NORTHWEST EUROPE TOURS ...
​PLACES TO SEE

When it comes to Paris and Amsterdam, we defer to you, the traveler, to make your leisure plans. But just in case it helps, here are some things to keep in mind.

PARIS
  • Montmartre is an area in the 18th District or "Arrondissement" featuring the artists' neighbourhood and the Basilica of the Sacré Cœur; it is a wonderful place for a stroll.
  • If you enjoy live shows you might consider the Moulin Rouge, the world-famous cabaret. It is suggested to book seats early as shows often sell out.
  • The Jardin du Luxembourg or Luxemboug Gardens is an oasis in the midst of the city.
  • The Musée d'Orsay is perhaps not quite as famous as the Louvre but equally impressive - the museums are nearly across the river from one another.
  • The Palace at Versailles is a bit outside of town, and might require some planning if you want to have time left over to see other things in the city.
  • Did you know that you can stand on top of the Arc de Triomphe? But it's not for the faint of heart, you reach the top only by climbing the 40 flights of stairs (~280 steps). Access is via a tunnel from an outer intersection so that you need not risk your life crossing traffic.
  • The Eiffel Tower lights up each evening at dusk for about ten minutes – the view from the park below (Champ de Mars) is wonderful. If you are planning to ascend the tower, purchase a ticket in advance, online.
  • A walk along the Champs-Élysées yields all manner of restaurants and shops, from McDonalds to Cartier.
  • The Musée de l’Armée Invalides features Napoleon’s tomb – it is an enormous military museum and you could get lost inside.
  • Père Lachaise is a large civic cemetery in Paris and the final resting place of numerous famous people including Maria Callas, Jimmy Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Frederic Chopin, and more. It's a quirky oasis in the midst of a big city.
  • If planning to visit Notre Dame, you can get tickets on the day of your visit, or one or two days in advance but not more. 
    https://www.notredamedeparis.fr/en/visit/practical-information/reservation/
  • You might also wish to keep in mind some of the lesser-visited museums, which offer incredible collections and often no line-ups:

AMSTERDAM
  • The House of Anne Frank is well worth seeing. Take careful note: tickets must be purchased in advance, online. Purchase your tickets only from their official website: https://www.annefrank.org/en/museum/tickets/choose-your-ticket/
    Every Tuesday at 10am CET tickets become available for the subsequent six week period.
  • The Verzetsmuseum (Dutch Resistance Museum) might be worth exploring if you wish to learn more about Holland during the war. Highly recommended by past travelers.
  • The Rijksmuseum holds one of the premier collections in the world, in a beautiful 125-yr-old building. Five stars.
  • Vondelpark is a wonderful green space in the city. The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada were the first troops to enter Amsterdam (May 7, 1945) and set up camp here.
  • The Rembrandtplein is a nice square to hang out on a patio.
  • Skinny Bridge is a famous pedestrian bridge that might just be in your travels.
  • Begijnhof is a small, hidden courtyard where you will find the oldest building in Amsterdam.
  • Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder is a canal house with a secret church in the attic, now a museum.
  • Good shopping can be found along the Kalverstraat. But the best place to explore is the 9 Straatjes District or 'Nine Streets,' which features unique shops that you will not find anywhere else. Officially, it is the area bounded by the yellow lines, but we would suggest you explore the streets in the green area to the north as well. ​
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