A 4-Day City Experience Itinerary in Brussels and Netherlands

  1. Day 1: Exploring Brussels
    Starting point: Brussels International Airport
    09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    Grand Place

    Start your day at the heart of Brussels. Grand Place has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998. Admire the stunning architecture of guildhalls and townhouses. The square is also home to a collection of museums that exhibit the city's history.

    12:00 PM - 02:00 PM
    Manneken Pis

    From Grand Place, it's a quick walk to Manneken Pis, another popular landmark. The small bronze statue has become a symbol of Brussels' rebellious spirit and sense of humor.

    02:00 PM - 05:00 PM
    Atomium

    Make your way to the Atomium and enjoy the panoramic views of the city's skyline. Inside the building, there are several exhibitions dedicated to science, technology, and art.

    05:00 PM - onwards
    Delirium Café

    End your day with a visit to Delirium Café, known for its large selection of Belgian beers. The bar offers more than 2,000 types of beer from around the world.

    Estimated time and distance traveled: 8 hours
  2. Day 2: Rotterdam
    Starting point: Brussels Central Station
    09:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    Euromast

    Start your day in Rotterdam by taking a panoramic elevator to the top of the Euromast for beautiful city views. Enjoy a sumptuous buffet breakfast with croissants, eggs, and fresh fruit.

    11:00 AM - 02:00 PM
    Markthal

    Next, head to the indoor market hall Markthal to enjoy more food offerings. The market offers more than 100 food vendors selling everything from local cheese to exotic spices.

    02:00 PM - 05:00 PM
    River Cruise

    Take a relaxing boat ride along the Nieuwe Maas river while admiring the city's modern architecture. During the 75-minute cruise, listen to the audio guide, or relax and enjoy the scenery.

    05:00 PM - onwards
    Lijnbaan

    End your day with a stroll down Lijnbaan, the first pedestrian shopping street in the Netherlands. You'll find a mix of high-end and affordable shops along with cafes and restaurants.

    Estimated time and distance traveled: 8 hours
  3. Day 3: Amsterdam
    Starting point: Rotterdam Central Station
    09:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    Anne Frank House

    Start your day in Amsterdam at the Anne Frank House. The museum tells the story of Anne Frank, her family, and the hiding place where they lived during World War II.

    11:00 AM - 02:00 PM
    Rijksmuseum

    Visit the Rijksmuseum, home to some of the most famous Dutch masterpieces in the world from artists like Rembrandt and Vermeer.

    02:00 PM - 05:00 PM
    Jordaan District

    Take a break from museums and head to the Jordaan district for a leisurely walk. Explore hidden courtyards and canals, and check out local cafes, independent shops, and galleries.

    05:00 PM - onwards
    Red Light District

    End the day with a visit to Amsterdam's infamous Red Light District. Enjoy a meal, stroll through the streets, or visit the Prostitution Information Center to learn more about the history and culture.

    Estimated time and distance traveled: 8 hours
  4. Day 4: Bruges
    Starting point: Amsterdam Central Station
    09:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    Historic Center of Bruges

    Take a train from Amsterdam to Bruges and head straight to the historic center. Recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the city is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and charming canals.

    11:00 AM - 02:00 PM
    Belfry of Bruges

    Visit the iconic Belfry of Bruges, a medieval bell tower that is part of the city's famous market square. Climb the 366 stairs to the top for panoramas of the city.

    02:00 PM - 05:00 PM
    Choco-Story Museum

    Next, head to the Choco-Story museum to learn about the history of chocolate-making in Belgium. You'll get a chance to taste some samples and see cocoa processing demonstrations.

    05:00 PM - onwards
    Rooftop Bars

    End the day with a drink at one of Bruges' rooftop bars. Head to the Bovingdienst bar for a bird's eye view of the historic center with wine, cocktails, and snacks.

    Estimated time and distance traveled: 8 hours

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Atomium admission (2 hours, €15)
  • Markthal food tasting (3 hours, €20)
  • River Cruise (1.5 hours, €18)
  • Anne Frank House admission (2 hours, €10)
  • Rijksmuseum admission (3 hours, €17.50)
  • Choco-Story Museum admission (2 hours, €10)
  • Bovingdienst rooftop bar drink (1.5 hours, €12)
  • Total Estimated Costs: €102.50

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the Dutch windmills at Kinderdijk or taking a day trip to Ghent, Belgium. For those with less time, consider combining visits to the Atomium and Mini Europe, or spending time in Rotterdam's Erasmusbrug bridge instead of Lijnbaan.

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