Your 7 Day Amsterdam and Paris Itinerary

Amsterdam and Paris are two iconic European cities that most travellers have on their bucket list. Lucky for you, they’re also a short train ride away from one another, meaning you can easily visit both on a week-long Amsterdam and Paris trip!

I have been fortunate enough to visit Amsterdam and Paris many times over the years.

I studied abroad in Amsterdam for five months in 2014, brought my dad there in 2018 and then my husband, Colin, in 2022, and did a quick overnight trip in 2023.

I visited Paris on my first solo trip to Europe in 2012, with my dad in 2018, on our way to and from Prague in 2019/2020, and again with my husband in 2022.

So after all of those visits, I’m pretty confident in my Amsterdam and Paris itinerary!

Amsterdam was my home for the first half of 2014 when I studied abroad at the University of Amsterdam. I fell in love with the canals, the skinny houses and the delicious pancakes.

Paris was the place where I first found myself enchanted by Europe, which is hard not to be when you’re picnicking in front of the Eiffel Tower!

Both cities are unique, incredible and very easy to visit on one Paris and Amsterdam trip to Europe. In fact, I think it’s one of the best trips for a first visit to Europe.

Ready? Let’s dive into my Amsterdam and Paris itinerary for 7 days in Europe! 

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Overview of your 1 week Amsterdam and Paris itinerary

Below I’ll take you through my complete one week itinerary for Amsterdam and Paris. I’ll share what to do each day (plus my expert tips), where to stay and how to travel between the two cities.

Here’s a quick overview of the week:

• Day 1: Explore Amsterdam’s beautiful streets, visit the Anne Frank House and take a canal cruise
• Day 2: Tour Amsterdam’s royal palace, go on a walking, food or bike tour, and enjoy rijstaffel for dinner
• Day 3: Visit one of Amsterdam’s art galleries, get picnic supplies from Albert Cuyp Market then stroll around Vondel Park
• Day 4: Take the train to Paris and enjoy a little downtime
• Day 5: See Parisian highlights like the Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower and Seine River
• Day 6: Explore Montmartre, see the Sacre Coeur and explore the Parisian food scene
• Day 7: Visit one of Paris’s art galleries, explore the Latin Quarter and relax in Luxembourg Gardens

PS: If you don’t have the time or interest to plan your own Amsterdam and Paris itinerary, why not jump on a multi-day tour? Check out this 7 day Amsterdam, Paris, Brussels & Germany trip!

Day 1: Enjoy Amsterdam’s canals and tour the Anne Frank House

We’ll start your Paris Amsterdam itinerary off with a sweet treat! For breakfast, you can go enjoy a scone, apple pie or Dutch pancakes.

Scone lovers should head to Bakkerswinkel in Westerpark. Westerpark was my local park when I lived in Amsterdam during university.

My friends and I would frequent Bakkerswinkel at least once a week, always craving their freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam. Chocolate chip was my favourite!

Apple pie lovers should head to Winkel 43 for their famous Dutch apple pie, traditionally eaten cold and with whip cream. To be honest, I prefer my apple pie warmed up, but this version is still very tasty.

Or if pancakes are more your thing, visit The Pancake Bakery for sweet or savoury Dutch pancakes. This was another favourite spot for my friends and I when I lived in Amsterdam – they have such a wide variety of both simple and exotic pancake options.

Can’t decide between scones, apple pie or pancakes? Have one now and another for lunch or dessert later!

After your sweet start to the day, it’s time to take a more serious note. You’ll head to the Anne Frank House for the incredible tour through the home where the Frank family hid during WWII.

I’ve visited this house and gone on the tour quite a few times and always find it to be a moving and worthwhile experience. It’s a must-do in Amsterdam.

Pro tip: Since the Anne Frank House tour is one of the most popular things to do in Amsterdam, you’ll want to book your tickets as soon as you can!

