The Perfect Amsterdam Brussels and Paris Itinerary – 2 Weeks In Europe
Planning a trip to Europe? A trip to Amsterdam, Brussels and Paris is a must! These are among popular destinations in Europe come summer or winter. With that in mind, below is the perfect Amsterdam Brussels Paris itinerary. These cities eminent beauty and have attractions that draw millions of people from around the globe each year.
There is everything one would want to visit such as history, modernism, beautiful architecture or just a relaxing time away from the usual routine. Here is 10 days visit plan to Amsterdam, Brussels and Paris.
Europe By Rail – Perfect Amsterdam Brussels and Paris Itinerary
I have also done and variation to this trip that I have also shared on the blog so if you have more time you can easily add london to this trip. For inspiration check out my post on London, Paris and Amsterdam as well as a combined trip itinerary between London and Paris. If you are visiting in the summer make sure you check out my tips on summer outfit inspiration when visiting Europe.
Day 1: Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a beautiful capital of the Netherland and central hub of the country with much more to offer. This small magical city is rich of ancient history with many famous tourist attractions. So, buckle up and get ready to explore!
As soon as you land in Amsterdam, commence your day with a cup of coffee. As there is so much to visit in a limited time. From its world-famous canals, antiquated churches, majestic museums there’s an overwhelming number of tourist attractions.
World-Famous Canals
Informally known as “Venice of the North” because of its beautiful canals across the city, Amsterdam is a place worth visiting. Herengracht, Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht are the three main grachtens around the city which were dug in 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age. Along side the main canals are splendid building making the tour overwhelming for you.
Herengracht Canal
Begin your day with one of the loveliest canals of Amsterdam, the Herengracht canal. This offers you the chance to see the interesting and beautiful architecture of many of the buildings. You will be bewildered at how old some of the buildings are, yet the beauty still exists. A visit to the grachten is certainly one of the highlights of any visit to Amsterdam.
Keizersgracht Canal
Keizersgracht canal also known as the Emperor’s canal is the widest canal in Amsterdam. It was named after Emperor Maximilian of Austria and the oldest part of this canal joins the Brouwersgracht (Brewer’s Canal). Winters add to the beauty of this canal and as soon as the ice gets thick enough people can skate on the Keizersgracht. Beautiful, Idyllic views and bridges all along the Emperor’s Canal makes the tour to Amsterdam a worthy one.
Prinsengracht Canal
Prinsengracht canal along with the Herengracht and the Keizersgracht canals forms the Amsterdam´s Canal Ring and this ring was declared as UNESCO’s World Heritage Site in 2010. Prinsengracht is also known as Prince’s canal was named after the Prince of Orange and is the fourth longest canal in Amsterdam. There are several beautiful canal houses along the canal and most of them were built during the Dutch Golden Age. Amsterdam’s tallest church, the Westerkerk, the Noorderkerk (Northern Church) and Anne Frank House are some of the eminent buildings alongside the Prinsengracht canal.
The Canal Cruises
In order to see the amazing Amsterdam, including the magnificent architecture and glorifying history, the Canal Cruises offers you the best and easy way. For this all you have to do is to buy the online ticket, select the canal boat tour of your choice and enjoy the trip in the best possible way. We also did a food tour that included a boat tour around Amsterdam. For something to do in the evening, you can do a high wine experience at the Dylan or check out some of the beer tours in Amsterdam.
Day 2: Amsterdam
If you are planning a trip to Amsterdam between mid-March to mid-May, then you would get an amazing chance to experience millions of blooming tulips and other bulb flowers. A fabulous chance for individuals of all ages and an awesome exhibition to capture. The exhibition is a staggering presentation of flowers in an excellent setting covering a region of 32 hectares. The flowers are unique and are a feast for the eyes.
Magnificent Museums
No Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris trip would be complete within checking out cool museums. Among more than seventy magnificent museums in Amsterdam, the Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museums are a must-see place of Amsterdam.
Van Gogh Museum
Van Gogh Museum of Amsterdam is named after a renowned artist Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890). It is among one of the 25 most famous museums in the world, enticing more than 1.6 million tourists every year. The museum consists of world’s largest work collection of this artist including his more than 200 paintings, 500 drawings and letters, completed with the art of his contemporaries. Recently in 2015, the new glass entrance hall was added to the museum at the back of its building. Those who are not a fan of Vincent van Gogh can admire the modern main architecture of the museum that was designed by Gerrit Rietveld.
