Double Lisbon, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam Itinerary for October 2026

Morning

Start at Praça do Comércio, arriving around 9:00 while the riverside is still relatively quiet. Allow about 45 minutes to admire the arcaded square, the Arco da Rua Augusta, and the broad Tagus waterfront. From here, walk uphill through Baixa toward Alfama in roughly 15–20 minutes; wear comfortable shoes, as Lisbon’s paving can be slippery and uneven.

Continue to Lisbon Cathedral, known locally as Sé de Lisboa, for about an hour. It generally opens in the morning, though hours and access to the cloister can vary; expect roughly €5–€7 for interior areas. Afterward, walk 5–7 minutes to Miradouro de Santa Luzia, where the tiled terrace, small garden, and views over Alfama and the river make an ideal midday pause. Stop for a coffee or a light snack nearby rather than having a full meal, since the next visit involves a steep climb.

Afternoon and Evening

From Miradouro de Santa Luzia, continue uphill to Castelo de São Jorge—around 10 minutes on foot, with the final streets quite steep. Spend approximately two hours exploring the walls, towers, archaeological remains, and shaded courtyards; adult admission is usually around €15, and visiting earlier in the afternoon helps avoid the heaviest queues. After the castle, wander downhill through Alfama’s narrow lanes toward Taberna Sal Grosso, allowing about 15–20 minutes. Reserve ahead if possible: this is a tiny, popular tavern where dishes are often shared and the menu changes. Plan on €25–€40 per person for a relaxed traditional Portuguese dinner, and take a taxi or Bolt back if your accommodation is outside central Lisbon—the hills are tiring after sunset.

Morning

Take the tram or bus west to Belém, ideally arriving around 9:30 before the district fills with tour groups. Start at Jerónimos Monastery, allowing about 1½ hours for the church and cloisters. The monastery usually opens at 10:00, though schedules can change; entry is roughly €12, and the queue for the cloisters is normally shorter early in the day. From central Lisbon, tram 15E is convenient but can be crowded—bus 727 or a taxi/rideshare is often more comfortable.

Walk a few minutes to Pastéis de Belém for the famous warm custard tarts. Order at the counter and, if there is a line outside, check the spacious interior dining rooms, where service is usually quicker. Two or three tarts with coffee make an easy late breakfast, generally costing €5–12 per person. Continue along the riverside promenade to Padrão dos Descobrimentos, about a 15-minute walk away. Allow 45 minutes to see the monument and, if the weather is clear, take the lift to the viewing platform for broad views over the Tagus and Belém.

Afternoon and Evening

From Padrão dos Descobrimentos, continue west along the waterfront toward Belém Tower, roughly 10–15 minutes on foot. Plan around 45 minutes to admire the Manueline fortress from the outside and explore the riverside paths; interior access can be restricted or involve queues, so the exterior and surrounding promenade are still worthwhile. For lunch, pause at À Margem, a relaxed riverside restaurant near the monument, or choose a lighter meal at Nicolau Lisboa Belém. Expect approximately €15–25 per person, and keep some time afterward for an unhurried walk beside the water.

Finish at MAAT, about a 20-minute walk east from Belém Tower. Its contemporary exhibitions and curved riverside architecture are best enjoyed in the late afternoon, with about 1½ hours inside; admission is usually around €11–15, and the rooftop is particularly good near sunset. Check the museum’s weekly closing day and exhibition hours before leaving—some galleries close earlier than the building. Return to central Lisbon by tram 15E, bus 729, or a taxi, allowing 25–40 minutes depending on traffic.

Morning

Begin in Graça at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, ideally around 9:00. This is one of Lisbon’s finest viewpoints, with a sweeping outlook over the Castelo de São Jorge, the rooftops of Alfama, and the Tagus. Allow about 45 minutes, and arrive by taxi or Bolt if you want to avoid the steep climb; on foot, the walk from central Baixa takes roughly 25–30 minutes uphill. Afterward, walk downhill toward São Vicente—about 10 minutes—to São Vicente de Fora Monastery. Set aside an hour for the quiet cloisters, roof terrace, and remarkable blue-and-white tile panels. Entry is generally around €5–€6, with opening hours commonly from 10:00 to 18:00, though confirm the schedule before setting out.

