The Perfect 3 Week Trip to Europe
- Brian & Steph Hagan
- Feb 25
- 20 min read
This is the perfect 3 week trip to Europe! It's the exact itinerary we did for our honeymoon, and there's literally nothing we would change about it, even after living in Europe for over a year since this trip! This itinerary is perfect for those who haven't been to Europe before and those who've already been!
If you don't know us, we're Brian & Steph! We got married in 2022 and didn't have a registry; instead, we had a "Honeymoon Fund" that helped us plan a honeymoon of a lifetime! We went on our honeymoon in April 2023 and have spent the past year and a half traveling as digital nomads.
The reason this is a great beginner's trip is that everywhere we list is accessible by train, easy to get around, and you'll likely be able to find someone who speaks English if you get lost or need help! Also, all these places are relatively safe and walkable!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
First stop: London, England
4 Nights - We’d never been to London before and wanted enough time to explore without feeling rushed. London is massive—so big that even locals haven’t seen it all—but this was the perfect amount of time to check off the main “touristy” sights and squeeze in a few extras!
Tips:
Use the public transit - Between the tube and the iconic double-decker buses, London is so easy to get around. The public transit is relatively safe and easy to use! Cabs are expensive, and you won't be able to see everything on foot!
You'll be able to get by without the local currency (British Pound Sterling). We used cards and ApplePay everytime we've been to London!
Bring an umbrella - It rains a lot in the UK, so pack a portable umbrella just in case!
Where to Stay:
For first-timers, we'd recommend staying in Covent Garden, Southbank, or Westminster as these neighborhoods are close (walking distance) to many of the things you'll want to do!
What to do:
1) Elizabeth Tower
You can't visit London without seeing Elizabeth Tower (known as Big Ben)! The tower was completed in 1859 and is part of the Palace of Westminster. For the best views of Big Ben, cross the Westminster Bridge, turn right, and walk along the River Thames. You won't get a more iconic view of the tower or the city!
2) St Dunstan in the East
If you want a quiet place to sit and rest your legs, visit St Dunstan in the East Church and Garden! This church was badly damaged during WWII, and has since been turned into an idealic garden. The church is adorned with ivy running up the ruins, the fullest green plants, and beautiful lighting thanks to the sun shining through the open roof! It's FREE to enter!
3) Tower Bridge
People always assume Tower Bridge is the London Bridge because of how much it stands out compared to the other bridges! You can cross it on foot or pay to walk across the glass floor up top! We recommend doing this, especially if it's your first time in London! BOOK HERE!
4) Cecil Court
Cecil Court is nicknamed "Booksellers' Row". By the 18th and 19th centuries, Cecil Court had cemented its reputation as a literary street. It was also home to early map sellers, print dealers, and music publishers. In the early 1900s, it became a hotspot for film-related businesses—some of Britain’s very first film companies operated here, earning it the nickname “Flicker Alley” before cinema took off elsewhere. The shop's Victorian Era facades have been preserved, making it a must-visit street to shop or just walk through!
5) Borough Market
If you love food as we do, you can't miss Borough Market! Although Borough Market can get very crowded, it's still our favorite market in the world! You can get any type of food/beverage you want from local artisans and food vendors: Thai, Indian, Mexican, pastries, coffee, wine, and more! It's over 1,000 years old and located on the South side of the River Thames.
6) See a West End Show
The West End is the beating heart of London's entertainment scene, and is known for its world-class theatre! West End shows are of a similar caliber to Broadway shows, but a bit cheaper! We've seen "The First Shadow", the Stranger Things play, and it was 10/10!
7) The Tower of London
The Tower of London is a historic castle on the north bank of the Thames in central London. Built by William the Conqueror in 1066, it was originally a fortress to protect the city and assert royal power. Over the centuries, it has served many roles: a royal palace, prison, armory, treasury, and a zoo. It even houses the crown jewels! Plan to spend half a day exploring the castle! BOOK HERE!
