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Amsterdam was once the center of international economic activities many centuries ago. It has a total of 175 nationalities living in its towns and municipalities. Its people are known to be some of the tallest in the world. Furthermore, it has various attractions that cast a cultural, artistic and historical look over Amsterdam. As such, here are top 10 attractions you should visit while in Amsterdam.

1. Red Light District:

Men do need to pay to enter a strip club in Amsterdam, when they have a whole street dedicated to stupendous women. Dating back to the 14th century, Red Light District is known to be one of the most vibrant tourist attractions in the older part of Amsterdam. It has sex shops, strip clubs and window girls looking to have a good time. Prostitution is legal in the Netherlands and the girls who offer their services do pay taxes. Furthermore, one should note that window prostitution is distinct in the Netherlands and cannot be viewed in many places. If you are a couple, it is quite normal to walk through the street together. This district is mainly a tourist attraction and you will not be the only male/female couple walking.

2. Anne Frank House:

There is not one person out there, who has not read the Diary of Anne Frank, or at least saw a movie or documentary about it. The actual diary cannot begin to tell readers what it was like to live behind the bookcase in the annex. The museum is actually the place where Anne Frank, her family and family friends hid to avoid racial persecution during WWII. The hiding place or hidden annex as it is called is no bigger than a North American apartment. As you enter the hidden annex, you cannot help but notice the small wooden staircase. The rooms where 8 individuals were living for most of WWII were small and crowded. You could barely fit a bed in them. As such, the Anne Frank house is something that will make you appreciate more of what you have and let’s you walk in the shoes of those unjustifiably shunned from society for being Jewish.

3. Canal Cruise:

Amsterdam is known as “Venice of the North”. It is made up of more than 100 canals, 90 islands and 1500 bridges, which were declared UNESCO monuments in 2010. Many attractions could either be seen by foot or by boat. If you would like to see the many hidden treasures of Amsterdam, canal cruising is for you. While on tour, you can view the boathouses of various celebrities such as Pat Sajak and primordial architectures that withstood WWII and flooding. If you ever take the cruise at night, you would be awestruck and flabbergasted by the color and lights that spark the city.

4. Sea Palace:

If you are ever looking to have an amiable and scenic sit down dinner in Amsterdam, the Sea Palace is for you. The Sea palace is a floating Chinese restaurant located in central Amsterdam. This restaurant is unheralded with astounding scenery one cannot miss when going to Amsterdam. The food is finger licking. From dim sums to Beijing Duck to specialty Szechuan and Cantonese dishes, this restaurant has it all.

5. Van Gogh Museum:

Vincent Van Gogh is known mainly as a crazy 19th century Dutch painter who painted a portrait of himself after cutting off his ear. If you are an impressionist and post-impressionist art lover, this museum is for you. This museum carries over 200 permanent art and letter van Gogh collections. While visiting the museum, tourists can also view the various art collections of other painters and compare. There are audio and guided tours that can assist visitors as they walk through the museum, which is open to the public 364/365 days a year.

Berlin is one of the liveliest historical cities in Europe. During the Cold War, the city was divided amongst 4 countries: France, Great Britain, United States and the Soviet Union. In 1948 a blockade fell upon the city which prevented Western nations, access to the city which lay in the Soviet Union section of Germany. 4700 supplies were airlifted to individuals living inside the Western controlled region of Berlin. In 1961, the Berlin wall was built overnight to prevent emigration from East Berlin.

If you ever a plan vacation in Germany, you should consider going to the following top 10 attractions in Berlin. You will be intellectually surprised by the architecture, landmarks and museums in the city which carry historical, political, social, cultural and economic significance.

1. Holocaust Memorial: Monument for the Murdered Jews in Europe

6 million people were wrongfully murdered and exterminated in the Nazis quest to rid the world of the Jewish people, Romas, homosexuals and communists. The Holocaust and the Final Solution continually is a sombre reminder of Germany’s evil past. In recent years, especially after unification, the country has tried to gain the respect of the international community. It has honoured those murdered during the Holocaust by aiming to bring Nazi criminals to justice and by building Memorials, such as the one in Berlin.

The memorial in Berlin stands on a “Death Strip” where the Berlin Wall once stood in Mitte, the historic city centre. It could be visited day or night as it is outdoors. The information centre which is located on-site contains biographical and personal recollections of the Holocaust. Taking 17 years to build, this is truly one of the most remarkable memorials and historical landmarks you cannot miss to see when in Berlin.

2. Jüdisches Museum

Built and opened on September 9, 2001, the museum is dedicated to Jewish history. Its aim was to acknowledge Jewish void in Germany. It contains collection of material which cover Jewish history from 2000 years ago and which document the development of Jewish life in Germany and Berlin. The museum is not the first built in Berlin. The first Jewish museum was built in 1933, before the Nazis confiscated its material. If you love studying the cultural history of Berlin and Jewish people, you do not want to miss this.

