After a restful night and breakfast at the hotel, take a short transfer to Hoofddorp for a gentle introduction to Dutch suburbia with a stroll through the Toolenburgse Plassen park and a coffee at the lakeside Café De Oude Tol; it's a low-key way to shake off travel and enjoy fresh air. If you're feeling curious, pop into the nearby Fort near Hoofddorp (a small, quiet historic site on the Defence Line) for a brief, atmospheric walk before returning to the Corendon to relax and plan your first afternoon in central Amsterdam.
Ease into Amsterdam proper with a direct train from Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal and a leisurely walk through the atmospheric streets to the Jordaan neighborhood, stopping for a light lunch and stroopwafel at Café Winkel 43. Afterward, rent a bike or take a short tram ride to the leafy Vondelpark for people-watching and a coffee at the parkside Vondeltuin, then finish the afternoon with a gentle canal-side stroll to admire the historic gabled houses along the Singel.
As twilight falls, take the hotel shuttle or a short taxi into the quieter De Pijp district for dinner at the lively Bazar Amsterdam where vibrant decor and international plates set a relaxed tone; follow with a digestif at the cozy cocktail bar Door 74 for an intimate, speakeasy-style experience. End the night with a gentle, illuminated canal walk past the sculptural lights by Magna Plaza and a final stop for dessert at the classic Dutch patisserie De Drie Graefjes, savoring the first tastes of Amsterdam before a restful night back at Corendon.
Begin with an energizing canal-front breakfast at De Pijp's CT Coffee & Coconuts, then wander the colorful streets to the nearby Albert Cuypmarkt to sample herring, cheeses, and stroopwafels from local stalls. Afterward, explore the charming lanes of Oud-Zuid, visiting the striking Museumplein exterior and taking a peaceful stroll through the manicured paths of the Amsterdamse Bos edge, where you can rent a rowboat or simply enjoy the spring greenery before lunch.
Head east to the vibrant NDSM Wharf in Amsterdam-Noord, arriving by free ferry from behind Centraal Station to explore its street art, industrial galleries and the quirky Pllek for a relaxed waterside lunch with sustainable small plates. Afterward, wander through the nearby EYE Filmmuseum for a rooftop view over the IJ and a short film screening, then cycle along the waterfront to discover the creative studios around Tolhuis before returning to the city center as golden hour approaches.
As dusk deepens, wander to the atmospheric De Hallen in Oud-West for a casual dinner at the food-hall stalls-try Dutch craft beers at Brouwerij 't IJ's offshoot stall and seasonal small plates at Foodhallen-then catch an intimate live-music set at the nearby Concertgebouw's smaller recital rooms for a refined cultural finish. After the concert, take a slow canal tram ride toward the illuminated bridges of the Amstel, pausing for a late-night hot chocolate or cocktail at the stylish riverside Waterkant to reflect on the day before returning to your hotel.
Start your morning with a peaceful canal-side breakfast at Café de Sluyswacht by the Oosterdok, then wander into the nearby Hermitage Amsterdam for its rotating exhibits and riverside galleries. After the museum, stroll through the elegant streets of Het Spiegelkwartier to browse antique shops and specialty art galleries, finishing with a mid-morning tulip- and plant-spotting walk around the seasonal displays at Bloemenmarkt before lunch.
After your morning museum stroll, cross the IJ by ferry to discover the creative energy at PlantageKade, then head to the leafy streets of Oosterpark for a relaxed picnic and people-watching among local families and statues. Later, explore the nearby Tropenmuseum for its immersive cultural exhibits, followed by an early-evening canal cruise from HNS Cruises that traces quieter waterways and gives a fresh perspective on Amsterdam's gabled houses and hidden courtyards.
As twilight settles, wander to De Pijp's Sarphatipark for a gentle stroll and watch locals wind down before dining nearby at the cozy bistro Café Hesp for seasonal Dutch plates. After dinner, take an atmospheric small-boat evening tour with Blue Boat Company through quieter canals, disembark near the historic Begijnhof to admire its hidden courtyard by lamplight, then finish with a nightcap at the intimate jazz bar Café Alto to round out a cultured, mellow evening.
Begin with a relaxed breakfast at Bakers & Roasters in De Pijp, then wander the nearby streets to browse independent boutiques and vintage shops along Ferdinand Bolstraat for any last-minute travel essentials and souvenirs. Afterward, take a calming canal-side walk through Westerpark, pause for a coffee at the arty Noorderlicht Café and pop into the park's creative market stalls to pick up unique Dutch snacks to pack for your journey to Brussels.
Wander through the elegant canals toward Begijnhof for a quiet, historic courtyard visit, then enjoy a light lunch and people-watching on the terrace of De L'Europe's Brasserie overlooking the Amstel. Afterward, pop into The Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes) to pick up any last-minute travel essentials from independent boutiques and artisanal shops, finishing with a relaxed canal-side tea at Winkel van Sinkel before returning to your hotel to pack and prepare for the Brussels transfer.