8) The Sky Garden
If you're looking for something free to do in London, check out the views of the city from the Sky Garden. Yes, tickets are free, but they sell out VERY far in advance! If you don't manage a ticket but still want to visit, book a table at one of the restaurants or bars up top, we promise it's worth the view! You can find tickets HERE.
9) Afternoon Tea Bus
You HAVE to experience the tradition of afternoon tea in London, especially if it's your first time visiting! Yes, you can have it at one of the iconic places, like Fortnum & Mason (which is 11/10), OR you can have it on one of London's double-decker buses for a more unique experience! What's better than sipping tea and enjoying scones while sightseeing? BOOK HERE!
10) Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey
When we first visited London, it was the week before King Charles’ coronation, so we weren’t able to go inside Buckingham Palace or Westminster Abbey. They’re still at the top of our London bucket list, as both are packed with incredible history and culture! Don't miss seeing these places from the outside, even if you don't want to pay for a ticket to explore the interiors!
The Best Day Trips:
Bath
You can take a 1.5-hour train ride from Paddington Station to Bath Spa! Bath is one of the most gorgeous cities in England, with Georgian Architecture, countryside walks, and was a filming location for Bridgerton!
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
If you're a Harry Potter fan, you HAVE to visit the Warner Bros. Studio Tour! This experience was one of the best of our lives! We'll include the experience we booked below! We highly recommend it because it takes care of all the logistics for you! BOOK HERE!
Oxford
Take the short 45-minute train from Marylebone Station to Oxford Station! You won't want to miss exploring this English University town, especially if you're a Harry Potter fan!
Where to Eat:
If you know us, you know we're coffee shop connoisseurs! We look forward to our coffee dates more than our dinner dates! Here are our London favorites (we only recommend the best):
Restaurants:
Second Stop: Paris, France
5 Nights - Board a train at St Pancras International and arrive in Paris (Gare du Nord) just over 2 hours later. We love using Omio to book trains across Europe. You can book your trains HERE!
I'd been dreaming of visiting Paris since I was a little girl, so we had to add it to our itinerary! Paris is as romantic and dreamy as you've heard; don't let people tell you otherwise. Even after visiting over 100 cities, Paris is one of our favorites and one we'll return to over and over again!
Tips:
While we've never been pickpocketed or felt unsafe in Paris, you definitely need to be careful in this city (and most big cities). It's safe to take the trains, but don't wear backpacks on your back, and always keep your eyes on your bags. We ordered locks to lock up the zippers on our belongings, which is definitely a pro tip! Order the same locks here!
Don't leave purses, bags, or phones on your table without having them attached to something for the same reasons.
You'll want to use the Metro, as Paris is a huge city and cabs will be expensive! As long as you're alert and keep an eye on your belongings, you'll be safe!
You'll want Euros in Paris! You can use your card for most things, but we've occasionally had to pay in cash when shopping at family-owned shops and food vendors!
Paris is divided into different sections or arrondissements; knowing this will help you navigate the city more easily!
If you respect Parisians, they respect you! Have a few phrases like "Bonjour" and "Merci" in your back pocket, to show you're trying and be open to their way of doing things! We've never had a bad experience!
Where to stay:
Two of our favorite neighborhoods to stay in Paris are the 7th and the 3rd arrondissements.
The 7th is within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower and is surprisingly quiet, with a local feel!
The 3rd (specifically Le Marais) is our absolute favorite neighborhood to walk around because of the trendy shops and medieval architecture! This neighborhood will make you feel like a local as well!
We don't recommend using Airbnb in Paris (unless you use Airbnb a lot and know what to look for with scams)! There are a lot of scams (we almost got scammed the first time we visited)! BUT, we did have an amazing experience with this Airbnb the last time we were visiting!
Paris Airbnb - This Airbnb is in Le Marais, and the host made us feel cared for and safe!
