In the second edition of the ‘Get to Know’ Series we chat to Viktor Pazgrat from Belgium and Daily Limmen who plays for the Netherlands and both will be welcoming ‘hosts’ this weekend in the first round of Rugby Europe Championship fixtures.
Amsterdam is becoming one of the new rugby centers, and to help you find your bearings, the exciting centre Daily Limmen gives his best tips about the city and where to go.
1- Best sports/rugby bar in Amsterdam? Where is it, and why is it the best?
My sports/bar to go is Coco’s, located at Rembrandtplein, a big square with a lot of bars, restaurants and other good spots to enjoy a nice and relaxing beverage or treat. They show a lot of rugby matches, and it will easily become your new home!
2- Best traditional/local dish to eat in Amsterdam? Where, why do you like it and if there is any trick to it!
This one is for the sweet tooths, as I would strongly advise to go buy some cookies at “Het Koekemannetje”, as they have the best one’s in town. You can also get in there the stroopwafels, which are a traditional Dutch cookie.
3- fun activity to do before or after the game, be it a museum, sightseeing, or something else.
Visit A’Dam tower, which is next to the water channel. You will find in it one of the best skyline views of Amsterdam. Or go to Rijksmuseum, a museum packed with art and history about Amsterdam.
4- What would be your best advice to someone who's going to National Rugby Center? How to best mingle with Romanian fans? And how do you get there?
The stadium is just half an hour from the city center, and you can ride a bike to it or just go by public transportation. Just have fun with our fans, dress something orange and get involved.
5- Best place to take a selfie in Amsterdam. Can be something do with rugby or not!
The best selfie that you can take is in the National Rugby Center with one of the players. It will be a photo to remember!
Mons will be Belgium’s headquarters for the Rugby Europe Championship, and to find out more about the picturesque city, Belgian international Viktor Pazgrat joins us to give a proper tour.
1- Best sports/rugby bar in Mons? Where is it, and why is it the best?
The Quartier Latin is a bar located on the Place du Marché aux Herbes. Rumor has it that some Black Devils enthusiasts plan to gather there on match day to heat up the atmosphere.
2- Best traditional/local dish to eat in Mons? Where, why do you like it and if there is any trick to it!
In Mons, we eat healthily. After enjoying some beers at Quartier Latin, you can satisfy your hunger with 'Un Fritte' at Chez Billy or at the Taverne 44 near the stadium – two perfect places to refuel before the game.
3- A fun activity to do before or after the game, be it a museum, sightseeing, or something else.
Mons was elected European Capital of Culture in 2015. You can visit the Mayor's Garden, Sainte Waudru Church, the Grand Place, The Beffroi, and the place dear to Mr. Di Rupo, the Mons Train Station.
4- What would be your best advice to someone who's going to Stade Tondreau? What’s the best way to get there? And how to mingle with Romanian fans?
To get to the stadium, there are various access options such as train, bus, and walking. However, the best solution is to take Taxi Top at +32 495 209 209 to avoid any risks after the match and a few beers. You absolutely must try the 'La Montoise' beer, as it will make the Portuguese and Belgians speak the same language after a few drinks—the language of rugby.
5- Best place to take a selfie in Mons. Can be something do with rugby or not!
For taking a selfie, I recommend heading to the top of the Beffroi. This tower dominates the city, and the view from up there is extraordinary. A Last thing: if you're talking to people from Mons, you start your sentence with: 'CA VA MBIAU.'