Midday and Afternoon

Continue a few minutes downhill into Alfama for Feira da Ladra, Lisbon’s historic flea market around Campo de Santa Clara. It is held on Tuesdays and Saturdays, usually from morning until late afternoon, so this date is a good fit. Browse patiently for ceramics, old prints, linens, books, and vintage objects rather than expecting a purely souvenir market; prices are often negotiable, especially toward the end of the day. For lunch, stop at a small tasca nearby and keep it simple—grilled fish, bifana, or soup—before spending about 1½ hours exploring the stalls. Then walk through Alfama’s narrow lanes to the Museu do Fado, roughly 10–15 minutes away. Allow an hour for the exhibits, recordings, and history of fado; admission is usually around €5, and the museum is generally open Tuesday to Sunday from late morning into the early evening. Check the last-entry time, since it is commonly closed on Mondays.

Evening

Stay in Alfama for dinner at Mesa de Frades, a former chapel known for its tiled interior and intimate live fado performances. Reserve well ahead and choose a late seating, around 20:30 or 21:00, as the music is part of the experience rather than background entertainment. Expect approximately €35–€55 per person before extra drinks, with dinner unfolding slowly over several hours. The restaurant is tucked into the lanes near Rua dos Remédios, so use a map and arrive a little early; afterward, walk back through the softly lit neighborhood or take a short taxi or Bolt ride rather than trying to find a tram in the busiest part of Alfama.

Morning

Start at Museu Nacional do Azulejo in Xabregas, arriving close to opening—usually around 10:00, but verify the schedule before setting out. The former convent’s blue-and-white panels, church, and monumental Great Panorama of Lisbon are best enjoyed without rushing; allow about two hours. From central Lisbon, take bus 718 or a short taxi/Bolt ride toward Rua da Madre de Deus. Admission is generally around €8, with reduced fares and occasional schedule changes.

Midday and Afternoon

Walk or take a quick bus or taxi uphill to Mercado de Santa Clara beside Campo de Santa Clara. Give yourself roughly 45 minutes to browse antiques, crafts, and second-hand stalls; the market atmosphere varies by day, so treat it as a relaxed browse rather than a formal shopping stop. Continue a few minutes to the National Pantheon, where the broad dome and rooftop terrace provide a different perspective over the Tagus and eastern Lisbon. Allow about an hour, and check the day’s opening hours—entry is typically around €4–€5. Wear comfortable shoes: the surrounding streets are steep and cobbled.

Late afternoon is for an unhurried walk along Rua dos Remédios in Alfama, following its tiled façades, small groceries, and residential lanes toward the river. This is a good time to pause at a neighborhood kiosk for a coffee or soft drink rather than adding another major attraction. For dinner, reserve at O Velho Eurico in Mouraria, a lively local favorite serving inventive takes on Portuguese comfort food. Expect approximately €25–40 per person before drinks; reservations are strongly advisable, and the compact dining room can fill quickly. Take a taxi or Bolt from Alfama, or walk downhill if you still have energy.

Morning

Start at Parque Eduardo VII, entering from the Marquês de Pombal end and walking uphill toward the formal gardens and terrace viewpoint. Allow about an hour for the landscaped paths and the broad view down Avenida da Liberdade toward the Tagus. The park is always accessible and is especially pleasant before the afternoon heat; the pavement can be uneven, so comfortable shoes help. From the upper terrace, walk or take the metro from Marquês de Pombal to São Sebastião—the journey takes roughly 10 minutes—to reach the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian.

Spend around two hours at the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian, one of Lisbon’s most rewarding collections, ranging from Egyptian and Greco-Roman pieces to Islamic art, European painting, and decorative arts. Check the museum’s 2026 opening schedule before visiting, as weekly closures and temporary exhibitions can affect admission; budget approximately €10–15. The surrounding gardens are worth a brief pause, but keep your main focus on the galleries before lunch.

Lunch and Afternoon

For lunch, head to the El Corte Inglés Gourmet Experience inside El Corte Inglés at São Sebastião. The food counters are informal and give you a useful elevated view over the city; allow roughly €15–30 per person. It is a practical stop rather than a long restaurant meal, and arriving slightly before 13:00 makes it easier to find a table. Afterward, return toward Parque Eduardo VII for Estufa Fria, the cool, atmospheric greenhouse tucked into the hillside. Allow about an hour to follow the shaded paths among tropical, subtropical, and cacti collections. Admission is generally modest—around €3–5—but verify the current hours, since the greenhouse may close on one weekday or for maintenance.

