9-Day Belgium and Amsterdam Tulip Season Itinerary

Arrival and Getting into the Centre

After landing at Brussels Airport, follow the signs for the airport railway station beneath the terminal. The direct train to Brussels-Central takes about 20 minutes and usually runs several times an hour; allow roughly 30–45 minutes in total for baggage, tickets and finding your platform. A standard ticket is around €10–13. From Brussels-Central, your hotel in the historic centre is generally walkable, though a taxi is worthwhile if you have large luggage. Keep the first afternoon gentle—April weather can be cool and showery.

Once settled, walk to Grand-Place, the city’s essential first view. Spend about 45 minutes looking closely at the gilded guildhalls and ornate Brussels Town Hall; late afternoon light is particularly attractive here. Continue through the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, an elegant covered arcade of chocolatiers, cafés and boutiques. It is free to enter and makes a useful rainproof wander, although individual shops generally close around 6:30–7:00pm. For a small local treat, this is a good place to pause for coffee or a chocolate tasting rather than buying everything immediately—there will be plenty of opportunities later.

Evening

From the galleries, walk about five minutes through the old lanes to Manneken Pis. The statue itself takes only a few minutes to see, and the surrounding streets are busy, so treat it as a quick stop rather than a major attraction. Continue to Chez Léon, close to Grand-Place, for your first Belgian dinner. Order the moules-frites if mussels are in season, or choose a traditional beef or chicken dish if you prefer; budget around €25–40 per person. It is a popular, lively restaurant, so arriving around 6:00–6:30pm is easier than dining at peak time. After dinner, take one unhurried loop back around Grand-Place—the illuminated façades are often more memorable at night than during the day.

Morning

Arrive in Bruges in the morning and walk from the station into the historic centre, allowing roughly 20 minutes. Start at Bruges Markt, where the stepped-gable buildings and horse-drawn carriages make the city feel wonderfully theatrical before the busiest crowds arrive. Spend around 45 minutes looking around the square, then climb the Belfry of Bruges if tickets are available and you feel up to the 366-step ascent. Entry is usually around €15, and the climb takes about an hour including the narrow stairways and viewing time; arrive early, as entry is capacity-controlled. From the Markt, it is only a few minutes on foot to Burg Square and the Basilica of the Holy Blood, a small, richly decorated church that takes about 30 minutes to visit. The basilica is generally free, though donations are welcome; check the service schedule and dress respectfully.

Afternoon

Continue on foot toward Rozenhoedkaai, one of Bruges’ most photogenic canal corners. It is only about a five-minute walk from Burg Square, but linger here rather than rushing through—the best reflections are often visible from the nearby bridge and canal railings. For lunch and a slower-paced afternoon, walk around 10 minutes to De Halve Maan Brewery, a long-established brewery in the centre. Book the guided tour in advance if you want the full behind-the-scenes experience; tours typically last 45 minutes to an hour and cost roughly €16–20, often with a tasting included. Even without a tour, the brewery restaurant is a convenient place for a Belgian beer and a substantial meal, usually around €20–30 per person. Afterward, leave time to wander the quieter lanes around Walplein and Begijnhof before dinner.

Evening

Have your traditional Flemish dinner at De Vlaamsche Pot, near the centre, where dishes such as Flemish stew, carbonnade flamande and seasonal Belgian specialities are typically around €25–40 per person. Reserve a table, particularly for Friday and Saturday evenings, and expect dinner to be leisurely rather than rushed. Afterward, take a gentle walk back through the illuminated streets around Markt and the canals; Bruges is at its most atmospheric once the day-trippers have left. If you return to Bruges station tonight, allow about 20 minutes on foot from the restaurant and check the final SNCB/NMBS train times in advance.

Morning

After arriving at Gent-Sint-Pieters, take tram 1 toward the centre or a short taxi ride to Gravensteen; allow about 20–25 minutes door to door. Start here around 9:30am, before the main tour groups arrive. This unusually intact medieval castle is best explored slowly—climb the towers for rooftop views, then follow the atmospheric ramparts and exhibits inside. Entry is roughly €13–15, and the visit takes about 1½ hours. From the castle, walk 10 minutes through the old centre to St. Bavo’s Cathedral, open hours varying by season; allow about an hour to see the famous Ghent Altarpiece, which normally requires a separate timed ticket of around €5–12.

