The Perfect 10 Day Amsterdam Brussels Paris Itinerary

Planning an Amsterdam, Brussels, and Paris itinerary? This 10-day route connects three of Western Europe’s most iconic cities entirely by train, making it one of the easiest and most rewarding first trips to Europe you can take.

Start with three days in Amsterdam exploring the canals, world-class museums, and charming Jordaan neighborhood. Move on to Belgium for chocolate, waffles, and two of Europe’s most beautiful medieval towns — Bruges and Ghent — before finishing with three unforgettable days in Paris.

This itinerary is built from our firsthand experience in all three cities and designed to give you the right amount of time in each place, with day trip options, train booking tips, and hotel recommendations included.

The Essentials

DESTINATIONS | Amsterdam → Brussels → Bruges & Ghent → Paris

START/END | Amsterdam to Paris (point-to-point route)

BEST FOR | First-time visitors to Western Europe

PACE | Moderate (3 days Amsterdam + 3 days Belgium + 3 days Paris)

TRAIN TRAVEL | Yes — all travel between cities is by train, no car needed

BEST TIME TO VISIT | April through October; April–May for tulips and Keukenhof

TRIP STYLE | City-hopping by train through three of Europe’s most iconic destinations

TOTAL NIGHTS | 9 nights

Last Updated: April 2026. Updated train information to reflect the Eurostar rebrand (formerly Thalys). Removed outdated Ferris wheel reference at Place de la Concorde. Added FAQ section and expanded hotel and restaurant recommendations throughout.

Why This Amsterdam Brussels Paris Itinerary Works

There’s a reason this Amsterdam–Brussels–Paris route is one of the most popular ways to experience Western Europe. The cities are close together, the trains are fast and frequent, and each destination offers something genuinely different from the last.

We saved Paris for the end deliberately. After the canals of Amsterdam and the medieval charm of Belgium, Paris is the perfect ending — iconic, romantic, and worth saving for last. Three days there is just enough to hit the highlights without feeling rushed. If you love Paris as much as we do, you’ll appreciate having it as your grand finale rather than your starting point.

Belgium is the part of this itinerary that surprises most people. Brussels is more than a transit stop. It has a spectacular city center, world-class chocolate, and a food scene worth lingering over. And combining Bruges and Ghent into a single day trip is one of the smartest moves you can make: two very different towns, both beautiful, both easy to reach by train from Brussels.

The 3+3+3 structure (three days each in Amsterdam, Belgium, and Paris) keeps the pace comfortable without feeling rushed. You have enough time to explore each place properly, with room for a day trip from Amsterdam and a morning to spare before each train connection.

Day 1: Amsterdam – Jordaan, Anne Frank House & Canal Cruise

Arriving in Amsterdam

Depending on your flight, most likely you will arrive in Amsterdam in the morning. Check into your hotel and get settled. Only take a nap if you desperately need one. It’s better to drink some coffee and stay awake so you can adjust to the time change as quickly as possible.

Spend the afternoon and evening in our favorite spot in Amsterdam, the Jordaan area and the Nine Little Streets (de 9 Straatjes). This is a very picturesque part of Amsterdam, a maze of canals, bridges, and row homes. Cafes spill out onto the side streets, the perfect place to grab a drink and people watch if the weather is nice.

While in Jordaan, here are two great things to do.

The Anne Frank House

For two years and one month, Anne Frank and her family lived in a secret annex, hidden away from the Nazi’s. During this time, she wrote in her diary, which became a memoir and an important piece of history.

Tour the hidden rooms and see the movable bookcase that covered the entrance into the rooms.

Tickets can only be purchased online in advance. You will reserve a specific time slot, which eliminates waiting in line.

PRO TRAVEL TIP: Book your time slots six weeks in advance (every Tuesday at 10 am CEST tickets become available for a visit six weeks later…see the official website for more information). There is such a high demand for these tickets that they sell out almost as soon as they are available.

Take a Canal Cruise

A canal cruise is the perfect, low-key activity for jet-lagged travelers.