Evening

Finish with an unhurried walk along Avenida da Liberdade, heading downhill from the Marquês de Pombal area toward Restauradores and Rossio. The patterned calçada pavements, plane trees, fountains, and grand hotels make this particularly attractive as the lights come on. Allow about an hour, stopping for coffee or a drink at one of the boulevard’s terraces rather than trying to add another major sight. From Restauradores, you can easily continue by metro, taxi, or Bolt to your accommodation; Lisbon’s central evening traffic can be slow, so allow 15–25 minutes for a short car journey.

Morning

Start around 10:00 at LX Factory, reached easily from central Lisbon by tram 15E, bus 714, or a short Bolt ride to Rua Rodrigues de Faria. This former industrial complex is best explored slowly: browse the independent design shops, look for changing murals, and take time with the creative studios and bookshops. Allow about two hours; many businesses open later than the cafés, so begin with coffee if you arrive before the shops are fully active. The complex is free to enter, though individual shops and exhibitions set their own prices.

Lunch

Stay at LX Factory for the Village Food Market, where independent vendors make an easy, informal lunch without requiring a long restaurant stop. Budget around €15–25 per person, and expect a lively atmosphere around midday. After eating, walk or take a short bus or Bolt ride through Alcântara to the Museu do Oriente. Allow roughly 1½ hours for its Portuguese-Asian art and history collections; check the museum’s October opening hours before setting out, as weekly closures and late-opening days can vary. Admission is generally around €8–10, with discounts available.

Afternoon and Evening

Continue to Docas de Santo Amaro for a relaxed late-afternoon walk beneath the 25 de Abril Bridge. The marina promenade is particularly pleasant as the light softens, with cafés and restaurants facing the water; allow about an hour and avoid lingering directly on the cycle lane. From the docks, it is roughly 20–25 minutes by tram, train, or Bolt to Cais do Sodré. Finish at Pensão Amor, a theatrical former brothel turned cocktail bar on Rua do Alecrim. Expect €12–18 per drink, dim interiors, and a livelier crowd later in the evening; arriving around 19:00–20:00 usually gives you a better chance of getting a seat before the bar fills.

Arrival and Late Afternoon

After the long journey from Lisbon, keep your first Brussels afternoon deliberately easy. Check in, drop your bags, and make your way toward the Grand-Place—by train from Brussels-Midi, it is about 10 minutes on foot, or one short metro ride to De Brouckère followed by a few minutes’ walk. Arrive in the late afternoon, when the surrounding streets begin to glow and the square is especially atmospheric. Spend about an hour taking in the ornate Brussels Town Hall, Maison du Roi, and the historic guildhalls; the square is free, though the Brussels City Museum inside Maison du Roi costs roughly €10 if you want an indoor visit. Keep an eye on your belongings in the busiest lanes around the square.

Evening Stroll

From the Grand-Place, walk two minutes through Rue de la Colline to the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert. Wander beneath the glass roof through the Galerie de la Reine, Galerie du Roi, and Galerie des Princes, pausing at the chocolate and pastry shops rather than treating the arcade as only a shopping stop. Most boutiques generally close around 19:00, while cafés and restaurants may stay open later, so this is best done before dinner. For a small sweet break, Neuhaus Galerie de la Reine is a classic choice, with pralines typically costing about €8–15 for a small box.

Dinner

Continue toward Saint-Géry, roughly 10 minutes on foot via Rue de l’Écuyer and Rue de Flandre, for dinner at Chez Léon. Settle in for the Brussels classic of moules-frites; expect around €25–40 per person before drinks. Order a traditional pot of mussels if available, though the restaurant also has alternatives for anyone not eating seafood. Afterward, take a relaxed walk around Place Saint-Géry and the nearby lanes, then return to your hotel rather than adding another major sight—tomorrow will be a better time to explore Brussels properly.