3. Checkpoint Charlie:

This well-known border crossing is a symbol of division as it split Berlin into two parts during the Cold War. Between 1961 and 1989 only foreigners such as reporters were allowed to enter East Berlin through Checkpoint Charlie on one day visas. There is a museum on site which individuals could go to and learn about the political, cultural and historic strife Berlin and Germany encountered during the Cold War. Visitors could get a firsthand glimpse into a divided life throughout the Cold War.

4. Legoland Discovery Centre:

Berlin is a perfect vacation for you and your kids. It houses the Legoland Discovery Centre, the first indoor Legoland in the World. Here you and your kid(s) will enjoy the social aspects of Berlin as you view how Legos are made. To compliment this, there are 4D movies as well as a ThemeRide called Miniland Berlin. If you are travelling with kids in Berlin this is the place to stop.

5. Brandenburg Gate:

Brandenburg Gate was commissioned by Frederick Wilhelm II to symbolize peace in 1791. A Quadriga facing east was added in 1794 to depict Victoria, the Roman Goddess who represented victory. For over 2 centuries this gate and landmark served as the entrance and gateway into Berlin. However, during the Cold War it symbolized division as it stood part of the Berlin Wall which divided the city into two parts. Now since the Cold War has ended it represents reunification and not just peace. If anyone loves politics and history, they would want to visit this landmark.

Austria is a vibrant country with a vivid history. It was home to some of the most famous artists, musicians and historians for multiple centuries. Politics has brought this country through tumultuous times, especially in the 20th century. The kleindeutsch vs. grossdeutsch debate embarked on a century struggle between Germans in Germany and Germans in various parts of Europe such as Austria. Here are the top 10 places one must go to see when in Austria.

1. Linz: Hartheim Euthanasia Centre

Built in 16th century, this castle belonged to the Princes of Starhemberg. For centuries it provided a home for the physically and mentally disabled. With Anschluss and the incorporation of Austria into the Third Reich, came dire consequences. The Nazis were fundamental believers in survival of the fittest and eugenics. Between 1939 and 1940, they turned the castle into a euthanasia centre where they implemented Aktion T4 and built gas chambers and crematoriums. Before using Zyklon B to exterminate Jews and other prisoners of war, they experimented the mentally and physically ill using Zyklon B in asylums such as the Hartheim Euthanasia Centre. This centre went on to exterminate various Jewish people, opposing Catholics and clergy as well as prisoners of war throughout most of WWII. Approximately 18,000 individuals lost their lives at Hartheim. It now has a built-in memorial which remembers victims who died during the Holocaust.

2. Upper Austria: Mauthausen Memorial

The memorial stands on the former grounds of a concentration camp where approximately 37,000 were murdered and exterminated. This visit provides a sombre reminder of a baffled past in Austrian history. Your heart will drop as you look up the Death Stairs. Most of the concentration camp is non-existent as the grounds are used to build neighbourhoods.

3. Salzburg: Mirabel Palace and Gardens

This baroque style palace is built surrounding gardens. It is made famous by the movie Sound of Music. If you a fan of Sound of Music, this place is for you. You can walk in the shoes of Maria and other children as they sang “Do Re Mi” and used the steps as musical scales. The botanical gardens are astounding. You can sit, relax and enjoy a beautiful day surrounded by blossoming flowers, if you are there in the summer.

4. Salzburg: Mozart’s Birth House

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is famous for being a child prodigy. He spent most of his writing and composing music and operas. By the time he was 35 he had composed 600 works in total. When others are being schooled and take life easy, Mozart was writing symphonies and performing for royalty at age 5. When you go to Salzburg, you need to go to the Birth House. It is well kept and is preserved in memory of this great composer. Some of the furniture and instruments are still from Mozart’s time.

5. Vienna: Schönbrunn Imperial Palace

This summer palace once belonged to Habsburg Monarchs, who were imperial and colonial rulers until 1918. Individuals visited the imperial palace can view the French gardens, see the Sun Fountain and take a tour of the former residence of the monarchs. You can also relive history where John F. Kennedy and Nikita Khrushchev met to discuss the Cold War in 1961. If you are tired and want a snack, you can take part in a cooking class which teaches you how to make a strudel. You then can sample the strudel yourself.

Travel destinations and tourism has indeed evolved in a great fashion. There are wide choices of destinations worth seeing in the current global platform. Italy holds a special place for tourist attractions. Its natural resources and ruins of past year are equally worth seeing. Stepping into Italy is like stepping into 3000 years old heritage city. Italy holds special interest for every people whether it is young heart or an old wanderer.

Here are the top most visited places in and around Italy.