I recommend skipping the larger boats with the big tour companies. These giant boats are enclosed in glass and the people packed on board never look like they are having much fun.

Instead, pick a smaller, open boat. You’ll be with less people and have a more intimate experience. Some of these companies even serve wine while you cruise through the city. We recommend this tour on GetYourGuide, which is a small group canal cruise that includes the option to add on wine, cheese, and beer (and it gets fantastic reviews!).

Dinner

For your first night in Amsterdam, we’d point you to Café de Reiger in Jordaan. We ate here on our very first night in Europe, and it was exactly what we’d imagined a European restaurant would be — small, cozy, and warm, with a thick curtain across the doorway to block out the cold. We each had a beer and soaked it all in. It’s a classic Amsterdam neighborhood restaurant, popular with locals, and a great way to ease into the trip.

If you’re looking for something different, Foodhallen is a good option for groups or anyone who can’t agree on one cuisine. It’s a large indoor food hall with stalls serving food from around the world, about 10 minutes from Jordaan.

For a splurge, Vinkeles in the Dylan Hotel serves modern French cuisine and is one of Amsterdam’s more celebrated dining rooms, though note it’s closed Sunday and Monday.

Amsterdam City Guides

Here is more information to help you plan your visit Amsterdam, including the must-have experiences, a 2-day itinerary, and our Amsterdam hotel guide.

Top 10 Things to Do in Amsterdam (for First Timers)

Pinterest Facebook Flipboard With its maze of canals, world-class museums, boutique shops and hotels, and cozy cafes, Amsterdam is a delight to visit. From iconic landmarks like the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum to hidden gems and lively neighborhoods, this guide will take you through the best things to do in Amsterdam. […]

2 Day Amsterdam Itinerary: How to Plan Your First Trip to Amsterdam

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Day 2: Amsterdam – Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum & Vondelpark

Visit the Rijksmuseum

We start in museum square, with the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. These are Amsterdam’s most popular museums, so expect them to get crowded, especially midday. By starting here first, you get to enjoy at least one of the museums without huge crowds.

The Rijksmuseum is enormous. On display are 8,000 objects of art and history, most of it Dutch, with masterpieces by Johannes Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Frans Hals. Most people spend 2 to 3 hours in the museum.

PRO TRAVEL TIP: With the e-ticket and the Museumcard, you can skip the ticket line (saving you 20 to 30 minutes during busy times).

The Van Gogh Museum

After a quick break for lunch on Museumplein, visit the modern Van Gogh Museum.

PRO TRAVEL TIP: Currently, you can only purchase your tickets online. Do this in advance of your trip because they can sell out days in advance. You choose a time slot and then you will enter the museum within a half hour of your reserved time. If tickets are sold on on the official website, you can also purchase tickets through GetYourGuide.

Vondelpark

Vondelpark is Amsterdam’s green space. This is where the local people relax and sunbath on warm days and where families go outside to play. It’s a pretty spot to visit, especially after spending most of the day inside of art museums.

Once you are finished at Vondelpark, walk or take Tram 1 to Bloemenmarkt.

Bloemenmarkt

The Bloemenmarkt is the only floating flower market in the world. About 15 florist shops sell blooming flowers, bulbs, and souvenirs. It is a bit of a tourist trap, but it’s worth a quick visit if you are looking for gifts to bring home or just want to see flowers in bloom.

More Time in Amsterdam or Visit Haarlem

For the rest of the day you are free to explore more of Amsterdam. Wander the canals in the Jordaan area again, rent bikes and explore the city, or consider making a quick trip to Haarlem for dinner and drinks.

Haarlem is just 15 minutes from Amsterdam by train. You won’t have enough time to really explore Haarlem, but you can sit in the main square in town, have a drink at a café, and have dinner.

Haarlem

Haarlem is awesome. The main square is beautiful, and on a nice warm day this is the perfect spot to just plop yourself down in an outdoor café, have a drink and enjoy the view.

For dinner we ate at the Wolfhound Irish Bar & Kitchen and it tasted like we were back in Ireland.