Morning

Begin around 9:00 at Mont des Arts, when the gardens are quiet and the view toward the lower city is at its clearest. Walk slowly through the terraces and sculpture-lined paths, allowing about 45 minutes for photographs and the skyline. From here, it is a short uphill walk to the Royal Quarter and the Magritte Museum. The museum generally opens at 10:00; allow 1½ hours for René Magritte’s surrealist paintings, with admission usually around €10–15. Reserve a timed ticket if available, especially for a Sunday visit, and check the museum’s current hours before leaving your hotel.

Walk downhill toward Place du Sablon, roughly 10–15 minutes via the pleasant streets around Rue de la Régence. Pause in the square to browse its antiques dealers and admire the surrounding historic façades; on Sundays, the area may also have its well-known antiques market, though stall numbers vary. For lunch, choose a simple table at Les Petits Oignons or Au Vieux Saint Martin, both convenient for Belgian dishes and a relaxed midday meal, typically €20–35 per person.

Afternoon and Evening

After lunch, spend about 45 minutes inside Église Notre-Dame du Sablon, one of Brussels’ finest late-Gothic interiors, known for its stained glass and ornate detail. Then stop at Pierre Marcolini on the square for a small selection of pralines or a hot chocolate. A tasting usually costs around €8–20, and this is a good place to buy a compact gift box rather than carrying chocolate around all day. Keep the rest of the afternoon unhurried in Sablon, where the side streets and design shops are more enjoyable than trying to add another major sight.

In the early evening, walk or take tram 92/93 toward the city centre, then finish at Delirium Café near Impasse de la Fidélité. It is touristy but fun for the enormous beer list; expect roughly €8–15 per drink, with Belgian beers often served in smaller tasting-friendly portions. Go before about 19:00 if you prefer a seat and a calmer atmosphere, and keep an eye on your belongings in the crowded lanes around the café.

Morning and Arrival

Take the morning Eurostar from Brussels-Midi to Amsterdam Centraal, aiming for an 08:00–09:00 departure so you arrive before noon. Allow time for station security and keep your passport or ID ready; Amsterdam Centraal is right in the historic center, making arrival straightforward. After collecting your bags, take a short tram, taxi, or walk to your hotel to leave luggage—formal check-in may not be available yet. From the station, trams and buses use contactless payment, while a taxi is useful if you have larger bags.

Afternoon

Begin your first look at Amsterdam in Dam Square, about a 10-minute walk from the station. Allow 45 minutes to orient yourself among the Royal Palace, the Nieuwe Kerk, and the National Monument, but be aware that the square is busy and pickpockets target distracted visitors. From Dam Square, walk south-west through the Spui area to the Begijnhof, a peaceful enclosed courtyard reached through an unassuming entrance. Spend around 45 minutes here, keeping voices low—the historic houses include private residences, and the small chapel may have limited visiting hours. Entry is free, though opening access can vary.

Evening

Continue west into De Negen Straatjes, where nine compact lanes cross the canals between Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht. This is a good late-afternoon-to-evening wander: browse independent clothing, design, vintage, and specialty shops, many of which generally close around 18:00 or 19:00, then enjoy the canal lights as the area becomes quieter. Finish at De Belhamel, on the Jordaan edge, for dinner beside the water. Reserve ahead if possible; expect approximately €35–55 per person before drinks. It is a relaxed first-night choice, so linger over dinner rather than trying to add another major sight.

Morning

Start with the Rijksmuseum at opening time, ideally around 9:00. Reserve a timed ticket in advance—admission is generally around €25—and allow about 2½ hours for the highlights, including Rembrandt’s The Night Watch, Vermeer’s intimate interiors, and the beautifully restored Gallery of Honour. The museum is large, so avoid trying to see everything; use the free Rijksmuseum app or a self-guided route. From Amsterdam Centraal, take tram 2 or 12 toward the Museumplein area, or cycle for roughly 15 minutes.

Midday

After the museum, stay in Museumplein for an easy 45-minute break. The open lawns are ideal for a coffee and a little people-watching, especially if the weather is clear. Pick up something casual from Le Pain Quotidien Museumplein or a nearby café rather than committing to a long lunch, since your next timed visit is best kept on schedule. The Van Gogh Museum is only a few minutes away on foot; tickets are usually around €25 and must be booked for a specific entry time. Allow about two hours to follow Van Gogh’s development from his early Dutch work through the brighter paintings of his French period.

