Amsterdam Brussels Paris Itinerary 10 days travel guide
Get ready for an epic vacation checking off three of the prettiest cities in western Europe, perfect art and culture lovers, and weekend city trippers. This 10 days in Amsterdam Brussels Paris itinerary takes you through 3 classic destinations in an easy-to-follow route – while you make the most of your trip.
Expect bucket list attractions, canal cruises, iconic landmarks, art and history museums, cathedrals, red light district, culinary delights, and more!
Amsterdam Brussels Paris Itinerary 10 days (City + Culture)
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Snapshot of the 10 day Amsterdam Brussels Paris itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive in Amsterdam. Stay at Ambassade Hotel
- Day 2: Explore Amsterdam
- Day 3: Day trip to windmills Zaanse Schans (more options)
- Day 4: Travel from Amsterdam to Brussels. Stay at Brussels Marriott Hotel Grand Place
- Day 5: Explore city highlights in Brussels
- Day 6: Day trip to Bruges (or more options)
- Day 7: Travel from Brussels to Paris. Stay at Hôtel San Régis
- Day 8: Check off iconic landmarks in Paris. Get the Paris Pass
- Day 9: More of Paris sightseeing
- Day 10: Versailles (half day) – fly out
Here are 2 additional itineraries to help you plan your trip!
Additional Tips: 7 day Amsterdam Brussels Paris itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive in Amsterdam. Stay at Ambassade Hotel
- Day 2: Explore Amsterdam
- Day 3: Travel from Amsterdam to Brussels. Stay at Brussels Marriott Hotel Grand Place
- Day 4: Explore city highlights in Brussels
- Day 5: Day trip to Bruges (or more options)
- Day 6: Travel from Brussels to Paris. Stay at Hôtel San Régis
- Day 7: Check off iconic landmarks in Paris.
Additional Tips: 14 days in Amsterdam Brussels Paris itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive in Amsterdam. Stay at Ambassade Hotel
- Day 2: Explore Amsterdam
- Day 3: Day trip to windmills Zaanse Schans (more options)
- Day 4: Travel from Amsterdam to Brussels. Stay at Brussels Marriott Hotel Grand Place
- Day 5: Explore city highlights in Brussels
- Day 6: Day trip to Bruges (or more options)
- Day 7: Day trip to Namur or Dinant from Brussels
- Day 8-9: Spend 2 days in Luxembourg, and then return to Brussels
- Day 10: Travel from Brussels to Paris. Stay at Hôtel San Régis
- Day 11: Check off iconic landmarks in Paris. Get the Paris Pass
- Day 12 – 13: More of Paris sightseeing
- Day 14: Versailles (half day) – fly out
Amsterdam, Brussels, and Paris make for a classic European itinerary of cities, and cultural appreciation. Depending on flight availability you can swap the start and end of this itinerary.
Most North American cities will have frequent (and better connectivity) flights to Paris – Charles de Gaulle International Airport, or to Amsterdam via KLM at Schiphol Airport.
We have started our trips in Europe from both of these airports and they are great for connections from the United States and Canada and just depends on what works for you and your departure airport.
We recommend keeping Brussels in the middle of this itinerary so that you can travel to either Amsterdam or Paris via High Speed Trains or Thalys.
Day 1 of 10 day Amsterdam Brussels Paris itinerary: Arrive in Amsterdam
Kickstart your 10 day itinerary in Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands. Amsterdam is a great European city break option for those who love history, culture, shopping, good food, and an amazing ambiance. Amsterdam will check off all of those boxes.
From Amsterdam, you can soak in everything that the Netherlands is known for, from canals, beer, and cheese to windmills nearby.
Where to stay in Amsterdam? Ambassade Hotel
Ambassade Hotel is a wonderful 4 star property located in the centre of Amsterdam. By staying at this hotel you are at the heart of the action.
The picturesque canals are right at your doorstep, and from here – cafes, stores, museums, and the Amsterdam Centraal Station are within walking distance.
Depending on your arrival time (we arrived by noon), spend the rest of the day in Amsterdam city centre. Settle into your hotel, freshen up, and then strap on comfortable walking shoes and take a wander at the Dam Square.
