8-Day Schengen Europe Itinerary: Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris, Zurich

Day 1: Exploring Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pancakes Amsterdam

Start your day with traditional Dutch pancakes topped with fresh fruits and syrup, giving you the energy for a day of exploration.
Located centrally; easily accessible by public transportation.
EUR15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Rijksmuseum

Discover masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer in this iconic museum, a true gem of Dutch culture.
Walk or take a tram to Museumplein.
EUR20, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Foodhallen

Enjoy a variety of street food options in this trendy indoor food market, perfect for a mid-day meal.
Take a tram or bicycle to the venue.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore the Anne Frank House

Visit the poignant museum dedicated to Anne Frank, offering a glimpse into her life during WWII.
Walk from Foodhallen to the museum; it's about a 15-minute stroll.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Canal Cruise

Take a serene boat ride through Amsterdam’s famous canals, showcasing the city's unique architecture.
Board near the Anne Frank House; there are several operators.
EUR18, 1 hour

4:30PM

Visit Vondelpark

Unwind amidst nature in Amsterdam’s largest park, ideal for relaxing or people-watching.
Walk or bike from the canal cruise docking point.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Seafood Bar

Savor fresh seafood dishes, including oysters and fish platters, in a cozy ambiance.
Take a tram or cycle back to central Amsterdam.
EUR35, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bagels & Beans

Start with a delicious bagel and fresh coffee in this beloved local chain.
Multiple locations; find one nearby.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Van Gogh Museum

Marvel at the largest collection of Van Gogh paintings and learn about his life through the exhibits.
Take a tram to Museumplein.
EUR19, 2 hours

11:30AM

Walk in the Jordaan District

Stroll through the picturesque canals and quaint streets of this charming neighborhood.
A short tram ride or easy walk from the museum.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Café Winkel 43

Indulge in local apple pie, a must-try, along with sandwiches or salads.
Located in the heart of the Jordaan District.
EUR15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Heineken Experience

Enjoy an interactive journey through the history of Heineken beer, complete with tastings.
Take tram 24 to the Heineken Experience.
EUR25, 2 hours

3:30PM

Explore Bloemenmarkt

Stroll through the floating flower market, famous for its beautiful tulips and souvenirs.
Walk back towards the city center.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at De Kas

Dine at a farm-to-table restaurant set in a greenhouse, offering seasonal dishes from their own garden.
Take a bus or bike to the venue.
EUR50, 2 hours
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Day 3: Brussels Bound

Brussels, Belgium

8:00AM

Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien

Enjoy organic pastries and coffee at this rustic café before your journey to Brussels.
Located nearby, easily walkable.
EUR12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Brussels

Board the Thalys train for a direct 2-hour journey from Amsterdam to Brussels.
Walk to Amsterdam Central Station, 15 minutes from café.
EUR40, 2 hours

11:30AM

Check-in & Explore the Grand Place

Arrive in Brussels and check into your hotel; then marvel at the breathtaking architecture of the Grand Place.
Walking distance from the train station.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Chez Léon

Feast on authentic mussels and fries, a Belgian staple, at this famous restaurant.
Just a short walk from the Grand Place.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Manneken Pis

A quick stop at the iconic statue, playful and representative of the city's humor.
A 10-minute walk from lunch.
Free, 30 minutes

3:00PM

Visit Atomium

Discover this unique building shaped like an atom, now a museum showcasing the history of Brussels.
Take the metro from central Brussels to Heysel.
EUR16, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Hotel & Rest

Take a short break to rest and freshen up before dinner.
Use metro back to central Brussels.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The Dominican

Enjoy a chic dining experience with a modern take on Belgian cuisine in this stylish hotel.
Located centrally; easily accessible.
EUR35, 2 hours
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Day 4: Discovering Belgian Culture

Brussels, Belgium

8:00AM

Breakfast at Maison Mathis

Taste delicious Belgian waffles and quality coffee at this cozy spot.
Short walk from the hotel.
EUR15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Royal Palace

Explore the official palace of the King and Queen of Belgium.
Walk or take a short tram to the palace.
Free (check for openings), 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Magritte Museum

Dive into the surrealist works of René Magritte in this captivating museum.
Nearby in the Parc de Bruxelles.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Les Brassins

Savor traditional Belgian dishes, including hearty stews and beers.
A tram ride from the museum.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Sablon District & Antique Market

Discover boutique shops and the charming antique market in this chic neighborhood.
Take a tram or walk from lunch.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Belgian Comic Strip Center