Late Afternoon and Evening

Walk or take tram 3 toward Albert Cuyp Market in De Pijp, allowing roughly 15–20 minutes from Museumplein. The market generally runs until around 17:00 on most days, so aim to arrive no later than 15:30–16:00; browse the stalls for stroopwafels, herring, Dutch cheese, and fresh produce, allowing about 1½ hours. Finish at Bakers & Roasters in De Pijp for a generous brunch-style dinner, usually around €18–30 per person. The portions are substantial, and the café can be busy, so expect a short wait or check whether reservations are available. From here, your accommodation is easiest to reach by tram, metro, or a 10–20-minute bicycle ride depending on its location.

Morning

Reserve a timed entry for the Anne Frank House well in advance—the museum generally opens from around 9:00, with tickets commonly costing about €16 for adults. Arrive 10–15 minutes early at Prinsengracht 263–267; bags larger than a small handbag are not permitted, and the experience involves steep, narrow stairs. Allow roughly 1½ hours and take your time afterward before continuing through the quieter canal streets of the Jordaan. The museum is emotionally demanding, so avoid planning anything rushed immediately afterward.

Walk a few minutes along Prinsengracht to Westerkerk, the landmark church beside the museum. If open, spend about 30 minutes inside admiring the light-filled nave and organ; church access is usually free, though opening hours can vary. The tower climb is a separate, guided visit and may require a ticket, but it is not necessary today. Continue north through the Jordaan to Noordermarkt, where the atmosphere is especially lively on market days—typically Saturday and Monday mornings. Browse the produce, cheese, bread, and specialty stalls for about an hour; bring some cash, although many vendors accept cards.

Afternoon

From Noordermarkt, stroll south along Prinsengracht toward the Woonbootmuseum, a compact museum inside the former houseboat Hendrika Maria. The walk takes around 15 minutes, and the museum visit lasts about 45 minutes. Admission is usually approximately €5–€6, with opening hours often running from late morning into the afternoon; check the official schedule before setting out, as it can close on certain weekdays. Inside, you get a charmingly practical look at what canal living is really like—small rooms, clever storage, and a very different perspective on Amsterdam’s waterways.

Evening

Finish back in the Jordaan at Café de Prins, beside the canal on Prinsengracht. It is a good choice for a relaxed Dutch dinner rather than a formal evening: expect dishes such as stamppot, schnitzel, fish, or hearty seasonal specials, with dinner generally around €25–40 per person before drinks. Arrive around 18:30–19:00 for a better chance of getting a canal-side table, or reserve if you want to eat at a specific time. Afterward, take an unhurried walk along Prinsengracht and the neighboring canals; the Jordaan is particularly atmospheric after the daytime crowds thin out.

Morning

Start around 9:30 at NEMO Science Museum in Oosterdok, arriving close to opening so you can enjoy the hands-on galleries before school groups become more noticeable. Allow about two hours for the interactive exhibits, demonstrations, and the building’s distinctive sloping rooftop; general admission is usually around €20–22, and timed tickets are sensible for October. From Amsterdam Centraal, walk east along the waterfront in roughly 15 minutes, or take a short bus ride toward Kattenburgerstraat.

Midday

Walk a few minutes to the National Maritime Museum, housed in the former naval arsenal at Kattenburgerplein. Spend about two hours with the ship models, navigational instruments, and exhibitions explaining the Netherlands’ trading and naval history; the replica ship outside is particularly worthwhile. Tickets are generally around €18–20, with opening hours commonly beginning at 10:00—check the museum’s calendar before going. For lunch, use the museum café or choose a simple sandwich and coffee nearby rather than making a long detour.

Afternoon

Continue west through Oosterdok to the OBA Library on Oosterdokskade, about 15 minutes on foot. The library is free to enter, and its upper-level terrace is a relaxed place for a 45-minute break with broad views over the historic center and harbor. Afterward, take the free ferry from the rear of Amsterdam Centraal to Buiksloterweg—the crossing takes only a few minutes—and walk to A’DAM Lookout. Allow about 1½ hours for the observation deck, sunset views, and, if you are feeling adventurous, the rooftop swing; admission is usually around €18–25 depending on the ticket, with advance booking useful near sunset.

