Three cities, ten days, and enough art, canals, and croissants to last a lifetime. This Amsterdam–Brussels–Paris itinerary is built for travelers who want culture without the chaos.
You’ll float down canals, stand under masterpieces, linger in grand squares, and tick off bucket-list landmarks along the way.
Think Vermeer to Van Gogh, waffles to wine, Gothic cathedrals to the glitter of the Eiffel Tower. All in one smooth route.
Overview Of 10 Day Itinerary
Here’s a snapshot of what you can see in ten days:
- Days 1-4: Paris
- Days 5-6: Brussels
- Days 7-8: Bruges & Ghent
- Days 9-10: Amsterdam
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 (Schiphol Airport).
Where To Stay
Based on my experience, these are some great places to stay in your bases:
- Paris: Relais Christine, Cour des Vosges, La Planque Hotel, Maison Souquet, La Roch Hotel & Spa
- Brussels: Hotel Le Dixseptieme, Hotel Amigo, Juliana Hotel Brussels, Le Louise Hotel Brussels – MGallery
- Bruges: Hotel Heritage, Hotel Patritius, Grand Hotel Casselbergh
- Amsterdam: Hotel V Nesplein, Hotel V Frederiksplein, Maison ELLE, Rosewood Amsterdam
What To Book In Advance
When planning this kind of trip, it’s super important to secure tickets for the most popular attractions well before you go.
These cities draw huge crowds, and many top sights sell out days or even weeks in advance.
To avoid disappointment, make sure you pre-book essentials like museum passes, timed-entry tickets to major landmarks, and special experiences that have limited capacity.
Having these reservations sorted ahead of time gives you more freedom to enjoy your itinerary without the stress of scrambling for last minute availability or cooling your heels in long lines.
Here’s what you need to pre-book in each city:
Paris:
Brussels:
Bruges:
- guided walking tour
- guided food tour
- beer and chocolate tour
- chocolate making workshop
- guided bike tour
- Chocolate Museum tour and tastings
I also highly recommend getting a Bruges Museum Card. You’ll breeze in to the main sights without standing in line.
Amsterdam:
- Rijksmuseum
- Van Gogh Museum
- Anne Frank House
- Rembrandt House
- Canal cruise
- Bike tour
- Guided walking tour
Most attractions in Amsterdam are covered by the Amsterdam City card, except for the Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank House.
10 Day Europe Itineray
Days 1: Paris
Arrive and settle into your accommodation in Paris. Have some coffee and try to push through without taking a nap. That way, you’ll adjust to the time change more quickly.
Begin by exploring the Marais. I think it’s one of Paris’s most charming districts, mostly untouched by Haussmann’s 19th century rebuild.
Its medieval and Renaissance streets are packed with history, from turrets to townhouses, alongside trendy boutiques, art galleries, cafes, and restaurants. It’s a place where old world Paris and modern life meet.
>>> Click here to book a Marais walking tour
History lovers will want to visit the Carnavalet Museum, where you’ll learn about the history of Paris in a grand mansion.
Art lovers can check out the Picasso Museum. Housed in the elegant Hôtel Salé in the Marais, is the world’s largest public collection of Picasso’s works.
It includes all his artistic phases and his many muses. It originated from a “donation in lieu” agreement in which Picasso’s heirs handed over about 5,000 pieces to France.
Beyond his art, the museum reveals the drama of Picasso’s life: his relationships, loves, and creative evolution.
If you want to avoid the worst of the crowds, skip-the-line tickets are highly recommended.
After that, visit the Eiffel Tower and then walk along the Seine and see it sparkle.
Visiting the Eiffel Tower comes with an entry fee, and the price depends on how high you go.
- Esplanade (Ground Level): Free to enter, with ticket counters, shops, and great photo angles.
- 1st Floor: Features a glass floor walkway and exhibitions.
- 2nd Floor: The most popular stop, with sweeping views of Paris, including the Seine, Louvre, Notre Dame, and Invalides. Here you’ll also find souvenir shops and a restaurant. Tickets can be booked online for easy access.
