river was flooded several times, it was drained and turned into a park. Locals sport here, walk their dogs or unwind with yoga. There is such a great atmosphere and it is the perfect place for a nice picnic. We bought a sparkling bottle of bubbly and some tasty snacks. We enjoyed the beautiful green environment between the orange trees and the locals. Have you scheduled a rest day? Then this is the perfect activity.
3. See the city from above
Climb (one of) the two city gates Torres de Serranos and Torres de Quart to see the city from a different perspective. Until the 19th century, Valencia had a city wall. The city gates were built in the 15th century and only two of the original twelve city gates remain. The gates served as a guard, prison and gunpowder storage. For €2.- per person, we climbed Torres de Serranos. From here you look out over Turía park, the long atmospheric streets and the orange roofs.
4. Discover Valencia by bike
A very nice way to discover Valencia is by cycling. You can see a lot in a short time. We rented bicycles for 2 days at Verrassend Valencia. They also organize various bike tours. We took a lovely bike ride through the Turía park towards the modern part of the city and then we cycled through the neighborhoods close to the beach and along the boulevard. The second day we visited several parks, including the botanical garden Jardín Botánica de Valencia.
5. Stroll through botanical garden Jardín Botánica de Valencia
Are you a plant lover? Then be surprised by the plant collection of the ancient botanical garden Jardín Botánico de Valencia, which is part of the University of Valencia. This garden – just outside the center – is rich in 4.500 tropical, rare and exotic plants, flowers and trees. Medicinal plants are cultivated and nowadays the garden is used for researches and experiments. For a small entrance fee you can walk around, take a look at the greenhouses and for the cat lovers among us; there are a lot of cute kittens around here!
6. Alternate the city with a lovely day at the beach
We really like the diversity of Valencia the most. This way, after a lot of strolling through the city, we could do something completely different; we had a wonderfully relaxed day at the beach. There are plenty of nice restaurants along the boulevard. Our favorite was La Mas Bonita. The menu includes fresh salads, sandwiches, hot meals and the tastiest smoothies. You have a direct view of the beach from the terrace! Enjoy the Spanish sun rays on your face, the tropical palm trees and the white sandy beaches and experience the ultimate holiday feeling.
7. Taste Agua de Valencia
Cocktail time!! In Valencia you can order Agua de Valencia at almost any restaurant or bar. This delicious fresh drink is a mix of orange juice, cava, sugar and a kind of gin and vodka. It is such a signature drink because most of the oranges produced in Spain come from Valencia. In Valencia you will find many orange trees and you can even smell them in many places.
8. Spot the most beautiful animals in Bioparc Valencia
Are you in Valencia for several days? Then a visit to the Bioparc Valencia is a must! This beautiful zoo has about 4.000 different animal species. The zoo is divided into 4 ecosystems: Madagascar, the wetlands, equatorial forests and the African savanna. Here you come face to face with ring-tailed lemurs, which are free to roam. You see how the animals are fed and how elephants cool down under their waterfall on a hot summer day. During the spectacular bird show, eagles fly right above your head. And the king of the jungle likes to show off for you on his high rocks. Definitely go for a lunch here, from the restaurant you van look out over the savannah, where giraffes, zebras, rhinoceroses and ostriches live together in harmony. Buy the tickets of Bioparc Valencia here in advance.
Delicious food spots in Valencia
💛 Dulce de Leche is a small bakery in the upcoming district Ruzafa. There is plenty of choice for a great breakfast or lunch. Before you enter the bakery you can already smell the warm croissants, fresh sandwiches, bagels and chocolate pies. We highly recommend the bagel with egg and smashed avocado. Dulce de Leche is the best spot to start your day right.
💛 At the boulevard of beach Las Arenas you have many options to enjoy a lunch or dinner with sea view from the terrace. The great atmosphere and cozy appearance of beach bar La Más Bonita attracted us. Find a nice spot on the terrace, or walk to the charmingly decorated courtyard where you can relax. The menu includes fresh salads, sandwiches, hot meals and the most delicious smoothies. Please note, it can be quite busy as this is a well-known lunchroom among locals and tourists.