Late Morning and Afternoon

Walk a few minutes to Het Belfort van Gent on Sint-Baafsplein. The belfry tower takes roughly an hour, including the lift and stair sections, and its views are especially good for understanding Ghent’s compact medieval layout; admission is generally around €11. Afterward, take a relaxed walk toward Graslei and Korenlei, the prettiest stretch of the Leie waterfront. The former guild houses are lovely in the changing light, and this is a good place to pause for coffee or a light lunch at one of the waterside cafés—expect about €10–20 for a simple meal. Avoid lingering too long at the busiest terraces if the weather is cool; the best views are often from the opposite bank or from the small bridges.

Evening

Continue on foot into Patershol, a maze of narrow medieval lanes just beyond the waterfront. It is a good area to wander without a fixed route, with cobbled alleys, small galleries and old brick façades that feel more residential than the main sights. For dinner, choose a well-reviewed Flemish restaurant or intimate café here—’t Klaverblad, De Graslei, or Mémé Gusta are dependable styles of choice, though reservations are wise for Friday and Saturday evenings. Allow €25–45 per person for a main meal and a drink, and try a local dish such as Gentse waterzooi or a Flemish stew. After dinner, walk back toward the centre for the illuminated quays; Ghent is particularly atmospheric after the day-trippers have left.

Morning: Arrive and settle into the centre

Take a morning international train from Ghent via Brussels to Amsterdam Centraal, allowing around 2½–3 hours overall. Aim to leave around 7:00–8:00am so you reach Amsterdam before lunch. From the station, use the tram, metro, or a short taxi ride to your hotel; if you are staying centrally, it is usually easier to leave large luggage at reception rather than carry it over the cobbles. After checking in or dropping your bags, walk west along Damrak to Dam Square. Allow about 45 minutes to take in the square and the exterior of the Royal Palace, originally built as Amsterdam’s city hall. The palace is generally open to visitors on selected days, but opening dates and admission—usually around €12–15—vary, so check the official calendar if you want to go inside.

Afternoon: Quiet courtyards and canal-side browsing

From Dam Square, walk about 10 minutes to Begijnhof, tucked behind an unassuming entrance near Spui. This enclosed medieval courtyard is still a residential space, so keep voices low and avoid photographing homes; it is a lovely pause from the busy centre and takes around 30 minutes. Continue south-west into De 9 Straatjes, the picturesque group of small streets linking the main canals. Spend the next hour or two browsing independent fashion, vintage, homeware, and design shops, with a coffee stop whenever something catches your eye. Most shops open around 10:00 or 11:00am and many close by 6:00pm, so this is better done in the afternoon than after dinner. For a relaxed lunch, look for a café along Wolvenstraat or Hartenstraat, rather than the more touristy restaurants around the square.

Evening: Apple pie and your first canal walk

Walk or take a short tram ride towards the Jordaan edge for Café Papeneiland, one of the city’s old brown cafés. Order the traditional apple pie with coffee; allow roughly €8–15 per person, and note that it is a small historic café rather than a full dinner destination. Afterward, follow the Singel canal south and then back toward the central canal belt for an easy evening stroll. The bridges and house façades are especially atmospheric as the lights come on, and this is a good way to get your bearings without committing to a long canal cruise on your first night. Amsterdam’s centre is compact, but watch for bicycles at every crossing—stay on the pavement and never pause in the red cycle lanes.

Morning

Book a timed entry at Van Gogh Museum for around 9:00am and arrive 10–15 minutes early; tickets are usually about €25, and the museum is generally open from 9:00am, with hours varying by season. Allow roughly 2½ hours for the main collection, including the self-portraits, sunflowers, and the chronological galleries showing how Van Gogh’s style developed. Keep your ticket confirmation ready on your phone—entry is strictly timed, and large bags must be left in the free lockers.

After a short coffee break around Museumplein, continue to Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, directly across the square. Give yourself about two hours for its modern and contemporary collection, particularly if you enjoy design, photography, and bold post-war art. Combined with the morning museum, this is a substantial art day, so don’t feel obliged to see every gallery. A practical lunch option is Café Wildschut on the edge of De Pijp, where you can sit down properly before the afternoon walk; expect around €15–25 per person for a casual meal.

