Exploring the great European cities is a must for anyone who can afford to do so. The “grand tour” is quite popular in the United States where the history and culture of Europe is considered fascinating. No American is considered well-rounded unless they have been to Europe at least once. Few people have the time or money anymore to take a year to see all of the great cities of Europe, but piking two or three key cities to visit is still possible.
Two very popular European cities to visit are Amsterdam and Paris. Each city has it’s own special attractions. Amsterdam’s top attraction for travelers is the city’s network of canals where a cruise in a glass-top boat can afford excellent up close views of historic homes, gabled mansions, and 16th-century merchant houses.
From Amsterdam, you’ll cross Belgium to reach France where Paris, the “City of Light” beckons. Paris has a nearly unlimited number of attractions. Most people only find the time to see the city’s highlights including the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Moulin Rouge show, and the Louvre.
For people touring these two cities, it’s possible to make many of your arrangements in advance online. It’s never advisable to simply show up in either city hoping to find a hotel room. Online booking services not only feature the lowest prices on hotels, you can see pictures of the rooms in advance to make sure you are getting accommodations which meet your standards. It’s also possible to purchase tickets to major attractions, such as the Eiffel Tower,in advance, to avoid spending your vacation waiting in long lines for hours.
Remember, many European cities such as Paris and Amsterdam are full of centuries-old churches which are worth visiting. In Europe, many of these churches ask that visitors dress with respect. The appropriate clothing would be modest; no shorts, mini skirts, or sleeveless tops.