💛 La Rollerie is a restaurant right in the center of Valencia. We came here to get our guilty pleasure; a warm chocolate lava cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The interior of La Rollerie is cute and green, the walls are covered with plants.
💛 Who doesn’t love Italian food?! We are true lovers of Italian cuisine and you can order the tastiest pizzas at Le Favole. We ordered bruschettas and a caprese & truffle pizza; it was a real taste explosion. You can also order various pastas and salads here. The restaurant is located just outside the city center, near the central market hall. If you decide to eat on the terrace, you can hear the vibrant city in the background.
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We think the Traunsee is the most impressive and photogenic lake in Salzkammergut. The lake is surrounded by charming villages, mountains and churches. With a depth of 191 meters, the Traunsee is the deepest lake in Austria!
If you visit the Traunsee, we definitely recommend to make a stop at Traunkirchen. The Johannesburg Kapelle is the eye-catcher of the village. The Kapelle is located on top of a rock and in the background you can see the rugged mountain landscape. In Traunkirchen we rented a boat to explore the area from the water. You sail past harbors and boathouses.
2. The diverse Wolfgangsee
The Wolfgangsee is a large lake that extends over two federal states, Upper Austria and Salzburgerland. There’s a lot to do. For example, plan an active day on the water; you can (kite) surf, sail, water ski, kayak, snorkel, wakeboard or paddle. Enjoy the sun on a beautiful summer day on one of the sunbathing areas or natural beaches or discover the area via one of the many walking routes.
We stopped at two points along the lake. North of the lake you will find a higher panoramic viewpoint where you can admire a large part of the Wolfgangsee. Then we stopped at the village of Strolb; a colorful authentic village with lots of flowers and kiosks where you can eat with a view of the Wolfgangsee.
3. The mysterious Hallstättersee
The Hallstättersee is a picturesque green-blue lake which is beautifully located at the – in our opinion – most beautiful mountain village in Austria: Hallstatt. We visited the Hallstättersee on a foggy early morning. The clouds hung just above the water, creating a mysterious atmosphere.
Sidenote: Hallstatt is very popular. The small village is visited by almost 1 million tourists every year. Do you want to know how to avoid this tourist crowd? Read our tips for a visit to Hallstatt.
4. The crystal clear Attersee
The Attersee is the perfect destination for a wonderful day at the water in Salzkammergut. The Attersee is one of the largest lakes in Austria. Take a cooling dip in the crystal clear water, which is even drinking quality. On a sunny day the Rosenwind blows across the lake from the north-east. This makes the Attersee a very suitable place for water sports enthusiasts.
5. The iconic Mondsee
Next to the Attersee is the Mondsee. We drove a jawdropping route along this lake. Enjoy the beautiful mountainous environment, the clear water and be sure to visit the town of Mondsee. It is known for beautiful architecture such as the colored houses, the former monastery that now has been transformed into a four-star hotel and the Basilika St. Michael Mondsee which was used as the film setting of The Sound of Music. In the evening we had a delicious dinner on one of the terraces and we were entertained by a performance by locals with Schuhplattler. This is an energetic traditional folk dance, where men in lederhosen stamp and clap their hands, thighs and soles to the beat of the music.
6. The idyllic Fuschlsee
The Fuschlsee is an idyllic lake in Salzkammergut where you can stroll along the water. Relax on one of the jetties and dip your feet in the water. You can enjoy a beautiful view over the water from here. It is the perfect place to completely unwind.
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Here’s what you need to know before visiting Eisriesenwelt
Tours & Tickets
You can visit the Eisriesenwelt from May to October. In the high season it is extra busy. Make sure you get to the cave in time to make sure you can join one of the many tours. You can book your tickets online so you don’t have to queue. Booking in advance is also cheaper. There are English and German spoken tours.