The Anne Frank House
The Anne Frank House is in the central Amsterdam, located on the Prinsengracht canal. The house is a biographical museum where a wartime diarist Anne Frank lived for two years and one month hidden from the Nazi’s. Her handwritten diary became and important piece of history. Today this house has grasped tourist’s attraction and people come to see the house where Anna Frank once lived.
Explore Vondel Park
If you are visiting Amsterdam in summer months there will likely be events in Vondel Park. Either the place is just to beautiful to miss. We love exploring around and grabbing a coffee at one of the cafes within the park or if visiting the city for longer I highly recommend having a picnic here while there are musical events happening around.
Where To Stay In Amsterdam
Amsterdam has so many amazing options for places to stay, from budget hostels, cheap hotels and luxury canal-side hotels. For tips, check out my guide on best areas to stay in Amsterdam.
Visiting With A Partner? – Check out my guide on romantic things to do in Amsterdam, in addition to tips on Amsterdam in winter.
Day 3: Amsterdam to Brussels
Average Duration and Cost of Train Tickets
There are 2 options by land to travel from Amsterdam to Brussels, either by bus or the train. The latter one is better both economically and scenery wise. The average time taken from Amsterdam to Brussels is 2 hours 45 minutes and each ticket costs around 30-35 euros, check train times and prices on Omio.
Thalys High-Speed Train
If you are not a fan of long rides, then you can hop on the Thalys high-speed train which can take up to only 1 hour 50 minutes. Thalys high-speed train travels at speeds of 300 km/hour and connects Brussels, Amsterdam and Paris along with 14 other cities across Western Europe.
But the ticket if expensive for high-speed train as compared to the economy class, which is a trade-off for the quick journey. If you want to make your journey a memorable one, then going through the economy class would be a suitable option. You may take an hour longer, yet you will enjoy the scenery while reading your favorite book and taking a sip of your hot coffee. You may also get a chance to interact with different and interesting people during your journey.
Light Exploration of Brussels
After arriving at Brussels, it is better to eat something light from a nearby restaurant and do some light exploring. But first, check in your hotel, freshen up a bit and remove all the weariness to fully enjoy your day in Brussels. Followed by little exploration of the city, before continuing the itinerary below.
Pro Tip: I highly recommend staying on Louise Avenue in Brussels as you have everything here, from cool cafes, great shopping and a short walk to tourist attractions. This is where we have chosen to stay on many an occasion and I love the trendy vibe.
Day 4: Brussels
The second city on the Amsterdam, Brussels and Paris itinerary. Brussels is a wonderful city with boulevards lined with shops and bistros all offering a portion of the world’s best beers and chocolates combined with a rich history and delightful design. It’s a city packed with tourism spots, so it would be hard to stay and give attention to all the detail. Yet your target would be to make the most out of it. So to start:
The Grand-Place of Brussels
The Grand Place of Brussels was built in 15th century and is a huge city square completely encircled by elegant historic buildings. In 1998, it was registered on the World Heritage List of the UNESCO and is considered as one of the most beautiful places worldwide. The beauty of the square lies in the architecture of several buildings that make up the Grand Place including the Museum of the City of Brussels and the Town Hall.
The Museum of the City of Brussels was previously known as the Duke’s building holds interesting exhibitions about the history and geography of the city. While the Town Hall is around 100 meters high and has a stunning statue at the top of the building of Saint Michael killing a demon.
Manneken Pis
The next stop should be the famous fountain in Brussels, the Manneken Pis. It is a 17th century bronze statue showing a naked little boy peeing into a fountain’s basin. Based on the events the little boy is a dressed accordingly and his wardrobe consists of more than 900 suits. In the beginning this fountain played a vital role in the former distribution of drinking water. Later it became a symbol of Brussels tradition and a famous tourist attraction.
Pro Tip: Consider getting the Brussels Card as this includes free admission to over 41 museums across the Belgian capital. You also get to enjoy fantastic discounts at a selection of shops and restaurants. You can choose between 24-, 48-, or 72-hour card to suit your schedule.
Day 5: Brussels
Mini Europe
While starting the next day in Brussels one desires to see the whole city but is unable to, that’s why it is better to mark Mini Europe on the top of your list. Mini Europe is a miniature park with Europe’s landmarks created on a smaller scale, all from Big Ben to the Eiffel tower. This brings you the opportunity to make a tour around Europe in merely a few hours. One can see all the famous monuments, cities and cultures of Europe in Miniature at this place. Nearby you also have the beautiful Atomium which very much a must-see in Brussels as well.
Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert
For those who love shopping, Royal gallery of Saint Hubert is the best place to visit. Moreover, while enjoying your visit in Brussels you certainly would want to buy some souvenirs. For that the best place is this big shopping arcade right in the heart of Brussels. It is an upscale marketplace with a glass ceiling and includes everything from markets, food and cinema. Built in 1847, the magnificence remains the same even after almost 150 years.
Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate
For chocolate and sweet lover, one of the best places to visit in Brussels is the Museum of cocoa and chocolate. A small museum featuring chocolate-related exhibits. Moreover, a chance to experience live demonstrations with master chocolatier giving you the feeling of real Charlie and the Chocolate factory. As the day comes to an end and with limited choices left, paying a visit to this museum would a worthy one.
Day 6: Brussels to Paris
Average Duration and Cost of Train Tickets
The average time of travel between Brussels and Paris is around 1 hour 54 minutes while the quickest route is 1 hour 22 minutes. On average 27 trains travel between Brussels and Paris. The very first trains every day leaves at 6:13 am in the morning from Bruxelles midi station, Brussels. The train ticket for this journey is between 14 to 29 euros, depending on the type of train you are choosing. You can check the schedule online via Omio which shows options for buses, trains and flights all in one.
Fastest and Slowest Train Options
For the fastest journey between Brussels and Paris, Thalys High-Speed Train is the best option. Travelling at 300 km/hour the train takes only 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach Paris.
While for those who are willing to enjoy the view of the countryside, slower or connecting train could be a better option. This option may take slightly longer than the fastest train options but gives you the best chance to enjoy the view throughout your journey.
Light Exploring of Paris In the Evening
Once you reach the city of love, make sure to explore the beauty in evening, if you are up for a little drink check out a couple of these bars which also offer amazing views of Paris. Prior to starting the real journey through Paris, this slight exploration will let you take a break from the day’s travels yet enjoy the city before tomorrow’s exploring.
Pro Tip: I recommend booking a Paris hotel with a balcony or any hotel with amazing views of the Eiffel Tower, that way, if you arrive in the evening and are too tired to head out you, can simply order some room service and chill out with a drink on your very own balcony.
Day 7: Paris
The last leg of your Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris vacation. Paris is a beautiful capital of France and is relatively smaller than most of the capitals around the world. With considerable sights and museums within walking distance of each other, there is so much to discover in every hidden corner. The city is viewed as a standout amongst the most powerful urban areas in Europe. During your trip to Paris, look at the amazing landmarks that I have no doubt been circling through your imagination for years. Start with:
Eiffel Tower
Eiffel Tower is among one of the 7 Wonders of the World and is named after the engineer Alexandar Gustave Eiffel, a man who designed and built the tower with the help of his company. Eiffel tower is the most visited payed monument of the world and is the tallest tower in Paris. The best part among the 3 stories of this tower is the third level, which brings you the chance to experience the stunning 360 degrees view of the city of Paris. The other two levels consist of restaurants and food courts.
Pro Tip: If you are up for an early start I highly recommend sunrise in Paris on Trocadero.
Louvre Museum
Another wonderful place to visit in Paris is the world’s largest museum, the Louvre Museum. It’s one of the city’s biggest tourist attraction and is a house for the most impressive art collections in history. Sitting along the banks of the Seine River in Paris, the museum includes ancient Greek and Roman sculptures, Egyptian antiques, crown jewels and other artifacts from French nobles. A place attracting tourist from all around the world.
Les Deux Plateaux
These beautiful and famous black and white pillars, Les Deux Plateaux, more commonly known as the Colonnes de Buren are not to be missed on any itinerary. They are a short walk from the Louvre. For additional details check out my post on Colonnes de Buren.
Jardin du Palais Royal
From the pillars, nearby is Jardin du Palais Royal. Paris just like London has beautiful parks that are just as much a must-see as the buildings and the art within them. If you have time I would recommend checking out
Musée d’Orsay
From Jardin du Palais, if the weather is good, I recommend walking back towards the Louvre and stop by Louvre – Tuileries. You only need a few minutes maybe 30 minutes in the gardens and continue walking and cross over the bridge at Passerelle Léopold-Sédar-Senghor. On the other side of the River Seine is Musee d’Orsay which has not only amazing art and exhibitions but that beautiful clock is not to be missed!
