Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam (ˈæmstərdæm, ˌæmstərˈdæm, ɑmstərˈdɑm) is the capital and most populous municipality of the Kingdom of the Netherlands although it is not the seat of the government, which is The Hague.The city is located in the province of North Holland in the west of the country. It comprises much of the northern part of the Randstad, one of the larger conurbations in Europe.

As the commercial capital of the Netherlands and one of the top financial centres in Europe, Amsterdam is considered an alpha world city. Amsterdam’s name derives from Amstelredamme indicative of the city’s origin as a dam of the river Amstel. Originating as a small fishing village in the late 12th century, Amsterdam became one of the most important ports in the world during the Dutch Golden Age (17th century), a result of its innovative developments in trade. During that time, the city was the leading center for finance and diamonds.In the 19th and 20th centuries the city expanded, and many new neighbourhoods and suburbs were planned and built. The 17th-century canals of Amsterdam and the 19–20th century Defence Line of Amsterdam are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Europe.

Panoramic view of Amsterdam city across the Amstel river which runs through the city of Amsterdam. The river’s name is derived from Aeme-stelle, old Dutch for “water-area”, namely, an area abounding with water. Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Europe.

Tram in front of Amsterdam, Centraal Station. Amsterdam, Netherlands, Europe.

View across the Amstel river which runs through the city of Amsterdam. The river’s name is derived from Aeme-stelle, old Dutch for “water-area”, namely, an area abounding with water. Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Europe.

Rijksmuseum: 19th-century building housing Dutch Golden Age painting masterpieces & vast European art collection. Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Europe.

Kissing boy and girl porcelain statue at the flower shop at Stins Flower Market, Singel, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Europe. This is the only floating flower market in the world, and one of the most fragrant places.

Elephant Parade® at Shopping Centre Magna Plaza in Amsterdam, Netherland. Elephant Parade® is a social enterprise and runs the world’s largest art exhibition of decorated elephant statues. Created by artists and celebrities, each statue Elephant Parade is a unique art piece. The life-size baby elephant statues are exhibited in international cities and raise awareness for the need of elephant conservation. Limited edition, handcrafted replicas and a select range of products are created from the exhibition elephants. 20% or Elephant Parade just Profits are Donated to elephant welfare and conservation projects.

Platform inside Amsterdam Centraal train station. Amsterdam, Netherlands, Europe.

Girls and others riding cycles in the streets of Amsterdam, Netherlands, Europe.

Stins Flower Market, Singel, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Europe selling cannabis, tulip bulbs and other flowers. This is the only floating flower market in the world, and one of the most fragrant places of interest of Amsterdam – in all seasons. The flower stalls stand on the houseboats. You will find there all sorts of tulips, narcissus and other bulbs and flowers. The bulbs are ready for export, so you can enjoy them at home too.

Lady fortune, Vrouwe Fortuna, Amsterdam. The statue is made by the sculptor Hildo Krop, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Europe.

Rembrandtplein (Rembrandt Square) is a major square in central Amsterdam, the Netherlands, named after the famous painter Rembrandt van Rijn who owned a house nearby from 1639 to 1656.

The sculptures of the Night Watch in 3D at the Rembrandtplein in Amsterdam in 2006-2009. As part of the celebration of the artist’s 400th birthday in 2006, a bronze-cast representation of his most famous painting, The Night Watch, by Russian artists Mikhail Dronov and Alexander Taratynov was displayed around the Royer work. This bronze-cast representation of the famous painting was on display for three-years.

Dutch houses and their reflection. Volendam, Netherlands near Amsterdam.

Walk way at the water front at Volendam, Netherlands near Amsterdam. Volendam Marina where you board the Volendam-Marken Express.

Boats at the water front at Volendam, Netherlands near Amsterdam.

King’s Day (formerly Queen’s Day) in Amsterdam at the Sarphatipark.

Party revelers enjoying in the streets on King’s Day (formerly Queen’s Day) festivities in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Europe.

Party revelers in orange enjoying on the streets on King’s Day (formerly Queen’s Day) festivities in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Europe.

On King’s Day (formerly Queen’s Day) festivities in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Europe. Celebrations everywhere including on the water.

