EFE BURAK AYDIN
Thessaloniki, Greece
Thessaloniki is a discovery stop full of historical and cultural richness. The city perfectly combines modern life with impressive Ottoman-era buildings. The White Tower is our first stop; from here you have a panoramic view of the city. It is possible to explore the ethnic structure of the city by visiting its historic churches. Aristotle Square is where the heart of social life beats; sitting in a café here is a must. Atatürk House is an important stop for Turkish history. Also, restaurants full of local cuisine make the trip unforgettable. Thessaloniki offers unforgettable memories in every corner!
-After finishing our trip to Thessaloniki, we traveled by plane to our second stop, Budapest.
Budapest, Hungary
BBudapest A City of History and Beauty
Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe with its historical texture and mesmerizing views. I started my trip with a visit to the Buda Castle on the Buda side, which offers a spectacular view of the city. The castle offers a magnificent view of the city; it was really impressive to watch the calm waters of the Danube River.
It was a great feeling to walk across the Chain Bridge, at the point where two continents meet. On the Pest side, I did not forget to take a photo in front of the Parliament Building; this building is definitely worth seeing as one of the symbols of the city.
Budapest is a city waiting to be explored with both its past and modern life. There is a new story around every corner and it calls me back again and again. My time in this city was both a visual and cultural journey!
– After finishing our trip to Budapest, we took the train to Vienna, our third stop.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna Fascinating City of History and Culture
Vienna is a city that impresses everyone with its elegance and cultural depth. I started my trip with a visit to Schönbrunn Palace, one of the symbols of the city. The splendor of the palace and its magnificent gardens made me step into a fairy tale world.
Then I headed to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, located in the center of Vienna. Dazzling with its architecture, this building reflects the spirit of the city. It is possible to explore the historical texture of Vienna by going inside the cathedral.
While walking around the city, I did not neglect to shop in the famous, crowded and historical streets.
Belvedere Palace and Vienna State Opera mesmerized me with its architecture and art. In addition, the city’s art galleries and museums make for a day full of art.
I also enjoyed getting lost in the streets of Vienna; walking among elegant buildings and green parks offered a peaceful experience. Wiener Schnitzel, which I tried from the local cuisine, is definitely one of the indispensables of this city.
Also, going to the opara in Vienna, which I had never been to in my life, was really one of the most unforgettable and beautiful experiences of my trip. I highly recommend everyone who is traveling to Vienna to go to Vienna’s famous operas.
For our last dinner in Vienna, it was really good to eat the Turkish food we missed in one of the famous Turkish restaurants of Vienna, “GÜNAY RESTAURANT”. I would definitely recommend Günay Restaurant to anyone who wants to eat Turkish food.
Vienna offers a new discovery at every corner with its streets full of history and culture. My time in this fascinating city was both relaxing and inspiring. Vienna has a special place in my heart and is a destination I would definitely want to visit again!
– After finishing our trip to Vienna, we took the train to Prague, our fourth stop.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague: The Fairytale City Where History and Beauty Meet
Prague is a destination that captivates visitors with its historical buildings and fairytale atmosphere. I started my trip by walking across the iconic Charles Bridge, where the sculptures on the bridge and the view of the Danube River were spectacular. Watching the world-famous Astronomical Clock in the Old Town Square was also quite exciting.
Prague Castle is located on one of the highest points of the city and it is a great experience to see the magnificent view of the city from here. The magnificence of St. Vitus Cathedral is dazzling.
Getting lost in the colorful streets of Prague and relaxing in local cafes was one of the most enjoyable moments of my trip. This fascinating city has earned a special place in my heart with a new discovery around every corner! For me, Prague was the most beautiful city of my European trip.
– After finishing our trip to Prague, we took the train to Berlin, our fifth stop.
Berlin, Germany
Berlin: Intersection of History and Modernism
Berlin is a city waiting to be explored for its historical depth and dynamic atmosphere. I started my trip at the famous Brandenburg Gate; standing in front of this building was like witnessing the city’s past.
For me, viewing iconic cars and learning about their history at the “DRIVE. VOLKSWAGEN GROUP FORUM” in Berlin was one of the most beautiful and unforgettable experiences of my European trip. It is definitely a must-see for car enthusiasts like me.
While I was in Berlin, I couldn’t leave without eating Berlin’s famous doner kebab.
