Ultimate 8-Day Schengen Europe Trip: Amsterdam, Cologne, Brussels & Paris

Day 1: Explore Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Pancake Bakery

Start your day with a delicious Dutch pancake at The Pancake Bakery, famous for its vast selection of both sweet and savory options.
Take a tram or walk to the restaurant from your accommodation.
EUR15, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Van Gogh Museum

Immerse yourself in the stunning works of Vincent Van Gogh at his dedicated museum, just a short walk away from the pancake bakery.
Walk to the museum in about 15 minutes.
EUR19, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Café Loetje

Savor a famous Dutch biefstuk (steak) at Café Loetje, a beloved local eatery with a cozy atmosphere.
Take tram line 2 to get there quickly.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore the Anne Frank House

Step into history as you visit the Anne Frank House, where Anne wrote her diary during WWII.
Take tram 14 to Westermarkt, a short walk to the house.
EUR12.50, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Canal Cruise

Relax on a scenic canal cruise to see the beautiful city from the water.
Board your cruise at one of the nearby docks, most likely reachable by foot.
EUR18, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at De Kas

Treat yourself to a farm-to-table dinner at De Kas, located in a greenhouse with seasonal dishes.
Take tram 9 to get to the restaurant.
EUR40, 2 hours
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Day 2: More Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands

8:30AM

Breakfast at Broads&Butter

Enjoy a hearty breakfast sandwich or a healthy bowl at this trendy café in the city center.
Walk to the café from your accommodation.
EUR12, 1 hour

10:00AM

Stroll through Vondelpark

Take a leisurely stroll through Amsterdam's most famous park, a perfect spot for people watching.
Walk to Vondelpark in about 20 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

11:30AM

Visit Rijksmuseum

Explore the national museum of the Netherlands, featuring great masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age.
Walk back to the museum district, about 15 minutes.
EUR20, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at The Seafood Bar

Indulge in an array of fresh seafood options at this popular restaurant.
Take tram 1 from Rijksmuseum to Leidseplein, a short walk from the restaurant.
EUR35, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Heineken Experience

Learn about the history of one of the world’s most famous beers and enjoy a tasting.
Take tram 7 from Leidseplein to Stadhouderskade.
EUR18, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Restaurant Molenbeek

Experience traditional Dutch cuisine in a rustic ambiance at Molenbeek.
Walk back towards the city center, roughly a 15-minute walk.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Travel to Cologne

Cologne, Germany

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up at your hotel with a balanced breakfast to prepare for your travel day.
No travel needed, enjoy a relaxing morning at your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Cologne

Board a train from Amsterdam Central to Cologne, witnessing lovely Dutch and German countryside along the way.
Direct train from Amsterdam Central Station.
EUR30, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Café Rico

Arrive in Cologne and enjoy a light lunch of sandwiches and salads at Café Rico, located near the Cathedral.
Walk from the station to the café, about 10 minutes.
EUR15, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Cologne Cathedral

Marvel at the stunning Gothic architecture of the Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
It’s a short walk from the café to the Cathedral.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore the Old Town

Wander the charming streets of Cologne’s Old Town, filled with colorful houses and local shops.
Explore the area on foot as it is compact.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Brauhaus Pütz

Enjoy traditional German fare and a cold Kölsch beer at this local brewery.
Walk to the restaurant, roughly a 15-minute stroll.
EUR25, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Travel to Brussels

Brussels, Belgium

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before heading to Brussels.
No need for travel, just enjoy breakfast in your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Brussels

Catch a direct train from Cologne to Brussels, soaking in picturesque views of the countryside.
Direct train from Cologne Central Station.
EUR30, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Chez Léon

Dive into an authentic Belgian meal with well-known moules-frites (mussels and fries) at this popular restaurant.
Located a short walk from the Brussels Central Station.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Visit the Grand Place

Marvel at the breathtaking architecture of the Grand Place, the heart of Brussels and a UNESCO heritage site.
Only a short walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore the Atomium

Visit the iconic Atomium structure of Brussels and learn about its unique architecture and exhibitions.
Take the metro from Beekkant to Heysel, where the Atomium is located.
EUR16, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant L’Archiduc

Enjoy a chic dining experience with live jazz music while savoring delicious classic Belgian dishes.
Take the metro back to the city center and walk to the restaurant.
EUR35, 2 hours
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Day 5: Travel to Paris

Paris, France

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a delightful French breakfast with croissants and café au lait at your hotel.
No travel needed, just relax and enjoy.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Paris

Take a Thalys train directly to Paris from Brussels, marveling at the transition to French landscape.
Direct train from Brussels Midi Station.
EUR50, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Les Deux Magots

Savor a classic Parisian lunch at this historic café frequented by writers and artists.
Located in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, a 15-minute walk from the train station.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Louvre Museum

Explore the world-renowned Louvre, home to thousands of works of art including the Mona Lisa.
Take the metro from Saint-Germain-des-Prés to Palais Royal, a short ride.
EUR17, 3 hours

5:30PM

Walk along the Seine

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Seine River, soaking in the beautiful architecture and ambiance.
Walk from the Louvre towards the Seine.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Le Relais de l’Entrecôte

Indulge in the famous steak-frites with secret sauce at this renowned restaurant.
Just a short metro ride from the Seine to the restaurant.
EUR35, 2 hours
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Day 6: Explore Paris

Paris, France

8:30AM

Breakfast at Angelina

Start your day with the best hot chocolate and pastries at this iconic tearoom.
Take the metro from your hotel to the tea room.
EUR20, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the Eiffel Tower

Ascend the majestic Eiffel Tower for breathtaking views of the city.
Take Metro Line 6 to Bir-Hakeim, then walk to the Tower.
EUR25, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Café de Flore

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at this famous café, a staple of Parisian intellectual life.
Walk over from the Eiffel Tower, about 30 minutes.
EUR35, 2 hours

3:00PM

Visit Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur

Experience the elevated artistic vibes of Montmartre and visit the stunning basilica of Sacré-Cœur.
Take the metro from Saint-Germain to Anvers.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Le Consulat

Enjoy authentic French cuisine in the heart of Montmartre with a lovely view.
Walk to the restaurant from Sacré-Cœur.
EUR30, 2 hours
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Day 7: Adventure in Paris

Paris, France

8:30AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Relax and fuel up with a classic breakfast at your hotel.
No need to travel; enjoy a leisurely morning.
Included, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Musée d'Orsay

Explore the stunning collection of Impressionist art in this converted railway station.
Take the RER C from your hotel to Musée d'Orsay.
EUR16, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Le Musee

Enjoy a meal in art while dining right at the Musée d'Orsay.
On-site restaurant.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral

Take a moment to appreciate the stunning Gothic architecture of Notre-Dame, even as restorations continue.
Walk to the island, about 15 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Stroll through the Latin Quarter

Explore the charming streets, bookshops, and cafes of the lively Latin Quarter.
Just a short walk away from Notre-Dame.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Bouillon Pigalle

Experience traditional French dishes in this casual setting for a local cuisine vibe.
Take the metro to Pigalle, a few stops north.
EUR20, 2 hours
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Day 8: Departure Day

Paris, France

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Bakery

Enjoy freshly baked croissants and café at a nearby bakery for your last breakfast.
Walk to the bakery, about 5 minutes away.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Last-minute Shopping

Spend your morning browsing for souvenirs or enjoying one last stroll along the Seine.
Explore local shops within walking distance.
Variable, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Head to the Airport

Ensure you give enough time to reach the airport for your departure flight.
Take the RER B from Châtelet to CDG Airport.
EUR10, 1 hour
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