As the city softens into evening, head to the charming canal terraces of Rembrandtplein for dinner at the convivial Café de Jarenwhere wide windows invite people-watching and classic Dutch dishes. Afterward, take a mellow twilight stroll along the lesser-known Herengracht stretch toward Museumbrug, pause for a riverside drink at the atmospheric Hannekes Boom, and finish with a peaceful nightcap at the tucked-away cocktail lounge Bar Bukowski to reflect on your Amsterdam stay before preparing for the Brussels leg of your trip.
Start the morning with a scenic 30-minute train ride to Haarlem and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the charming Vijf Voordeel cafe, followed by a stroll through the flower-filled Hofje van Bakenes and the bustling Grote Markt where you can browse local bakeries and cheese shops. Continue with a short walk to the atmospheric Teylers Museum for its intimate art and science collections, then return to Amsterdam in the early afternoon refreshed and ready to explore more of the city.
Catch a short train to Zaanse Schans for a classic Dutch afternoon of working windmills, wooden shoe demonstrations, and tasting local cheeses at De Hoop op d'Zaan before returning to the city. Back in Amsterdam, stroll the creative lanes of the Haarlemmerbuurt, stop for a late-afternoon craft beer and bitterballen at Café Belgique, and browse independent vinyl and design shops as golden hour approaches.
As twilight deepens, wander to the lively Noordermarkt area for dinner at the cozy, canal-facing Café 't Sluisje, sampling seasonal small plates and local beers while watching the boats glide by. After dinner, enjoy a digestif and live folk or acoustic sets at intimate venue Muziekcafé In De Waag, then finish the night with a moonlit stroll across the quieter stretch of the Keizersgracht to soak in one last, reflective view of Amsterdam's illuminated canal belt before returning to your hotel.
Start with a relaxed breakfast at Pancakes Amsterdam (for Pancakes at Haarlemmerstraat), then stroll through the nearby craft-laden lanes of Haarlemmerstraat to pick up any artisanal snacks and travel-sized toiletries for your Brussels trip. Afterward, head to Noorderkerk Market (if it's a market day) to sample local cheeses and pick up fresh tulips or a travel-friendly bouquet, then return to your hotel to finish packing with time to spare and a final coffee at Koko Coffee & Design.
Spend a leisurely afternoon exploring the peaceful canals of Egelantiersgracht, stopping for a light lunch and people-watching on the terrace of Café de Prins before browsing the independent bookstores and design shops around Rozengracht for any last-minute gifts. Later, enjoy a calm, hands-on cheese-tasting experience at Henri Willig Cheese & More and a scenic tram ride to Westerkerk to climb the tower (or admire it from the square) for one final panoramic view of the canal belt before returning to your hotel to finish packing.
As dusk falls, take a relaxed tram ride toward the leafy Amstel riverbank and enjoy an early dinner of seasonal Dutch fare at the riverside Café de Belhamel (terrace seating if weather allows). After dinner, join a small-group tasting at Smaakmakers Gin Bar to sample locally distilled spirits, then finish the night with a gentle stroll through the illuminated lanes of Huidenstraat before returning to your hotel to finalize packing and rest for the Brussels transfer.
After an early check-out from Corendon, catch your FlixBus and arrive in Brussels in time for a gentle orientation walk from Bruxelles-Midi / Brussel-Zuid toward the hotel, stopping for coffee and a light Belgian breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien near the station. Once checked in and refreshed at First Euroflat Hotel, explore the nearby mosaic-filled Place du Jeu de Balle / Vossenplein flea market (if it's operating) for quirky souvenirs and then wander to the leafy Mont des Arts viewpoint to take in sweeping city vistas and plan your afternoon discoveries.
After settling into First Euroflat Hotel, head south to explore the elegant squares and galleries around Sablon-browse antiques at the Sablon Antiques Market and sample pralines at the famed Pierre Marcolini boutique. Continue with a relaxed stroll through the stately Parc de Bruxelles / Warandepark, pause for an iced coffee at the park-facing terrace of Le Chalet Robinson (reachable by a short tram hop and scenic walk), and finish the afternoon with a panoramic ascent of Palace of Justice hill for sweeping city views before an early dinner nearby.
Unwind after your travels with an aperitif on the lively terrace of Place Sainte-Catherine, then enjoy a seafood-focused dinner at the nearby bistro Noordzee Mer du Nord for fresh oysters and mussels in a convivial market-style setting. Afterward, wander through the atmospheric streets toward Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert for window-shopping and finish with a nightcap at the intimate cocktail bar Goupil le Fol, soaking in Brussels' elegant, evening ambiance before returning to First Euroflat Hotel.
Start your morning with a relaxed coffee and Belgian viennoiseries at Café du Sablon, then wander down to explore the artisanal shops along Rue des Minimes, sampling handcrafted chocolates at Neuhaus Boutique for a sweet mid-morning treat. Continue with a tranquil stroll through the nearby Parc de Bruxelles (Warandepark) to watch locals exercise and enjoy the sculptures, finishing with a visit to the intimate contemporary galleries of BOZAR Centre for Fine Arts to preview exhibitions before lunch.