King’s Day (formerly Queen’s Day) festivities invite locals and visitors alike to soak up Amsterdam’s open-air fun. In the streets, canals, parks and everywhere in between, the city is bursting with orange as Amsterdammers enjoy the biggest street party of the year. Electric atmosphere amidst orange-pride, live music, DJs, parties and a citywide street market. Throughout the city, professional street performers vie for attention. There are pick-up bands, aspiring opera singers, teenage rappers and street discos. Rio-style drum bands have been very popular the past few years. Huge concerts are organized at various locations in the city, such as Dam square, Rembrandtplein and Museumplein.

Party revelers groups partying and enjoying on the streets on King’s Day (formerly Queen’s Day) celebrations in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Europe.

Amsterdam, Centraal Station panoramic view. Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Europe.

 

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Ghent, Belgium & Brugge, Belgium

Ghent (/ˈɡɛnt/; Dutch: Gent [ɣɛnt]; French: Gand [ɡɑ̃]) is a city and a municipality in the Flemish Region of Belgium. It is the capital and largest city of the East Flanders province and after Antwerp the largest municipality of Belgium. The city started as a settlement at the confluence of the Rivers Scheldt and Leie and in the Late Middle Ages became one of the largest and richest cities of northern Europe with some 50,000 people in 1300. It is a port and university city. Ghent is Belgium’s second largest municipality by number of inhabitants. Much of the city’s medieval architecture remains intact and is remarkably well preserved and restored. Its centre is the largest carfree area in Belgium. Interesting highlights are the Saint Bavo Cathedral with the Ghent Altarpiece, the belfry, the Gravensteen castle, and the splendid architecture along the old Graslei harbour. Ghent established a nice blend between comfort of living and history. The beguinages, as well as the belfry and adjacent cloth hall, were recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites in 1998 and 1999.

Stadhuis Gent, Botermarkt, Ghent, Belgium.

Korenmarkt, Ghent, Belgium.

Boating on the river Leie (Dutch and German) or Lys (French). This is river in France and Belgium, and a left tributary of the Scheldt. Its source is in Pas-de-Calais, France, and it flows into the river Scheldt in Ghent, Belgium.

Saint Nicholas’ Church, Cataloniëstraat, Ghent, Belgium.

Sint-Baafsplein. The attractive town square in Ghent Belgium (Gent) that is situated between the Royal Dutch Theatre, the Belfry Tower and St. Bavo’s Cathedral is called Sint-Baafsplein.

Cafe in the Belgian city of Ghent.

 

 

Brugge, Belgium

Bruges (/ˈbruːʒ/; Dutch: Brugge [ˈbrɵɣə]; French: Bruges [bʁyːʒ]) is the capital and largest city of the province of West Flanders in the Flemish Region of Belgium, in the northwest of the country.

The city has canals and coast. The historic city centre is a prominent World Heritage Site of UNESCO. Along with a few other canal-based northern cities, such as Amsterdam and Stockholm, it is sometimes referred to as The Venice of the North. Bruges has a significant economic importance thanks to its port and was once the chief commercial city in the world. Bruges is well known as the seat of the College of Europe, an elite university institute for European studies regarded as “the EU’s very own Oxbridge.”

Brugge, Belgium. Bruges is the capital and largest city of the province of West Flanders in the Flemish Region of Belgium, in the northwest of the country. Along with a few other canal-based northern cities, such as Amsterdam and Stockholm, it is sometimes referred to as The Venice of the North. Bruges has a significant economic importance thanks to its port and was once the chief commercial city in the world.

Horse carriage. Brugge, Belgium. Bruges is the capital and largest city of the province of West Flanders in the Flemish Region of Belgium, in the northwest of the country. Along with a few other canal-based northern cities, such as Amsterdam and Stockholm, it is sometimes referred to as The Venice of the North. Bruges has a significant economic importance thanks to its port and was once the chief commercial city in the world.

Brugge, Belgium. Bruges is the capital and largest city of the province of West Flanders in the Flemish Region of Belgium, in the northwest of the country. It is sometimes referred to as The Venice of the North.

Horses at Brugge, Belgium. Bruges is the capital and largest city of the province of West Flanders in the Flemish Region of Belgium, in the northwest of the country. It is sometimes referred to as The Venice of the North.