Berlin has a different story in every corner. The time I spent in this city was both instructive and enjoyable.
– After finishing our trip to Berlin, we took the train to Amsterdam, our sixth and last stop.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam: City of Canals and Culture
Amsterdam offered an unforgettable travel experience with its charming canals, historic buildings and vibrant cultural life. When I first stepped into the city, it was a wonderful feeling to get lost among the colorful houses and canals.
To try the local cuisine, eating the famous Dutch French fries in a cone and having a “stroopwafel” (waffle with syrup) was a delicious experience.
In the evenings, walking along the canals and watching the lights of the city is the most enjoyable way to unwind from the day.
Amsterdam deeply impressed me as a perfect combination of history and modern life. It was a beautiful experience for me, offering a new discovery around every corner.
With our trip to Amsterdam, we came to the end of our Europe trip. Everywhere I traveled gave me very good days. Traveling to new countries, discovering new cultures, experiencing new people, different tastes, different languages has been a very important opportunity for my personal development and improving my foreign language.
AHMET FURKAN ALTIN
Hello everyone, I am Furkan. Between September 1-9, I participated in the DiscoverU project of Be the First Association. On the first day, we set off to Thessaloniki, Greece. We visited the historical churches, Atatürk’s house and other historical places of Thessaloniki; it was really beautiful. On the second day we went to Budapest, Hungary. The historic parliament and modern buildings were very impressive. We stayed in a hostel for two days, had different experiences and gained new perspectives. On the third day we went to Vienna, Austria and stayed there for two days. Vienna’s ethnic structure, people, palaces were very beautiful; it had a completely different atmosphere. On the fourth day we went to Prague, Czech Republic. Prague was the best of all the places I visited, it really had a different atmosphere. The cathedrals, the bridges and the alleys were beautiful, and I really liked the food there. If I had such an opportunity again, I would like to go to Prague again. On the fifth day we went to Berlin, Germany. The Turkish restaurants in Berlin were very good, the city had a unique structure. On the sixth day we went to Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Amsterdam was a place I would like to visit again after Prague; it was very beautiful. We went to Zaandam and I liked it very much. The places I visited and saw were really beautiful, I had the best eight days of my life. If I had such an opportunity again, I would want to go again.
AHMET KEREM
Thessaloniki, Greece
Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece, is a fascinating place where history and modern life are intertwined, with a different story around every corner. With its Ottoman traces, Byzantine and Roman buildings, sea-front streets and energetic atmosphere, Thessaloniki offers you a new surprise at every step. On this trip, I had the chance to witness both the history and cultural richness of Thessaloniki. In order to explore the historical texture of Thessaloniki more deeply, I headed to the Rotunda and the Arch of Galerius (Kamara). The Rotunda, which dates back to the Roman period, has been used as a church, mosque and museum in different periods. The frescoes inside and the huge dome of the building are quite impressive. Seeing a building with such a layered history takes you on a journey into Thessaloniki’s past. The Arch of Galerius, located just near the Rotunda, was built to celebrate the victories of the Roman Emperor Galerius. The fact that such an old structure is still standing in the center of Thessaloniki and integrated into daily life reveals once again the historical richness of the city. Thessaloniki is also an important city for Turkey, as it is where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was born. Visiting the Atatürk House Museum made me realize once again how important Thessaloniki is in Turkish history. The museum is a great place to see details of Atatürk’s childhood and get to know Thessaloniki during the Ottoman period. During the visit, I felt a deep connection to the shared history that these two countries share. Thessaloniki is also famous for its Byzantine artifacts. The Church of Agios Dimitrios, one of the largest and most important churches in the city, is a must-see. Dedicated to St. Dimitrios, this church is quite impressive with its mosaics and architecture. This holy place, which is filled with both worshippers and tourists, opens an important window into Thessaloniki’s religious and cultural past. As a lover of Greek cuisine, I spent a lot of time in Thessaloniki and had the opportunity to explore the local flavors. The city’s famous bougatsa dessert was the perfect start to my morning coffee. For lunch, I ordered a plate full of fresh seafood and a variety of appetizers. The food culture in Thessaloniki offers the best of traditional Greek cuisine, but with a modern twist. Thessaloniki really fascinated me with its rich history, cultural heritage and energetic atmosphere. Exploring the Ottoman and Byzantine buildings and taking pleasant walks by the sea made every moment I spent in this city unforgettable. Thessaloniki is one of those rare cities where history and modern life are intertwined, and exploring it is a great opportunity to get a deeper understanding of the heart of Greece. If you are interested in history, art and delicious food, Thessaloniki could be the perfect destination for you.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna is a city brimming with historical and cultural richness. I was immediately drawn to its imperial-era buildings, elegant streets and magnificent museums. During my stay in this city, I witnessed the past and discovered the modern side of Vienna. Here are my experiences in this fascinating city.
