María S. OlmoEUROPE. It’s not necessary to spend a lot of money in order to travel around Europe. Young people from around the globe have made an art of this kind of budget travel. Let me take you on an artistic virtual tour of just two cities you can explore in Europe: Brussels and Amsterdam.
Air sight from the plane | María S. Olmo
By planning ahead, it’s possible to find affordable flight tickets with low cost airlines. Two tips: take a small piece of hand luggage (many airlines have restrictions) and go to the airport ahead of time to avoid any issues (some times they make you check your luggage no matter how small it is).
On this occasion, we will travel to two European capitals. Brussels is our first stop.
A Tintin mural in Brussels, Belgium | María S. Olmo
Comic wall art in Brussels, Belgium | María S. Olmo
Brussels is considered by many as the country of the comic; Lucky Lucke, The Smurfs, and the famous reporter Tintin all live within the Belgian capital’s walls. You can do free walking tours that trace the rout of the comic figures throughout the city.
The second hand record store ‘Arlequin’ in Brussels | María S. Olmo
There is a great tradition in Northern Europe regarding music, too. For music lovers and collectors, I recommend Arlequin, a second hand record store next to the Manneken Pis, a few minutes walk from Grand Place. The front of the shop stands out.
Place du Jeu de Balle, Brussels | María S. Olmo
Atomium. Constructed in 1958 for the Universal exhibition in Brussels
Downtown, you can take the subway or a cab to visit the more historical sights, including the Atomiom, which measures 103 meters high and represents an iron crystal, magnified 165 billion times. The price to go visit the inside is approximately 6 Euros per person. You can also choose the outdoors for free and walk along Laken Park.
Lovely graffitti in a wall of Ghent | María S. Olmo
Only 55 kilometres from Belgian capital, the city of Ghent offers beautiful views and a calm atmosphere. You can sail a boat along the channel or enjoy small streets like these. In terms of getting to Ghent, the cheapest option from Brussels is by coach. The more adventurous can try hitchhiking near Gare du Midi bus station.
Amsterdam city | María S. Olmo
I myself could not return home without visiting Amsterdam. From Brussels, there is a bus that takes approximately three hours.
Amsterdam is an open-minded place when it comes to things such as cannabis and sex. The people are also very nice. The city is perfectly suited for bike riding. The channels, which resemble those of Venice, meet in perfect harmony, perpendicular to the buildings.
One of the traditional Coffee shops in Amsterdam | María S. Olmo
Amsterdam is famous for its coffee shops; places where the consumption and the sale of cannabis is legal. Inside, alcohol cannot be sold, but you can have a Coke for around 2.50 Euros. Staying the night in Amsterdam is very cheap and you can find good hostels for around 9 Euros per night.
Cozy Coffee shop at Jordan neighbourhood, Amsterdam | María S. Olmo
Traditional sweetie shop, Amsterdam | María S. Olmo
It is recommended that you don’t bring any food into the hostel room; because of the channels, mice can hide there!
Sex Museum, opened in 1985 | María S. Olmo
I think the Sex Museum was the only place where we paid somewhat of a higher price to enter. There are ancient pictures that represent human sexuality, sexual objects and statues placed through different lounges. Laughs are guaranteed.