In the center of the market stands the statue of Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck, Place De Bruges. The Markt of Bruges is located in the heart of the city and covers an area of about 1 hectare. Some historical highlights around the square include the 12th-century belfry and the Provincial Court.

In the center of the market stands the statue of Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck, Place De Bruges. The Markt of Bruges is located in the heart of the city and covers an area of about 1 hectare. Some historical highlights around the square include the 12th-century belfry and the Provincial Court.

In the center of the market stands the statue of Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck, Place De Bruges. The Markt of Bruges is located in the heart of the city and covers an area of about 1 hectare. Some historical highlights around the square include the 12th-century belfry and the Provincial Court.

Quaint shops at Brugges, Belgium.

Quaint shops at Brugges, Belgium.

Basilica of the Holy Blood, Burg, Bruges, Belgium. The Basilica of the Holy Blood is a Roman Catholic minor basilica in Bruges, Belgium. Originally built in the 12th century as the chapel of the residence of the Count of Flander. The church houses a venerated relic of the Holy Blood allegedly collected by Joseph of Arimathea and brought from the Holy Land by Thierry of Alsace, Count of Flanders.

Street art installations near Coudenys nv, Coupure, Bruges, Belgium. Europe.

Breidelstraat, Bruges, Belgium

Saw these lovely dogs at Bruges, Belgium

Bruges by boat Everyone, who visites Bruges, the Venice of the North, is sure to make a boat-trip on its famous canals. The embarcation point is situated in the heart of the beautiful surroundings. Boat-trips take about 30 minutes and gets to see beautifull places buildings from a view that you can only see by boat.

 

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Brussels, Belgium

Brussels (French: Bruxelles, [bʁysɛl] Dutch: Brussel, [ˈbrɵsəl]), officially the Brussels-Capital Region (French: Région de Bruxelles-Capitale, Dutch: Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest), is a region of Belgium comprising 19 municipalities, including the City of Brussels which is the de jure capital of Belgium.The Brussels-Capital Region is a part of both the French Community of Belgium and the Flemish Community.

Since the end of the Second World War, Brussels has been a major centre for international politics and has become the polyglot home of numerous international organizations, politicians, diplomats and civil servants. Brussels is the de facto capital of the European Union as it hosts a number of principal EU institutions The secretariat of the Benelux and the headquarters of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) are also located in Brussels. Historically a Dutch-speaking city, it has seen a language shift to French from the late 19th century onwards. Today the majority language is French, and the Brussels-Capital Region is an officially bilingual enclave within the Flemish Region.

Brussels (Bruxelles), Belgium, Europe.

The Atomium – Giant stainless steel atom, particles connected by escalators, with exhibitions & views from 92m. The Atomium in Brussels was originally constructed for Expo 58, the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair. Designed by the engineer André Waterkeyn and architects André and Jean Polak, it stands 102 m (335 ft) tall. Its nine 18 m (59 ft) diameter stainless steel clad spheres are connected so that the whole forms the shape of a unit cell of an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. The name is a combination of atom and aluminium.

The Atomium – Giant stainless steel atom, particles connected by escalators, with exhibitions & views from 92m. The Atomium in Brussels was originally constructed for Expo 58, the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair. Designed by the engineer André Waterkeyn and architects André and Jean Polak, it stands 102 m (335 ft) tall. Its nine 18 m (59 ft) diameter stainless steel clad spheres are connected so that the whole forms the shape of a unit cell of an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. The name is a combination of atom and aluminium.

National Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg. Basilique Nationale du Sacré-Cœur à Koekelberg. Bruxelles, Belgium. Europe.

Children playing at the Charles Buls Fountain. Charles Buls or Karel Buls (13 October 1837 – 13 July 1914) was a Belgian politician and mayor of the City of Brussels. Bruxelles, Belgium, Europe.

La Maturite. Bruxelles Belgium.

Royal Square. Place Royale. Former site of Brussels’ main market & original royal palace, built to a design by Barnabe Guimard. Bruxelles, Belgium.

St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral, Brussels, Place Sainte-Gudule, Brussels, Belgium.