What do you need to wear?
It is important that you dress warmly during your visit to the ice cave. The temperature in the ice cave is freezing cold, even in the summer months. If it’s a warm day outside, bring extra clothes that you can put on before entering the cave. Also wear good shoes and thick socks. We were wearing sneakers and at one point our toes were almost frozen!
When is the best time to visit the cave?
We recommend visiting the ice cave in good weather conditions. Many think this is the perfect activity to do on a rainy day. But you will walk in the open air for about 40 minutes before reaching the ice cave. If you get soaked, it gets even colder when you enter the cave. Then you cannot fully enjoy this natural phenomenon. And that is too bad!
The road to Eisriesenwelt
We bought a combination ticket including a return ride with the cable car + a tour through the ice cave. From the information center it is a 20 minute walk to the funicular that takes you from 1000 meters to 1500 meters in just 3 minutes. From the cabin you have a beautiful view, but you should not be afraid of heights, like Abel ;-). Once at the top, you can enjoy the panoramic view over the valley and the mountain peaks. From here it is a 20 minute walk before you arrive at the entrance of the ice cave. The walk to the cave is already spectacular. You walk through the rugged mountain landscape via winding roads and along the steep abyss. Along the way you will spot many alpine crows. Be surprised by the changeable weather high in the mountains. One moment we had sun and blue skies, and a few minutes later the mountains had completely disappeared because of the fog.
After 20 minutes you will arrive at the huge opening of the cave. From here you have a beautiful view. Only a few people are allowed in the cave at a time. So wait for the moment when the guide will take you on an unforgettable tour through the Eisriesenwelt. There is no lighting in the cave so a number of people is responsible for shining an oil lamp which will be handed out at the start of the tour. As soon as the door to the cave opens, the flow of hot and cold air creates a strong gust of wind. So be prepared for this.
The trip through the ice cave
In about 1 hour you will discover the first kilometer of the cave. You will admire meters high ice formations, frozen lakes and impressive ice tunnels. Via 1400 steps and steep, narrow stairs you climb through the underground tunnel system of the cave. During the tour, the guide will tell you all about the history of the ice cave and explain how the ice was formed. At special sights the guide will shine extra light by using magnesium rods.
The ice formations still change every year. This is due to the temperature differences and the wind that enters through the entrance and draft holes. In the summer some ice sculptures melt away and the ice sheet becomes thinner and in the winter this meltwater freezes again, then the ice sheet grows back.
Unfortunately we were not allowed to take pictures in the cave. To give you an idea of what to expect inside, we were allowed to use the photos from Eisriesenwelt. During the tour it is darker in the cave which makes it a bit mysterious.
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In collaboration with Instawall we were allowed to create a custom Instawall. For this we have collected our best travel memories. You have plenty of choice for the layout and format of your collage. Choose a panorama, square or vertical format and have it finished on glass, plexiglass, aluminum or poster paper. We chose the 60 x 60 Instawall, printed on aluminum. With the matte finishing touch and beautiful contrast, this material creates the perfect industrial look.
Tips for creating an Instawall
Creating an Instawall is easy and fun. Make a selection of your favorite photos and upload them to Instawall. Then choose the layout and fill in the blanks with your own photos. Swap the photos a few times to see which combination is best. Also make sure that the colors in your photos match. You can also add quotes or colors to your collage for extra variety. A big plus is that the team of Instawall personally checks your order and gives you tips – if necessary – to get the best out of your photos and the print.
We are surprised by the fast service. The print arrived within a week. And wow the end result is so beautiful! We are happy with the design, size of the photos, colors and print quality. The collage comes with a simple hanging system including felt pads for the wall.
The perfect interior item
We have proudly given our Instagram feed a perfect place in our home and it definitely completes our interior. Hello eyecatcher! From now on we can enjoy our self-designed artwork on the wall. It is special to see all our adventures bundled in one print. Thanks a lot @instawall_prints. Ohhh and we can’t wait to collect more unforgettable, happy moments.