Tickets must be bought in advance, online from the official website, and for a specific time slot. As per the official site: “Every Tuesday at 10am CEST all tickets become available for a visit six weeks later.”

Buy your Anne Frank House tickets here.

PS: For more WWII history, plan a future visit to Camp des Milles in France. Colin and I had a very impactful experience visiting there.

Plan on a lighter afternoon after your heavy visit to the Frank house. I suggest jumping on a canal boat tour, many of which leave from right outside the Anne Frank House museum.

A canal boat ride is a must in Amsterdam! Not only are the canals an important part of Amsterdam life and history, but they provide a beautiful avenue to explore the city. 

Book your Amsterdam canal boat cruise here!

After your boat ride, you can wander the picturesque Jordaan neighbourhood where you’ll find great shopping on the Nine Streets, picture perfect views of canals, bridges and skinny houses, and quirky museums dedicated to things like cheese and houseboats.

When I used to walk to school when I studied abroad in Amsterdam, my route took me through Jordaan. It was always such a charming walk and really made me appreciate my new home!

I think the best part of Amsterdam is just walking around and soaking in the city. When you get hungry, pop into Foodhallen, a food venue with 21 stands to satisfy any cravings.

Where to stay in Amsterdam

If you’re looking for an accommodation that screams “only in Amsterdam,” you’ll want to check into SWEETS Hotel.

SWEETS is a collection of 20+ independent hotel suites across the city, each a former bridge house on the canals. It doesn’t get more quintessentially Amsterdam than that!

Imagine waking up every day in a piece of history with the best canal view? Colin and I stayed at a SWEETS location in 2022 and spent so much time just admiring the view and the boats going by.

Check out my full review of SWEETS Hotel in Amsterdam here.

Book your stay at SWEETS Hotel in Amsterdam here!

If you’re doing this Paris and Amsterdam trip on a budget but don’t want to sacrifice style, cleanliness or location, I highly recommend checking into THIS HO(S)TEL.

This cube hotel is located just a few minutes’ walk from Amsterdam Centraal train station and provides private cube-style rooms, similar to a capsule hotel, in a very cool, modern environment.

I stayed here in January 2023 and really enjoyed it! It’s perfect for the traveller who doesn’t need a lot of space and wants to save on Amsterdam accommodation costs.

Book your stay at THIS HO(S)TEL in Amsterdam here!

Or find an Amsterdam accommodation that works better for you:

Day 2: Get to know Amsterdam royalty, red lights and rice tables

On Day 2 of your trip, it’s time to check some more Amsterdam must-sees off your bucket list.

We’ll begin with a walk through Amsterdam’s more touristy side, visiting Dam Square and the Royal Palace.

While most people just admire this building from the outside, I think it’s worth going in to see the beautiful rooms and ceilings with the audio guide tour.

Note: The palace is often closed for royal receptions. Double check opening days/hours before planning your visit.

For even more about Amsterdam’s history and culture, why not join a free walking tour? Many leave from Dam Square, so this would be the perfect time to join one.

I love going on free walking tours to get an affordable (you should still tip your guide) overview of a new city. The guides are also great for suggesting activities and restaurants for the rest of your trip.

Or, do like the Dutch do and take a tour on two wheels with a city bike tour! I’m not a bike rider, but if I was, this would be the ideal way to get to know Amsterdam.

In the afternoon, journey east of Dam Square to the famous Red Light District. You don’t have to partake in any Red Light activities just to walk through the area, but you also shouldn’t gawk at people like you’re in a human zoo either.

You can join an organized tour of the Red Light District to learn more about Amsterdam’s liberal practices.

Or, if you’d rather get to know Amsterdam’s culture through its cuisine, join a food tour or experience. You can go on a guided food tour tasting eight local delicacies, learn how to make the famous Dutch stroopwafel, or drink beer at the Heineken Experience.

Finally, I recommend ending the day with a dinner of rijstaffel, which is Indonesian rice table.