Explore comic history in this whimsical museum dedicated to Belgian comics.
Walk from the Sablon District.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at À La Mort Subite

Enjoy classic Belgian beers paired with simple but delicious dishes at this historic bar.
Close to the Comic Strip Center.
EUR25, 2 hours
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Day 5: Travel to Paris

Paris, France

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pain de Sucre

Indulge in fresh croissants and coffees before heading to Paris.
Walking distance from hotel.
EUR12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Paris

Take the Thalys high-speed train for a 1.5-hour journey to Paris.
Walk to Brussels-Midi Station.
EUR50, 2 hours

11:00AM

Check into Hotel & Explore Montmartre

Arrive in Paris, check-in, and wander through the artistic neighborhood of Montmartre.
Easily accessible by metro from the train station.
Free, 2.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Le Consulat

Enjoy authentic French bistro dishes in the heart of Montmartre.
Close to Sacré-Cœur.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Climb up to this stunning basilica for unparalleled views of Paris.
Walking distance from lunch.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore Pigalle & Moulin Rouge

Focus on the vibrant Pigalle area and snap photos of the famous Moulin Rouge.
Walk from Sacré-Cœur.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Return to Hotel & Rest

Take some time to relax before dinner in Paris.
Use metro back to the hotel.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Le Relais de l’Entrecôte

Savor steak-frites served with their secret sauce in a bustling Parisian bistro.
Use metro to the restaurant.
EUR45, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Parisian Highlights

Paris, France

8:00AM

Breakfast at Angelina

Indulge in their famous hot chocolate and decadent pastries to start your Paris day.
Located on Rue de Rivoli, easy access via metro.
EUR20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Louvre Museum

Wander through the world's largest art museum and home to the Mona Lisa.
Walk from breakfast, less than a mile.
EUR17, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Le Fumoir

Enjoy a stylish lunch in this chic brasserie near the Louvre.
Short walk from the museum.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral

Visit this iconic Gothic cathedral and admire its stunning architecture.
Take metro to Cité station, a quick ride.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Stroll along the Seine River

Wander along the Seine and take in the beautiful views of the historic buildings.
Walking distance from Notre-Dame.
Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Visit Musée d'Orsay

Explore the impressive collection of Impressionist masterpieces in this stunning museum.
A short walk from the Seine.
EUR14, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at La Coupole

End your day with classic French cuisine in this old-world brasserie.
Short metro ride to Montparnasse.
EUR50, 2 hours
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Day 7: Mountain Retreat in Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Balade

Enjoy a calm morning over Swiss pastries and coffee with a scenic view.
Short walk from your hotel.
CHF15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Zurich

A direct train takes you smoothly from Paris to Zurich in approximately 4 hours.
Walk back to the Paris Gare de Lyon station.
EUR70, 4 hours

1:30PM

Check into Hotel & Explore Zurich Old Town

Arrived in Zurich, check-in, and take a walking tour through the historical heart of the city.
Walking distance from the train station.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Lake Zurich Stroll

Take a serene walk along the shores of Lake Zurich, a peaceful escape in the city.
Continue walking from Old Town.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Visit the Swiss National Museum

Explore Switzerland's cultural history through exhibits featuring artifacts and artworks.
Walk back to the city center.
CHF10, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Raclette Stube

Delight in traditional Swiss Raclette cheese served with potatoes at this cozy eatery.
Located centrally, within walking distance.
CHF35, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Farewell to Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Babu’s Bakery & Coffeehouse

Start with freshly baked goods and coffee in a relaxed atmosphere.
Nearby the hotel; easy walking distance.
CHF12, 1 hour

9:00AM

Shop on Bahnhofstrasse

Spend your last morning shopping in one of the world's most exclusive shopping streets.
Walking distance from the bakery.
Variable, 2.5 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Zeughauskeller

Savor Swiss cuisine in this historic restaurant known for its hearty delicacies.
Short walk from Bahnhofstrasse.
CHF25, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Visit Kunsthaus Zurich

Explore Swiss art in one of the premier art museums in the world.
Take a tram or walk from lunch.
CHF15, 2 hours

3:00PM

Relax at Lindenhof

Enjoy breathtaking views from this peaceful park, perfect for reflection and relaxation.
Walking distance from Kunsthaus.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Departure

Conclude your trip and head to Zurich Airport for your onward journey.
Easily accessible via public transport from Lindenhof.
Variable, 1 hour
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