More travel musthaves
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The teepee is the perfect accommodation for a special overnight stay in the Netherlands. Chat for hours by the campfire, relax in a hammock with the last rays of the sun on your face and listen to the singing birds as the sun sets. Fall asleep under the stars on a clear night. Here you are guaranteed to enjoy!
Glamping
It was our first time glamping and wow we are so excited about this way of travelling. You go back to basics, but still with all the luxury and comfort. The teepee is huge and fully equipped. It has a king-size bed, a private bathroom with toilet, several cozy sitting areas, a refrigerator, coffee maker, kettle, wood stove and electricity. Much attention has been paid to the interior of the tipi, which is so stylish and cozy. Especially all those cute lights.
Best time to book an overnight stay
We stayed in the teepee in the spring. Then it can get quite chilly in the teepee at night, so you really need to make sure the fire stays on all night. For us, this made the overnight stay even more adventurous! With sunny weather you can easily leave the tipi open all day until late in the evening. In this way you experience the ultimate outdoor life and you are completely connected with nature. So in our opinion, spring is the most fun time to book, but if you want to be more sure of good weather, book an overnight stay in the summer.
The sunset teepee
At Parc Buitengewoon there are three teepees; a double teepee, the sunrise teepee with hottub and the sunset teepee. We stayed in the Sunfield Sunset Teepee. The name says it all, the teepee is in the perfect place to watch the most beautiful sunset.
Service & hospitality
The team of Parc Buitengewoon does everything to ensure that you have a relaxing time. They brought us a delicious breakfast the next morning. Overall great service and hospitality.
Wander through the green surroundings
Parc Buitengewoon is located in a beautiful green area. We highlight two nature reserves that we have explored.
The Maashorst
In the Maashorst nature reserve you can walk for hours and spot special grazers, such as the Wisent, Exmoor pony and Tauros. Enjoy the outdoors and go offline for a while. Just you and nature, then you can completely relax! To get to the beautiful spots in the Maashorst, we parked the car in the parking lot on Weversweg. From here you can walk straight into the forest and you will quickly reach the grazing area.
The Moerputten
A very special route awaits you in the Moerputten nature reserve. Walk over the industrial 600-meter Moerputtenbrug – the former railway line from the 19th century – and enjoy the view over the open water, the diverse nature and spot special birds. In the area you will find narrow decking paths that lead you through the swamp forest.
Full impression of an adventure in North Limburg
To get a full impression of our amazing adventure and overnight stay, you can watch our travel video. Will this be your next adventure?
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1. Hop on tram 28 towards Alfama – One of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhoods
In Lisbon, the iconic yellow trams have been running through the city since the 1930s. A nice thing to do is to take a ride on line 28. This is the most famous line and runs right through the historic city center and through the most authentic neighborhoods of Lisbon. Buy your ticket from the driver and enjoy the ride through the steep winding streets.
You can go to Alfama by tram. This is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Lisbon. Here you will get to know the Portuguese way of life. Stroll through the authentic streets and admire Lisbon’s oldest cathedral, Sé Catedral. In the evening you can enjoy Portuguese music in one of the many fado restaurants. Fado is the more than 150 year old Portuguese life song and comes from the poorest neighborhoods of Lisbon.
Other highlights of Alfama are the beautiful viewpoints Miradouro das Portas do Sol, Miradouro de Santa Luzia and Miradouro de Santo Estêvão.
2. Admire the beautiful sights of the city center
Baixa and Rossio together form the lively center of Lisbon. The neighborhoods are full of sights, large squares and eye-catchers.
Arco da Rua Augusta
At the end of the busy shopping street Rua Augusta is the large triumphal arch Arco da Rua Augusta. The arch represents the reconstruction of Lisbon after it was destroyed by a terrible earthquake in 1755. The arch connects the city center with the main square Praça do Comércio.