My first day in Vienna started with a visit to the Hofburg Palace. The palace served as the center of the Habsburg Empire and witnessed many important events. As I wandered around the palace, the elegant decorations and jeweled collections in the historic rooms took me back in time. The Sisi Museum taught me a lot about the life of Empress Elisabeth and gave me the opportunity to learn more about the story of this amazing woman. Strolling through the palace gardens, it was wonderful to get lost in the lush green lawns and beautiful flowers. The fountain in the center of the gardens complemented the peaceful atmosphere of Vienna.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral, located in the heart of Vienna, is one of the symbols of the city. The gothic architecture of the cathedral is awe-inspiring even from the outside. Once inside, I was mesmerized by the high ceilings and magnificent stained glass windows. Climbing up the bell tower to get a magnificent view of the city was one of the best moments of my day.
Vienna is a city with traces of history and art in every corner. Every moment I spent helped me feel the elegance and cultural depth of this city. Combining both historical buildings and modern life, Vienna is a truly fascinating destination for those who love to travel. While exploring this city, I witnessed the past and experienced the Vienna of today. I will definitely return again one day!
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is famous for its fascinating historical buildings and tourist attractions that everyone knows about. But this city is full of quiet corners and lesser-known beauties when you step a little bit outside the tourist crowds. Today I’d like to tell you about a day I spent exploring the more peaceful and quieter side of Prague. Walking slowly, unhurriedly around the city and feeling the local life of Prague was one of the unique experiences this place has to offer.
I started early in the morning and before the crowds filled the city, I walked to Kampa Island, just below the Charles Bridge, an oasis of nature in the center of Prague. The walking paths, parks and tranquil atmosphere along the Vltava River was a great place for a peaceful start to the day. Walking in the cool of the morning with the birds singing, while watching the small boats gliding on the river was a delight.
After leaving Kampa Island, I decided to explore Prague Gardens, which doesn’t host many tourists. Vrtba Garden is one of the hidden beauties that best reflects the baroque style of the city. As I walked through the terraced gardens, I saw a different view around every corner. When I went up to the upper part of the gardens, it was possible to see the red-roofed houses of Prague and the view in the distance. For those looking for a quiet, calm and peaceful environment, these gardens are an escape.
Around noon, I went to the Vinohrady district to feel more of the local atmosphere of Prague. This is a slightly quieter part of the city, where locals live and where there are many restaurants and cafes. I enjoyed walking around the wide streets, parks and elegant buildings of Vinohrady. For lunch I found a local restaurant and tried svíčková, one of the classic dishes of Czech cuisine, and it was really hearty and delicious, with a creamy sauce served with the meat and toasted bread.
After dinner, I went to Riegrovy Sady Park, which is located in the center of Vinohrady and is a great place to relax and sunbathe overlooking the city. It was a nice change to get away from the crowded tourist areas of Prague and see how the locals experience the city. Especially in good weather, seeing locals picnicking and socializing here added a warm and friendly vibe to the city.
Towards the end of the day, I headed to one of Prague’s lesser-known neighborhoods, Žižkov, which represents a more bohemian and alternative side of Prague. It has a very different atmosphere with narrow streets, colorful murals and unusual cafes. Especially the Žižkov Television Tower stands out as both a modern and a bit unusual building. Climbing to the top of the tower and watching the view of the city showed me once again how much history and different lifestyles Prague is home to.
In the evening, I went to Letná Park, which has one of the most beautiful views of Prague and it was great to take a walk there in the evening. From the top of the park, you can see the bridges and historical buildings over the river. As the sun was setting, the golden lights over Prague turned the city into a fairy tale. Sitting in the Letná Beer Garden in the park, having a beer and watching the city was one of the most enjoyable ways to end the day.