St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral, Brussels, Place Sainte-Gudule, Brussels, Belgium.

People laze on the grass in front of St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral, Brussels, Place Sainte-Gudule, Brussels, Belgium.

Two girls shopping at the Godiva Belgian chocolate store at Koninklijke Sint-Hubertusgalerijen. The Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert (French) or Koninklijke Sint-Hubertusgalerijen (Dutch) is a glazed shopping arcade in Brussels that preceded other famous 19th-century shopping arcades such as the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan and The Passage in St Petersburg. Like them it has twin regular façades with distant origins in Vasari’s long narrow street-like courtyard of the Uffizi, Florence, with glazed arcaded shopfronts separated by pilasters and two upper floors, all in an Italianate Cinquecento style, under an arched glass-paned roof with a delicate cast-iron framework.

Window shopping at Koninklijke Sint-Hubertusgalerijen. The Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert (French) or Koninklijke Sint-Hubertusgalerijen (Dutch) is a glazed shopping arcade in Brussels that preceded other famous 19th-century shopping arcades such as the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan and The Passage in St Petersburg. Like them it has twin regular façades with distant origins in Vasari’s long narrow street-like courtyard of the Uffizi, Florence, with glazed arcaded shopfronts separated by pilasters and two upper floors, all in an Italianate Cinquecento style, under an arched glass-paned roof with a delicate cast-iron framework.

Famous pissing boy at Godiva Belgian chocolate store at Koninklijke Sint-Hubertusgalerijen. Manneken Pis (little pee man in Flemish) is a Belgian icon created by Jerome Duquesnoy. The Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert (French) or Koninklijke Sint-Hubertusgalerijen (Dutch) is a glazed shopping arcade in Brussels that preceded other famous 19th-century shopping arcades such as the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan and The Passage in St Petersburg. Like them it has twin regular façades with distant origins in Vasari’s long narrow street-like courtyard of the Uffizi, Florence, with glazed arcaded shopfronts separated by pilasters and two upper floors, all in an Italianate Cinquecento style, under an arched glass-paned roof with a delicate cast-iron framework.

Guildhalls on the Grand Place, Brussels City Museum, Brussels, Belgium. De Gulden Boot – Grote Markt. Huge city square completely encircled by elegant historic buildings dating back to the 14th century.

Evening view at Grand Place, Bruxelles, Belgium. Huge city square completely encircled by elegant historic buildings dating back to the 14th century.

Panoramic evening view at Grand Place, Bruxelles, Belgium. Huge city square completely encircled by elegant historic buildings dating back to the 14th century.

Panoramic evening view at Grand Place, Bruxelles, Belgium. Huge city square completely encircled by elegant historic buildings dating back to the 14th century.

 

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Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg [ˈzaltsbʊɐ̯k] Såizburg literally means “Salt Fortress” and is the fourth-largest city in Austria. It has a rich history and is the capital of the federal state of Salzburg.

Salzburg’s “Old Town” (Altstadt) is internationally renowned for its baroque architecture and is one of the best-preserved city centers north of the Alps. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. The city has three universities and a large population of students. Tourists also frequent the city to tour the city’s historic center and the scenic Alpine surroundings. Salzburg was the birthplace of 18th-century composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. In the mid‑20th century, the city was the setting for the musical play and film The Sound of Music.

Salzburg, Austria.

Panoramic view at Melk, enroute Hallstatt, Austria. Melk is a city of Austria in the federal state of Lower Austria, next to the Wachau valley along the Danube. It is best known as the site of a massive baroque Benedictine monastery named Melk Abbey.

Melk, Austria. Melk is a city of Austria in the federal state of Lower Austria, next to the Wachau valley along the Danube. It is best known as the site of a massive baroque Benedictine monastery named Melk Abbey.

Panoramic view at Altmünster enroute Hallstatt, Austria.

Lake view at Hallstatt. Hallstatt, Upper Austria, is a village in the Salzkammergut, a region in Austria. It is located near the Hallstätter See.

View from Hohensalzburg Castle which sits atop the Festungsberg, a small hill in the Austrian city of Salzburg. Erected at the behest of the Prince-Archbishops of Salzburg. Salzburg, Austria.