Tip: You can get on top of the arch for an amazing view of Praça do Comércio and the Tagus River.
Praça do Comércio
One of the most beautiful squares in Lisbon is Praça do Comércio, which borders the Tagus River. Before the earthquake in 1755 caused major damage, this was an important place. The royal palace was located here, heads of state were received and moored their ships and it was the center from where Portugal controlled the trade with all its colonies. Today, the enormous square has a monumental statue of King José I in the middle and is surrounded by bustling terraces of restaurants and impressive buildings.
Elevador Santa Justa
In the middle of the shopping area is the 19th century Santa Justa, an iron elevator that was intended to connect the lower city of Baixa with the upper city of Chiado and Bairro Alto. Lisbon is built on hills and by the invention of this elevator you had to climb steep hills less often. It is possible to take the elevator up to enjoy a great view of the city.
3. Taste the typical Portuguese Pasteis de Nata
Eating Pasteis de Nata was definitely the highlight of our visit to Lisbon. Throughout the city there are bakeries and restaurants where you can buy these golden creamy delicacies. But be warned; once you have tasted one, you will want more and more!
Everyone makes Pastel de Nata in their own way, so some are crispier or have a little more cinnamon or vanilla flavor than others. You can eat the original Pastel de Nata at Pasteis de Belém, where the pastries were first made and sold. They are crispy, creamy and topped with powdered sugar and cinnamon. Yummy!
Do you want to make Pasteis de Nata yourself? Then we have the perfect recipe for Pasteis de Nata for you!
4. Stroll along the Tagus River
A walk along the Tagus River is relaxing. There are also many beautiful sights to admire.
Ponte 25 de Abril
During the walk you will enjoy great views over the bridge Ponte 25 de Abril, which is certainly the eye-catcher of the walk. This 2.2 kilometer long bridge connects the city center with the south bank. At its highest point, the bridge hangs 75 meters above the Tagus. In the evening the bridge is beautifully lit. So don’t forget to take an evening stroll along the Tagus.
Monumento Cristo Rei
The hundred-meter high Cristo Rei monument stands atop a huge pedestal on a hill on the banks of the Tagus. With the imposing statue of Christ, Portugal begged God not to involve the country in the Second World War. The statue stands with protective arms spread out towards the city.
Torre de Belém
Be sure to take a look at the floating Torre de Belém, a former defensive tower from the 16th century. The tower is currently a national monument to commemorate the voyages of discovery and trade in the Golden Age. Torre de Belém can be reached via a bridge and from inside you have a nice view of the river, Ponte 25 de Abril and the monument Cristo Rei. A visit to Torre de Belém cost €9. You can buy the tickets here or if you have a Lisboa Card the entrance is free.
Padrão dos Descobrimentos
Admire the monument Padrão dos Descobrimentos up close. It is built in honor of the Portuguese explorers who explored the world in the 15th and 16th centuries. The structure has the shape of a ship with wavy sails.
5. Enjoy the creativity in LX Factory
Under the bridge Ponte 25 de Abril you will find LX Factory, an old factory site and nowadays the place to be. It is a hidden artistic and cultural hotspot brimming with creativity. The old factory buildings now house impressive art galleries, alternative design shops and unique pop-up stores. Spot the colorful street art and have a snack or a drink at one of the many bars, restaurants or rooftop bars and mingle with the locals and creatives.
6. Spot the most beautiful tiled buildings and facades
As you walk the streets of Lisbon, you will see azulejos (painted, tin-glazed ceramic tiles) everywhere. They are decorated with all kinds of patterns, figures and colors. The tiles make the facades of the houses, the walls of monasteries, churches, palaces, train stations and even parts of fountains and gardens super colorful. We went out to collect the most beautiful tiles for you.
