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(Part One)
Over the last 6 years or so, since NOE was in its infancy, we’ve been busy creating bespoke Maps, Journals, Notebooks, Cards; the list goes on. A recurring theme seen in many of our best selling products is travel, so we thought we’d have a little look back at our top ten most requested locations for our Surprise Trip Cards.
We’ll of course let you know what those favourite locations are, and give you some of our tips on the amazing things that you can see and do there. As we do tend to whitter on a little, we’ve split this into two parts for you, we’ll follow up with Part 2 soon.
Amsterdam – by far our most requested location!
Amsterdam, famed for its intricate web of canals and narrow streets… and many, many bicycles, is the capital of the Netherlands and has been a firm favourite for explorative travellers for years.
This thriving, eclectic city is home to unique Museums, Galleries and exhibitions set within traditional 17th-century architecture. These cultural highlights sit shoulder to shoulder with quirky Restaurants, Bars and Cafes.
Highlights of Amsterdam
Rijksmuseum
The Netherlands top treasure trove hosting artworks from Rembrandt and Van-Gogh to name just two. Covering a whopping 1.5km and housing over 8000 works on display. Fancy a break? visit the on-site Michelin-starred restaurant, Rijks.
Anne Frank Huis
Attracting over 1.2 million visitors per year, This is a powerful, melancholic reflection into the life of Anne Frank. Breathe in the atmosphere of Anne’s Bedroom and quietly contemplate the emotion in her Diary.
Vleminckx
Renowned as Amsterdam’s best Friterie, Vleminckx has been frying up the Frites (Fries) since 1887! Queues for this hidden gem can stretch around the block… but it’s worth the wait.
New York – Holds the top spot in the USA
The city that never sleeps – probably because there’s just so much to see and do, any time that you’re not awake experiencing the wonder of this metropolis is just a waste.
World-famous architecture, renowned museums, once in a lifetime attractions and top-class dining experiences, New York really does leave you speechless.
Some of the Best Bits
Central Park
No visit to New York would be complete without some time in Central Park. At around 840 acres there is plenty to see and do, from spacious meadows, European inspired gardens to Central Park Zoo and the famous Alice in Wonderland statue.
Empire State Building
Completed in just over 400 days this limestone Art Deco idol is a classic. The view from the 102nd-floor observatory? Breath-taking.
Bleeker Street Pizza
Ok so it may not blow your mind from the outside, but these guys know Pizza! Their speciality, grab a slice of their Marinara Pie they call the Nonna Maria.
Rome
Classical ruins, awe-inspiring art, and unparalleled culture. The city of Rome is the culmination of over 3000 years of urban development, and it shows… in a good way.
Ancient icons such as the Colosseum, the Parthenon and a swath of flashy fountains and squares allow more contemporary lifestyle and entertainment venues to mingle alongside them. A city of stunning beauty.
So what to do?
Vatican Museums
Founded in the early 16th century by Pope Julius the 2nd, the museums of the Vatican boast one of the worlds largest collections of Art, from the old masters to the mummified remains of ancient Egyptians.
Colosseum
There aren’t many people who wouldn’t picture this Roman marvel if you mention ‘Rome’ to them, completed in around AD80 the 50,000 seater Colosseum is an architectural marvel, even by today’s standards.
Neve di Latte
An authentic Italian Gelato has to be one of our all-time favourites at the NOE studio, and at Neve di Latte, that’s exactly what you can be assured of… psst, try the Pistachio.
Krakow
Once a Royal Capitol, the Medieval city now embraces all of the trappings of modernity and has strong cultural flair. It seems there is a Festival for almost every week of the year encompassing the arts, music, food and dance.
Krakow will also never disappoint history buffs, featuring over a thousand years of ancient ruins alongside stunning period architectural gems from almost every era since.
What to see & do
St Mary’s Basilica
This beautiful church, dominated by it’s two unmatching towers lies in the heart of the old town. Originally conceived in the 1220s, it offers visitors stunning interiors of carved wood and exceptional stained glass windows.
Wawel Royal Castle
From the cultural and political heart of Poland in the 16th century to an impressive museum today, the history of this national symbol dates back to the 11th century.
Karakter
Karakter or Character is a very apt name for this unassuming gem of the city, the interiors are sleek and uncomplicated, the menu offers a variety of farm-to-table specialities and regional delicacies.
Barcelona
I don’t suppose there are too many cities that can boast over 2000 years of history & heritage, elegant fine dining experiences, golden beaches and glorious Mediterranean sunshine. Barcelona ticks all of those boxes and offers a whole lot more!
The vistas in this delightful city are simply breathtaking. Ensure you take in the historic highlights, the cultural diversity and the culinary wizardry that this legendary city has to offer.
Our Highlights
La Sagrada Familia
No amount of time spent in Barcelona would be complete without casting your eyes over the La Sagrada Familia. Without compromise Gaudi’s masterpiece. Work began in 1882 and incredibly still unfinished, over 100 years after Gaudi’s death.
Park Guell
Another work of Gaudi, only this time with a horticultural theme, these stunning landscaped gardens are both enchanting and unsurprisingly, surreal. Perched on the side of a hill, the park offers beautiful views and hidden treats around every corner.
Lasarte
End your Barcelona trip on a culinary high with a visit to the city’s first restaurant to gain 3 Michelin stars. The contemporary interior is just a compliment to the extraordinary cuisine on offer.
We’ll be back with the final five of our Top Ten most requested Surprise Trip Card locations soon.
Oh just one other thing, don’t forget there is still time to enter our Prize Draw. Our first prize is a Push Pin Board Map, and there’s a great runner up prize of a Notebook. In addition to that everyone who enters will receive a 10% discount off a future purchase from NOE (Terms & Conditions apply).
Team NOE