Rijstaffel is a bunch of small Indonesian dishes, similar to tapas, and a speciality in the Netherlands (due to the large Indonesian population that lives there).

I’ve taken my mom, dad and my husband, Colin, out for rijstaffel on three separate trips to Amsterdam and it’s been delicious every time!

Where to stay in Amsterdam: SWEETS Hotel or THIS HO(S)TEL

Day 3: Explore Amsterdam’s museums and parks

On your final day in Amsterdam, enjoy a mix of the city’s best indoor and outdoor activities. Head over to Museumplein where you’ll have your pick of Amsterdam’s best art museums: Van Gogh, Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk or Moco.

Van Gogh enthusiasts should, of course, head to the Van Gogh Museum. I visited this one with my dad in 2018 and really enjoyed it. A few years later, I got to see more of Van Gogh’s work in Provence, France!

The Rijksmuseum is a good pick for classic art lovers, with its focus on traditional Dutch art and history. I visited as a student and was quite impressed by the collection!

The Stedelijk Museum is perfect for lovers of modern art and design, and the Moco Museum is best for fans of Banksy.

I particularly loved the Moco Museum as I enjoy Banksy’s work and more “street art” style pieces. I also really appreciated that it’s a smaller place to explore, as I can get overwhelmed and “museumed out” at the larger ones.

Most of these art museums will sell out if you’re visiting during peak season, so get your tickets ahead of time. This will also save you waiting in a long line on the day!

Get your Rijksmuseum tickets here, your Van Gogh Museum tickets here, your Stedelijk Museum tickets here, and your Moco Museum tickets here.

If you’re planning to visit lots of museums or attractions during your time in Amsterdam, check out the Amsterdam City Card which includes entrance to 70+ museums, public transit, bike rental, discounts to restaurants and shops, and a canal cruise!

After a morning of museums, stroll through nearby Albert Cuyp Market where you’ll find fresh produce, snacks and local wares. I got the best fresh stroopwafel ever from this market!

Pick up picnic supplies and then walk over to Vondel Park, the biggest park in Amsterdam. Spend the rest of your day enjoying the nice weather in the park by lounging on the grass, walking along the trails or going for a bike ride.

Or if you have more art to see, head back to Museumplein after your picnic lunch and visit another museum.

Where to stay in Amsterdam: SWEETS Hotel or THIS HO(S)TEL

Day 4: Take the train from Amsterdam to Paris

We’ve reached the midpoint of our 7 day Amsterdam and Paris itinerary, which means it’s time to journey to the city of love!

Today you’ll make your way to Amsterdam Centraal to catch your 3.5 hour Thalys train to Paris Gare du Nord.

Book your Amsterdam to Paris train tickets here (make sure to look for “0 changes” if you want the direct route).

Alternatively, you may choose to take a bus, fly or rent a car. Though I recommend the train as an easy, eco-friendly, fast and affordable way to travel!

If you have the flexibility, I’d recommend taking a late morning or early afternoon train. That way, you still have time for a final morning in Amsterdam to take care of any sightseeing you didn’t get to.

Or you can just enjoy a leisurely brunch or last walk along the canals before hopping on your train.

You’ll get into Paris early enough to be able to check into your next accommodation and head out for a nice dinner.

Personally, I don’t like to pack in a lot of scheduled activities on a travel day. I’d rather leave this day more flexible in case of travel delays and to allow for some down time (needed, even on a week-long trip!).

Where to stay in Paris

I recommend staying at OKKO Hotels in Paris. This hotel is a short walk from the Gare du Nord train station where your train from Amsterdam will come in, meaning you won’t have to lug your bags on public transit or pay for an Uber/taxi.

The area around Gare du Nord isn’t the nicest in Paris, but it is affordable and convenient. I’ve stayed in this area on my last few Paris trips and have never felt unsafe, but your mileage may vary.