7. Visit the National Tile Museum of Lisbon
If you are interested in the history of the tiles or if you just want to spot some exclusive ones, we recommend you to visit the National Tile Museum of Lisbon. The museum has an extensive collection of the ceramic tiles. The Moors introduced the tiles and the Portuguese have completely absorbed it into their culture. The museum’s collection shows how the style and design have changed over the years. Also the location of the museum is very special. The museum is located in a 15th-century monastery that consists of beautiful archways, an inner garden and a church. A ticket to visit this beautiful museum cost €5 which you canbuy here. Do you have a Lisboa Card? Then the museum is for free.
8. Watch the sunset from one of Lisbon’s miradouros
Lisbon is located on 7 hills and therefore has several spectacular viewpoints. Our favorite miradouros are miradouro da Graça, miradouro de Santa Luzia, miradouro das Portas do Sol and miradouro de Santo Estêvão. At each of these viewpoints you look out over the terracotta colored roofs and you can spot the special highlights of the city from a different angle.
9. Get lost in the streets of Mouraria, Bairro Alto and Chiado
In addition to Alfama and Belém, Lisbon has a number of great neighborhoods, each with its own atmosphere and character.
In the Mouraria district you will spot a lot of art, especially graffiti. Another (literal) highlight is to climb to the Castelo de São Jorge castle, which is located on the highest hill in Lisbon. From here you have a beautiful view. Furthermore, you experience local life at its best by getting lost in Mouraria. The district is known for the many decorated and atmospheric streets full of bars and restaurants.
Tip: End up at the cozy bar Empanadas Union for a drink and a small bite, cheers!
One of the most famous sights in Bairro Alto and Chiado is the Convento do Carmo Monastery. After the disaster in 1755, this monastery turned into a ruin of remaining Gothic arches. The missing roof, and the damaged columns show how devastating the earthquake was.
10. Visit the impressive Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
In the Belém district you will find a number of historical buildings, monuments, museums and cultural highlights, including Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. This monastery was built after the successful overseas explorations and shows how powerful and rich Portugal was in the 15th and 16th centuries. Admire the detailed arches, the special courtyard garden with fountain and the church with colorful stained glass.
11. Experience Lisbon’s vibrant nightlife on Pink Street
Discover the vibrant nightlife in the Cais do Sodre district, which was first known as the red light district of Lisbon. For hip bars, restaurants and good nightlife, head to Rua Nova do Carvalho, better known as Pink Street. Here you can enjoy drinks, fun and music until late at night.
12. Discover futuristic Lisbon
Parque das Nações is a modern neighborhood in the east of Lisbon. You will find a lot of art, culture, a large oceanarium, the shopping center Vasco da Gama and futuristic buildings here. It is definitely worth a visit to this area. Spot the Vasco da Gama Bridge and the Vasco da Gama Tower. Want to see it from above? For only €4, you can float over the Tagus in a cable car. It is nice to walk the way back along the boulevard.
13. Try food from the Time Out Market
The Time Out Market is an old market hall. Taste different cuisines, order what you like and take a seat at the long tables. The atmosphere is great and there is something for everyone.
Experience Lisbon in a different way
Where to eat?
In Lisbon you will find cozy bars and restaurants on every corner of the street. These are our favorite spots for a drink or something to eat.
The best way to explore Lisbon is by foot. In this way you can easily discover the typical, winding streets. We loved to get lost in the different neighborhoods and spent hours of doing some random explorations!
You will also use public transport. Lisbon is hilly and Belém and Parque das Nações are quite far outside the city center, so to walk everything is very tough. Traveling around by public transport in Lisbon is easy. There are lots of bus and tram stops throughout Lisbon, so you will always find a place nearby where you can get on.
Tip: The cheapest way to travel around Lisbon by public transport is to buy a rechargeable ticket, called Viva Vigem, at the train station. Otherwise you pay a ticket at the driver (only cash) for €2 per ride, no matter how many stops you travel.