Dam Square is the historic centre of Amsterdam, located at the original spot of the dam in the river Amstel. At the centre you will find landmark structures such as the Royal Palace, the Nieuwe Kerk, and the War Memorial.
From the historic center, walk to the red light district in De Wallen. With bright neon lights, old school bars, and centuries-old customs this touristy lane is a fascinating visit. At the red light district, you will also find the Oude Kerk – the centuries-old church.
In the late afternoon, walk to the Bloemenmarkt – a flower Market. This market is one of the prettiest with colorful tulips and all sorts of flora. It is perfect for snapping some Instagrammable shots and is your best bet to smell the flowers when you are not visiting in the springtime!
Get a glimpse of what Amsterdam has to offer by going on an evening canal cruise. These sightseeing tours last for an hour and a half, and it is a nice way to get introduced to Amsterdam and warm up.
After the cruise, dine at one of the restaurants/bars located by the canal side, and enjoy the views.
Amsterdam looks stunning under the blanket of lights and stars, and the canalside makes the entire ambiance so romantic and inviting. Gulp a few Heineken if you think Amsterdam is not romantic under the night lights!
Day 2 of Amsterdam Brussels Paris itinerary: Explore Amsterdam
Wake up to freshly brewed coffee, and a warm toast with appelstroop, or cheese and cold meat. Day 2 of your 10 day Amsterdam to Paris itinerary is jam-packed with activities.
We have included 3 must visit museums, where you can spend 45 to an hour in each. You can skip any you like, or explore all three of them – your choice. The three museums – Rijksmuseum, Vincent van Gogh, and Anne Frank House are all located at or near the city centre, and you can walk to them from your hotel (25 to 30 minute walk or you can catch a ride on the tram).
Museumplein is the museum quarter of Amsterdam, and the three major museums – the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum (contemporary art) are located here.
From Museumplein, Anne Frank House is a short drive away (or you can walk, it takes 30 minutes).
We highly recommend booking entry tickets ahead of time (online) to reserve your spot. Out of the 3 – Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank House are our top picks – they are great to learn about the art and history of the region (Amsterdam and Western Europe in general) and the heart-wrenching story of Anne Frank during World War II.
Rijksmuseum: Rijksmuseum is the Dutch national museum, which is home to the largest collection of art in the country. It is one of the most visited museums in the Netherlands. They are open every day from 9 am to 5 pm. There used to be touristy signage – I – AMSTERDAM, but is now removed.
Book your Rijksmuseum entry tickets and guided tour here
Vincent van Gogh Museum: The Van Gogh Museum is a Dutch art museum dedicated to the works of Vincent van Gogh. It has over 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and 750 written documents. It is located close to the Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk Museum, Rijksmuseum. Tickets start at 9 euros per person.
Here is a Van Gogh Museum entry ticket
Anne Frank House: The Anne Frank House is a museum dedicated to the life of wartime diarist Anne Frank. The building is located on a canal in central Amsterdam.
The house, known as the Prinsengracht 263 is the residence where Anne Frank and her family were in hiding (before being taken to various concentration camps in 1944).
The museum has long line-ups everyday – we recommend booking tickets at least 3 months in advance during peak seasons.
Right outside the museum find yourself a place by the canal, and soak in the Dutch sun. We sat here for something enjoying the ambience, and the hustle and bustle of the quarter.
If you miss out on the tickets for the Anne Frank House, we recommend heading to the Vondelpark, which is the largest city park. You can head there after exploring the museums at Museumplein.
The park is about a 6-minute drive (or a 12-minute walk) from the Van Gogh Museum. Opened in 1865 and originally called the New Park or Nieuwe Park, the Vondelpark is a popular place to relax and hang out in the evening.
At the park, there are several cafes, and from June through September you can also enjoy theatre performances.
Day 3 of Amsterdam Brussels Paris itinerary: Day trips to Zaanse Schans + windmills or tulip farms
Venture outside Amsterdam to cute tulip farms or go on windmill tours.
If you are using this 10 day Amsterdam Brussels Paris itinerary in the springtime, then you must visit the popular Keukenhof Tulip Gardens. Every year from March to May 2021 you can see all the beautiful flowers/tulips near Amsterdam!
We missed the tulip season, and visited Amsterdam in the fall, which was pretty by the way (and fewer crowds!), and went chasing windmills.