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris & Shakespeare & Company
Cruise on The River Seine For The Evening
End your trip to Paris by enjoying a cruise on the River Seine. This ride will give you the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful view of the “City of Light” along with a lovely dinner while cruising. In the evening, when the sun sets and monuments all around lit up slowly, the beauty of Paris lightens up. One can enjoy the scene from cruise perspective to the fullest while equally enjoying the dinner.
Day 9: Paris
Cafe With A View
No itinerary is complete without checking out at least one Parisian cafe. One I highly recommend you not miss is the lovely Printemps Deli-Cieux with the department store. Grab a coffee and a croissant and chill to the views. This little hidden gem offers amazing views to not only of the Eiffel Tower but also Sacré Coeur which is located in central-northern Paris, in the heart of the Montmartre.
Arc de Triomphe
Arc de Triomphe standing at the heart of the Place de l’Étoile is a massive triumphal arch in Paris. This arc was constructed in 1806, after the great victory of Napoleon at the Battle of Austerlitz. Now the Arc de Triomphe globally serves as an iconic symbol of France. Its beautiful architectural design entices visitors from around the world.
Pro Tip: If you love a good view, we had an amazing stay on Champs Elysees with views of Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower.
Free Exploring In Montmartre
Take the rest of the day and explore this beautiful village in Paris. Montmartre is full of charm! Perched on the top of a small hill in the 18th arrondissement, the most famous Parisian district has lost none of its village atmosphere. Explore the market, the cute little independent shops, and when you get tired swing by steep streets of the Butte, with plenty of terrace bistros to choose from. You have an amazing array of restaurants in the area to choose from. Grab a table and do a little people watching as you dine.
This whole area of Paris is just to beautiful to miss. Explore at leisure with no set plans and when ready, head back to your hotel and get ready for the day trip to Versailles.
Pro Tip: If planning a trip to Paris in winter make sure you pack these essential items for Paris in winter as some winters can be unforgiving.
Day 10: Versailles Day Trip from Paris
Without any exaggeration, Palace of Versailles is one of the most magical places on the planet earth. This beauty attracts more than 10 million tourists from all around the world.
Hall of Mirrors is the most spectacular room of the palace, with 357 mirrors reflecting the light off. he Clock Room. Another room named as The Clock Room, consists of a 250 years room. This technical wonder features a working model of the solar system apart from just showing the time, date and even the phases of the moon. Followed by a breathtakingly beautiful chapel, The Royal Chapel. This is one of the five other chapels in the palace yet the architectural design of this one is incomparably amazing.
How to Get There The Palace of Versailles and The Tickets Price
There are several guided tours available and the price start from €32. Depending on the type of tour you opt for, the price may vary. The Palace of Versailles is an hour away from city of Paris and one way to get there is through the Versailles Express coach. The coach leaves from the Eiffel Tower two times a day.
Tips For The Trip
- Don’t plan you trip for Mondays, as the palace is closed on Mondays
- Keep in mind the visitor’s hours i.e. 9:00am to 5:30pm, so that you can be there in time
- Make you come for a whole day and you have enough time. Since the Palace is big and if you intend to see everything you have enough time to do so.
- Make sure you have all the essential items to bring to Europe. Thinks like power banks, converters.
- Europe has beautifully walkable streets and in combination with great transporation, easy to explore. Just make sure you come with comfortable walking shoes and if visiting in the summer pack some walking sandals for exploring.
- Getting to central London is made easy as I have documented how to get to central London from all major airports in London.
- If you are going to be using any of the budget airlines in Europe should you prefer that to trains I strongly recommend you read my guide for the best luggage to use in Europe.
Alternative Itineraries
- If you have more time you can also add London to this itinerary and switch it up to London, Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels itinerary.
- Another option would be adding not only London but Bruge while you are in Brussels. Something along the lines of Paris Brussels, Bruges Amsterdam itinerary but would require at a minimum 2 weeks in Europe.
- If you have more time you can also add a trip to visit the beautiful and colourful villages outside Amsterdam, like Keukenhof Gardens or a Tulip Tour.
There you have it, the perfect itinerary for Amsterdam, Brussels and Paris. So, have you been or are you planning a visit?
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