What to do:
1) Picnic at the Eiffel Tower
Of course, you'll visit the Eiffel Tower, located in the 7th arrondissement, but there are 3 specific things you don't want to miss!
Don't skip a picnic on the lawn in front of the Eiffel Tower. Shop for all your picnic goodies on Rue Cler, a few minutes' walk from where you'll want to set up!
The Eiffel Tower sparkles for 5 minutes at the beginning of every hour from nightfall till 11 PM, midnight, or 1 AM, depending on the season! I love watching from HERE!
Cheers with champagne at the top of the Eiffel Tower! No need to climb all those stairs—elevators whisk you straight up. Whether you book a dinner at the restaurant or simply wander around soaking in the views, it’s an unforgettable experience. BOOK HERE!
2) Seine River Cruise
No trip to Paris is complete without a walk and cruise along the Seine. A Seine River Cruise at night is the most romantic thing you can do in this city, and you'll get to see all the iconic landmarks lit up for a once-in-a-lifetime experience! BOOK HERE!
3) Musée d'Orsay
The Musée d’Orsay is our absolute favorite museum in Paris, set inside a stunning former Beaux-Arts railway station along the Seine. It’s best known for its world-class collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, with masterpieces by Monet, Degas, Renoir, Van Gogh, and many more! BOOK HERE!
4) Canal Saint-Martin
If you want to experience local life in Paris, take the metro to this secret gem, Canal Saint-Martin! You can walk along the canal, grab a pastry or sandwich, and sit along the waterfront! There are many cafes where you can sit out and enjoy a nice dinner and a glass of wine as well!
5) Jardin du Luxembourg + Place des Vosges
These are our two favorite parks in Paris! The Jardin du Luxembourg is much larger and more popular. There are plenty of paths to walk and a pond in the center where you can rent toy boats. Place des Vosges is a much smaller park, but you'll typically only find locals here! It's located in Le Marais and is a great place to have a picnic, people watch, and enjoy the surrounding architecture!
6) Moulin Rouge
The Moulin Rouge is a famous cabaret in Montmartre that opened in 1889, known for its iconic red windmill and for popularizing the can-can dance. It has long been a symbol of Parisian nightlife, drawing artists, performers, and visitors from around the world. You don't want to miss seeing this iconic show, as it's a symbol of Paris! BOOK HERE!
7) The Louvre
You have to visit the Louvre at least once in your life! Pro Tip: Get skip-the-line tickets and follow the map for the popular art pieces throughout the museum. You'd need weeks to see everything in the museum! We'd recommend picking 1-2 wings to focus on - The Denon Wing is where the Mona Lisa and Italian masterpieces are! BOOK HERE!
8) Shop Le Marais
If you've decided to stay in Le Marais, you'll be in for a treat! There are so many local shops and restaurants giving you that true Parisian feel. If you're not staying in this neighborhood, I recommend making your way over to spend the afternoon perusing shops and enjoying a glass of wine on the street!
9) Carette Hot Chocolate
Yes, hot chocolate at Carette is worth the hype! In our opinion, it's the best place to get hot chocolate in the city. We recommend going to the location across from Place des Vosges, so you can enjoy the park either before or after!
10) Montmartre
Montmartre is a historic neighborhood located in the 18th arrondissement, which artists like Picasso and Dalí used to call home. Today, you feel the artistic vibe as you walk through the cobblestone streets! Don't miss visiting the Sacré-Cœur Basilica for sunset, and the Place du Tertre, as well as all the side streets for shopping and local Parisian cafes.
Best Day Trips:
The Palace of Versailles
While you can book a tour to Versailles from Paris, we recommend taking the metro and buying entrance tickets to the Palace + Gardens separately, so you don't feel rushed! Watch our Versailles video for answers to all the logistical questions! BOOK HERE!