Despite being by the busy train station, OKKO is tucked away from the hustle and bustle and offers a really stylish and modern haven, while still being affordable. I was drooling over their breakfast buffet!

Book your stay at OKKO Hotels in Paris here!

Or find a Paris accommodation that works better for you:

Need more help deciding where to stay in Paris? I asked 11 travel experts to share their favourite budget accommodation in Paris!

Day 5: Embrace the icons of Paris: Arc du Triomphe, Eiffel Tower & River Seine

The first day of the Paris part of your trip is all about the iconic highlights of Paris. You can’t come to the city of light and not see its main stars!

Start with the famous Arc du Triomphe that sits in the middle of one of the wildest traffic circles in Paris. Luckily, pedestrians can cross underneath and don’t have to brave the roundabout!

You can buy tickets to head up the Arc for a beautiful view of Paris or simply admire it from the ground. I love checking out all of the detailing that you miss if you’re just driving past.

Check two iconic Paris experiences off your bucket list: See the view from the Arc du Triomphe and enjoy a cruise on the Seine!

After checking out the Arc, either from ground level or the panoramic viewing platform, stroll down Champs D’Elysees, Paris’s most well known shopping street.

Even if you can’t afford to shop at the designer stores (I certainly can’t!), it’s fun to walk by and get a feel for the city. Keep walking until you cross over the beautiful Pont Alexandre III bridge and head towards the Eiffel Tower.

No trip to Paris is complete without a visit to the Eiffel Tower! There are a few different ways to enjoy the view of the Eiffel Tower and appreciate this Parisian icon.

My favourite way is to pick up picnic supplies from nearby Rue Cler and set up on the lawn or benches in front of the tower. You can snack on grapes and cheese, pour yourself some wine, indulge in a croissant, and feel totally Parisian with a great view!

Alternatively, there’s a really good view of the Eiffel Tower from the other side at Le Trocadero. Many an Instagram photoshoot happens from here!

Of course, there are views of the tower from all over Paris. But don’t miss seeing her up close.

And if you really want to tick something off your bucket list, you can buy tickets to go up the Eiffel Tower!

Finally, end your first day in Paris with a cruise down the River Seine.

This is a beautiful way to see Paris from the water and fall in love with the City of Lights at night!

Where to stay in Paris: OKKO Hotels

Day 6: Get to know the artsy and foodie sides of Paris

The 6th day of your Paris and Amsterdam trip is all about embracing your inner artist, which means we’re heading to Montmartre.

Known as the artsy, bohemian area of town, Montmartre was once home to Van Gogh, Picasso, Dalí and Monet. You can learn more about the area on a guided walking tour or local food tour.

PS: Big Picasso fan? Check out the Musee Picasso in Antibes, France!

Montmartre is also where you’ll find one of the most famous churches in Paris, Sacre-Coeur Basilica.

Head up the hill (by foot or funicular) to Sacre-Coeur to walk through the beautiful church and admire the view of Paris from above. After, meander through Montmartre’s cobblestone streets where you’ll find performers, artists and shops set up.

Stop for a glass of wine and don’t miss a selfie outside the famous Moulin Rouge. Even better, grab tickets for a Moulin Rouge show!

Paris – and France in general – is known for its amazing food scene. From cheese and wine to macarons and pastries, I still dream about some of the incredible food I’ve eaten in Paris!

So end Day 6 of this itinerary on a foodie adventure! Here are a few fun, top-rated ones to choose from:

Where to stay in Paris: OKKO Hotels

Want to see Paris at your own pace with an audio guide and transportation? Check out a 1, 2 or 3 day hop-on hop-off Paris bus tour!

Day 7: Tour Paris’s best museums and parks

Sadly, it’s the last day of your Amsterdam and Paris itinerary. But we have saved some of the best things to do in Paris for last!

Start your day with a croissant and then head to the most famous museum in the world, the Louvre.

