7 Day Paris, Brussels & Amsterdam Itinerary

Over the last decade that I’ve been visiting Europe, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam on many trips, even studying abroad in Amsterdam for five months.

And finally in fall 2022, my husband, Colin, and I visited all three of these cities together and I realized Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam make the perfect week in Europe!

Not only are all three of these cities easily and quickly connected by train, they also offer so much to see and do from museums and boat rides to parks and famous monuments. Plus, each of these cities offers unique languages, cuisines and styles so you’ll feel like you’re visiting three distinct places.

I know you might not have the time or budget to spend many weeks in Europe. Or perhaps you’re looking for just a taste of these popular cities to see which ones you want to revisit in the future. My 7 day Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam itinerary below will give you a great sample of these European icons.

If you have a week in Europe and are looking to hit some of the best cities on the continent, check out my itinerary below! 

I’m sharing a detailed day-by-day breakdown of what to see, where to stay and how to get there. Plus, at the end of the post I share alternatives if you have more or less time in Europe, plus some Amsterdam, Brussels & Paris FAQs!

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support! And thanks to Visit Brussels for supporting my trip to their city. 

Paris, Brussels & Amsterdam itinerary map

Summary: 7 days in Paris, Brussels & Amsterdam

• Day 1: Arrive in Paris, see the city’s icons and Montmartre
• Day 2: Visit the Louvre Museum and Jardin du Luxembourg
• Day 3: Train to Belgium (90 minutes), see Manneken Pis & comic museums
• Day 4: Visit Mini-Europe and the EU Parlamentarium
• Day 5: Train to Amsterdam (2 hours), go on a walking tour
• Day 6: Visit the Anne Frank House, go on a canal cruise & explore Jordaan
• Day 7: Go to an art museum and relax in Vondel Park

Now let’s dive into the details of this awesome week in Europe!

Day 1: See Paris icons & explore Montmartre

Morning: Walk through Paris to the Eiffel Tower

Bonjour & bienvenue! Your week in Europe starts off in Paris. If you’re coming from outside of Europe, the best way to arrive is likely flying into Charles de Gaulle Airport.

My favourite way to beat jet lag is to get some fresh air and sunshine. So we’ll start this European itinerary off by walking past some of the city’s top sights in the historic center (follow this walking map!).

Start at the Arc de Triomphe, which you can view up close or even head up for a nice view over the city. From there, you can stroll straight down the famous shopping street, Champs-Élysées. Even if the stores are out of your budget (they’re certainly out of mine!), it’s still a nice street to walk down.

Continue until you get to Av. Winston Churchill, where you’ll turn right. You’ll pass the impressive Grand Palais and Petit Palais museums before walking across the stunning Pont Alexandre III bridge.

Once on the other side of the Seine, head towards Rue Cler. This adorable street is the perfect place to pick up everything you’ll need for a picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower, which is our next stop!

Croissants and cheese in hand, find a spot in the Champs-de-Mars for a picnic with a view of Paris’ most famous icon. If the lawn isn’t open, there are benches all along the grass. This was something I did on my very first trip to Paris (and on quite a few trips afterwards) and it’s always so magical!

If you want to go up the Eiffel Tower or Arc de Triomphe, you’re going to want to book your tickets in advance.

I highly recommend getting skip-the-line tickets since you’ll be moving pretty fast on this week in Europe itinerary and don’t have time to wait around.

Get your skip-the-line Eiffel Tower tickets here and your skip-the-line Arc de Triomphe tickets here!

Afternoon: Get artsy in Montmartre

After you enjoy your Eiffel Tower picnic and maybe head up the tower for a view, it’s time to Montmartre. Traditionally, this was the bohemian area of Paris and you’ll still find lots of artists there today.

The easiest way to get from the Eiffel Tower to Montmartre is bus (apx 40 minutes) or you can grab a cab/Uber (apx 20 minutes).

Our first stop in Montmartre is Sacré-Coeur, the famous church with a lovely view over the city. You’ll have to take some stairs to get up to the church, or else there’s a funicular if stairs aren’t for you.

Once up there, enjoy a panoramic view over Paris and take a walk through the church (it’s free!). If you want to climb the dome, you’ll need to pay and check that it’s open, as the hours vary.

From Sacré-Coeur you can continue walking through the Montmartre neighbourhood. There are lots of shops and street vendors to peruse, cute cafes and a few museums.

Montmartre is also where you’ll find the famous Moulin Rouge. You can splurge on a show (grab your Moulin Rouge tickets here) or simply snap a photo outside.

