Amsterdam or Prague?
Jan 24, 2017, 12:27 pm
#16
Join Date: Jul 2013
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Jan 24, 2017, 1:04 pm
#18
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2017
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Jan 24, 2017, 1:11 pm
#19
Original Poster
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Jan 24, 2017, 1:15 pm
#20
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: CPT,AMS
Posts: 4,412
The point is, if you want to take the train, and get out in a city on the way... you have place to put your luggage until you return to the train station and continue on your way to Amsterdam.
Jan 24, 2017, 1:17 pm
#21
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Jan 24, 2017, 2:29 pm
#22
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Yes, you'll be fine without a car everywhere you're going. I misunderstood the cost that was quoted. If the price is similar or less, the train wins every time for me.
Jan 25, 2017, 2:01 am
#23
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 602
The two cities are very different architecturally: Prague has more Romanesque and Gothic ("medieval") buildings, whereas most of Amsterdam is post-Renaissance (16th century onwards). The latter is also the place to go for modern architecture.
Prague is probably going to be better for hiking, Amsterdam has better museums, as far as beer is concerned it's likely a draw, although it'll cost you less in Prague. Prague might feel more touristy, especially during the time of your trip.
Another thing to consider, AMS is a much larger airport: #3 in the EU and 60M+ pax while PRG is #38 with 1/4 of that number and comparably few long-haul flights, so it'll always be easier to visit Amsterdam during a stopover on any of your future trips. On the other hand, if you're travelling from Brussels this time, Amsterdam is just a 2h train trip away, and no need to take flights at all.
Unless you have a strong preference regarding any of the above, I second WorldLux's advice to go for the one that's more convenient to travel to for you this time.
Prague is probably going to be better for hiking, Amsterdam has better museums, as far as beer is concerned it's likely a draw, although it'll cost you less in Prague. Prague might feel more touristy, especially during the time of your trip.
Another thing to consider, AMS is a much larger airport: #3 in the EU and 60M+ pax while PRG is #38 with 1/4 of that number and comparably few long-haul flights, so it'll always be easier to visit Amsterdam during a stopover on any of your future trips. On the other hand, if you're travelling from Brussels this time, Amsterdam is just a 2h train trip away, and no need to take flights at all.
Unless you have a strong preference regarding any of the above, I second WorldLux's advice to go for the one that's more convenient to travel to for you this time.
Jan 25, 2017, 4:51 am
#24
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Malaga, Spain
Posts: 1,077
You mentioned beer and walking around - Prague is the place. In June you can fly from Brussels in 90 minutes one-way for about $25. Check Skyscanner's whole-month option.
I love Amsterdam but Prague is a contrast to the Low Countries and better weather. In beer terms if you regard Heineken as authentic I can't help you. But you'll be blown away by Czech beer. After all that's where Pilsner started.
I love Amsterdam but Prague is a contrast to the Low Countries and better weather. In beer terms if you regard Heineken as authentic I can't help you. But you'll be blown away by Czech beer. After all that's where Pilsner started.
Jan 25, 2017, 1:56 pm
#25
Join Date: Oct 2016
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Make sure to visit Delirium cafe in Brussels, they have a HUGE assortment of beer (Guiness World Record holder), my usual tactic of choosing a beer is taking the menu and blindly pinpoint something, otherwise it takes you ages to decide!
For transport between Brussels and Amsterdam I would personally choose the train over flying or renting a car. The problems with flying are obvious, you lose a lot of time on the airport and getting to/from it. The problem with renting a car is that it's probably more expensive (unless you travel in a group) and you have the hassle of finding+paying for parking space, etc... Public transport is pretty decent in both the Netherlands and Belgium.
Cheers!
Jan 25, 2017, 2:34 pm
#26
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Jan 25, 2017, 2:35 pm
#27
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I mentioned to a Belgian friend that a Dutch friend was drinking beer -- Heineken, to be precise. Belgian friend replied, "That's not beer."
Another anecdote: I was, alas, only eleven when I stood at the bar in Pilsen and watched the grownups drink. This was in the People's Republic days, though, so maybe I didn't miss much.
Another anecdote: I was, alas, only eleven when I stood at the bar in Pilsen and watched the grownups drink. This was in the People's Republic days, though, so maybe I didn't miss much.
Jan 25, 2017, 3:04 pm
#28
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: CPT,AMS
Posts: 4,412
]The CEO of Heineken, CEO of Amstel and CEO of Guinness walks into a pub.
The CEO of Heineken orders "A pint of Heineken, the best beer in the world!"
The CEO of Amstel orders "A pint of Amstel, the best beer in the world!"
The CEO of Guinness turns to the barman and order of a glass of coke.
They all look at him confused and asking... aren't you ordering a beer?
The CEO of Guinness responds "why should I? nobody else did"
Jan 25, 2017, 4:41 pm
#29
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[Change breweries as appropriate ]
The CEO of Heineken, CEO of Amstel and CEO of Guinness walks into a pub.
The CEO of Heineken orders "A pint of Heineken, the best beer in the world!"
The CEO of Amstel orders "A pint of Amstel, the best beer in the world!"
The CEO of Guinness turns to the barman and order of a glass of coke.
They all look at him confused and asking... aren't you ordering a beer?
The CEO of Guinness responds "why should I? nobody else did"
]The CEO of Heineken, CEO of Amstel and CEO of Guinness walks into a pub.
The CEO of Heineken orders "A pint of Heineken, the best beer in the world!"
The CEO of Amstel orders "A pint of Amstel, the best beer in the world!"
The CEO of Guinness turns to the barman and order of a glass of coke.
They all look at him confused and asking... aren't you ordering a beer?
The CEO of Guinness responds "why should I? nobody else did"
I will say, although Belgium has the best beers in my opinion, drinking a Guinness in Ireland or a nice unfiltered beer in the Czech Republic is a totally different experience than drinking those same beers in the US. Both are very enjoyable, just not the same variety and selection as in Belgium.
Jan 26, 2017, 6:55 pm
#30
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Thanks all. Either we'll but in Bruges or Brussels. It looks to be better to be in Brussels and it's either a 90 minutes, $30 flight or a 2 hour train ride. I know dealing with the airport will make the flight longer, but I'd say that neither are particularly difficult.
Sounds like we can't make a bad decision and we'll just have to do the other city the next time we come over.
Sounds like we can't make a bad decision and we'll just have to do the other city the next time we come over.
Brussels to Prague would be a fantastic trip if you have the time to do it! Again rail is so much better.