Not only is the Louvre home to Mona Lisa (which always seems to let people down when they finally see her in person) but it has miles and miles of other incredible art to see.

I’ve visited the Louvre twice and have barely scratched the surface of what’s on display!

And don’t let the crowds around Mona Lisa scare you. My dad and I found ourselves in a completely empty section of the Louvre filled with incredible African art.

Because it’s so popular, Louvre tickets will sell out or require you to stand in a long line to get in. Skip the line and secure your visit with a timed-entrance Louvre ticket, small ground guided tour ticket or Seine river cruise and Louvre combo ticket.

You could also visit Musee D’Orsay for more art in a stunning building or any of the many other museums and art galleries that call Paris home.

If you’re planning to visit quite a few museums in Paris, check out the Paris Museum Pass which includes entrance to 60+ museums and monuments.

After all that art, head towards the Latin Quarter. Here you can visit Notre Dame (which re-opened in Dec 2024), Sainte-Chapelle and the Shakespeare and Company bookstore.

I haven’t been back to Notre Dame since the reopening, but have visited it in the years before the fire. Friends who have been tell me the reconstruction was really well done!

Wander on to the Jardin du Luxembourg, a beautiful park where you can enjoy a final picnic in Paris.

Try not to shed a tear that your week through Amsterdam and Paris has come to an end. I’m sure you’ll be back!

Where to stay in Paris: OKKO Hotels

4 ways to extend your 7 day Amsterdam and Paris itinerary

If you’ve got more than a week for this trip or just want to pack some more of Europe into your week, check out my suggestions for extending your itinerary below.

1) Add Belgium

To get from Amsterdam to Paris, you cross right through Belgium, making it the perfect addition to your Amsterdam and Paris itinerary.

Check out my Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam itinerary or my posts on Brussels, Ghent and Antwerp.

2) Add London

London can also be easily added to a Paris and Amsterdam trip; it’s only a 2.5 hour train ride from Paris to London.

Check out my 3 day London itinerary for more ideas on what to do in one of my favourite cities in the world.

3) Go on day trips from Paris

From Paris, you can easily visit the beautiful Palace of Versailles, see medieval monuments at Mont-Saint-Michel or explore the gardens of Giverny.

4) Go on day trips from Amsterdam

From Amsterdam, you can admire windmills in the Dutch countryside, cruise past historic homes in Giethoorn or discover more Dutch cities like Rotterdam, Delft and The Hague as you cross things off your Netherlands bucket list.

Of course you could also spend a lot more time exploring in Amsterdam or Paris. Both cities have so many museums, galleries, attractions, monuments, parks, restaurants, theatres, bars, shops and more for you to discover!

Amsterdam and Paris itinerary FAQs

Can you do a day trip from Amsterdam to Paris?

Yes, you can do a day trip from Amsterdam to Paris, but it will be a very long day!

It’s a 3.5 hour train ride from Amsterdam to Paris, meaning you’ll spend seven hours on the train to go there and back, leaving you not much time to explore.

While it is possible to do a day trip, I would recommend spending at least a night or two in Paris. Not only would this make your travel schedule more relaxing but there’s also plenty to see in Paris to easily fill two days.

Is it better to go to Paris or Amsterdam?

Luckily with my Paris and Amsterdam itinerary above, you don’t have to choose!

Obviously I think you should go to both cities but if you can only choose one, I’d base it off of your interests and what is most convenient for you to get to.

Both cities are popular and will be crowded, especially in high season (summer). Both cities experience all four seasons, though Amsterdam is generally colder and wetter.

And both cities are easy to get to with international airports and good connections through the rest of Europe.

You’ll also find English is widely spoken in the tourist areas of both Paris and Amsterdam, though more widely spoken throughout Amsterdam and the Netherlands.

I’d choose Paris if this is your first trip to Europe, you want to see the Eiffel Tower and you’re excited about French foods like fresh croissants, crepes and fine dining.