Berlin, Germany
Berlin is the most cosmopolitan city in Germany. The first building I saw when I arrived in Berlin was the radio tower. Those who are going to Berlin can look at the tower and find their way if they get lost; it is a very high tower. The first thing that caught my eye in Berlin was the presence of people from all nationalities. Besides that, the city’s beautiful buildings also attract attention: Berlin Cathedral, the radio tower, the Berlin Gate, the Museuminsel Museum, the Pergamon Museum and many more. The city impressed me a lot with its architecture. I liked the Berlin Gate the most; it is a very beautiful building. Transportation is very good, you will not have any problems in the city. After the city center, I went to Kreuzberg, which was almost like a Turkish neighborhood; it is a very nice place. When you go to Berlin, I recommend you to visit Kreuzberg.
ELİF NAZSU GÖÇER
Thessaloniki, Greece
Traveling and experiencing different cultures is always exciting for me. If you want to wander around in a city that smells of history, I recommend Thessaloniki. On the first day of our trip, we traveled from Istanbul to Thessaloniki by bus for about 11 hours. Before coming here, most people said that Thessaloniki was a place to visit in a very short time, but that was not the case for me. Yes, it is a cute and small city. The people were friendly and warm-blooded. In terms of food and drink; I definitely think it is no different from Turkey. Since our cultures are very similar, I didn’t feel very foreign, so they seemed very friendly to me. My favorite place in Thessaloniki was the house where Atatürk was born. It was absolutely mesmerizing. We didn’t visit the inside but I’m very curious. I recommend everyone to go and see it.
Budapest, Hungary
Avrupa’nın kalbinde yer alan BuBudapest, located in the heart of Europe, was one of the cities that fascinated me with both its historical richness and its modern face. Budapest, the capital of Hungary, consists of two sides, Buda and Pest, and the chain bridges connecting these two sides are among the different symbols of the city. The first moment I stepped into the city, I was impressed by the narrow streets and magnificent buildings smelling of history. The first place I visited was Buda Castle on the Buda side, from where you have a bird’s eye view of the entire city. Especially at sunset, this view looks like a postcard. Right next to the castle is the famous Matthias Church. This church, which draws attention with its Gothic architecture, is one of the most important buildings witnessing the history of the city. Another impressive place is the Parliament Building on the Pest side. This huge Gothic-style building stretches along the Danube River and offers a fascinating view when it is illuminated at night.Another thing that caught my attention while walking around the city was the young and dynamic spirit of the city.Budapest is a city that offers a perfect balance of history, culture and modern life. It is a place that will fascinate everyone with its places to visit, warm people and impressive architecture. If you are looking for a different and rich experience in Europe, Budapest should definitely be at the top of your list.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna is one of the cities that best reflects Europe’s cultural and historical heritage. This city, which has been home to art, music and architecture for centuries, took me on a time travel. Magnificent buildings from the imperial era, famous museums and of course Vienna’s coffee culture are just a few of the elements that make this city unique.
I started my tour with the Stephansdom Cathedral, the heart of the city. This Gothic cathedral, one of the symbolic buildings of Vienna, stands out with its fascinating facade and towers offering panoramic views of the city. The details inside the cathedral, the fine workmanship on each pillar, showed how art and religion were intertwined.
After visiting the cathedral, I went for a walk on Ringstrasse, the city’s most famous boulevard, which is home to many historical buildings reflecting the splendor of the Imperial period. Hofburg Palace, Vienna State Opera, Natural History Museum and Art History Museum are lined up along this street. As I passed by each building, I understood better how Vienna is intertwined with history. Especially the Hofburg Palace symbolizes the power and elegance of the Habsburg Dynasty.
When I think of Vienna, classical music immediately comes to mind, so I decided to spend the afternoon exploring the city’s musical highlights. Visiting the Mozarthaus gave me an in-depth insight into Mozart’s life and works. This house-museum is Mozart’s longest residence in Vienna and you can learn a lot about the works he composed during his years here. As a music lover, it was really exciting to follow Mozart’s footsteps here.
Of course, Vienna cannot be imagined without coffee. I went to one of the city’s famous cafés, Café Central, and ordered a cup of coffee and a famous slice of Sachertorte. Vienna’s cafés are not only places to drink coffee, but also a part of history. Many famous names, from Freud to Trotsky, once sat in these cafés and shared their thoughts. Café Central’s interior design and atmosphere reflect Vienna’s intellectual past. Sitting here and feeling the elegant atmosphere of Vienna helped me really understand the city.
