Travel with Rick Steves 818 Amsterdam Museums; Regenerating London; European Borders
Jan 10, 2026
John Elledge, a journalist and author exploring the history of borders, shares insights on how these lines have shaped national identities. Meanwhile, Catherine Alcock, a Blue Badge guide, discusses London's urban regeneration, highlighting transformed areas like King’s Cross and Battersea Power Station. They dive into Amsterdam's vibrant museums, including quirky niche spots and the upcoming Slavery Museum. The conversation also touches on the lasting influences of historical borders, with predictions on future shifts in territories like Ukraine and Northern Ireland.
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Amsterdam's Eclectic Museum Scene
- Amsterdam mixes world-class museums with playful, highly specialized collections across many niche subjects.
- The city's willingness to be irreverent and quirky makes museum-hopping a varied cultural experience.
Reserve Van Gogh Tickets Ahead
- Book a timed reservation for the Van Gogh Museum to avoid crowds and ensure entry.
- Use the museum's chronological displays and audio tour to follow Van Gogh's life and art.
Maritime Trade Built Dutch Influence
- The Maritime Museum reveals how Dutch global trade and seafaring built national power.
- Historic ship replicas and trade exhibits show the logistics behind Dutch maritime dominance.