It’s a great place to stroll along the Seine, wander in and out of art galleries, practice your French and go on day trips to places like Versailles or Disneyland. While Paris doesn’t always live up to the magical image everyone paints in their mind, it is a must-see city.

I’d choose Amsterdam if you’re envisioning walks along the canals, admiring the skinny houses and trying not to get hit by bikes.

Like Paris, it’s a great city for foodies (Dutch pancakes, anyone?), art lovers (visit the Van Gogh or Rijksmuseum) and those looking for a bit of European charm.

Amsterdam is slightly more off-beat than Paris, with its Red Light District and liberal take on soft drugs, but certainly not an under the radar city.

First trip to Amsterdam? Check out 12 things to know about Amsterdam before you go!

How many days are enough for Amsterdam?

I’d suggest spending three days in Amsterdam. That gives you enough time to see the highlights, like the Anne Frank House and art museums, while still making time to sail down the canals or enjoy a coffee in the park.

But if you’re really short on time, you can hit a few must-sees on just one day in Amsterdam.

How many days should a person spend in Paris?

Similarly, I think three days in Paris is a great amount of time. If you’re not as interested in art museums or exploring the different arrondissements (neighbourhoods), you can enjoy just two days in Paris.

But most people would benefit from three days or more, especially if you want to take day trips or explore some lesser-known areas of Paris.

Is it better to fly from Paris to Amsterdam or take the train?

You may think it’d be better to fly from Paris to Amsterdam, since the direct flight only takes 80 minutes and can be purchased quite affordably, but I would recommend taking the train.

Flying always takes longer than just the flight time; you have to get from the city to the airport, check in, check your bags, go through security, wait around, board and do most of that again on the other side.

So an 80 minute flight can easily become a multi-hour experience!

Taking the train from Paris to Amsterdam is easy. You can quickly get to Paris Gare du Nord, the main train station in Paris, by metro or Uber.

From there it’s a direct 3 hour and 15 minute journey with Thalys to Amsterdam Centraal. As the name implies, Amsterdam’s train station is in the city centre, so it’s easy to walk or take public transit from to your final destination.

Plus train tickets are usually around the same price as a flight, especially if booked in advance. So for about the same cost as flying, you can travel from Paris to Amsterdam in a much simpler, smoother, faster and eco-friendly way!

Book your Paris to Amsterdam or Amsterdam to Paris train tickets here!

What is the cheapest way to get from Amsterdam to Paris?

The cheapest way to get from Amsterdam to Paris is by bus. Flixbus, Ouibus and BlaBlaCar Bus drive this route with buses leaving many times throughout the day.

The journey takes from 6.5 hours to 9 hours, depending on departure time, stops en route and traffic. Tickets are currently as low as $23 USD one-way.

While obviously cheaper than flying or taking the train, it will take you much longer to bus from Amsterdam to Paris and will likely be less comfortable. I wouldn’t recommend it if you only have a few days in each city, since it’ll eat up a lot of your time.

But if you don’t mind a longer and less comfortable journey, it’s a good way to travel and save money!

Book your Amsterdam to Paris bus here!

Final thoughts: Creating your perfect Amsterdam and Paris itinerary

After multiple trips to both Paris and Amsterdam, plus months spent living in Amsterdam, I truly believe these are two of the most quintessential European cities that everyone needs to visit.

They are charming, magical and full of things to do no matter your budget or interests.

My 7 day Amsterdam and Paris itinerary gives you a great taste of what makes these cities so special, but there’s lots more to discover. You could spend months in either of these cities and not run out of things to do.

But to me, the mark of a good trip is one that leaves you thinking, “When do I get to come back?”

I hope my itinerary gives you a great introduction to these European cities and inspires you to plan your next trip back!

What do you think of my 7 day Amsterdam and Paris itinerary? Would you add, remove or change anything? Let me know! 

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