Where to stay in Paris:

On our most recent trip to Paris, we stayed at OKKO Hotels and I highly recommend it. The hotel was incredibly stylish, modern and clean while not being too expensive.

Most importantly, it was located just a few minutes from the train station, which is helpful if you’re going to or from Paris by train. And as a bonus, it’s just around the corner from my favourite Italian restaurant and favourite bakery in Paris!

If you need more options for where to stay, check out 12 budget stays in Paris as recommended by travel experts!

Day 2: Discover Paris museums & parks

Morning: Wander the Louvre & cross the Seine

On day 2 in Paris, head to the Louvre museum before the crowds and get your fill of art history, plus the must-take selfie with Mona Lisa.

I’ve been to the Louvre twice and have still barely scratched the surface of what this giant museum has to offer. And I’m not even that into art! So even if you’re not a museum person or very artsy, I still recommend visiting the Louvre and I promise you will find something appealing.

Of course, you have to see the Mona Lisa. Is she underwhelming? Absolutely. But she’s still a must-see. So brave the crowds, get in line and prepare to be disappointed.

But after Mona, you’re free to discover whatever you want! There are huge rooms of tapestries and paintings (the busiest ones will be closest to Mona Lisa) but also recreated rooms, ceramics, statues and art from all over the world.

In 2018, my dad and I went to Paris and had entire Louvre exhibits all to ourselves. So if you’re finding the Louvre too busy, all you need to do is get farther from Mona Lisa!

7.5 million people visit the Louvre each year. Don’t want to stand in line behind them all? Get your skip-the-line Louvre tickets here!

Once you’ve seen as much art as you can handle, enjoy a walk along the Seine towards the famous churches, Notre-Dame Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle.

They’re both worth seeing from the inside and outside, though keep in mind that Notre Dame is not scheduled to reopen until December 2024.

Once you’ve checked out the churches, cross the Seine and pop into Shakespeare and Company. This English bookstore is famous for being the first publishers of James Joyce’s Ulysses and a hangout for writers like F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jack Kerouac and Ernest Hemingway.

They also have a resident cat you should be on the lookout for!

Afternoon: Relax in the Jardin du Luxembourg and explore the Marais district

For lunch, I’m recommending another picnic. This time, head to the Jardin du Luxembourg, a 60-acre park full of amenities to entertain you all afternoon. On your way there, pop into a bakery to pick up your picnic supplies.

After lunch, you have the afternoon free to explore some of Paris’s best neighbourhoods. You’re right next door to the Latin Quarter, famous for gardens, student-friendly cafes and the Panthéon. Or back across the water is everyone’s favourite, the Marais district, great for shopping and drinking.

Or, if you’ve got a hankering for more art or history, you can check out some nearby museums. Musee D’Orsay is a popular pick for lovers of 19th and 20th Century European art.

The National Museum of Natural History is a great family-friendly option. And if you love Les Mis like I do, you might want to visit the Victor Hugo Museum.

Need more ideas for things to do in Paris? Check out my 2 days in Paris itinerary!

Where to stay in Paris: OKKO Hotels

Day 3: Meet Brussels’s famous statue & comic book characters

How to get from Paris to Brussels by train

The best way to get from Paris to Brussels is by train. The train from Paris Gare du Nord station to Brussels Midi station only takes 90 minutes! You can pre-book your Paris to Brussels train tickets here.

Morning: Train to Brussels and see its mascot

After two days in Paris we’re saying au revoir and heading to Belgium! I recommend taking an early train so you can arrive in Brussels by mid-morning.

Once you arrive at Brussels Midi, drop your bags off at your accommodation and then make your way to Manneken Pis, the official mascot of the city.

Just like the Mona Lisa, expect a crowd and expect to be surprised at just how tiny this mascot is. Manneken Pis (which translates to Little Pissing Man) is only 22 inches tall and tucked away at the top of a fountain. But just like Mona, you’ve got to see him while you’re in Brussels!

The rest of our morning in Brussels will be all about Manneken Pis. Once you’ve taken your photos with the statue, head a few minutes up the street to Garderobe Manneken Pis where you’ll be able to see his impressive wardrobe of over 1000 costumes.

You’ll even have the opportunity to try your hand at dressing him (it’s harder than it looks!).

After that, head to the Brussels City Museum to learn more about the history of the city and to see the original Manneken Pis. That’s right, the one at the fountain is a replica!

The Brussels City Museum is also located in The Grand-Place (aka Grote Markt), which is one of the most beautiful places in Belgium. Take a few minutes to admire the architecture!

PS: If you’re into beautiful buildings, Brussels is known for its art nouveau architecture. Check out these houses around the city!

