Page 14 - Time Out Abu Dhabi

Staycations are great,
especially in the UAE,
a country Àlled with
glamorous Àve-star
hotels, beautiful
beach resorts
and mind-blowing
desert retreats. But
sometimes you just
need to climb aboard
an aeroplane the size of a small village to jet
off to a far-Áung corner of the globe. Here are
our essential escapes for those suffering from
some serious wanderlust.

DUST OFF YOUR CLOGS IN AMSTERDAM
The Dutch capital is known for many things,
not least its impatient cyclists (cross roads
carefully in this city or risk being taken out
by a speeding bicycle) and, of course, its
intricate system of canals. Its walkways are Budapest A tale of two cities – both beautiful
just as elaborate as its waterways, making
Amsterdam a great city for those who enjoy
wandering amongst beautiful architecture,
quirky boutiques and interior design shops
(stopping only to scoff a whole year’s worth
of pancakes in one day), then becoming
one of the millions of visitors a year who
stroll or cycle through the city’s huge green
Vondelpark. Art aÀcionados will not want to
miss the Van Gogh Museum, while those
taking a summer trip should not miss a canal
cruise. Amsterdam also has one of the world’s
best nightlife scenes. Obviously.
HOTEL: The Hotel V Nesplein
(www.hotelvnesplein.nl) is not the city’s
cheapest, but is good value with prices
starting at just over Dhs500 – and its location
near Dam Square cannot be beat.
FLIGHT: Reach Amsterdam from Abu Dhabi
with Etihad, from about Dhs3,000.
MAKE THE LONG TREK TO AREQUIPA, PERU
Nestled in the shadows of three volcanoes,
including the active Misti, in one of the world’s
most famous trekking regions is a city often
considered the most beautiful in Peru. The
country’s second-most populous metropolitan
area is Àlled with beautiful 16th and 17th-
century buildings, colonial architecture and
striking monuments. The curious Epicureans
among you should seek out one of the many Amsterdam Navigate its gorgeous canals
14 January 31 – February 6 2018 timeoutabudhabi.com