Afternoon and Evening

Walk through Vondelpark from its Museumplein side, taking an unhurried loop past the ponds and open lawns toward the park’s cafés. Allow about an hour, or longer if the weather is pleasant. From the southern end, continue into De Pijp—roughly 15–20 minutes on foot—or take tram 3 or 12 if your legs need a rest. Spend the late afternoon browsing Albert Cuyp Market, which typically runs Monday to Saturday until around 5:00pm. Try a warm stroopwafel, pick up cheese or spices, and browse the small clothing and household stalls; go before closing, when some food vendors begin packing up.

For dinner, take tram 4 or 12 toward the Jordaan and reserve a table at Moeders, a cosy restaurant decorated with old photographs of mothers. It specialises in comforting Dutch home cooking such as stamppot and stews, with mains generally contributing to a total of about €30–45 per person. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for an April evening. Walk through the quieter Jordaan streets afterward rather than adding another major attraction—the canals and softly lit house fronts are a pleasant finish to a full museum day.

Morning

Book the Rijksmuseum for the first entry slot, ideally around 9:00am, and arrive 15 minutes early. Allow about three hours: the highlights include Rembrandt’s The Night Watch, Vermeer’s The Milkmaid and The Little Street, plus the beautifully presented Dutch Golden Age galleries. Tickets are usually around €25, and the museum generally opens from 9:00am; reserve online because April slots can fill quickly. Afterward, take a relaxed half-hour wander through Museumplein, enjoying the open lawns and grand cultural buildings rather than rushing straight to the next stop.

Afternoon

Walk or take tram 3 or 12 south toward De Pijp—roughly 15–20 minutes depending on where you leave the square. Spend about an hour browsing its independent boutiques and quieter side streets; it is a good area for an unplanned coffee or small shop discovery. Continue north toward Blue Amsterdam, reached in about 15 minutes by tram or 20 minutes on foot via the canal streets. The glass-walled café sits above the Muntplein area and is a pleasant place for lunch or coffee, with broad views over the rooftops and canals. Budget approximately €15–30 per person; check its current opening hours before setting out, as they can vary.

Late Afternoon and Evening

From Muntplein, walk a few minutes to your pre-booked Amsterdam canal cruise departure point. Choose a late-afternoon sailing of about 90 minutes, when the light softens and the canal houses are particularly photogenic. Confirm the exact pier with your operator—departure locations vary—and bring a light layer, as the open sections of the boat can feel cool even in April. After the cruise, take tram 17 or 13 toward Foodhallen in Oud-West, or walk for around 25 minutes. This indoor food hall is ideal for an easy dinner: browse the stalls first, then choose anything from Indonesian bites and burgers to seafood or vegetarian dishes. Allow €15–30 per person, and go slightly before the main dinner rush if you want a table without waiting.

Morning

Start with your timed visit to the Anne Frank House, ideally between 9:00 and 10:00am. Tickets are released through the official museum website and are strictly timed, so arrive about 15 minutes early; allow roughly 1½ hours, and note that the historic annex involves narrow, steep staircases with no lift. Afterward, take a quiet moment at nearby Westerkerk, the landmark church beside the museum. The church’s interior usually opens later in the morning and may have a modest entry fee of around €4–6; if it is closed, its distinctive tower and lively square are still worth seeing from outside.

Afternoon Exploring

Spend the late morning and early afternoon wandering through the Jordaan, where the best experience is unhurried: turn down the smaller lanes, look for hidden courtyards, and browse independent galleries and boutiques along Elandsgracht, Wolvenstraat, and Hazenstraat. Stop for coffee or a light lunch wherever a terrace appeals rather than scheduling another major attraction. Continue north to Noorderkerk and Noordermarkt, about 15–20 minutes on foot from the Anne Frank House. The church is generally open for limited daytime visiting and occasional events, while the square is especially atmospheric on market days; check the church calendar before relying on entry. From here, it is an easy stroll back through the western canal belt.

Evening

For dinner, settle into Café de Reiger, a classic neighbourhood restaurant on Nieuwe Leliestraat. Expect traditional Dutch and European comfort food, a relaxed local atmosphere, and approximately €30–45 per person before drinks. Reserve ahead if possible, particularly for a table around 6:30–7:00pm, as the dining room is small. After dinner, walk back toward the canals rather than taking transport—the Jordaan is particularly beautiful after the tour groups have gone, with warm window light reflecting across the water.

