Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SiGHtSEEinG
Sightseeing can be hard work. Use these tips to make your visits to
the Low Countries' finest sights meaningful, fun, fast, and painless.
Plan Ahead
Set up an itinerary that allows you to fit in all your must-see sights.
For a one-stop look at opening hours in Amsterdam, Bruges, and
Brussels, see the “At a Glance” sidebars for each destination. Most
sights keep stable hours, but you can easily confirm the latest by
checking with the local TI.
Don't put off visiting a must-see sight—you never know when
a place will close unexpectedly for a holiday, strike, or restoration.
If you'll be visiting during a holiday, find out if a particular sight
will be open by phoning ahead or visiting its website.
When possible, visit major sights first thing (when your
energy is best), and save other activities for the afternoon. Hit the
museum highlights first, then go back to other things if you have
the stamina and time.
Going at the right time can also help you avoid crowds. This
book offers tips on specific sights. Try visiting very early, at lunch,
or very late. Evening visits (when possible) are usually peaceful,
with fewer crowds.
At Sights
All sights have rules, and if you know about these in advance,
they're no big deal.
Some important sights have metal detectors or conduct bag
searches that will slow your entry.
Major museums and sights require you to check daypacks and
coats. They'll be kept safely. If you have something you can't bear
to part with, stash it in a pocket or purse. If you don't want to
check a small backpack, carry it under your arm like a purse as
you enter. From a guard's point of view, a backpack is generally a
problem, while a purse is not.
Photography is sometimes banned at major sights. Look for
signs or ask. If cameras are allowed, flashes or tripods are usu-
ally not. Flashes damage oil paintings and distract others in the
room. Even without a flash, a handheld camera will take a decent
picture (or buy postcards or posters at the museum bookstore).
Video cameras are generally allowed.
Some museums have special exhibits in addition to their per-
manent collection. Some exhibits are included in the entry price;
others come at an extra cost (which you may have to pay even if
you don't want to see the exhibit).
Many sights rent audioguides, which generally offer excellent