Disneyland Paris
The fastest and most direct way to get from central Paris to Disneyland is by taking the RER A regional train to Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy station! It takes about 45 minutes to get there! Book your Disneyland tickets HERE!
Giverny Monet's Garden
Monet's Garden in Giverny is absolutely breathtaking, and you should definitely visit, especially if you're a Monet fan! Know the gardens will be extremely busy, and you'll have to wait a while to get in if you're not part of a tour group! Book a tour HERE!
Best Cafes/Boulangeries:
Restaurants:
Third Stop: Luxembourg
1 Night - Take an easy 2-hour train from Gare de l'Est in Paris to Luxembourg City! Luxembourg is one of Europe's smallest countries, and the city itself is quite small, so you'll only need about 24-hours to explore! You can book your trains HERE!
Another option is to skip Luxembourg completely and add another day in Bruges or Amsterdam (coming at the end of this itinerary)! While Luxembourg is beautiful, it's quite small, and you might not want to travel out of the way for just 1 overnight! We're happy we visited, but we can't speak to many of the activities because we were both feeling under the weather when we were there!
Where to stay:
We stayed at a hotel directly across from the train station! This was convenient, as we only stayed one night! It was an easy 20-minute walk into the city center from the hotel!
Hotel Grey - Great location with an optional continental breakfast!
What to do:
1) Explore Luxembourg Old Town
The Old Town is a UNESCO-listed historic town, and one of the wealthiest hubs of the European Union! Luxembourg’s Old Town, perched on dramatic cliffs and winding along the Alzette and Pétrusse valleys, is a charming mix of medieval fortifications, cobblestone streets, and historic squares. Highlights include the Grand Ducal Palace, the ancient city walls, and cozy cafés tucked into picturesque alleys. We loved experiencing a walking tour to learn about historic Luxembourg!
2) Walk around The Grund
The Grund, Luxembourg City’s lower old town, is a scenic, riverside neighborhood nestled in the Alzette valley. With its charming historic buildings, lively bars, and peaceful walking paths along the river, it offers a cozy, picturesque contrast to the city’s upper plateau.
3) Alzette River Walkway
This was our favorite bit of Luxembourg! We spent hours wandering along the river walkway, enjoying the views and the gorgeous reflection of the bridges in the water!
4) The Casemates
The Casemates are an impressive network of underground tunnels and fortifications carved into Luxembourg City’s cliffs. Originally built for defense, they stretch for kilometers and offer dramatic views of the Old Town and the Alzette valley.
5) Pfaffenthal Panoramic Elevator
The Pfaffenthal Panoramic Elevator is a FREE, public, glass-walled lift in the center of the city connecting the city center to the lower, Alzette river Valley!
6) Municipal Park of Luxembourg
If you want another green space, look no further! This municipal park is on the outskirts of Old Town Luxembourg and a great place to spend the afternoon!
Coffee/Restaurants
Fourth Stop: Brussels, Belgium
3 Nights - Take an easy 3-hour train from Luxembourg to Brussel-Zuid! You might have to switch trains along the way, depending on which train you book. You can book your train HERE!
Where to stay:
We stayed in the Historic City Center, which we loved! We were able to walk to absolutely everything, and it was a short walk to the train station, which made arriving and leaving with bags very convenient!
Nightlife in Brussels is popping (we aren't nightlife people, but we've heard and seen)! If you're sensitive to noise, you might want to stay somewhere a bit quieter, like the Sablon neighbourhood, which is known for upscale dining and shopping.
Urban Walls - Modern hotel in a great location (mid-range).
Citadines Sainte-Catherine Brussels - Allows pets and has a great location.
What to do:
1) City Highlights walking and tasting tour
We always recommend starting any new place with a walking tour to learn as much as you can about the city and where/where not to spend your time! We loved this walking tour because we gained so much information and got to try all the Belgian specialties! We got great recommendations for where to eat, drink, and explore! BOOK HERE!
