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Ultimate 11-Day Itinerary: Explore Amsterdam, Brussels, and Cologne

Viewed by 167 travelers

Day 1: Amsterdam Arrival

Amsterdam, Netherlands on May 5, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Pancakes Amsterdam

Enjoy traditional Dutch pancakes in a cozy setting to start your day with a local culinary twist.
EUR15, 1h

10:30am

Anne Frank House

Visit the moving museum dedicated to Anne Frank’s life and the history of WWII. Tickets need to be booked in advance as it's very popular. Open 9:00am-10:00pm.
EUR14, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Foodhallen

Sample diverse food stalls under one roof with options from local Dutch to international cuisines in a lively atmosphere.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Canal Cruise

Experience Amsterdam's famous canals on a relaxing 1-hour boat ride, offering unique views of the city’s architecture.
EUR18, 1h

4:00pm

Rijksmuseum

Explore Dutch masterpieces, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer. Open 9:00am-5:00pm.
EUR20, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at De Kas

Dine at this farm-to-table restaurant set in a greenhouse, offering fresh, seasonal Dutch dishes.
EUR60, 2h
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Day 2: Museums & Markets

Amsterdam, Netherlands on May 6, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Vinnies

Enjoy locally sourced, organic breakfast options in a relaxed environment.
EUR12, 1h

10:00am

Van Gogh Museum

Immerse yourself in Van Gogh's life and works at this world-class museum. Open 9:00am-6:00pm.
EUR19, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Albert Cuyp Market

Explore the bustling street market with a variety of street foods, including Dutch stroopwafels and herring.
EUR15, 1h

2:00pm

Heineken Experience

Tour the historic brewery and enjoy interactive exhibits and tastings. Open 10:30am-7:30pm.
EUR21, 1h30m

4:00pm

Walk in Vondelpark

Relax with a scenic stroll in Amsterdam’s largest city park, perfect for unwinding after a busy day.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Daalder

Experience creative Dutch cuisine in a chic and contemporary setting, well-known for its flavors and ambiance.
EUR65, 2h
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Day 3: Historic & Cultural

Amsterdam, Netherlands on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bakers & Roasters

Start your day with a hearty New Zealand-style breakfast blended with Brazilian flavors.
EUR14, 1h

9:30am

Hermitage Amsterdam

See unique exhibitions from the famous Hermitage Museum of Saint Petersburg. Open 10:00am-5:00pm.
EUR17, 1h30m

11:30am

Jewish Historical Museum

Explore Jewish culture and history in Amsterdam, located in the old Jewish quarter.
EUR15, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Cafe Winkel 43

Taste one of the best apple pies in Amsterdam along with light lunch dishes.
EUR12, 1h

2:30pm

Amsterdam Boat Museum

Explore maritime history and traditional boats, a niche yet fascinating stop.
EUR8, 1h

5:00pm

Explore Jordaan District

Wander charming streets filled with boutique shops, cafes, and art galleries.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Seafood Bar

Enjoy fresh seafood in a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for a flavorful end-of-day meal.
EUR50, 2h
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Day 4: Day Trip to Zaanse Schans

Amsterdam, Netherlands on May 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a quick breakfast at your hotel before heading out.
Included, 30m

9:00am

Travel to Zaanse Schans

Take a 30-minute train ride to this picturesque windmill village showcasing traditional Dutch life.
EUR8, 30m

9:45am

Zaanse Schans Windmills and Museum

Explore historic windmills, wooden houses, and traditional crafts such as cheese and clog making. Open 9:00am-5:00pm.
EUR15, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at De Kraai

Sample Dutch pancakes and local specialties in a cozy atmosphere right at Zaanse Schans.
EUR20, 1h

2:30pm

Return to Amsterdam

Head back to the city center by train for a relaxing afternoon.
EUR8, 30m

3:15pm

Visit Museumplein or Rest

Relax in Museumplein or explore any missed museums such as Stedelijk Art Museum or shop in the nearby area.
Variable, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Bussia

Wonderful Italian cuisine close to the museums, offering a refined dining experience.
EUR55, 2h
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Day 5: Last Day in Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands on May 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Greenwoods

Enjoy a hearty English-style breakfast with fresh Dutch influences in a quaint setting.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Shopping in De Negen Straatjes

Explore nine streets of unique boutiques, vintage shops, and cozy cafes in the heart of Amsterdam.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Stach

Casual café offering fresh, healthy options perfect for a light lunch before departure.
EUR15, 1h

