Amsterdam, Netherlands
APRIL 13° / 4°
Longer days, higher temperatures, fewer crowds, and full blooms – April is an
Amsterdammer’s favorite month for good reason. King’s Day, the biggest street
party of the year, is an extravaganza of orange outfits, flea market shopping
and beer.
Key Events: King’s Day, World Press Photo
MAY 17° / 8°
Terraces and cobblestone streets get busier in May. This month, you can enjoy
mild weather and observe the last tulips bloom. During National Mill Day in the
second week of May, you can peek clamber around inside windmills and watermills
(look for the ones with a blue pennant).
Key Events: Remembrance and Liberation Day, National Mill Day
DAILY COSTS IN AMSTERDAM
* Hostel room (dorm bed) in winter/summer: from €18/30 (US$20.35/34)
* Basic hotel room for two (with shared bathroom) in winter/summer: from €55/70
(US$62/79)
* Basic hotel room for two (with ensuite bathroom) in winter/summer: from
€80/145 (US$90.50/164)
* Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): from €150 (US$169.30)
* Public transport ticket (one hour/day ticket/one-day Amsterdam Travel
Ticket): €3.20/8.50/17 (US$3.60/9.60/19.20)
* Train from Schiphol airport to Centraal Station (one-way): €4.60 (US$5.20)
* Coffee: €2–3.50 (US$2.25–3.95)
* Sandwich: €6–11 (US$6.80–12.45)
CRUISE THE CANALS
Amsterdam is a city shaped by water. Its beautiful UNESCO World Heritage-listed
Canal Ring is best appreciated by boat during the day or at night, when the
canals' ripples reflect the city's twinkling lights.
You can navigate the waterways yourself (companies such as Boaty rent
zero-emission electric canal boats) or hop on a sightseeing cruise. Non-touristy
alternatives include learning first-hand about the city's history of migration
aboard Rederij Lampedusa's former refugee boats, or helping keep the waters
clean by "plastic fishing" from Plastic Whale's boats made from retrieved and
recycled plastic waste.
CYCLE AROUND AMSTERDAM
Cling-clanging bells and whirring spokes are part of the soundtrack of this
city, where bicycles outnumber cars. Bike lanes criss-cross the city, where the
terrain is forgivingly flat and rental outlets abound.
Beyond the built-up streets, fascinating places to explore range from the former
ship-building yards of Amsterdam Noord to the rambling woodlands of Amsterdamse
Bos and the pretty port of Muiden with its storybook medieval castle.
Keep in mind that there is an etiquette to follow when cycling around the city;
in short, use the bike lane (not car lanes or footpaths), adhere to the rules of
the road, signal when turning, and turn on your front and back lights at night.
Munich, Germany
APRIL 14° / 4°
Folk festivals that get going in April bring carousels, roasted almonds and beer
tents to the city, as well as more people than normal wearing Tracht
(traditional Bavarian dress).
Key events: Maidult, Frühlingsfest, Theresienwiese flea market
MAY 19° / 8°
May is peak season for the German delicacy white asparagus. Just about every
city chef adds the beloved vegetable to their menu, and the stalls at
Viktualienmarkt overflow with bundles of “white gold.”
Key events: Maidult, Frühlingsfest, Lange Nacht der Musik
DAILY COSTS IN MUNICH
* Hostel dorm bed: €15–30 (US$17–34)
* Basic room for two: €100 (US$113)
* Downtown public transport ticket: €3.50 (US$3.95)
* Coffee: €3 (US$3.40)
* Small pretzel: €1 (US$1.15)
* 1 liter beer in a beer garden: €8–10 (US$9–11.30)
* Dinner for two: €30–100 (US$34–113)
JOIN LOCALS FOR A CHEAP EVENING BEER BY THE RIVER
When it comes to imbibing the good stuff, Munich has everything from
sophisticated cocktail bars to traditional beer halls. But when the weather’s
good, many choose to skip these pricy options and head to the Isar River with a
few cold takeaway beers instead.
Spending an evening by the water is not only a great way to save money, it’s
also a fun way to feel like a Munich local. As the sun sets, the banks fill up
with people, many stopping for refreshments at riverside kiosks along the way;
grab some take-out beer bottles from a grocery store and join them.
STOCK UP ON LOCAL SNACKS FOR A WALLET-FRIENDLY LUNCH ON THE GO
Sampling some classic Bavarian snack foods can provide a cheap on-brand lunch.
To track down local favorites, head to one of the city’s many butchers' shops
for a leberkässemmel (meatloaf sandwich) or track down a bakery for a freshly
baked butter pretzel.
At 11am, noon and (from March to October) 5pm, colorful figures depict moments
from Munich’s history to the sound of chiming bells. To see this spectacle from
a different angle, grab a window seat at MONACO coffee shop on the 4th floor of
the Ludwig Beck department store or Cafe Glockenspiel directly opposite the new
town hall.