2) Grand Place
The Grand Place is the central square of Brussels, with unbelievable Baroque Guildhalls, old corporation houses, and restaurants where you can take it all in! We loved grabbing drinks/dinner at one of the restaurants in the square to enjoy the view!
Also, visit the Brussels Town Hall, the only medieval architecture left in the square, where you can learn about Brussels' history and its role in the European Union. Did you know that Brussels is the administrative center of the EU? BOOK HERE!
3) Jardin du Mont des Arts + Jardins du Fleuriste
The Jardin du Mont des Arts is a public garden located below Place Royale! Originally built for the 1910 Universal Exhibition, it's now a peaceful spot designed for leisurely strolls and relaxation! The view of the garden from the Mont des Arts viewpoint is unreal, with all the greens and floral colors.
The Jardins du Fleuriste are historic gardens located in the Laeken area of Brussels, near the Automium. Originally, they served as an experimental and display garden for rare plants not commonly found in other local parks. Today, the gardens are landscaped and open to the public as a peaceful place to stroll, relax, and enjoy a variety of plantings, including old trees and horticultural displays.
4) Mannekin Pis
Manneken Pis is a small but famous bronze statue of a little boy in Brussels, known for cheekily peeing into a fountain. Dating back to the early 1600s, it has become a symbol of the city’s playful sense of humor. The statue is often dressed in different costumes for holidays and special events, making it a fun surprise for visitors.
5) Belgian Chocolate Tour + Chocolate Museum
Choco-Story Brussels is an interactive museum about cocoa and chocolate. It takes you through the journey of chocolate — from ancient cocoa cultures like the Maya, through its introduction to Europe, and up to the creation of iconic Belgian pralines. Along the way there are tastings, demos, and hands-on exhibits that make it fun for families and chocolate lovers alike. BOOK HERE!
We definitely recommend going to the museum, but you should also do your own chocolate tour, visiting the local shops like:
6) The Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries
The Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries are a historical and architectural gem—one of Europe’s oldest glazed shopping arcades, inaugurated in 1847 and designed by architect Jean-Pierre Cluysenaer. Created as elegant, weather-protected pedestrian streets, they bring together shops, cafés, cultural venues, and even residences beneath one magnificent glass roof. We recommend visiting Aksum Coffee House and Neuhaus, both located inside!
7) Belgian fries and waffles
You can't visit Brussels without trying the Belgian fries and waffles! I mean, that's what the country of Belgium is known for, right?!
What truly sets Belgian fries apart is the technique: they’re traditionally fried twice—first at a lower temperature to cook the potato, then again at a higher temperature to achieve a perfectly crisp exterior—often in beef fat for extra flavor! They're served in paper cones, with dipping sauce - you have to try andalouse sauce!
Belgian waffles have a rich history that goes back to the Middle Ages, when early waffle-like cakes (gaufres) were cooked between patterned iron plates over an open fire. These irons often bore religious symbols or family crests, making waffles a special treat for festivals and celebrations rather than everyday food.
Today, you can find shops that sell these delicious treats all over the city!
Patatak for fries
Frituur Tabora for fries
For Belgian waffles, you'll see shops showing off their extra flavors and toppings - find a shop that isn't doing this and try a waffle plain before adding anything extra on top! If you can buy one from one of the waffle vans that drive around, DO THAT!
If you want to learn the technique of making Belgian waffles, THIS is a great experience!
8) The Atomium
The Atomium is one of Brussels’ most iconic landmarks, built for the 1958 World Expo and designed to resemble an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. Its futuristic spheres house exhibitions, viewpoints, and a panoramic restaurant with sweeping views of the city. From central Brussels, you can reach the Atomium by taking metro line 6 toward King Baudouin and getting off at Heysel. From there, it’s an easy 5-minute walk to the monument. BOOK HERE!