Zaanse Schans windmills are the closest to the city of Amsterdam. There are daily half day guided tours, and public transportation options available to explore the historic windmills and the postcard-worthy green wooden houses.
Half a day is enough time to check out the windmills, stroll the complex, attend a clog making workshop, and return to Amsterdam.
(You can spend the reminder time relaxing at the centre, or go shopping!)
Alternatively, you can also join a full-day hop-on and hop-off-style windmills sightseeing tour. This tour covers the villages of Volendam, Marken and Edam along with Zaanse Schans on a full day trip.
Day 4 of Amsterdam Brussels Paris itinerary: Travel to and arrive in Brussels
Train connections between Western European countries are so awesome – thanks to the high speed Thalys trains. We booked Thalys to reach Brussels from Amsterdam, and the travel time was about 2 hours from Amsterdam Central Station to Brussels City centre.
We have also taken the regional trains (SNCB Belgium trains) and they take about 3 hours. Thalys is a little pricier, but you have other options – just add an extra hour to your itinerary. Trains start as early as 06:00 am.
Where to stay in Brussels? Brussels Marriott Hotel Grand Place | easyHotel Brussels City Centre
Both Brussels Marriott (moderate plus) and easyHotel (mid to low budget) are located in the city center, and close to the main train station. Both are great properties for a short trip. The room at the easyHotel was small, so don’t carry a lot of luggage with you (more packing tips below).
Once you settle into your preferred hotel, head to the Grand Place. Depending on the time you have today, you can surely check out the grandeur of the Grand Place, go on a carriage ride, and even visit the Brussels City Museum.
In the evening, stop by the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert – this is a beautiful shopping arcade located close to the city centre. The interiors of the building look like a stunning mansion, with intricate designs in Italianate Cinquecento style (dating back to 1846). You will find a ton of chocolatiers here!
Finish your day in Brussels with dinner near the Grand Place – at the Rue des Bouchers. You will find meals starting from 4 to 80 euros here.
Day 5 of Amsterdam Brussels Paris itinerary 10 days: Brussels
Start your beautiful day in Brussels, the capital city of Belgium with waffles, and a latte. Cafes at the city centre open as early as 07:00 am. Fuel up, and get ready to explore Brussels.
Set aside some time near the Grand Place for photos or visit the museum if you missed it on the previous day. From the lower town (which is the centre), make your way to the upper town or the Haut De La Ville. As you approach the top, wonderful city views await you.
All the wonderful buildings in this neighborhood were designed in opulent Neoclassical style in the 18th century by the Austrians.
The Royal Palace of Brussels is the official palace of the King and Queen of Belgium. It is an administration office, and the palace is only open to the public from July (the national bank holiday) until the beginning of September.
They are closed on Mondays and open from Tuesday until Sunday at 10:30 am and close at 5 pm.
The official residence of the king and his family is in the Royal Palace of Laeken on the outskirts of Brussels.
A few steps away from the Royal Palace is the Magritte Museum, which is dedicated to the Belgian surrealist artist, René Magritte. The beautifully manicured gardens – Mont des Arts Garden – is located near the museum, and is worth stopping by!
The park and the gardens provide a wonderful view of Brussels. The complex is very pretty and artistic with sculptures, decorated flower beds, and art.
In the afternoon, start for the Atomium. The Atomium is located away from the city, on the Heysel Plateau in Laeken. It takes about 40 minutes to arrive there by train or 20 minutes by car.
The Atomium is an iconic modern landmark in Brussels. It was originally built for the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair (EXPO 58). The design of the structure is like an atom, but larger – a giant stainless steel atom connected by escalators.
Today it is used as a museum and an exhibition hall.
At the foot of the Atomium is the Mini-Europe park. It is a replica of the monuments in the European Union on display, depicting 80 cities and 350 buildings.
Day 6 of Amsterdam Brussels Paris itinerary: Day trip to Bruges
Visit one of the fairytale cities in Europe – Bruges. Affectionately known as the ‘Venice of the North’, the medieval city of Bruges is the capital of West Flanders.
You can visit Bruges from Brussels by public transportation (train) or take a day tour. Trains are available from most stations in Brussels and it connects Bruges through their SNCB rail network. You don’t have to book tickets in advance (online), but it is a good idea to do so.