Getting to Haarlem: From Central Station in Amsterdam, you can take a 15-minute train to Haarlem. Trains leave approximately every 10 minutes.

Haarlem

6 Reasons Why You Should Take a Day Trip to Haarlem

How to plan a day trip to Haarlem from Amsterdam.

Day 3: Amsterdam – Day Trip in the Netherlands

There is more to the Netherlands than Amsterdam. The small towns near Amsterdam are wonderful to explore. Some cities, like Utrecht, are smaller, less crowded versions of Amsterdam. Other towns are filled with history, more art museums, windmills, or thatched cottages. It is well worth your time to pull yourself away from Amsterdam to visit these little gems.

Here are some suggestions on where to go.

Utrecht

Utrecht, with its canals and street cafes, looks and feels like a smaller, less crowded version of Amsterdam. With one day in Utrecht, you can explore the scenic city center, take in the view from the tallest tower in the Netherlands, and dine at one of many great cafes and restaurants in town.

This was our favorite day trip from Amsterdam. With the canals, bicycles, and outdoor cafes, Utrecht shares a lot of similarities to Amsterdam, but it feels less touristy and is much less crowded.

Utrecht is 27 minutes from Amsterdam by train.

Utrecht

One Day in Utrecht: Day Trip from Amsterdam

Everything you need to know to plan a day trip to Utrecht.

Utrecht

Delft

Delft, famous for its pottery, also has charming canals to stroll and has a similar ambience to Amsterdam and Utrecht. Delft is one hour from Amsterdam by train.

Keukenhof

In April and May, Keukenhof is a wonderland of flowering daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths. If you will be following this Amsterdam Brussels Paris itinerary in spring, Keukenhof is not to be missed.

To get here, you will have to take a bus from Schiphol Airport to Keukenhof. Get the full details in our Amsterdam itinerary.

Keukenhof

Zaanse Schans

This is the spot to visit operational windmills and see how clogs are made. Take a 15-minute train from Amsterdam and then it is a 20-minute walk to the town.

The Hague

The Hague is home to the International Criminal Court of Justice and several really cool art museums. The Hague is 45 minutes by train from Amsterdam. It’s only worth it if you’ve already visited the places just listed, or have an interest in the art museums.

The Hague

Giethoorn

This is the farthest day trip option from Amsterdam, but it truly looks like a place plucked out of a fairytale with thatched cottages and canals instead of roads. It takes 2.5 hours by train and bus to get to Giethoorn.

Haarlem

If you didn’t visit Haarlem yesterday, you can spend today here.

PRO TRAVEL TIP: This place is one of the most popular breakfast spots in the city. Arrive a few minutes before opening time, which is at 9 am, to avoid waiting in line.

Dam Square

From the Pancake House, walk through the center of Amsterdam to Dam Square. It can be crowded and touristy, but it is the main square of Amsterdam, so I think it is still worth a very quick visit. Just expect large crowds and beware of pickpockets.

Museum Ons’Lieve Heer Op Solder

From Dam Square, walk to Museum Ons’Lieve Heer Op Solder, also called Our Lord in the Attic. On the way, you will walk past De Oude Kerk and you can even take a short detour through the Red Light District if you are curious what it’s all about.

Our Lord in the Attic is one of the best history lessons in Amsterdam.

We’ll be honest, we weren’t expecting much from this one. But Museum Ons’Lieve Heer Op Solder, also known as Our Lord in the Attic, turned out to be one of the most interesting and educational stops in Amsterdam.

This canal house, built in 1630, looks completely ordinary from the outside. But hidden on the top floors is a secret Catholic church, one of the largest and best preserved of Amsterdam’s clandestine schuilkerks, built during a time when Catholicism was banned in the city. The audio tour walks you through the rooms of this 400-year-old house and delivers a genuinely fascinating history lesson before revealing the spectacular church at the top. Well worth your time.

Our Lord in the Attic

Lunch

After your visit to Our Lord in the Attic, have lunch in Amsterdam.

