Amsterdam, Belgium, France: A 7-Day Travel Itinerary

  • Day 1: Amsterdam
    Estimated time: 2 hours

    Start your trip in Amsterdam by visiting the Anne Frank House, where the famous diarist hid with her family during World War II. Afterward, take a canal cruise tour to see some of the city's most incredible architecture and scenic views. Finally, check out the Van Gogh Museum where you can admire some of the artist's best work.

  • Day 2: Brussels, Belgium
    Estimated time: 3 hours by train from Amsterdam

    Take a day trip to Brussels, Belgium's capital city, and visit the iconic Atomium - a building resembling the shape of an atom. This unique structure offers panoramic Parisian views from the top. After that, enjoy a delicious Belgian waffle from one of Brussels' stalls, pay a visit to Grand Place or Manneken Pis and indulge in some of the finest chocolate you'll ever taste.

  • Day 3-4: Paris, France
    Estimated time: 3 hours 30 minutes by train from Brussels

    Begin your Parisian adventure with a visit to the Eiffel Tower. Next, head over to the world-famous Louvre Museum to see the Mona Lisa among other art masterpieces. Afterward, take a stroll through the breathtaking gardens of Versailles Castle or experience the iconic Seine River cruise. The following day, visit the charming, bustling neighborhoods of Montmartre and Le Marais. Finally, explore one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Europe, the Chateau de Vincennes, which is considered Paris's hidden gem.

  • Day 5: Lille, France
    Estimated time: 1 hour by train from Paris

    Take a day trip to Lille, a charming city in northern France. Check out the impressive Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille, which is the second biggest fine art museum in France. Spend your afternoon visiting the city's charming antique markets such as Rue de la Monnaie and La Grande Braderie.

  • Day 6-7: Nice, France
    Estimated time: 6 hours 30 minutes by train from Lille

    Travel to the south of France to visit the fashionable city of Nice. Take a stroll on Promenade des Anglais, a path that runs along the dazzling coastline offers spectacular views of the sea. Then, explore the historic old town and have lunch in the vibrant market of Cours Saleya. In the evening, relax and enjoy the French Riviera atmosphere in one of the sea-facing bars of the Côte d'Azur. Go for a visit to Cannes where you can find the Palais des Festivals the host of the annual Cannes Film Festival.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Anne Frank House (1.5 hours, €13)
  • Van Gogh Museum (2 hours, €19)
  • Atomium (2 hours, €15)
  • Grand Place (1 hour, Free)
  • Louvre Museum (3 hours, €17)
  • Versailles Castle (2 hours, €18)
  • Seine River cruise (1 hour, €15)
  • Chateau de Vincennes (2 hours, €8)
  • Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille (2 hours, €10)
  • Promenade des Anglais (2 hours, Free)
  • Palais des Festivals (45 minutes, Free)
  • Food and Drink (Varies)
  • Total Estimated Costs: €97

Transportation

Traveling by train is a popular option because it’s usually faster than driving and offers scenic views. However, renting a car could be a great alternative depending on the itinerary you plan. In cities you can use taxis, buses, and trains to get around. The average rate of a taxi ride in Amsterdam is €2.20 per km. Train tickets, as well as entrance tickets to museums and other attractions, can often be ordered online in advance which will save you time and money. The estimated cost for transportation is approximately €160.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you could add additional stops on the way. For example, you could visit the city of Ghent in Belgium or make a quick stop in Antwerp while in Brussels. You could also spend at least one additional day in Paris to visit the Palace of Versailles or explore the city's trendy neighborhoods. If you have less time, consider skipping Lille and adding an extra day each in Brussels and Amsterdam.

Airports

The main airports to consider for this itinerary are:

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) - located approximately 9 km from the city center p>

Brussels Airport (BRU) - located approximately 11 km from the center of Brussels

Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) - located approximately 6 km from the city center

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) - located approximately 25 km north-east from Paris city center

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