We had a Brussels City Card for our visit to Brussels and it made it so easy to visit all the top attractions, plus the card includes public transit rides. I highly recommend it if you want to follow this itinerary and save some money.

Visit all of the top sights in Brussels with the Brussels City Card!

Afternoon: Check out the comic scene in Brussels

After a lunch break of fries, waffles and beer (you have to in Belgium!), it’s time to lean into Brussels’ other hobby: comics!

Belgium has a long history with comic books and is famous for creating some of the greats, like The Smurfs and Tin Tin. Brussels is even known as the comic strip capital!

Spend some time at the Comic Arts Museum, where you can read old comic strips (most are in French, but you’ll get the gist from the pictures) and see larger scale replicas of some beloved characters.

Then, head over to MOOF (Museum of Original Figurines) where you’ll meet even more action figures, comic book characters and super heroes. As the name implies, this museum is more focused on the figurines than the comic strips.

Despite not being hugely into comics, I really enjoyed visiting both of these places (and they’re both included in the Brussels City Card!)

If the weather is nice, you can finish out your first day in Brussels with a stroll through Brussels Park and admire the Royal Palace.

Where to stay in Brussels

While in Brussels, we stayed at Mercure Hotel Brussels Centre and I highly recommend it. While it wasn’t particularly fancy or stylish, the rooms were spacious, clean and affordable. Plus, the breakfast buffet was great!

Best of all, it was just steps from the train station making travel to/from Brussels, and any day trips, super convenient.

Day 4: Get to know Brussels, the EU capital

Morning: Visit Mini-Europe and the Atomium

On your second day in Brussels, embrace the city’s prominence in the European Union. Home to many important EU organizations, Brussels is often called the capital of the European Union.

A little outside of the city center, you can visit Mini-Europe, an open-air museum displaying over 350 monuments from the EU at 1/25th their actual size. If you didn’t get a good selfie with the Eiffel Tower in Paris, now’s your chance!

Colin and I had absolute blast exploring Mini-Europe. It was so fun to see miniature versions of huge monuments we’ve seen in real life. Plus, most of the displays were interactive, making it even more fun.

After you’ve traipsed all through Europe, head next door to the Atomium. Built for the Brussels World’s Fair in 1958, the Atomium is now a tourist attraction, museum and art gallery, and still stands as one of the tallest structures in the city.

Get up close to check out the Atomium from the ground and then head up to visit the museum and see the views from up high.

Afternoon: Tour the EU Parlamentarium

Head back into the city to continue learning all about the EU, this time at the EU Parlamentarium, a free museum all about the history and workings of the European Union.

As a Canadian and someone who is only vaguely interested in European history and politics, it may surprise you to learn that I loved the EU Parlamentarium and highly recommend it. This is not your average history museum!

While the EU Parlamentarium is chock full of information and historic artifacts, it’s also incredibly interactive. You can experience what it’s like to sit in on EU meetings, vote on political issues and see how past decisions have been made.

Plus, it’s free (though reservations are required), so you might as well check it out!

After all that geography and history, you deserve a drink. Head to Delirium Café, Brussels’ most famous bar with over 2000 beers on offer. Even if you don’t like beer, they’ll probably have something that you’ll enjoy!

If it’s raining in Brussels, check out my list of rain-proof itinerary ideas!

Where to stay in Brussels: Mercure Hotel

Day 5: Walk around Amsterdam

How to get from Brussels to Amsterdam by train

From Brussels, it’s an easy two hour direct train ride to Amsterdam. You can take a Eurostar train from Brussels Midi and arrive in Amsterdam Centraal.

Morning: Train to Amsterdam

Since the train from Brussels to Amsterdam takes two hours and you’ll have 2.5 days in Amsterdam, I think it’s fine to have a bit of a sleep in and spend your morning getting to Amsterdam.

I’d recommend getting on a train around 10am so you can arrive in Amsterdam in time for lunch. Trust me, you’re going to love this city!

First time in Amsterdam? Check out my 12 tips for a first visit to Amsterdam!

Afternoon: Go on a free walking tour

Once you arrive in Amsterdam, head to your hotel to drop off your bags, grab lunch and then get ready to explore.

One of my favourite things to do in a new city is go on a free walking tour. This is a great way to get an introduction to a city, learn some history and culture, receive recommendations from your guide and even make some new friends. Just don’t forget to tip!

On a typical Amsterdam walking tour, you’ll explore Dam Square, the Red Light District, and have a chance to check out the Royal Palace. If you’re particularly interested in an aspect of Amsterdam, such as the Jewish Quarter or Red Light District, you can go on specialized paid tours.