Panoramic Salzburg, Austria viewed from the Festung Hohensalzburg.

Mozartplatz & Mozart Monument. The square is dominated by the statue of Mozart by Ludwig Schwanthaler, ceremoniously unveiled on September 5, 1842 in the presence of Mozart’s sons

Makartplatz Bridge (Love Lock Bridge), Salzburg, Austria. A love lock or love padlock is a padlock which sweethearts lock to a bridge, fence, gate, or similar public fixture to symbolize their love. The Makartsteg is a bridge over the Salzach River in Salzburg′s city centre which is full of these love locks. The bridge is named after the 19th century Historicist painter Hans Makart, who was born and raised in Salzburg. Makart became famous as a painter of the Viennese Historicism, providing artwork for many of the pompous buildings of the Ringstraße. The Makartsteg is open for pedestrians and cyclists only.

Panoramic view near Makartsteg bridge (Love Lock Bridge) over Salzach. The Salzach is the main river in the Austrian state of Salzburg. The source is located on the edge of the Kitzbühel Alps near Krimml in the western Pinzgau region.

Salzach Cruise The river cruise offers passengers an extraordinary view of the city and its scenic vistas. The cruise starts at the Makart Bridge in Salzburg’s historic city center and continues on a leisurely 8-kilometer cruise along Salzburg’s magnificent cityscape towards Hellbrunn with a view of the stunning mountain ranges in Salzburg.

The Salzburg Museum. Housed in the Neuen Residenz (to which it moved in 2005), the Salzburg Museum is the museum of artistic and cultural history for the city and region of Salzburg, Austria. It originated as the Provincialmuseum and was also previously known as the Museum Carolino-Augusteum.

Beautiful ceiling at the Salzburg Museum. Housed in the Neuen Residenz (to which it moved in 2005), the Salzburg Museum is the museum of artistic and cultural history for the city and region of Salzburg, Austria. It originated as the Provincialmuseum and was also previously known as the Museum Carolino-Augusteum.

Beautiful evening light over Salzburg, with the river Salzach in the foreground.

Evening in Salzburg, Austria.

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Vienna (Wien), Austria

Vienna (Wien), the capital of Austria, lies in the country’s east on the river Danube. Its artistic and intellectual legacy was shaped by residents including Mozart, Beethoven and Sigmund Freud. The city is also known for its Imperial palaces, including Schönbrunn, the Habsburgs’ summer residence. In the MuseumsQuartier district, historic and contemporary buildings display works by Egon Schiele, Gustav Klimt and other artists. The city’s roots lie in early Celtic and Roman settlements that transformed into a Medieval and Baroque city, and then the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It is well known for having played an essential role as a leading European music centre, from the great age of Viennese Classicism through the early part of the 20th century. The historic centre of Vienna is rich in architectural ensembles, including Baroque castles and gardens, and the late-19th-century Ringstraße lined with grand buildings, monuments and parks. Between 2005 and 2010, Vienna was the world’s number-one destination for international congresses and conventions. It attracts over 3.7 million tourists a year.

Vienna (Wien), the capital of Austria, lies in the country’s east on the river Danube.

Panoramic view of Schönbrunn Palace. 18th-century summer palace with tours of lavish rococo ceremonial rooms, plus gardens with a maze. Vienna, Austria.

 

Statues outside the Austrian Parliament Building, Vienna, Austria.

 

Albertina, Vienna, Austria.

 

Statues at Albertina, Vienna, Austria.

 

Statues at Albertina, Vienna, Austria.

 

Statues outside Vienna State Opera, Vienna, Austria.

 

Vegetables and fresh fruits on sale in Vienna, Austria.

Austrian Parliament Building, imposing neoclassical building. Vienna, Austria.

Inside St Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna, Austria.

Inside St Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna, Austria.

Public parks of Vienna, Austria.Public parks of Vienna, Austria.

Statues outside the Austrian Parliament Building, Vienna, Austria.

 

Statues outside the Austrian Parliament Building, Vienna, Austria.

Attendant at the State Opera House, Vienna, Austria.

Streets of Vienna, Austria.

Entrance to Austrian National Library at Heldenplatz. Country, Vienna, Austria.

 

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