Wander from the bustling Grand Place toward the elegant Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert for a leisurely chocolatier crawl-stop at Marcolini for signature bonbons and Wittamer for classic pralines-then cross into the nearby Ilot Sacré to sample Belgian small plates at the convivial Chez Léon or the modern bistronomy of La Roue d'Or. After lunch, head to the leafy Mont des Arts gardens to relax with a view, then stroll down to discover contemporary Belgian design at Horta Museum (if open) and browse local ceramics and crafts along Rue Haute before returning to your hotel with time to freshen up for evening plans.
As the city softens, start with an aperitif at the rooftop terrace of The Hotel's Sky Lounge for sweeping views over the illuminated skyline, then stroll to the nearby Place Sainte-Gudule to admire the cathedral's night-time silhouette. For dinner, savor a contemporary Belgian tasting menu at La Villa in the Sky (reservations recommended), then finish with craft cocktails and jazz at the cozy speakeasy Le Cercueil, soaking in Brussels' refined evening energy before a relaxed walk back to your hotel.
Begin with a leisurely breakfast at Café du Perron near Place du Grand Sablon, then head to the leafy Parc du Petit Sablon to admire its sculpted gates and seasonal blooms while locals walk their dogs. From there, explore the modern collections at the nearby Musée des Instruments de Musique (MIM) for a hands-on look at historic instruments, and finish the morning with a mid-morning chocolatier stop at Laurent Gerbaud for inventive single-origin bonbons before a relaxed lunch in Saint-Gilles.
After lunch in Saint-Gilles, wander the leafy lanes toward Parc du Cinquantenaire to stroll among the arcaded colonnades and visit the nearby Royal Museums of Art and History for eclectic collections spanning antiquities to non-European art. Continue with a relaxed café stop at Café Belga in Ixelles, then explore the bohemian boutiques and street art of Rue du Bailli / Avenue Louise before finishing the afternoon with an artful detour to the contemporary shows at WIELS.
As twilight falls, enjoy a lively aperitif on the terrace of Le 31 in the Saint-Gilles district, then wander toward Place Stéphanie to soak in local evening life and stop for a plate of seasonal small plates at La Cantine de Mémé. Finish the night with a relaxed musical or DJ set at the intimate Café Merlo in Ixelles and a late-night stroll through the illuminated alleys around Place Flagey, picking up a warm, freshly made waffle from a street vendor to savour on the walk back.
Begin with a relaxed breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien (Place du Grand Sablon) before heading to the tranquil Parc du Cinquantenaire for a morning stroll among its arcades and museums gardens, then climb the park's colonnade steps for a final panorama over the city. Afterward, explore the nearby Musée Horta to admire Victor Horta's Art Nouveau interiors and pick up elegant, travel-friendly souvenirs at the museum shop before returning to the hotel to consolidate luggage and travel documents.
Stroll through the elegant walking routes of Quartier Royal, pausing at the graceful terraces of Place Royale for a light lunch at Café Metropole and people-watching under the trees. Afterward, explore the compact but delightful Musée Magritte for a thoughtful encounter with Belgian surrealism, then relax with a late-afternoon tea and views at the glass-walled Mont des Arts' café kiosks before returning to the hotel to finalise packing.
As evening falls, enjoy a relaxed aperitif on the terrace of Le Jardin des Oliviers (a calm rooftop bar near Place des Sablons) before wandering to the lively Rue des Bouchers for a classic Belgian dinner of moules-frites at Chez Léon Brussel. After dinner, take a gentle moonlit stroll through the illuminated lanes toward Place du Grand Sablon to sample artisanal chocolates at Pierre Marcolini and finish with a digestif and live piano at the intimate L'Archiduc jazz bar, reflecting on your trip before returning to the hotel to finalise luggage.
Wake early for a smooth departure: check out and take a short taxi to Brussels Airport with time to enjoy a final Belgian coffee at Café René inside the departures hall, then stroll the duty-free for last-minute chocolates from Neuhaus. If time allows, pause at the airport's peaceful Panorama Terrace for a quiet view of the runway and a last snapshot of Belgium before boarding your Ethiopian Airlines flight to Cape Town.
After checking out, enjoy a relaxed last few hours with a leisurely lunch at La Truffe Noire near Place Sainte-Catherine, tasting a final plate of Belgian seafood and a crisp local white; follow this with a short, restorative walk through Parc de Bruxelles (Warandepark) to sit under the trees and confirm travel documents. If time permits, pop into Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert for one last chocolatier stop at Neuhaus or Wittamer and then take a direct train from Bruxelles-Central to Brussels Airport (BRU), arriving with plenty of time to check in for your Ethiopian Airlines flight.
If your flight is later in the night, enjoy a relaxed final evening with a light meal and live piano at L'Archiduc before a short, scenic stroll through the illuminated arcade of Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert to pick up one last box of artisanal chocolates. Finish with a calming nightcap on the terrace of Hotel Bloom!'s bar or a nearby rooftop spot at MEETT Rooftop to watch the city lights fade before you take a late train or taxi to Brussels Airport (BRU) for your Ethiopian Airlines departure.