You can also book a day tour to Bruges from Brussels. Check it out here
Arrive at the Bruges train station in the morning to experience the medieval Markt Square with its calm demeanor without the jeering crowds and a busy marketplace.
The Markt Square is the fairy tale place that you see in picture-perfect postcards from Bruges. This market place is filled with pretty gingerbread houses, all decorated in beautiful Flemish architecture. The shops and stalls at Markt Square have been in operation since 958 AD.
Standing tall and mighty at the main square is the Belfry Tower. The Belfry of Bruges (or Belfort van Brugge) is an iconic medieval bell tower in the city. It stands 83 metres tall and has a long legacy of over 800 years.
The Belfry was important in the middle ages as it protected the village from natural, and human calamities. The tower has been recognized as a part of the 13th-century UNESCO World Heritage site.
Pretend to be a village guardian, climb 366 steps to reach the top, and take in the city views from above. If you are tired on your way back, stop at a museum to learn about city archives from the Middle Ages.
From Market Square, head to Burg Square. The Burg Square dates to the 9th century, and is believed to be one of the earliest inhabited places in Bruges, dating back to the second or third centuries.
Inside and in and around Burg Square, you will find a few sightseeing gems that are worth a visit. The Bruges City Hall (The Stadhuis), an Old Civil Registry (1537 which was a CourtHouse) and the Basilica of the Holy Blood.
After checking off these iconic landmarks, rest your legs at a local brewery. Bruges is known for its beer and it is worth booking a brewery tour.
We booked a tour at the Bourgogne des Flandres Brewery. The cost of the tour was 10 euros and included in that price is a guided tour of the brewery as well as a FREE pint of famous Bourgogne des Flandres beer – red-brown beer, with a creamy finish.
Finish your day by enjoying a canal boat tour in Bruges. These waterways in Bruges led to the prosperity of Bruges in medieval times and taking a ride over the river is sort of customary and essential. The canal tour lasts an hour and costs 14 euros for two.
This tour will also allow you to experience more of what the city has to offer.
If you have additional time on your hands, visit the 800 year old Saint John’s Hospital or Sint-Janshospitaal, and check out cool art collections, archives, medical items, and instruments from bygone days.
When visiting Bruges via public transportation/trains, we recommend that you spend an entire day there. However, if you are using a guide, then add a trip to Ghent and Bruges from Brussels, then book this combined day tour.
This is a small group full day tour (8 hours), covering the city highlights of Ghent, from Saint Bavo Cathedral, Belfry, and St. Nicholas’ Church to Earl’s Castle. And then in the second half of the tour, it takes you to Bruges and checks off the Lake of Love and the Beguinage, Market Square and its Belfry, town hall, and Our Lady’s Church.
Note: From Brussels, you can explore a lot of places in Western Europe. We have a detailed guide on day trips from Brussels to other areas in Belgium and other countries – you may use this guide to extend your trip or to swap this day 6 recommendation.
Luxembourg City, the capital of Luxembourg can be explored from Brussels on a day trip. The city is home to a beautiful centre with the residence of the Grand Duchy, abbey, museums, cathedral, and remnants from World War II (underground tunnels at Casemates du bock).
Day 7 of 10 day Amsterdam Brussels Paris itinerary: Travel to Paris
After fun-filled days in Belgium, it’s time for the City of Lights – Paris.
Brussels to Paris road distance is 307.5 km (191.07 miles), and it takes a little over 3.50 hours. High speed trains take less than 1.50 hours, and this is the most time efficient way to reach Paris from Brussels.
Trains start as early as 05:45 am. Plan to arrive by noon, so that you can explore in the late afternoon.
Where to stay in Paris? Hôtel San Régis
San Régis is a boutique hotel housed inside a 19th-century private mansion. The location of the property is amazing as you can walk to the Champs-Elysées, Seine River, and Grand Palais.
The best part of the San Régis Hotel is that you can soak in views of the Eiffel Tower from its rooms and balconies. Rooms are richly decorated rooms with carpeted floors and come with all the modern amenities.
Read: Best hotels in Paris with Eiffel Tower views
Spend the rest of the day exploring the historic neighborhood of Montmartre.