In the evening, I had the chance to watch a performance at the Vienna State Opera. This is one of the most famous opera houses not only in Europe but also in the world. The inside of the opera house is filled with huge crystal chandeliers and detailed workmanship. For an art lover, watching a performance here is one of the most mesmerizing experiences you can have in Vienna. Both the excellent performance on stage and the building itself made this evening unforgettable.
Vienna is a city that stands out not only for its art and history, but also for its tranquil parks. Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens are a great place to visit, especially in the afternoon. The splendor of the palace is perfectly balanced with the natural beauty of the gardens. Walking here, you can see how Vienna is intertwined with both nature and man-made beauty.
Vienna is a city where elegance, culture and history blend together in the most beautiful way. There is a different story in every corner and a work of art in every building. If you are interested in art, history and music, Vienna will make you fall in love with itself. This city, which is worth exploring every moment, promises unforgettable memories to every visitor. I fell in love with this city.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is famous for its fascinating historical buildings and tourist attractions that everyone knows about. But this city is full of quiet corners and lesser-known beauties when you step a little bit outside the tourist crowds. Today I want to tell you about a day I spent exploring the more peaceful and quieter side of Prague. Walking slowly, without rushing around the city and feeling the local life of Prague was one of the unique experiences this place has to offer.
I started early in the morning and before the crowds filled the city, I walked to Kampa Island, just below the Charles Bridge, an oasis of nature in the center of Prague. The walking paths, parks and tranquil atmosphere along the Vltava River was a great place for a peaceful start to the day. Walking in the cool of the morning with the birds singing, while watching the small boats gliding on the river was a delight.
After leaving Kampa Island, I decided to explore Prague Gardens, which doesn’t host many tourists. Vrtba Garden is one of the hidden beauties that best reflects the baroque style of the city. As I walked through the terraced gardens, I saw a different view around every corner. When I went up to the upper part of the gardens, it was possible to see the red-roofed houses of Prague and the view in the distance. For those looking for a quiet, calm and peaceful environment, these gardens are an escape.
Around noon, I went to the Vinohrady district to feel more of the local atmosphere of Prague. This is a slightly quieter part of the city, where locals live and where there are many restaurants and cafes. I enjoyed walking around the wide streets, parks and elegant buildings of Vinohrady. For lunch I found a local restaurant and tried svíčková, one of the classic dishes of Czech cuisine, and it was really hearty and delicious, with a creamy sauce served with the meat and toasted bread.
After dinner, I went to Riegrovy Sady Park, which is located in the center of Vinohrady and is a great place to relax and sunbathe overlooking the city. It was a nice change to get away from the crowded tourist areas of Prague and see how the locals experience the city. Especially in good weather, seeing locals picnicking and socializing here added a warm and friendly vibe to the city.
Towards the end of the day, I headed to one of Prague’s lesser-known neighborhoods, Žižkov, which represents a more bohemian and alternative side of Prague. It has a very different atmosphere with narrow streets, colorful murals and unusual cafes. Especially the Žižkov Television Tower stands out as both a modern and a bit unusual building. Climbing to the top of the tower and watching the view of the city showed me once again how much history and different lifestyles Prague is home to.
In the evening, I went to Letná Park, which has one of the most beautiful views of Prague and it was great to take a walk there in the evening. From the top of the park, you can see the bridges and historical buildings over the river. As the sun was setting, the golden lights over Prague turned the city into a fairy tale. Sitting in the Letná Beer Garden in the park, having a beer and watching the city was one of the most enjoyable ways to end the day.
Prague is a fascinating city, not only for its historical buildings and tourist attractions, but also for its quiet and peaceful corners. If you want to get away from the tourist routes and explore the more local and quieter side of the city, Prague offers a new surprise around every corner. Slowly walking around the city is a great way to feel it more deeply.
Berlin, Germany
Berlin is a city full of history and at the same time full of the energy of modern life. The capital of Germany is a fascinating place that has been home to many important events and has something from every era. This trip to Berlin was an adventure I had been planning for a long time, both to explore the historical sites and to breathe in the creative atmosphere of the city.
