Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands, has more than 100 kilometers of grachten, about 90 islands and 1,500 bridges. The three main canals, dug in the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age, form concentric belts around the city, known as the Grachtengordel. Alongside the main canals are 1550 monumental buildings.
Video timeline: 01 intro, :41 boat tours, 5:20 canal map, 6:16 Singel, 7:15 Brouwersgracht, 8:02 Herengracht, 8:56 Keizersgracht, 9:16 Reguliersgracht, 9:29 Prinsengracht, 10:03 Spiegelgracht, 10:25 Lijnbaansgracht, 10:58 Vijzelsttraat, 12:46 Prinsengracht, 13:19 canal boat tour
One of the most enjoyable things to do in Amsterdam is wander along the beautiful canals, which are lined with picturesque, historic buildings and have an endless variety of boats of all shapes, size, variety and function going by.
The May issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK) is out now. The cover story this month focuses on the UK’s 15 national parks — from the highest peaks and deepest lochs to the most biodiverse countryside and treasured historical sites. Far from being just beautiful places to admire, they’re also adventure playgrounds, living classrooms and green spaces that bring joy, health and wellness to people nationwide. These tranquil spaces and historical sites have grown and evolved over the decades to offer hands-on action and adventure amid spectacular backdrops. We explore the best places to get involved, give back and go wild.
St Lucia: Volcanic landscapes and hiking trails steeped in history await in this Caribbean paradise.
Senegal: From Dakar’s jazz clubs to rousing carnivals, music runs deep in the West African nation.
Seoul: Among the high-rises of modern South Korea, peaceful pockets of the capital are still rich in tradition.
Washington, DC: A wave of restaurants and ‘Wild West’ breweries are championing the city’s proud diversity.
Zagreb: Community spirit defines Croatia’s capital, from its morning markets to late-night bars.
Menorca: Contemporary art, ancient history and dazzling blue seas on the Balearic isle.
Vancouver: From barbecue to bao buns, Chinese cuisine is writ large across the city’s food scene.
Sydney: When it comes to hotels, the city’s eclectic neighbourhoods are the places to be.
Plus: All eyes are on Stonehenge this year; the world’s ultimate flower festival; family forest adventures across the world; where to stay in Rome; on the trail of Dublin’s literary heritage; what not to miss in the Lincolnshire Wolds; a guide to San Antonio, Texas; and the best kit for rock climbing.
In the shadow of the Acropolis and its ancient temples, hillside Plaka has a village feel, with narrow cobblestone streets lined with tiny shops selling jewelry, clothes and local ceramics. Sidewalk cafes and family-run tavernas stay open until late, and Cine Paris shows classic movies al fresco. Nearby, the whitewashed homes of the Anafiotika neighborhood give the small enclave a Greek-island vibe.
Told through the eyes of a 14-year-old boy subjected to relentless bullying, this is a haunting novel of the threat of violence that can stalk our teenage years. Translated by Samuel Bett and David Boyd.
Translated by Samuel Bett David Boyd
A unique story that interweaves crime fiction with intimate tales of morality and the search for individual freedom. Translated by Frances Riddle.
Translated by Frances Riddle
Jon Fosse delivers both a transcendent exploration of the human condition and a radically ‘other’ reading experience – incantatory, hypnotic, and utterly unique. Translated by Damion Searls.
By Jon Fosse
Translated by Damion Searls
An urgent yet engaging protest against the destructive impact of borders, whether between religions, countries or genders. Translated by Daisy Rockwell.
Translated by Daisy Rockwell
Olga Tokarczuk’s portrayal of Enlightenment Europe on the cusp of precipitous change, searching for certainty and longing for transcendence. Translated by Jennifer Croft.
Translated by Jennifer Croft
Bora Chung presents a genre-defying collection of short stories, which blur the lines between magical realism, horror and science fiction. Translated by Anton Hur.
By Bora Chung
Translated by Anton Hur
Scilla is a town and comune in Calabria, Italy, administratively part of the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria. It is the traditional site of the sea monster Scylla of Greek mythology.
Ukrainian member of parliament Yaroslav Yurchyshyn gives us the latest on the war in his country. Plus: a flick through today’s papers and a look at Peru’s political crisis.
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