A Beercation Through Denmark, Belgium, and France

  • Day 1: Copenhagen, Denmark
    2 hours flight from London Stansted Airport

    Begin your trip in Copenhagen, the capital city of Denmark. Visit the famous Tivoli Gardens, the second-oldest operational amusement park in the world with beautiful gardens, exciting rides, and delicious food options. Afterwards, head to Nyhavn Harbor, a picturesque waterfront with colourful buildings, bars and cafes on both sides of the canal. Finish your day with a unique beer experience at the Nyhavn Beer House, serving over 100 types of beer from different countries.

  • Day 2: Bruges, Belgium
    10 hours train ride from Copenhagen Central Station (København H)

    Take a day trip to Bruges, a charming Belgian city known for its winding canals, cobbled streets and medieval buildings. Start your day with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Hospital of Saint John, a museum displaying a collection of historic medical instruments and artwork. Then, head to the Brouwerij De Halve Maan Brewery, a family-owned brewery since 1856, where you can learn about the brewing process while enjoying a beer tasting. End your day exploring the picturesque Market Square and indulge in some of Belgium’s culinary specialties like chocolate, waffles, and local beers.

  • Day 3: Paris, France
    3 hours train ride from Bruges Railway Station to Gare du Nord, Paris

    Arrive in the city of love and start your day at one of the most famous landmarks, the Eiffel Tower, an iconic symbol of Paris. Book tickets in advance to climb the tower or just admire it from the Trocadéro Gardens. Continue with a visit to the famous Louvre Museum, home to famous works of art such as the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. End your day at the Le Comptoir Général, a hidden bar featuring eclectic African-inspired decor and unique cocktails.

  • Day 4: Brussels, Belgium
    1.5 hours train ride from Paris Nord (CDG airport for flights back to London)

    Finish your trip with a visit to the European Union capital, Brussels. Start your morning at the Atomium, a unique landmark built for the 1958 World Exposition. Explore the historic city centre with the UNESCO-listed Grand Place, the stunning central square with intricate architecture and lively cafés. End your trip with a visit to the iconic Delirium Café, known for having over 2,000 beer choices with many rare Belgian beers on tap.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Flights:
    • London Stansted to Copenhagen: (2 hours, £50-200)
  • Train:
    • Copenhagen to Bruges: (10 hours, £40-150)
    • Bruges to Paris: (3 hours, £40-100)
    • Paris to Brussels: (1.5 hours, £30-80)
  • Activities:
    • Tivoli Gardens: (4 hours, £14-18)
    • Nyhavn Beer House: (2 hours, £20-30)
    • Brouwerij De Halve Maan Brewery: (2 hours, £10-18)
    • Hospital of Saint John: (2 hours, £8-14)
    • Eiffel Tower: (2 hours, £8-25)
    • Louvre Museum: (3 hours, £17-24)
    • Le Comptoir Général: (2 hours, £8-14)
    • Atomium: (2 hours, £11-15)
    • Grand Place: (2 hours, free)
    • Delirium Café: (2 hours, £10-30)
  • Total Estimated Costs: £273-695

Transportation

Transportation between cities will primarily be by train, which is fast, efficient, and affordable in Europe. Be sure to book tickets in advance to save money and secure your seats. Consider bringing a good book, some snacks and drinks along for the ride. Flights will be necessary to get to and from the starting and ending points of the trip, with London Stansted Airport as the suggested departure point.

Useful tips

If you have more time, consider spending an extra day in Bruges, where you can visit the Salvador Dalí Exhibition, the Groeningemuseum art collection or take a canal ride. In Paris, make time to relax and explore the charming neighbourhood of Montmartre, with its quaint little streets, cafes and galleries. Conversely, if you have fewer days to travel, consider cutting out Bruges and flying directly from Copenhagen to Paris. You can also skip the Atomium in Brussels and spend more time exploring the historic city center.

Airports

The trip begins and ends at London Stansted Airport (STN), which is located in the northeast of London, 37 miles (60 km) from the city center. Copenhagen Airport (CPH) is the primary airport in Denmark, only 5 miles (8 km) from central Copenhagen. Paris airports are Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY), both of which offer flights to and from various destinations across the world. Arrive at Brussels Airport (BRU), located 7.5 miles (12 km) from the city center, which has easy access to the city center via train or public transport.

0