Train to Brussels

After lunch, take the high-speed Eurostar train from Amsterdam Centraal to Brussels-Midi. The journey takes just under two hours.

PRO TRAVEL TIP: You should reserve your high-speed trains in advance. Read about how to do this at the end of this post.

Brussels

Once in Brussels, get settled at your hotel. To get to your hotel from the train station, you can walk (if you stay in a nearby hotel), take the metro, or take a taxi.

PRO TRAVEL TIP: Staying near the Brussels Midi train station is very convenient for this itinerary. You will use the train everyday while in Belgium, so being near the train station saves you a lot of transit time in the city. We stayed at the Pullman Hotel right next to the Brussels Midi train station and the location was perfect.

Spend the evening walking through the center of Brussels. The Grand Place is gorgeous at sunset, when the skies grow dim and the lights turn on.

Dinner

Save room for dinner at Pasta Divina, and don’t let the “Italian food in Belgium” concept put you off. This was one of the best meals of our entire trip. It’s authentic, simple, and exceptional. We’ve had readers write in specifically to thank us for this recommendation, which tells you everything you need to know. It’s our top pick for your first night in Brussels.

Day 6: Belgium – Day Trip to Bruges and Ghent

Bruges and Ghent are two charming, small towns in Belgium, each just a short train ride away from Brussels. You can combine visits to both towns into one day trip from Brussels. Stroll through fairytale streets, dine on waffles and chocolate, take in the view from two belfries, go on a canal cruise, and visit an ancient castle.

Below is an overview of what to see and do in Bruges and Ghent, but you can see the full, detailed itinerary, with tips on booking train tickets and timing, in our day trip guide ↓

Bruges and Ghent

One Day in Bruges and Ghent: Day Trip from Brussels

Everything you need to know to day trip to Bruges and Ghent from Brussels.

Morning: Bruges

Ideally, you want to get started early in the day. Not only does this give you plenty of time to also see Ghent, but arriving early in Bruges lets you see the main sites before they get crowded.

While in Bruges, you can climb the belfry, go on a canal cruise, visit Dumon Chocolatier (if you didn’t get enough chocolate yesterday!), and visit the colorful, charming side streets in Bruges.

Afternoon: Ghent

In the early afternoon, take a train to Ghent and spend the rest of the day touring Ghent. Ghent is smaller and the list of sites to see is shorter than Bruges, so you don’t need to spend as much time here.

This is another Belgian town where the streets are lined with beautiful buildings. The views from Gravensteen and the belfry are amazing, so be prepared to take a lot of photos today.

Evening: Return to Brussels

Once you are finished touring Ghent, you day ends with a train ride back to Brussels.

Day 7: Brussels to Paris – The Louvre, Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe

Morning: Train to Paris

From Brussels, take the high-speed Eurostar train to Paris. The journey takes roughly 1.5 hours. Trains leave from the Brussels Midi station and arrive in Paris at Paris Nord (Gare de Nord).

Book your train as early in the day as you feel comfortable doing so, in order to maximize how much time you have in Paris. I would recommend arriving in Paris no later than noon so that you have the full afternoon to see the city.

From Gare du Nord, take the metro or a taxi to your hotel and get settled. Have lunch near your hotel.

Afternoon at the Louvre

The Louvre is the world’s largest art museum and one of the great buildings of Paris. It’s a former royal palace that housed French kings, including Louis XIV, before being converted into a museum during the French Revolution. It’s an extraordinary place even if you only have an hour.

We deliberately start the visit to Paris here. The Louvre sits at the eastern end of Paris’s grand axis, which means after your visit you can walk straight through the Tuileries Gardens to Place de la Concorde and up the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. It’s one of the best walks in the city.

It also spreads the major museums across your three days in Paris rather than stacking them, which is the fastest way to hit museum fatigue even if you love art.

The three must-sees are the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory. If that’s all you want, an hour is enough. But if you want to go deeper and see ancient Egyptian artifacts, Napoleon’s apartments, and centuries of world-class painting and sculpture, plan for three to five hours.

