3 days in Amsterdam & around

After my short visit to London, I flew to Amsterdam and spent 3 days exploring the place. It was an awesome experience - quite a contrast from London on many levels. Sharing some highlights.

Amsterdam is unique in many ways - historical buildings, more canals than Venice, more density of Museums than anywhere else in the world, more bikes than population, friendly and relaxed environment, and perhaps most liberal city you will visit with legalized recreational drugs, same-sex marriage, and euthanasia! 

For my stay, I picked a hotel near Schipol Airport. Amsterdam city is about 15 - 20 mins train ride from the airport. You can buy 3-day Amsterdam Travel Ticket (25 euros) that allows you unlimited train, tram, and bus rides. 

3 days in London

London is a travelers paradise - it has everything - famous buildings and landmarks, world-class museums, outstanding restaurants, fabulous retail, and plenty of green space and all of history to go along with that. 

Earlier this month I was traveling back from India to Los Angeles and took a break journey to spend 3 days in this beautiful metropolis (also spent some time in Holland - but that's for another post). Having born and brought up in India with centuries of colonial rule, Britain has a profound influence on India's history and culture. So, it was an even greater interest that I was looking forward to my visit to London.

I had some luggage so picked a hotel near Heathrow airport in Hounslow City - in the hindsight not a good idea to stay far from central London since wasted so much time every day traveling to the city.

London is very well connected by train/bus and oyster travel-card that allows to travel on any train/tube or bus is perhaps the best way to move around - great value and saves you a lot of time - I bought a 3-day pass for around 20 pounds. I also bought London Pass (approx 80 pounds) separately that cover entry ticket for most attractions (note you can purchase Oyster Travelcard with London Pass also)