Montmartre is located in the 18th arrondissement and is home to gorgeous Parisian cafes, and the iconic Sacre Coeur. Montmartre is all about quintessential Parisian lanes, the red lights of Moulin Rouge, the grandeur of the basilica, quaint cafes, and art.
Once you reach Montmartre stop by a cafe to enjoy a latte and a croissant in true Pairisan style. Our top picks – L’artiste, Le Consulat Restaurant, Le Petit Café Montmartre.
Take a walk at the Place du Tertre, which is an artist square, and admire artists hard at work offering to stretch or paint their subjects. From the Place du Tertre you will see Sacre Coeur peeking at you, we recommend visiting it before sunset.
Located on a large hill, Montmartre offers scenic city views from the Sacre Coeur.
You can visit Sacre Coeur for free, and they are open from 06:30 am to 10:30 pm. Entry fees apply to the top of the cathedral. Starts at 5 euros ($6)
In the evening, dine at a cafe in Montmartre (like Le Cabanon de la Butte), or opt for a show and dinner at the Moulin Rouge. Grab this ticket to experience one of the most famous cabaret shows with a troupe of 60 artists performing the famous “Féerie” show. You can grab your tickets here
Day 8 of 10 days Amsterdam Brussels Paris itinerary: Paris
The next 2 days are all about Paris and checking off your bucket list!
On day one in Paris, head to the Trocadero Gardens to capture one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower.
Our most cherished memory in Paris was at the Trocadero Gardens, where we sat, and watched the sunshine on this beautiful city. The gardens are open 24 hours, and are free to access – so you can start as early as you like.
The Trocadéro was the site of the Palais de Chaillot in the 16th arrondissement, where a palace was set up prior to 1878. Today the complex is home to a number of museums including Musée national de la Marine (naval museum) and the Musée de l’Homme (ethnology).
From the Trocadero gardens, get up close and personal with the Iron Lady – the Eiffel Tower.
The tower has been forever associated with Paris. The Eiffel Tower was built and inaugurated for the 1889 World’s Fair. The tower is named after Gustave Eiffel.
In order to access the tower, there are entry fees. And depending on which floor you wish to visit, the fees may vary.
- The 1st floor of the tower has a transparent glass floor.
- The 2nd floor is the most popular one and showcases mesmerizing views over the city of Paris. From here you can check out the sights of the Invalides, Notre Dame, Louvre, Grand Palais, and the Seine River. There is a restaurant on-site with romantic dining options, plus, and souvenir shops located here as well. You can book your tickets online to the second floor
- The summit of the Eiffel Tower stands tall at 273 metres high and you can see the whole of Paris below you. You can reach the summit via 2 lifts, and there are viewing areas. There is also a champagne bar and a museum dedicated to Gustave Eiffel on the top floor. Book your summit tour of the Eiffel Tower.
- The ground level is called the Esplanade, where you will find the hydraulic lifts, ticket counters, information desk, souvenir stores, and other stores. Note that you can view the Eiffel Tower or walk the grounds for free.
For booking tickets online, you can look for ‘skip the lines’ tickets, which are essentially prepaid passes, and guarantees your visit for the day (in that time slot).
From the tower grounds make your way to Champs Elysees. Explore this historic boulevard, which is one of the most stunning commercial streets in the world.
Champs Elysees is a popular shopping street and is a delight for window shoppers and credit card swipers alike.
The Avenue des Champs-Élysées, located in the 8th arrondissement, was originally created as an avenue lined with leafy trees, stretching from the Place de la Concorde to Arc de Triomphe/Place Charles de Gaulle.
The Arc de Triomphe was built between 1806 and 1836, on the orders of Napoleon, who wanted to honor the victories of the French troops after the Battle of Austerlitz. It is a symbol of French Unity, and one of the most popular monuments in Paris.
You can walk around the base and under the arches of the Arc de Triomphe for free. And for less than $15 USD, you can capture some amazing views from the top of the monument. Book your rooftop access tickets here.
In the late afternoon, visit the Louvre Museum. This museum is located inside the Louvre Palace, which was the royal residence of the French Monarchy once upon a time.
You can easily spend 2-3 hours here, and it is worth heading there in the late afternoon to beat the rush.