We have written a detailed guide to the Louvre, which includes the must-see exhibits, plus a 1-hour- 3-hour, and 5-hour walking route, depending on your interests. Let us be your virtual tour guide, to quickly and efficiently show you the sights in the Louvre. Here’s the link to our guide ↓

The Louvre

Visiting the Louvre: Top Things to See & Detailed Walking Tours

This guide covers ticket and tour options, how to avoid the crowds, plus a fast, efficient walking tour to the must-see works of art.

Place de la Concorde

From the Louvre, go for a stroll through Tuileries Garden to Place de la Concorde.

This famous square is steeped in French history. During the French Revolution, King Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, and Robespierre were all executed here by guillotine. It’s worth a stop as you make your way along the Champs-Élysées. The scale of the square and the views down toward the Louvre in one direction and the Arc de Triomphe in the other are impressive.

Go for a Stroll on the Champs-Élysées

The Champs-Élysées is one of the most recognizable streets in the world. It is famous as being the finish of the Tour de France and the location of the Bastille Day military parade. Restaurants, shops, the theaters line the Champs-Élysées. It has a touristy feel but it’s still worth the stroll.

Along the way, if you want another French treat, consider stopping into Laduree for macarons.

PRO TRAVEL TIP: The Champs-Élysées is 2 km (1.2 miles) long. Expect this walk to take 20 to 30 minutes without stops. If it’s too much walking, you can shorten the walk by taking the metro one to two stops. Metro line 1 runs along the Champs-Élysées.

Arc de Triomphe

It’s time to take in the view from the mighty Arc de Triomphe. This is my favorite view of Paris. There’s just something about looking down the Champs-Elysees to the Louvre, out to La Defense, and of course, having the wonderful view of the Eiffel Tower.

From Sainte-Chapelle it’s a very short walk to Notre Dame Cathedral.

In front of Notre Dame Cathedral a small plaque marks Point Zero (Point Zero des Routes de France), the historic center of Paris.

In 2019, Notre Dame closed after a devastating fire destroyed parts of the cathedral. The cathedral underwent a massive restoration project, partially reopening in December 2024.

Visitors can now enter Notre Dame Cathedral. To do this, you can either book a time slot in advance (this is free to do on the official website) or get in line at the entrance to the cathedral. Making a reservation in advance can be a big time saver, as there is generally a queue to enter Notre Dame Cathedral.

The towers have also recently opened. Climbing the steps to the top of the towers are one of our favorite experiences in Paris, and the views of the city are one of the best. Get pricing and the link to purchase your ticket on the Towers of Notre Dame website.

The View from Notre Dame

Lunch

Before leaving Ile de la Cite, it’s a quick walk to one of the prettiest storefronts in Paris, Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole. This is a small café so you can eat lunch here.

Alternatively, cross Pont Saint-Louis to Île Saint-Louis.This quieter island gets fewer visitors than its neighbor and has a good selection of cafes and restaurants, including Pom’ Canelle at 27 Rue des 2 Ponts, which serves French and European food at reasonable prices.

For an amazing ice cream shop, walk just one minute to Bertillon Glacier. This place is world famous for its ice cream and sorbet. In fact, you could skip lunch and just eat here instead (we did!).

Walk Along the Seine

Cross Pont de la Tournelle to the Left Bank. Walk along the Seine. As you approach Pont de l’Archeveche you get a beautiful view of Notre Dame. Pont de l’Archeveche makes a great photo spot of the cathedral.

Continue the stroll along the Seine until you reach Musee d’Orsay.

Musee d’Orsay

Musee d’Orsay houses the largest collection of Impressionist art in the world. It is here that you can see Monet, Manet, Degas, Cezanne, Renoir, Van Gogh, Gaugin and more. It’s literally a collection of the who’s who in the Impressionist art world.

Sacre Coeur and Montmartre

Spend the rest of the afternoon and evening exploring Montmartre. This maze of hilly streets is one of Paris’ prettiest neighborhoods to visit.