I started my trip by visiting the Berlin Wall and a few churches. I went to the East Side Gallery to see the remains of the Berlin Wall. The Wall is one of the most tangible traces of Berlin’s division and the Cold War era. But this part has now been transformed into an open-air art gallery. The murals painted by different artists reflect the creative and liberal spirit of Berlin. In particular, the graffiti depicting the kiss between Soviet leader Brezhnev and East German leader Honecker, known as the “Brotherly Kiss”, is a work that everyone who visits this gallery will remember.
I realized that Berlin is the perfect city for those who want to explore not only history but also culture and art. Museum Island is a must-see in this sense. The Pergamon Museum here draws attention especially with its artifacts from the ancient world. The huge structures in the museum, such as the Altar of Zeus and the Babylonian Gate, almost drag you into the depths of history. Spending a few hours on Museum Island is an excellent experience for culture lovers.
In the afternoon, I went to Kreuzberg district to see the alternative side of Berlin. With its colorful streets, murals and various cultural events, this neighborhood reveals the bohemian side of Berlin. While walking here, you can see different street art on every corner. Sitting in small cafes, having a coffee and watching the life around you is one of the best ways to feel the creative energy of the city.
During my time in Berlin, I enjoyed exploring the dynamic, historical and cultural fabric of the city. Every corner of the city tells a different story, full of traces of the past, yet at the same time offering the most vibrant examples of modern life. Berlin is a city where every visitor can write their own story. If you are interested in history and at the same time looking for a creative energy, Berlin is the place for you.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is famous for its freedom, art and historical atmosphere and is one of those cities that everyone should see once. However, on this trip, I had the opportunity to explore Amsterdam as well as Zaandam, a more tranquil and village-like place. What these two places have to offer in terms of city life and nature is different yet inspiring.
From the moment I stepped into Amsterdam, the famous canals surrounding the city caught my attention. My first stop was of course the Amsterdam Canals. As you walk around the city, the stone roads next to the canals and the streets full of cyclists immediately make you feel the energy of Amsterdam. Taking a canal tour is one of the best ways to see the city from the water. As you glide between the buildings, you feel like each one has a different story. You witness both history and modern life.
After wandering the canals, I went to the Rijksmuseum to discover the cultural richness of Amsterdam. It is impossible to talk about art and culture in Amsterdam and leave out the Van Gogh Museum. I was really impressed to see Van Gogh’s world-famous works here. Observing the artist’s life story and how his art evolved made the museum even more meaningful. Especially the paintings “Sunflowers” and “Wheat Field” affected me deeply.
After leaving the museums, I wandered around Vondelpark to relax a bit more and experience the city like the locals. This large park is a great place to get away from the chaos of Amsterdam and enjoy the greenery. It was very relaxing to spend time in the park full of people cycling, practicing yoga and sitting on benches enjoying the sun.
After the dynamic energy of Amsterdam, I wanted to explore somewhere a little quieter, so I went to Zaandam, about 20 minutes away by train. Zaandam is a small but quaint town, perfect for seeing the village life and historic windmills of the Netherlands. Windmills, wooden houses and cheese production workshops take you back to the 18th century. This authentic atmosphere that Zaanse Schans offers is a great experience for those who want to get away from the noise of the city and feel the rural life of the Netherlands. I felt like I was in a time warp as I wandered around; walking by the mills and watching the traditional cheese production was quite inspiring.
Another important point in Zaandam is Inntel Hotel Zaandam. The design of the hotel is quite remarkable because its exterior resembles traditional Dutch houses put together in a modern way. This building, where both historical and modern architecture meet, gives character to the town.
At the end of my day, I sat in one of Zaandam’s cozy cafes and sipped my coffee with stroopwafel, the famous dessert of the Netherlands. After the energetic atmosphere of Amsterdam, spending time here was both a peaceful and pleasant break.
Although Amsterdam and Zaandam are very close to each other, they offer completely different worlds. While in Amsterdam I enjoyed the canals, museums and vibrant city life, in Zaandam I had the opportunity to explore the traditional Dutch way of life and villages intertwined with nature. Visiting both gave me a deep sense of the rich cultural heritage and diversity of the Netherlands. If you are ever in this region, I highly recommend you to plan a route where you can experience both the energy of the big city and the tranquility of the countryside.