1:30pm

Check out and travel to Brussels via train

Take a comfortable 2-hour train ride south-west to Brussels to begin the next leg of your journey.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 6: Brussels Introduction

Brussels, Belgium on May 9, 2025

3:45pm

Grand Place

Begin your Brussels visit with the stunning UNESCO-listed Grand Place, admired for its ornate guildhalls and vibrant atmosphere.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Manneken Pis

See the famous cheeky little statue near Grand Place, a symbolic icon of Brussels.
Free, 30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Chez Léon

Try authentic Belgian cuisine, especially their famed mussels with fries in a lively local restaurant.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 7: Brussels Museums & Parks

Brussels, Belgium on May 10, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien

Start your day with organic breads and pastries in this well-known bakery chain from Belgium.
EUR15, 1h

10:00am

Royal Museums of Fine Arts

Explore centuries of European art in this prominent museum collection. Open 10:00am-5:00pm.
EUR15, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Noordzee Mer du Nord

Enjoy fresh seafood served street food style at this popular outdoor stall near the city center.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Atomium

Visit the iconic Atomium, a unique structure offering panoramic views and interesting exhibitions. Open 10:00am-6:00pm.
EUR17, 2h

5:00pm

Walk in Parc de Bruxelles

Relax in the central green space surrounded by important buildings, perfect for an afternoon stroll.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at La Roue d’Or

Savor traditional Belgian dishes in an Art Deco setting, close to Grand Place.
EUR45, 2h
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Day 8: Day Trip to Ghent

Brussels, Belgium on May 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Quick breakfast before catching an early train to Ghent.
Included, 30m

8:30am

Train to Ghent

A scenic 30-minute train ride to this historic city known for its medieval architecture.
EUR10, 30m

9:15am

Gravensteen Castle

Explore this well-preserved medieval castle with interactive exhibits on its history. Open 10:00am-5:00pm.
EUR12, 1h30m

11:00am

St Bavo’s Cathedral

Visit this stunning cathedral housing the famous Ghent altarpiece. Entry is free, but timed tickets recommended.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at De Graslei

Dine by the canal with views of historic guild halls, enjoying classic Flemish dishes.
EUR30, 1h

2:00pm

Boat Tour on Ghent Canals

Experience Ghent’s beautiful waterways from a boat for a relaxing perspective of the city.
EUR10, 1h

3:30pm

Return to Brussels

Catch train back to Brussels for evening activities.
EUR10, 30m

5:00pm

Visit Delirium Café

Enjoy a famous Belgian beer in the extensive selection at this world-renowned café.
Varies, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Noordzee Mer du Nord (if missed before)

Casual and fresh seafood dinner experience.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 9: Travel to Cologne

Brussels, Belgium on May 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before your journey to Germany.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Train to Cologne

Travel from Brussels to Cologne on a 2-hour high-speed train for your next destination.
EUR35, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch near Cologne Hauptbahnhof

Try local German specialties at Früh am Dom, a famous brewery and restaurant near the cathedral.
EUR25, 1h

1:30pm

Cologne Cathedral

Visit Germany’s iconic Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, open 6:00am-7:30pm.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Ludwig Museum

Explore modern art, including pop art and Picasso works, right next to the cathedral. Open 10:00am-6:00pm.
EUR12, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Brauhaus Sion

Experience traditional Kölsch beer and hearty Rhineland cuisine in a lively brewery setting.
EUR30, 2h
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Day 10: Cologne History & Culture

Cologne, Germany on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Reichard

Enjoy a great breakfast with a view of the cathedral to start the day.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Roman-Germanic Museum

See fascinating Roman artifacts including the famous Dionysus mosaic. Open 10:00am-5:00pm.
EUR8, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore Old Town

Walk through the picturesque old town with its colorful buildings and historic streets.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Gilden im Zims

Have traditional German fare paired with local beers in this authentic historic setting.
EUR25, 1h30m

3:00pm

Walk along Rhine River

Enjoy a leisurely afternoon stroll along the scenic Rhine with views of bridges and city.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hanse-Stube

Upscale dining featuring German and international cuisine in the Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
EUR60, 2h
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Day 11: Departure Day

Cologne, Germany on May 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast before check-out.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Cologne Botanical Garden

Spend a peaceful morning in the flora collection, open from 9:00am until 6:00pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Prepare for Departure

Head back to your hotel or transport hub for your onward travel.
Varies, 1h
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