I recommend getting off at the Lamarck metro station and walking towards the Sacre-Coeur Basilica. This is a very nice walk that takes you past photogenic spots such as La Maison Rose and Le Consulat Restaurant.

Before arriving at the basilica you will walk through Place du Tertre. This small square is filled with artists. Go shopping, grab a drink at a café, or have your portrait drawn.

The Sacre-Coeur Basilica sits atop the highest hill in Paris. The steps in front of the Basilica are a popular spot to watch the sunset. You also have the option to climb the 300 steps to the top of the Dome for an even better view.

Dinner

For dinner in Montmartre, Le Relais Gascon is a reliable French restaurant that we’ve eaten at, which serves solid food in a classic neighborhood setting.

If you want something a little more memorable, Maggie Restaurant at Hotel Rochechouart is our current top pick. On our most recent visit, the food was excellent. The artichoke dish in particular was one of the most impressive things I’ve been served in Paris. After dinner, head upstairs to the Maggie Rooftop for drinks with sweeping views over Montmartre and the city. It’s a perfect way to end the evening.

For more rooftop bar options in Paris, don’t miss our guide to the best rooftop bars in Paris.

Day 9: Paris – Palace of Versailles & the Louvre

Morning & Midday: The Palace of Versailles

Versailles is a royal chateau located on the outskirts of Paris. In 1682, King Louis XIV moved the Royal Court from the Louvre to the Palace of Versailles. For a little more than 100 years, this was the seat of government for France. That ended in 1789 with the French Revolution. The monarchy moved back to Paris and since then, the city of Paris has remained the seat of government for France.

Hall of Mirrors

During your visit to Versailles you will tour the palace and get to stroll through the gorgeous gardens. 

How long does a visit last? If you’re fast, it takes 3 to 4 hours to zip through the palace and walk a part of the gardens. You can spend all day here, however, if you want to have enough time to visit the Louvre, you should plan on leaving Versailles in the early afternoon.

Learn more about everything you can see and do in Versailles in our Guide to Versailles ↓

Versailles

How to Plan a Day Trip to Versailles from Paris

What to see and do at Versailles, how to get there, tickets and pricing, and tips we’ve learned from our multiple visits to Versailles.

Late Afternoon: The Eiffel Tower

There’s something fitting about ending this itinerary at the Eiffel Tower. Visit in the late afternoon and stay for sunset. It’s the most romantic send-off to Paris, and to this trip, that we can imagine.

The Eiffel Tower, photo taken at the Trocadéro at sunset

For the best overall experience and lighting, plan your visit so that you are on the Eiffel Tower about 60 to 90 minutes before sunset. You’ll watch the skies grow dim and the lights of Paris twinkle on as the sun sinks lower in the sky. Being on the Eiffel Tower when it puts on its light show is magical.

Tonight, you have the option to have dinner on the Eiffel Tower. We dined at Madame Brasserie and had a wonderful experience. It can be expensive, but it is much more affordable and easier to get a reservation, than at the 2-star Michelin restaurant, Jules Verne.

We have visited the Eiffel Tower multiple times, and wrote up a detailed guide on How to Visit the Eiffel Tower. We cover how to avoid waiting in long lines, if the summit (third level) is worth it, photos from all three levels, the best time of day to visit, and more.

View from the Eiffel Tower

Day 10: Depart Paris

Fly home or continue your travels.

Doing This Itinerary in the Opposite Direction

If you want to do this itinerary in the opposite direction (starting in Paris and ending in Amsterdam), here’s how to do it (refer to the itinerary above for suggestions on what to do for Day 7, Day 8, etc.):

Day 1: Arrive in Paris. Ideally, arrive in the morning and then follow suggestions for Day 7 above for things to do this afternoon.
Day 2: Paris (follow Day 8)
Day 3: Paris (follow Day 9)
Day 4: Morning in Paris (also refer to Day 1 for things to do this morning), travel to Brussels by train in the afternoon
Day 5: Brussels (follow Day 5)
Day 6: Bruges & Ghent day trip from Brussels (Day 6)
Day 7: Travel to Amsterdam (take a morning train to Amsterdam and follow Day 1)
Day 8: Amsterdam (Day 2)
Day 9: Amsterdam day trip (Day 3)
Day 10: Fly home from Amsterdam

I altered the itinerary a little bit, to put more time in Paris. It’s a bit risky getting in and planning to visit a major attraction on Day 1, with potential flight delays and jet lag. The extra morning in Paris on day 4 gives you some time to visit these places before traveling to Brussels.