Evening

From A’DAM Lookout, take the free ferry to NDSM Wharf. The short crossing brings you into a former shipyard now filled with studios, street art, and industrial waterfront spaces. Have dinner at Pllek, a popular creative venue built from shipping containers, where you can expect roughly €20–35 per person for a main meal and drinks. It is atmospheric after dark, but bring a light jacket—the open waterfront is noticeably cooler and windier than the city center. Check the ferry timetable for your return, as services become less frequent later in the evening.

Morning

Start around 9:30 in Plantage at Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam, one of the city’s most peaceful places for a final full day. Allow about 1½ hours for the historic medicinal garden, palm house, and tropical greenhouses; admission is usually around €13–15, and opening is commonly from 10:00, so check the exact October schedule and reserve if available. Walk from Amsterdam Centraal in roughly 20 minutes, or take tram 14 toward Plantage Middenlaan. Afterward, stay in the neighborhood and continue to ARTIS, entering around 11:30. Allow roughly 2½ hours for the zoo grounds, aquarium, and shaded paths; tickets are often about €25–30 when booked online. The area is especially pleasant at midday, with cafés and quiet residential streets around Plantage Kerklaan.

Afternoon Exploring

Have a light lunch near ARTIS—Café-Restaurant De Plantage is convenient, though you will return there for dinner, so De Polder near Science Park or a simple café along Plantage Middenlaan can provide a change of scene. Then visit Micropia, directly beside ARTIS, for about 1½ hours. This compact museum makes bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms surprisingly engaging through microscopes and interactive displays; tickets are generally around €17–18, and online booking is sensible during school holidays. From there, walk or take tram 14 toward Waterlooplein—about 15 minutes—to Hermitage Amsterdam on the Amstel. Allow around 1½ hours for the rotating exhibition; ticket prices vary by show, commonly around €20–25. Check the exhibition schedule before going, as opening hours and displays change.

Evening

Finish with dinner at De Plantage, a spacious garden-style restaurant beside ARTIS. Its glass-walled setting is atmospheric in October, especially as the lights come on, and the menu usually suits both a relaxed early dinner and a longer final evening; expect roughly €30–50 per person before drinks. Reserve ahead, particularly for a table between 18:30 and 20:00. From Hermitage Amsterdam, it is an easy 10-minute walk back through Plantage, or you can take tram 14 for one or two stops. Keep the evening unhurried: this part of Amsterdam is quieter than the canal belt, and a short walk along the Amstel after dinner is a pleasant way to close the trip.

Morning

Make Muiderslot your final-day escape from Amsterdam, leaving around 9:00 from Amsterdam Centraal. The simplest public-transport route is usually the train to Weesp, followed by bus 110 toward Muiden; allow roughly 45–60 minutes each way. Check the castle’s October opening hours and reserve tickets if available—adult admission is commonly around €20–25. Give yourself about two hours inside the castle to explore the medieval rooms, towers, moat, and gardens. October weather can be breezy and damp, so wear shoes suitable for uneven paths; a taxi from Weesp is a useful fallback if bus connections are inconvenient.

Lunch and Afternoon

Walk from Muiderslot into Muiden harbour, a pleasant 10-minute stroll along the water. Have lunch at Brasserie Gieling or another waterfront restaurant around the marina, budgeting approximately €20–35 per person, then spend an hour wandering past the historic locks, small boats, and canal-side houses. Return to Amsterdam in the early afternoon, aiming to reach the city by about 15:30. For your Amsterdam Canal Cruise, choose a departure from the central canal ring around 16:00; the 1½-hour ride is particularly atmospheric in October, when the low afternoon light catches the bridges. Prices generally range from €18–30, and booking ahead is sensible for a preferred departure time.

Evening

Head west to Foodhallen in Oud-West for an easy, informal dinner. From the canal-cruise area, a tram or short taxi ride usually takes 15–25 minutes. The indoor market has numerous independent counters, so everyone can choose something different; allow €20–35 per person, and expect it to be lively from around 18:00 onward. After eating, walk through nearby Vondelpark for a relaxed final hour. Enter near the Overtoom side and follow the paths toward the ponds and open lawns; sunset comes relatively early in October, so check the day’s sunset time and bring a light jacket.