Or do like the Dutch do and head out on a bike tour of the city!

After touring the city for the afternoon, end your first day in Amsterdam with a dinner of rijstaffel, which is an Indonesian rice table local to the Dutch-Indonesian population in the Netherlands. Think of it like Indonesian tapas!

Where to stay in Amsterdam

If you’re looking for an extremely memorable stay in Amsterdam, check out SWEETS Hotel where you can stay in an iconic bridge house right on the canals.

They have converted bridge houses all over Amsterdam so you’ll be sure your stay is unique with unbeatable views. Don’t miss my review of our SWEETS Hotel stay!

Or, if you’re on a budget and want to be as close to the train station as possible, check out THIS HO(S)TEL cube hotel.

Instead of a full-size room, you’ll stay in a private cube, similar to a capsule hotel. But rather than a rowdy and dirty hostel, expect a surprisingly spacious room (for a cube!), clean and stylish shared bathrooms, and a very funky vibe to the whole place!

Day 6: Learn about Amsterdam’s history and waterways

Morning: Eat apple pie & visit the Anne Frank House

Stroll down the beautiful canal streets on your second day in Amsterdam until you find Winkel 43, the famous apple pie restaurant. Indulge in a thick piece of Dutch apple pie, because of course you can have pie for breakfast!

Just nearby is the Anne Frank House, which is a must-visit while in Amsterdam. I’ve been through the museum five times and am blown away each time. It’s an extremely impactful visit.

If you don’t know, Anne Frank and her family hid in the attic of a warehouse in Amsterdam during WWII. They became famous because of a diary that Anne kept while they were in hiding which her father, sadly the only survivor, had published after the war. It was also turned into a play and has become a story known around the world.

The Anne Frank House is now a museum set in the very same place where the Franks hid. You’ll get to walk through the rooms where they lived and learn all about their lives, as well as the lives of Jewish people during the Holocaust.

You MUST book your tickets to the Anne Frank House in advance. Tickets are only sold online on the official website. As per the website, “Every Tuesday at 10am CET all tickets become available for a visit six weeks later.”

Afternoon: Go on a canal boat tour & explore Amsterdam neighbourhoods

While it can be difficult to go back to touristing after a visit to the Anne Frank House, I find the perfect thing is jumping on a canal boat tour. It’s a nice way to clear your mind with some fresh air and process what you’ve just experienced while sitting back on a relaxing cruise.

Conveniently, many canal boat tours leave from right out from of the Anne Frank House!

Check out the most popular canal cruises here – from private boats or small groups to unlimited drinks and cheese tastings!

As you’ll learn on your cruise, the canals are the lifeblood of Amsterdam. It’s impressive to see how they’ve designed all the waterways and it’s a great way to explore the city.

If your boat tour was a round trip, you’ll return to the Anne Frank House about an hour later. From there, walk a few buildings down to The Pancake Bakery for a late lunch. This is one of my favourite places for pancakes in the city!

After lunch, I recommend spending the rest of your day exploring the Jordaan neighbourhood. I used to walk through this neighbourhood all the time when I lived in Amsterdam and I always found it so charming.

People watch while enjoying a coffee, check out boutique shops on the Nine Streets or pop into local museums like the Houseboat Museum or Cheese Museum.

Only have 1 day in Amsterdam? Check out my 1 day in Amsterdam itinerary!

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

Day 7: Wander through Amsterdam museums & parks

Morning: Discover Museumplein

On the final day of your Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam itinerary, you’ll head out to Amsterdam’s museum district aptly named, Museumplein.

Here you can visit one (or more!) of Amsterdam’s famous art museums. Check out Dutch art and history at the Rijksmuseum, modern art at Moco Museum or Van Gogh’s best work at the Van Gogh Museum.

I’ve visited all three of these museums and can highly recommend them all. If you don’t have a huge appetite for art and prefer Banksy to Rembrandt, head for Moco. This museum is smaller than the others and features very funky modern art.

The Van Gogh Museum is a great pick if you want to check out the famous Dutch artist’s work. Or if you can’t decide which Dutch artist you like best, head to the Rijksmuseum and see them all!

Afternoon: Relax in Vondel Park

Once you’re museum-ed out, it’s time for a picnic in the park! You can grab picnic supplies at the nearby Albert Hejn grocery store or check out the Albert Cuyp market for more local produce.

Once you have your supplies, walk over to Vondel Park, Amsterdam’s largest park. This is the perfect place to relax, people watch and enjoy nature as you wrap up your week in Europe.

For your final dinner in Amsterdam, I highly recommend Moeders (the Dutch word for mothers), a traditional Dutch restaurant with a really fun atmosphere.