How to Book Your Trains

You will use the train quite frequently on this itinerary, so it’s a good thing that train travel in Europe is cheap, fast, and very easy to do.

Book two of your train journeys in advance: Amsterdam to Brussels and Brussels to Paris. Both routes operate on the high-speed Eurostar network (formerly Thalys), which connects these cities quickly and comfortably. Amsterdam to Brussels takes just under two hours; Brussels to Paris is about 1.5 hours. Booking early is worth it. Prices are significantly cheaper when tickets are first released. To book, visit the Eurostar website.

You can also book your tickets to towns in the Netherlands and to Bruges and Ghent in advance or you can simply purchase them when you arrive at the train station. Trains run very frequently and you do not reserve seats on these local trains, similar to riding the metro.

For more information on using the trains in the Netherlands: Netherlands Train Travel: How to Book Your Tickets and Use the Trains

Where to Stay

Where to Stay in Amsterdam

For this itinerary, we recommend staying in the Jordaan neighborhood. It’s our favorite area of Amsterdam, with canals on every corner, great cafes and restaurants, and within walking distance of the Anne Frank House and the Nine Little Streets. It also just feels like Amsterdam in a way that staying near the train station or in a more modern part of the city doesn’t.

For hotel recommendations at every budget, read our guide to where to stay in Amsterdam ↓

Hotel Guide

Where to Stay in Amsterdam: Best Hotels & Neighborhoods

Best locations to stay in Amsterdam, with hotel, apartment,and B&B recommendations for every budget.

Where to Stay in Brussels

We stayed at the Pullman Hotel Centre Midi in Brussels. This hotel is located right next to the Brussels Midi train station. The location is brilliant. In just 5 minutes we could be standing at the train platform, perfect for day trips to Bruges and Ghent and for traveling to/from Paris and Amsterdam, among other cities. From this hotel, it takes just 10 minutes by metro to get to Grand Place. This is a modern hotel, the WiFi works very well and the rooms are large.

Where to Stay in Paris

For this itinerary, the 1st and 2nd arrondissements put you in the heart of everything, close to the Louvre, the Seine, Sainte-Chapelle, and easy metro access to the rest of the city. It’s our top recommendation for first-time visitors.

We have visited Paris four times and for a full breakdown of neighborhoods and hotel picks at every budget, read our guide to where to stay in Paris ↓

Hotel Guide

Where to Stay in Paris for the First Time (+ Where Not to Stay)

Learn where to stay for a great view of the Eiffel Tower and get recommendations whether you are looking for a budget hotel, luxury hotel, or if you are traveling as a family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 10 days enough for Amsterdam, Brussels, and Paris?

Yes, 10 days is a great amount of time for this trip. You get three days in Amsterdam, three days in Belgium (including a day trip to Bruges and Ghent), and three days in Paris, with travel days built in. It’s a comfortable pace that lets you see the highlights of each city without feeling rushed.

How do you get between Amsterdam, Brussels, and Paris?

All three cities are connected by high-speed train. Amsterdam to Brussels takes just under two hours, and Brussels to Paris is about 1.5 hours. Trains run frequently and the stations are centrally located, making this one of the easiest multi-city itineraries you can do in Europe. Book the international legs in advance on the Eurostar website.

How much time should I spend in each city?

We recommend three days in Amsterdam, two to three days in Belgium (with one day dedicated to a Bruges and Ghent day trip from Brussels), and three days in Paris. This gives you enough time to see the main highlights in each place without overstaying or rushing.

Is Brussels worth visiting?