9) Comic Strip Route
Brussels is famous for its Comic Strip Route, a collection of large-scale murals painted on buildings throughout the city that bring beloved Belgian comic characters to life. As you wander different neighborhoods, you’ll spot scenes featuring Tintin, Asterix, Lucky Luke, the Smurfs, and many lesser-known local heroes tucked into unexpected corners. Each mural is placed to blend into its surroundings, turning ordinary streets into open-air galleries. Exploring them on foot is like going on a citywide treasure hunt and offers a fun, uniquely Brussels way to discover the city.
Cafe/Restaurant Recommendations:
Fifth Stop: Bruges, Belgium
2 Nights - Take an easy 1-hour train from Brussel-Zuid to Brugge! You can book your train HERE!
Bruges is the capital of West Flanders in Belgium and is known for its preserved medieval architecture and picturesque canals! Burges is known as the "Venice of the North," due to the canals running through the city!
While you only need 1 day (2 nights) to explore the whole city and the surrounding area, you might want to add a 3rd night for an R&R day!
Tips:
From Bruges Train Station to the city center, it's about a 25-minute walk! Be prepared to drag your bags along uneven, cobblestone streets or take the bus/taxi! We specifically remember this walk because it was pouring when we stepped out of the station!
Stay overnight here! Staying 2-3 nights allows you to enjoy the mornings and evenings after all the day trippers have left!
If you can fit an extra day, make sure to take the train to Ghent, another medieval city in Belgium, only a short distance from Bruges. We only spent 1/2 a day exploring Ghent, but we wish we had stayed longer!
Where to stay:
You'll want to stay in the center of Bruges! We stayed at Hotel Bourgoensch Hof and absolutely loved it. The view from our room was unreal. We felt like we didn't even have to leave it to experience Bruges! This is the view of the canals from our private room!
Hotel Bourgoensch Hof - An affordable 3-star hotel with unbelievable views!
What to do:
1) Wander the historic city center
You'll be blown away by how magical Bruges is! Let yourself get lost among the cobblestone streets and medieval architecture. Grab a sandwich to enjoy in one of the charming squares like Markt and Burg!
2) Climb the Belfry of Bruges
The original records of this Belfry are missing, but it's believed to be from before the 13th century! It was destroyed by fire multiple times, but is now a tourist attraction and one of the most popular things to do in Bruges! Tackle the 366 steps for panoramic views over the rooftops and canals—it’s worth the effort. You'll learn so much about Bruges history and get a workout in! Also, you'll get to watch how the tower bells work; bring earplugs if you have sensitive ears!
3) Visit the Church of Our Lady + Basilica of the Holy Blood
The Church of Our Lady is home to Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child and one of the tallest brick towers in the world! The Basilica of the Holy Blood is known for housing a relic of Christ’s blood and its stunning Gothic and Romanesque architecture. Entrance to both churches is FREE!
4) Take a canal cruise
Bruges’ canals offer a beautiful, relaxed way to see the city from the water (and snap amazing photos). While you won't be in a gondola like in Venice, you'll get the same types of views as you float through the canals! We booked a tour that included a city tour, food tour and boat cruise, which we loved!
5) Visit Begijnhof
Begijnhof, founded in 1245, is a peaceful courtyard of white-fronted houses and a serene convent garden that once housed beguines—independent laywomen devoted to a pious, celibate life of prayer and silence. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, it remains a quiet sanctuary inhabited by nuns of the Order of Saint Benedict and the Order of Vincent de Paul.
6) Koningin Astridpark
This charming park, just a short walk from the city center, was bustling with a farmer’s market when we visited. It’s a local favorite, perfect for relaxing with a beer and enjoying good conversation. Be sure to check if any events are happening, or simply take a leisurely stroll within the park.
Cafe/Restaurant Recommendations:
Sixth Stop: Amsterdam, Netherlands
3 Nights - Take a quick 3-hour train from Brugge to Amsterdam Central! You might have a changeover in Brussels or Antwerp, depending on what train you book! You can book your train HERE!