Sadly, we’ve reached the end of your time in Europe! From Amsterdam you can fly or train home, dreaming of when you can return and explore more.

For more ideas, check out my 3 day Amsterdam itinerary!

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

Paris, Brussels & Amsterdam itinerary FAQs

How many days do you need for Amsterdam, Brussels and Paris?

As you may have guessed from the title of this post, you can visit Amsterdam, Brussels and Paris in a week. They’re all very close to one another and if you want a fast-paced 7 days in Europe, this is a good way to spend them.

However, if you have more time, I’d recommend using it. With 10-14 days, you can slow down and explore each of these cities more in-depth. You would also have time for day trips or to add another city to your itinerary (more on that below).

When should you visit Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam?

Spring would be the best time to visit Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam. The weather is nice and you can avoid the heavy crowds of summer. Plus, you’ll be able to catch the cities in bloom and exciting holidays, like King’s Day in Amsterdam.

Autumn is also a great time to visit – the leaves are changing, the weather is still usually nice and, again, the crowds aren’t as bad as they would be in summer. We visited all three of these cities in late September 2022 and it was a great time to be there!

Summer in Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam will be packed and warm. And winter can be cold. But if those are the only times you can visit, it’s still worth the trip!

How to train from Paris to Brussels or Paris to Amsterdam

Thalys trains connect Paris and Brussels directly in less than 90 minutes. The fastest direct train from Paris to Amsterdam takes three hours.

Train tickets can be bought in advance through Trainline or directly through the national train services. Though I always recommend checking Seat 61 first for the best train advice in Europe!

It’s very easy to take the train from Paris to Brussels or Paris to Amsterdam. That’s how we got from city to city and it was easy and affordable.

Can you bus from Paris to Brussels?

Yes, you can bus from Paris to Brussels in about four hours. While the bus takes longer than the train (4 hours vs 90 minutes), it is usually cheaper, especially if you’re booking last minute.

How to train from Amsterdam to Brussels

The fastest direct train from Amsterdam to Brussels takes two hours on the Eurostar. Like the Paris routes, tickets can be bought through Trainline or directly with the train service. I always recommend booking in advance to get the lowest fare!

3 European itinerary alternatives

1) More time? How to spend 10 days in Paris, Brussels & Amsterdam

If you have 10 days in Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, that’s the perfect opportunity to add a few more things to your itinerary!

Many people will argue that just two days in Paris is not enough time, so you can definitely add another day to the City of Lights. Spend it shopping, visiting more museums or just people watching in fashionable Paris.

You may also want to add on a popular Paris side trip, such as a day trip to Versailles or day trip to Mont Saint Michel.

Your extra days could also be spent on a day trip from Brussels. I’d highly recommend going on a day trip to Ghent and/or Bruges (there’s so much to do in Ghent!) or to Antwerp.

2) Only have time for two? Check out my Paris and Amsterdam itinerary

If you have less time, or want to travel a little slower through these cities, you can definitely just visit Amsterdam and Paris during your week in Europe.

These two cities pair well together, are connected in three hours by direct train, and both offer lots to see and do to fill a vacation.

Check out my Paris and Amsterdam itinerary for more inspiration! 

3) Want to add London? Plan a London, Paris, Brussels & Amsterdam itinerary

If you have even more time, why not add another of Europe’s big cities (and my favourite city in the world) to your itinerary? London is a convenient add-on to this itinerary since it is also well connected to these cities by train.

In fact, I took the Eurostar from London to Amsterdam in January 2023 and highly recommend it – it beats flying! Book your train from London here.

From London you can train directly to Brussels (2 hrs), Paris (2.5 hrs) or Amsterdam (4 hrs). Because the UK is no longer part of the EU, you’ll need to arrive at the train station early to go through passport control.

If you plan to visit London, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, I’d recommend at least 10 days for your trip.

If you’re visiting London, don’t miss my 3 day London itinerary!

Wrapping up: 7 days in Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam

There you have it, a whirlwind 7 days through Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam! While all of these cities deserve more time, you can get a great taste of them on a week-long trip. Plus, it’s just an excuse to come back and explore more on your next trip!

I’ve visited each of these cities a few times – even living in Amsterdam for six months – and have never gotten bored of revisiting. There’s always something new to do, a new sight to see and many new restaurants to try.

Plus, I love the feeling of coming back to a familiar place and introducing a favourite spot to a loved one. My trips to Amsterdam with my dad and my husband have been some of my most special adventures.

I’d love to know: Have you been to Paris, Brussels or Amsterdam? What do you think of this 7 day itinerary? 

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