Absolutely. Brussels is one of the most underrated cities in Europe and deserves more than a quick stopover. The Grand Place is one of the most beautiful squares on the continent, the chocolate scene is world-class, and the food and beer culture alone is worth the visit. Two days here feels just right.

What is the best time of year to do this itinerary?

April through October is the sweet spot for this route. April and May are particularly special if you want to visit Keukenhof and see the tulip fields in bloom near Amsterdam. Summer brings longer days and lively outdoor café culture across all three cities. July and August are the busiest and most expensive months, so if you can travel in shoulder season, you’ll have a more relaxed experience.

Comment below if you have any questions about this 10 day Amsterdam, Brussels and Paris itinerary if or need any travel advice.

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The Louvre is the largest art museum in the world and one of the top attractions in Paris. Planning a visit to the Louvre may sound complicated. With its massive size, long list of art exhibits, and tales of long lines, you may be wondering how to visit the Louvre and actually enjoy your visit. […]

How to Do a Brussels Chocolate Tour On Your Own

When in Brussels, what are the best things to do? See the dazzling Grand Place with its opulent guildhalls and Town Hall, visit the funky Atomium, and of course, indulge on chocolate. For many people, this involves taking a Brussels chocolate tour. But what if you don’t want to go on a tour? What if […]

2 Days in Paris Itinerary: Plan an Amazing Trip to Paris

In this guide, learn how to spend 2 days in Paris. We cover the top sights to visit, how to get around, where to stay, and of course, how to plan your time. If you are planning your first visit to Paris, this Paris itinerary is perfect for you. With 2 days in Paris, you […]

Easter in Paris: How to Have the Best Experience

Easter in Paris…sounds nice, doesn’t it? Spring flowers, warm temperatures, enjoying the view from the Eiffel Tower. Sure, that sounds nice, but it’s not always the reality. You could get cold weather, rain showers, and long queues to get into the most popular tourist destinations. I would love to tell you that Easter in Paris […]

Exactly How to Visit the Eiffel Tower in 2026

There are just a few buildings in the world that evoke the same sense of awe, wonder, and romance as the Eiffel Tower. For many, a trip to Paris would be incomplete without a visit to this iconic landmark. In this guide, we uncover the best way to visit the Eiffel Tower, with tips on […]

France Travel Guide: How to Plan a Trip to France

Travel information and advice for France. Best things to do in France with itineraries for Paris, the French Riviera, and the Alsace wine region.

Rooftop Bars & Restaurants in Paris: Where to Dine with a View

Imagine watching the sun set over the city of Paris, with a glass of wine or cocktail in hand, from the vantage point of a rooftop bar. Paris, a city well known for its cuisine, famous landmarks, and culture, also offers quite a few elevated bars and restaurants where you can have a drink or […]

10 Days in Europe: 10 Amazing Itineraries for Your Next Trip

Europe is a joy to explore. With world-class cities, medieval towns, historical sites, the snowcapped Alps, gorgeous beaches, and some of the world’s most delicious food, you have the perfect ingredients for your next vacation. If you want to spend 10 days in Europe, we have ten amazing itineraries to share with you.  In this […]

Netherlands Travel Guide: How to Plan a Trip to the Netherlands

The Netherlands Travel Guide The Netherlands, a land of windmills, tulip fields, and picturesque canals, offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and modern charm. Visit its world-class museums, cruise along centuries-old canals, or simply soak in the relaxed, open-minded atmosphere that makes this country truly unique. This guide will help you uncover the best […]

30 Popular Tourist Attractions in Europe & How to Visit Them

What’s on your European bucket list? From world class museums and ancient archaeological sites to stunning natural wonders, Europe boasts a diverse array of attractions that attract millions of visitors every year. The Colosseum, the Eiffel Tower, and the Acropolis top the list for many first time visitors to Europe, but you can also explore […]

London Bucket List: 50 Epic Things to Do in London

If you are planning a trip to London, how do you decide where to go? London is massive. It takes days, weeks really, to see the best of London and trying to figure out what to do can be overwhelming. Here is a list of the best things to do in London, 50 to be […]

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