1. Rome

As it is seldom quoted that the capital city was not found in a single day, one has to spend a lifetime seeing around Rome. There are indeed wide variations in places and interesting sites that one can never be at a receiving end so soon. Whether it’s the Roman culture and heritage or a simple wish made in the Trevor fountain, Rome holds special attractions for every visitor. Rome definitely holds unique promises for everyone alike. History plays a special trait in this city with Roman cultures, forums and the thoughts of Caesar hounding the tourist.

2. Florence

Obviously the birthplace recognized with renaissance and the host to David, this city can never be overlooked at any point of time. So if anyone is interested in foods and quality wine don’t ever ignore Tuscany, the wine place or the famous Gelato.

3. Venice

Recognized in a wide spectrum as a lover’s paradise, this city brings in warmth for both couples and all types of families at large. One can stroll around David’s Square or walk along the alleys and get mystified.Ofcourse there is the famous gondola which can take you through a historical journey amidst canals in Venice. Though Venice has been listed several times as a costly city but the beauties it holds makes it worth for every penny you spent.

4. Cinque Terra

It’s a cliffy paradise with its breath taking destinations and long trails of connectivity. One can easily indulge in quality foods or shop at ease in small café outlets. You can also plan out a relaxing tour of the town with a fresh shot of Lemoncello.Its a picturesque destination with great added attraction for every tourist alike. You can also very well explore the wild olives in and around the city or relax watching the serene beauty of the cliffs.

5. Sicily

Sicily is blended with historical flavors and holds a vibrant culture. Being in domination for long years at the hands of foreign countries, it has a special type of cultural blend. This city is also famously known for its mafia habitation, thereafter don’t dare ask anyone of Tony Soprano.

These tourist attractions are either not advertised enough or are not appealing enough for people to visit. However, they are different and unique and quite refreshing, if you have that zeal of travelling to unexplored and in some cases, strange places!

1. Noodle Bath

This tourist attraction is in Japan and the person who thought of the idea obviously felt that a bath filled with water and soap was too mundane. Therefore, the Noodle Bath is filled with noodles and pepper collagen which is meant to improve one’s complexion. The same owner previously owned a bath which was filled with chocolate and wine.

2. Vale de la prehistoria

This attraction is in Cuba and includes structures of life-size creatures which are meant to belong to the prehistoric era. A prison is located nearby and it is said that the inmates were called over to finish the construction. The ‘park’ extends over 11 hectares and also features a few cave men here and there.

3. Karni Mata Temple

This temple is in India and is located in Rajasthan which is said to be the land of camels, palaces and Maharajas. Rats reside in this temple and are worshipped here. If you accidentally kill a rat by stepping over it or swatting at it, you will have to replace it with solid gold.

4. International Friendship Exhibition Hall

This Hall is in North Korea and houses over 90,000 gifts that have been collected over the years by Kim II Sung. These include chopsticks that have been brought over form Mongolia, a cigarette case which has been covered in gold, a number of odd-looking chess boards as well as an alligator which is grinning or smirking- one cannot tell.

5. Isla de las Munecas

Julián Santana Barrera liked to collect dolls but he discarded them because he wanted to quiet down a little girl’s spirit who apparently drowned to death. This collection of dolls is hung onto the branches of trees that can be found if you go through the Xochimico canals.

Before you ask why somebody would voluntarily want to get scared, think again! There are many people all over the world who get a thrill out of getting terrified out of their minds. Most of them are haunted houses.

1. Borley Rectory

This haunted house in England got its reputation over 80 years ago. People complain about odd noises coming from within the premises and some have even reported seeing ghost-like figures in the windows. Ration tourists explain it away and blame the moonlight or the darkness, but we know better.

2. Dead Man’s Curve

If you travel on this street, you will not travel on any other. Why? Because you will die. Hundreds of people have had sudden accidents on this road and according to legend, five young people met with a very brutal accident during the 1960s. The only survivor says that a headless hitchhiker roams the street.

3. Kelly Road

If you are in Pennsylvania and you find yourself getting increasingly spooked with every passing second, you may be standing on Kelly Road. Visitors say that if you go there with an animal, it will practically lose its mind and bare its violent side. Do not go here and keep your pets away as well.

4. The Whaley House

This attraction in California is pretty haunted, one would say. The doors and windows open and close violently even when the air is still. The courtroom is particularly odd and if you happen to visit, you will smell phantom cigar smoke and hear funny voices. It is enough to drive anybody crazy.

5. Raynham Hall

Raynham Hall in England has been haunted for over 300 years now. A woman called the Brown Lady likes scaring tourists and visitors. People say that she has no eyes, just blank sockets. The scariest part is that somebody has taken a photograph of this lovely lady. You can always meet her, if you like.