Lisboa Card
An other option to travel around in Lisbon is with a Lisboa Card. You have options to buy a Lisboa Card that is valid for 24, 48 or 72 hours. With this card you can travel unlimited by train (also to Sintra and Cascais), tram and bus. And you also avoid queues and visit several sights for free or with a discount. For example you have free access to Torre de Belém, Mosteiro dos Jerónimos and the Santa Justa Elevator. See here if this card will save you money.
Trips from Lisbon
Must do: A trip to Sintra
You can travel by train from Lisbon to Sintra in 40 minutes. Here you step into a completely different, fairytale-like world. The area has been a World Heritage Site since 1995 and consists of several castles and summer palaces surrounded by exotic gardens. Almost all sights are built on the hills of Sintra, so you often have beautiful views over the green surroundings.
There is a lot to see, so think about what you want to visit in advance. We visited Sintra twice and recommend planning up to 3 sights in a day. Our favorite sights are the romantic summer palace Monserrate, the colorful Pena Palace, the mysterious gardens of Quinta da Regaleira and the special castle Castelo dos Mouros.
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#1 Drone rules about registering and flight certificates
A drone that is heavier than 250 grams
If your drone is heavier than 250 grams, you must register with the RDW. After registering, you will receive a unique operator number that you must place visibly with a plate or sticker on your drone. Your operator number ends up in the European database, so you are able to fly within Europe.
If your drone is heavier than 250 grams, you also need a flight certificate. You can get this flight certificate by participating in a theory course in the form of an online test or by following a classroom lesson. When you pass this theory course, you will receive your flight certificate. If you don’t have a flight certificate and you are going to fly anyway, then you are punishable by law.
A drone that weighs less than 250 grams
Don’t you have a drone yet because you don’t want to put in so much effort to be able to fly? Then think of buying a DJI Mavic Mini or DJI Mavic Mini 2. These drones weigh less than 250 grams, so you don’t need to get a flight certificate. You can fly directly with these drones.
Tip: If you are insecure about flying a drone, want to learn more about the rules and how to control a drone, then we definitely recommend to follow the basic course category A1. You can follow this course at several organizations, such as: Droneflight Academy or Dutch Drone Academy.
#2 Drone rules per country
The regulations regarding drone flying differs per country.
Drone rules for the flying height
Take into account the maximum flight height. For example, in France you can fly 150 meters high, while in Germany you can only go up to 100 meters. Tip: While flying, you can see your flight altitude in the DJI Fly app. Preset the maximum flight altitude that is legal in the country you are flying in, so you don’t have to keep an eye on whether you are flying too high. Keep in mind that you always need to have your drone in sight.
Drone rules for the weight of drones
It differs per country how heavy your drone can be. For example, in Austria you can fly a drone as long as it is not heavier than 2 kilos and in Italy a drone may weigh a maximum of 25 kilos. Most hobby pilots will have a drone under 2 kilos, so you probably don’t have to worry.
#3 Drone rules in Fly and No Fly Zones
Before you want to take off, you have to check if it is legal to fly. With the DJI Fly App you can see where you can and cannot fly. When you open the map, blue and red areas will appear where you are not allowed to fly. If you accidentally get close to these areas, your drone will not crash, but the drone cannot fly any further. Usually these are zones near an airport, military base or national park.
Important: The DJI Fly app doesn’t show you every No Fly Zone. Most of the countries have their own drone fly app, the maps in these apps are stricter and correct. To fly in The Netherlands, you must check the GoDrone app before flying.
Flying outside The Netherlands
If you are traveling outside The Netherlands then you should download the apps of the countries you are flying in, so that you are prepared on the road and are not suddenly faced with surprises at your destination. In some cities flying is prohibited at all, such as in Rome. In some countries, drones are even completely banned, such as in Morocco, then your drone will actually be confiscated at customs.
Respect the privacy of the locals
In some areas it may be legal to fly, but the locals don’t appreciate it when you fly your drone. Because drones can cause nuisance and invade privacy, you will find signs in some specific areas stating that you are not allowed to fly your drone. Let’s respect those wishes.
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