3-Day Scenic European Loop: Rotterdam to Paris and Brussels

Day 1: Rotterdam to Paris

Rotterdam, Netherlands to Paris, France on April 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Bokaal Rotterdam

Start your day with a delicious Dutch breakfast featuring fresh bread and coffee at Bokaal, open from 7am, known for its cozy atmosphere and local flavor.
EUR15, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Paris by train

Take the high-speed Thalys train from Rotterdam Centraal to Paris Gare du Nord. The journey takes around 2h40m, offering comfortable and scenic travel.
EUR60, 2h40m

12:00pm

Visit the Louvre Museum

Explore the world-renowned Louvre Museum to admire masterpieces including the Mona Lisa. It is open from 9am to 6pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
EUR17, 2h

2:30pm

Lunch at Le Fumoir

Enjoy a stylish lunch near the Louvre with French classics at Le Fumoir, open from noon, perfect for a relaxing midday meal.
EUR30, 1h

3:45pm

Stroll along the Seine and Notre-Dame

Walk along the Seine riverbanks and visit the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral (currently open for visits to the exterior and nearby area), soaking in the historic Parisian ambiance.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Check-in and rest at hotel in Paris

Settle in and refresh at your hotel in central Paris before dinner.
Varies, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Relais de l'Entrecôte

Savor the famous steak-frites with secret sauce at Le Relais de l'Entrecôte, open until 11pm, a popular spot for traditional Parisian dining.
EUR35, 1.5h

Day 2: Explore Paris, then to Brussels

Paris, France to Brussels, Belgium on April 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café de Flore

Begin with a classic Parisian breakfast at Café de Flore, famed for its charming vibe and great croissants, open from 7:30am.
EUR20, 1h

9:30am

Visit Eiffel Tower

Head to the Eiffel Tower and ascend to the viewing platforms for breathtaking city views. It opens at 9:30am, so early arrival helps avoid crowds.
EUR26.80, 2h

11:45am

Travel to Brussels by train

Board the high-speed Thalys train from Paris Gare du Nord to Brussels Midi, a quick journey of about 1h30m.
EUR50, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Chez Léon

Enjoy famous Belgian mussels and fries at Chez Léon near Brussels Grand-Place, open from 11:30am, a historic and lively spot.
EUR30, 1h

2:45pm

Explore Grand-Place and Manneken Pis

Wander the stunning Grand-Place square and visit the iconic Manneken Pis statue, soaking in Brussels’ cultural heart. Both are outdoors and open at all times.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Magritte Museum

Discover surrealist art at the Magritte Museum, open from 10am to 5pm, featuring works by Belgium’s famed artist René Magritte.
EUR12, 1.5h

6:00pm

Check-in and rest at Brussels hotel

Relax and refresh at your Brussels accommodation before dinner.
Varies, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant Noordzee Mer du Nord

Savour fresh seafood tapas at this popular local eatery near Sainte-Catherine, open until 9:30pm, perfect for an authentic Brussels dining experience.
EUR25, 1.5h

Day 3: Brussels to Rotterdam

Brussels, Belgium to Rotterdam, Netherlands on May 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien

Enjoy organic breads and coffee to start your day at Le Pain Quotidien, open from 7:30am, known for healthy, delicious fare.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Visit Atomium

Tour the iconic Atomium, a unique structure symbolizing an iron crystal, with panoramic city views. It opens at 10am, so plan accordingly.
EUR17, 1.5h

11:30am

Travel back to Rotterdam by train

Catch a direct train from Brussels Midi to Rotterdam Centraal, approximately 1h45m ride through scenic landscapes.
EUR40, 1h45m

1:30pm

Lunch at Markthal Rotterdam

Explore the vibrant Markthal food market and enjoy a variety of Dutch and international eats, open until 8pm.
EUR20, 1h

2:45pm

Visit Cube Houses

Visit the architectural marvel of Rotterdam’s Cube Houses, an innovative design worth seeing and photographing. The Kijk-Kubus museum is open from 11am to 5pm.
EUR3.50, 1h

4:00pm

Walk along Erasmus Bridge

Finish your trip with a stroll along the famous Erasmus Bridge, enjoying views of the Rotterdam skyline and harbor.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant FG Food Labs

Indulge in modern Dutch cuisine with an innovative twist at this Michelin-starred restaurant, open for dinner from 6pm.
EUR75, 2h