Morning

Leave Amsterdam Centraal around 7:30–8:00am and take the metro or tram to Amsterdam RAI, then the seasonal Keukenhof bus to Lisse. The combined ticket usually includes transport and timed garden entry—roughly €35–45—and the journey from central Amsterdam takes about 1–1½ hours door to door. Reserve through the official Keukenhof website, since April weekends and sunny days sell out quickly. Spend the late morning among the tulip beds, landscaped paths, ponds, and pavilions; allow around four hours rather than trying to rush every section.

Afternoon

Give about an hour to the indoor flower shows and themed plant displays at Keukenhof, which are especially useful if the weather turns cool or showery. Afterwards, walk or rent a bicycle near the gardens for a gentle loop through the Lisse bulb fields. Stay on marked roads and respect private farmland—these are working fields, not public parks—and avoid walking between the rows. The flowers usually look their best from mid-April onward, but exact bloom timing varies with the weather. Return on the seasonal bus in the mid-afternoon, allowing extra time for queues.

Evening

Back in central Amsterdam, head to de Bijenkorf on Dam Square for the official Miffy Store section and browse for plush toys, stationery, clothing, and gifts; allow about 45 minutes. Check the department store’s current closing time, as it is commonly open into the evening but hours can vary. From Dam Square, walk roughly 15 minutes along Rokin and the Amstel to Café de Jaren, a relaxed spot for dinner or drinks beside the water. Budget around €20–35 per person, and ask for a table near the canal or upstairs if available.

Morning

Take an early NS train from Amsterdam Centraal to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans, ideally around 8:00am. The train takes about 17 minutes, followed by a clearly signed 15-minute walk; allow roughly 40 minutes door to door. Start with Zaanse Schans before the tour buses arrive, wandering among the green wooden houses, small bridges, craft workshops, and waterway. The outdoor village is free to enter, though individual museums and windmills charge separately. Allow about three hours, and bring a light rain jacket—the open polder landscape can feel chilly even in April.

Choose one working windmill, such as De Kat or De Bonte Hen, depending on which is operating that day. Entry is usually around €5–8, with opening times commonly from about 9:00am or 10:00am to late afternoon, but check the official Zaanse Schans website before travelling. A mill visit takes around 45 minutes and is much more worthwhile than trying to enter several; you’ll see the machinery working and get a good sense of how wind power shaped Dutch industry.

Afternoon

Return by train to Zaandam and spend about 45 minutes around the town centre, where the striking Inntel Hotel Zaandam looks like a stack of brightly painted traditional houses. The surrounding modern wooden architecture is deliberately playful and makes for excellent photographs. For lunch, you can eat here or continue back toward Amsterdam Centraal for a relaxed meal at Hannekes Boom, a colourful waterfront café near the station. Expect roughly €15–30 per person; it is casual, atmospheric, and a good place to linger over drinks rather than rush through a formal meal. Check its 2027 opening hours before setting out, as seasonal schedules can change.

Evening

Finish with a respectful 45-minute walk along Oudezijds Achterburgwal in De Wallen, one of Amsterdam’s oldest canal areas. Come in the early evening while the historic façades and bridges are still easy to appreciate, and remember that this is a lived-in neighbourhood: do not photograph sex workers, doorways, or private homes, and keep voices low. From Hannekes Boom, walk back toward Amsterdam Centraal and cross into the old centre; the canal district is then about 10–15 minutes away. This makes an easy final evening without committing to another major attraction—stop for a drink or Indonesian dinner nearby, then return to your hotel to prepare for tomorrow’s airport journey.

Morning: Get to Schiphol

Allow at least three hours before your international flight to leave Amsterdam. From Amsterdam Centraal, take a direct NS train to Schiphol Airport; the journey is usually around 15–20 minutes, with trains running frequently. If you are starting in Zaandam, allow about 12–15 minutes to Amsterdam Centraal, plus a comfortable buffer for changing platforms and handling luggage. Buy an ordinary one-way ticket through the NS app or use a contactless bank card, and check the departure board before boarding—the airport station is directly beneath the terminal.

Schiphol Airport

At Schiphol Airport, follow the signs for your airline’s check-in area and allow extra time if you need to drop luggage. After security, complete any tax-free shopping before heading to the gate; keep receipts, goods, passport, and boarding pass accessible, as customs validation may be required depending on the retailer and refund process. For a final Dutch snack, look for a stroopwafel, cheese, or a quick coffee in the departures area. Schiphol is large, so check the gate screens regularly and allow 20–30 minutes to walk from the central shopping area to some departure piers.