The historical elements of the displayed items and the structure come from the royal family (Louvre Palace), the painters, and the art history.
There are more than 350,000 historical and arts items located inside the Louvre along with Leonardo da Vinci’s Monalisa, making it the world’s MOST visited museum. You can book a comprehensive 3 hour tour of the Louvre
The museum is closed on Mondays, January 1, May 1, and December 25. Tickets start at 17 euros ($ 21) or free with Paris Pass
Stay at the Louvre grounds until the sun goes down, and watch the Eiffel Tower glow in illuminating lights.
Day 9 of 10 days in Amsterdam Brussels Paris itinerary: More of Paris
Explore Paris’s iconic cathedrals, and prettiest quarters on day 9 of this epic Europe itinerary.
Start your day with a French breakfast of buttered baguette, with coffee. Today’s sightseeing agenda is centred around Île de la Cité, and it finishes in style with a dinner aboard a Seine River cruise.
Île de la Cité is the historical centre of Paris – this is where the origins of the city lay in. There is a small plaque in front of the iconic Notre Dame that signifies the marking of all distances in the city aka Paris Point Zero.
For many visiting Paris, the Notre Dame Cathedral is a bucket list item. Built between the 12-14th centuries as the seat of the Archbishop of Paris, the cathedral is considered one of the finest Gothic architectural landmarks with its stunning stained glass windows, statues, and bells.
Note: Due to the devastating fire at the Notre Dame Cathedral on April 15 2019, the cathedral is currently closed until further notice. Restoration work is currently going on, with hopes of reopening Notre Dame in 2024 for the Summer Olympics.
Today you wander around the area, but cannot go inside.
Located very close to Notre Dame is Sainte-Chapelle, which is a beautiful royal chapel.
Sainte Chapelle was built in the Gothic style in the 13th century. The stunning stained glass interiors along with the floor to roof glass interiors are a favorite with visitors.
It is worth taking an hour long guided tour here and also checking out the Conciergerie at the same time. Conciergerie was a prison in the past, where prisoners of war (during the French Revolution) were kept in confinement.
Here is the combo ticket with Sainte Chappelle and Conciergerie
Both Notre Dame and Sainte Chapelle are located by the Seine river banks. So after the guided tour, take a walk along the Seine River.
We recommend setting aside 20 to 30 minutes here to just enjoy the stroll along the beautiful Cité and Pont Neuf. The Pont Neuf is the oldest standing bridge in Paris.
From Pont Neuf, as you make your way to Latin Quarter you will find green colored bookstalls, called the Bouquinistes of Paris (aka the green book stalls). These stalls have been located here since the 16th century, and so the Seine has been also popularly described as the “river between 2 book shelves”.
Once you arrive at the Latin Quarter, stop for lunch (in the 5th arrondissement). Latin Quarter is known for multi-cuisine cafes and restaurants and is also home to Sorbonne University and Luxembourg Gardens or Jardins du Luxembourg.
You can relax with a book at the Luxembourg Gardens before your next sightseeing stop.
Explore Musee d’Orsay next. The Musée d’Orsay is an art museum located on the Left Bank of the Seine. The beautiful thing about this museum is that it is housed inside a railway station from the 19th century.
The interiors were designed by Gaetana Aulenti, who created a complex layout of galleries when the railway station was transformed into a museum.
You must visit the museum for its beautiful interiors alone, especially the atrium. And of course, in here you will find paintings, sculptures, photos, and French art from 1848 to 1914. Tickets start at 16 euros (19.60 USD).
Finish the day with dinner and a sightseeing cruise. Seine River Cruises make it an easy and an unforgettable experience in Paris. We love short 1 to 3 hour sightseeing cruises, as it is super relaxing plus you can also dine abroad.
Sightseeing cruises begin at the Vedettes du Pont Neuf (located 10 minutes from Louvre) or Bateaux Parisiens (located near the Eiffel Tower Grounds).
- Here is the one hour sightseeing cruise information. You can embark on this tour at any time of day, we prefer doing this in the evening
- For a sightseeing & dining tour, consider booking the Seine River dinner cruise 2.5 hours.