Tips:
Book most of your activities in advance! Especially the Anne Frank House, if you plan to visit!
Don't be afraid of the Red Light District! It's just a small part of Amsterdam and easy to avoid if you want to! In our opinion, it's worth visiting because it's an interesting part of life in Amsterdam!
Where to stay:
For first-timers in Amsterdam, we recommend staying as central as you can. Look in Grachtengordel or Jordaan. This will allow you to walk pretty much everywhere (although public transportation in Amsterdam is good)! For a central location that's more affordable, check out Oost!
If you want a local feel, we stayed in Staatsliedenbuurt, just South of Westerpark, and loved it! We were surrounded by local shops and restaurants, and could either walk 30 minutes to the center of Amsterdam or take the bus!
What to do:
1) Anne Frank House
If there’s one thing you must do in Amsterdam, it’s visit the Anne Frank House Museum. Beautifully curated, it tells the story of the Frank family while keeping Anne’s legacy alive. Phones are not allowed in the family’s hidden quarters, letting you fully immerse yourself in the experience. This is one of our favorite museums we've ever visited! You can only book tickets online, and they become available 6 weeks in advance! You can book tickets HERE.
2) The Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is a must-visit for art lovers, housing the world’s largest collection of Vincent van Gogh’s works. From his vibrant sunflowers to his expressive self-portraits, the museum traces his artistic journey and personal struggles. With modern, thoughtfully designed galleries, it offers an immersive experience that brings Van Gogh’s genius vividly to life. You must also book these tickets in advance! BOOK HERE!
3) Canal Boat Tour
If there's one thing you have to do in Amsterdam, it's this! Gliding through Amsterdam’s canals gives you a completely different perspective on the city’s historic architecture and charming narrow houses. As you pass under quaint bridges and along tree-lined streets, you’ll feel the rhythm of daily life in the city. You'll float past unique houseboats, with people lounging on their waterside patios! There are a bunch of different boat tour options, but this is the one we did and loved! BOOK HERE!
4) Amsterdam Canal Museum
We stopped at this museum on a whim, but it ended up being a highlight for us! You'll only need about an hour to explore it, but you'll learn about the Amsterdam canals and how they came to be! You'll have a larger appreciation for the city when you exit these doors! BOOK HERE!
5) Bloemenmarkt
The Bloemenmarkt is the world's only floating flower market, located on the Singel canal in Amsterdam between Muntplein and Koningsplein. It's not just a market, but a symbol of Dutch culture rooted in centuries of horticulture mastery! It's famous for selling tulips, bulbs, herbs, and diverse souvenir items. Even if you're not planning to buy anything, take a stroll through this area!
6) Rijksmuseum
While we didn't get a chance to visit this museum (tickets were sold out), it's on our list for next time we're in Amsterdam! The Rijksmuseum is the National Museum of the Netherlands, and houses works by masters like Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Hals! BOOK HERE!
7) Dutch Pancakes
Don't make the mistake of visiting Amsterdam and accidentally getting American pancakes over Dutch pancakes (yes, some places sell both)! Dutch pancakes are thinner than American pancakes, and can be savory or sweet! They're cooked in the oven instead of on the stove!
Best spots for Pancakes:
8) Visit Keukenhof
If you’re a tulip lover visiting Amsterdam in the spring (March 19th–May 10th, 2026), a trip to Keukenhof is an absolute must! Located in Lisse just outside the city, this iconic garden bursts into bloom with millions of vibrant tulips and beautifully designed displays. The impeccable upkeep, endless color combinations, and stunning flower varieties make it one of the most breathtaking gardens you’ll ever experience.
Cafe/Restaurant Recommendations:
We hope you found this itinerary helpful! Please consider using our links to book, as it helps us continue to write blogs like this!
We've included a lot of information, but if we've forgotten anything, feel free to reach out to us here or on Instagram!
Comments