Day 10 Amsterdam Brussels Paris itinerary: Versailles & return flight
On your final day of the 10 day Amsterdam Paris Brussels itinerary, go on a day trip to the Palace of Versailles. You can either choose a half-day tour or a full-day adventure with Mornet.
The train journey from Paris to Versailles is about an hour and it will cost you 7 euros round trip. Head to Versailles Château Rive Gauche by the metro.
From the station, you can either take a cab (4 minutes), train (12 minute ride – RER C train zone 4), or walk (12 minute) to reach the palace grounds. Check out train tickets at Rail Europe
Half day tour is a good option, where you will explore the Palace and the gardens in the morning, and return by noon. They also have an afternoon tour option.
There is also a full day tour here combining Versailles and Giverny.
We took a day tour from Paris to Versailles and we HIGHLY recommend you take a guided tour as well. This half-day tour allowed us to explore the palace on a guided history tour, and return to Paris by afternoon.
The Palace of Versailles is ONE of the busiest and most visited palaces in Europe, and queues to the site are super long. Don’t waste your precious time in Paris by standing in a queue.
At the Palace complex, learn about the history of Louis IX, his rise, the construction of the palace, and events leading to the French Revolution.
After the guided tour, spend time at the palace gardens (Jardins du Château de Versailles) – they are perfect for Instagrammable shots.
You may conclude this itinerary by hanging out in Paris or connecting to Amsterdam in the evening – for your return flight from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.
Check flights to New York, USA, Toronto Canada, and beyond on WayAway and earn cashback
Additional Tips for 10 days in Amsterdam Brussels and Paris itinerary
Essential Travel Tips: Brussels Paris Amsterdam itinerary
| Amsterdam | Euro | Dutch |
| Brussels | Euro | Dutch Flemish German |
| Paris | Euro | French |
All the 3 countries mentioned in this 10 day Brussels Paris Amsterdam itinerary belong to the European Union, and their official currency is Euro.
Each country has its unique cultural characteristics and official languages, however, English is widely spoken, and you shouldn’t have any issues in navigating directions, trains, or communicating with others.
We recommend downloading Google Translate or Duolingo for translations, just in case you need it for understanding menu items, etc.
Tourist Visa – Schengen Visa
France, Belgium, and the Netherlands also belong to the borderless Schengen zone of countries. If you have a US or Canadian passport you can travel visa free for up to 90 days for leisure purposes.
If you are a non-exempt passport holder, then you have to apply for a Schengen visa (single entry), and you can visit all the 3 countries – including Luxembourg.
We have traveled to the Schengen zone, with a visa and visa-free (on a Canadian passport), and the experience was the same, except that you have to apply for the Schengen Visa prior to your trip.
Thalys – Using high speed trains to connect between the cities
In this itinerary, we mentioned high speed trains called Thalys. Thalys is a French-Belgian high-speed train operator originally built around the LGV Nord high-speed line between Paris and Brussels. You can also take the high speed trains to Amsterdam from Brussels and vice versa.
- Thalys train tickets are more expensive than regular regional or intercity trains. But it is worth it for the time saved.
- We highly recommend booking the tickets in advance. We booked ours 2+ months ahead of time and got our tickets delivered via email. We printed a copy of the tickets as well during our trip.
Best time to go on this Brussels, Amsterdam, and Paris Itinerary
Paris, Amsterdam, and Brussels are all-year destinations. All the prime attractions are open daily (except for certain holidays), and each season brings a unique side to the cities.
All the cities experience 4 distinctive seasons.
| Winter | December to February | Christmas lights Shopping/ Deals Low season Cheapest to fly in February |
| Spring | March to May | Off season Fewer crowds Tulip Festivals |
| Summer | June to August | Peak Season Extended hours at Attractions Expect long queues Great for picnics |
| Autumn | September to November | Off season Fewer crowds |
What to wear in Paris, Amsterdam, and Brussels?
All these 3 European cities are very fashionable. We recommend wearing elegant and clean fabrics – without any large logos, or loud colors. Go subtle and neutral colors.
Accessorize with a scarf, beret, or one statement piece of jewelry.
There will be a lot of walking on cobblestone lanes, so wearing comfortable walking shoes is a must.
We recommend packing and carrying items in a carry-on preferably a backpack because you will be traveling a lot by train – transiting from one country to another.
Salil and I prefer to pack light, and we mostly use our 45 litre backpacks. Pacsafe Venturesafe 45 L has served us well for the past trips to Europe.
What we like about this backpack is that it opens up from the side like a suitcase and makes it easy to store our packing cubes, and access items conveniently. It has pockets for organization, to keep our charging cables, universal adaptor, notebook, and toiletries.
Pacsafe is made of anti-theft and slash proof material, and it keeps our belongings safe when we are using public transportation.
We stayed in Europe for 2 weeks and carried all the clothing (all of my dresses) in a packing cube with no problems.
Here is the entire list of packing items for a trip to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam
- Tops: Long sleeve shirts, blouses & tops (for her)
- Bottoms: Jeans (in dark colors), linen pants leggings
- Dress: Flowy dresses. Nice sweater Dress for dinners out in the winter
- Comfortable walking shoes or winter boots (winter)
- Winter Parka, wool coat (winter)
- Lightweight waterproof jacket (all seasons)
- Sunglasses & sunscreen
- Stylish accessories – Scarf, Gloves, beret
- Charger: Carry multi charging cables. They are so handy to charge multiple tech devices. This is our favorite
- Universal Adaptor: A universal adaptor is a must. Europe uses a plug with two round pins (type C), unlike the flat ones in North America. You can buy yours here
- Camera: Don’t forget your camera. Our camera gear – Sony Mirrorless Camera and Sony AR7iii.
- SD Card: To back up all the photos you will be capturing in Europe
- Passport: Check the validity of the passport (not expired). Visa-related documents, if it applies.
- Currency and Credit Cards: Don’t forget your credit cards and currency
Don’t forget to apply for travel insurance to protect all of your vacations.
The road distance from Amsterdam to Brussels is 202.8 km (126.01 miles), and it takes about 2.50 hours to reach by car. High speed trains take less than 2 hours, and regional trains have a travel time of 3+ hours.
There are many ways to reach Paris from Brussels.
The road distance from Brussels to Paris is 307.5 km (191.07 miles), and it takes a little over 3.50 hours to reach by car.
High speed trains take less than 1.50 hours, and regional trains have a travel time of 3.50+ hours.
Budget flights are also available to the Orly airport in Paris.
2 days in Amsterdam are perfect to enjoy a relaxing city break. It is ample time to visit a couple of museums, explore the prime neighbourhoods and go on a walking tour/food tour.
The fastest train from Paris to Amsterdam takes about 3 hours and 20 minutes (which is the Thalys high-speed train.
You can start the Paris and Amsterdam itinerary in either city and use our sightseeing tips from day 1-2 where you explore the attractions in Amsterdam – from Dam Square, and canal cruise to visiting a couple of museums.
From there take the high-speed train to Paris, and spend 1-3 days in France. In three days, you can cover iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre, and Seine River cruise. Allot one day to explore a popular neighborhood or two.
For connections, note that Amsterdam and Paris distance is 506.8 km (or 314.9 miles) by car. It is faster to reach there by the high speed train.
2 days in Brussels is enough to visit the city centre attractions – Grand Place, City Museum, Royal Palace, Magritte Museum, Mont des Arts Garden, and the Comic Strip.
Spend another day venturing to the Atomium and the Mini Europe area, and then return to the old town to enjoy a cooking class (chocolate or waffle-making workshop).
London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Brussels is a classic European city itinerary. We recommend a full 14 days or 2 weeks to allow enough time in each destination.
There are high speed trains to connect you to all the cities – London to Paris is also very popular. Add 3 days in London, and follow the rest of the itinerary as listed above, starting from Paris to Amsterdam via Brussels.
No, you don’t have to book a vacation package to explore these 3 iconic cities. It is easy to plan and reserve hotels and sightseeing visits online, on your own and all these destinations are great for solo travel as well. If you prefer guided tours, you can book standalone small group excursions to learn more about the city’s history – but this is completely optional!
Need some 10 day Europe itineraries? Click below
- 10 days in Central Europe (the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary),
- 10 days in Spain and Portugal Itinerary
- 10 days in Portugal itinerary
- 10 days in Croatia itinerary
- 10 days in Iceland itinerary
Pin: Paris, Brussels Bruges Amsterdam Itinerary