- Summit (273 m): Reachable by two lifts, offering the best panoramic views of the city. The top also has a champagne bar and a small museum on Gustave Eiffel. Book ahead for summit tours.
In the early evening take a Seine River cruise and book a classic brasserie for dinner.
Day 2 (Paris)
Louvre
The Louvre is the world’s most visited museum. You can see some of the greatest masterpieces of Western Art by the likes of Leonardo, Delacroix, Ingres, Vermeer, and Raphael.
You’ll need to pre-book a timed entry ticket. You can also book a 3 hour guided tour. Entry is also included in the Paris Museum Pass.
After your Louvre visit, decompress with a stroll through the Tuileries Gardens and grab lunch at one of Paris’ amazing cafes.
In the afternoon, visit Sainte-Chapelle and Notre-Dame with timed-entry tickets. You may want to book a guided tour for Notre-Dame so you get the full scoop on renovations and a low down on everything to see.
Sainte-Chapelle
Sainte-Chapelle is a 13th century masterpiece of Rayonnant Gothic architecture. King Louis IX built it to house sacred relics like the Crown of Thorns.
Its upper chapel glows with 15 soaring stained glass windows. Over 1,100 biblical scenes in vivid color flood the space with dramatic light and tell stories to visitors in ways images once taught the illiterate.
The lower chapel is darker and more intimate. It complements this lightness with medieval ornament and rich decoration.
Notre-Dame
After the devastating fire in April 2019, Notre-Dame Cathedral has been beautifully restored and officially reopened in December 2024.
The reconstruction revived its iconic roof and spire with traditional materials and craftsmanship.
Today, Notre-Dame dazzles with its freshly cleaned Gothic nave and soaring stained glass windows that flood the interior with light like NEVER before.
Be sure to check out the newly restored gargoyles and chimera gallery, which now feature in guided tours.
Latin Quarter
Spend your late afternoon and evening in the Latin Quarter, the beating heart of the Left Bank. Its maze of crooked medieval lanes and timeworn facades feels alive, and a spirited contrast to Haussmann’s orderly boulevards.
The district is chock full of museums, churches, historic cafes, and traces of its scholarly legacy. It’s home to the Sorbonne and the École des Beaux-Arts, where generations of thinkers and artists shaped French culture.
Book a 2.5 hour walking tour. Or wander on your own through Luxembourg Gardens. Step into the Cluny Museum to see Paris’ medieval treasures.
Be sure to admire the neoclassical grandeur of the Panthéon. And don’t miss Rue Mouffetard or Place de la Contrescarpe.
Day 3 (Paris)
Musée d’Orsay
The Musée d’Orsay is one of Paris’ greatest treasures and a Left Bank highlight. Housed in a stunning Beaux-Arts railway station, it was even crowned the “best museum in the world” by TripAdvisor in 2018.
The collection is unmatched: the world’s largest trove of French masterpieces from 1848 to 1914.
Here you’ll find Impressionist and Post-Impressionist icons: Monet’s shimmering landscapes, Van Gogh’s bold canvases, and countless works by Renoir, Degas, Cézanne, and Manet.
It’s an extraordinary crash course in the era when Paris was the heart of the art world. Be sure to book a timed entry ticket.
Montmartre
Montmartre still feels like a small village perched just above Paris. It’s full of winding cobblestone alleys, intimate cafes, and an artistic soul that refused to be polished away by grand boulevards.
It was once home to absinthe-fuelled Bohemians (Toulouse-Lautrec, Picasso, Van Gogh) and cabarets where the Belle Époque danced into the night.
You’ll want to start at the Abbesses metro. Its green wrought-iron Art Nouveau facade sets the tone.
Wander past the Love Wall, sip a drink at La Maison Rose, visit Bateau Lavoir (Picasso’s early studio).
Then, lose yourself in the Musée de Montmartre, where 19th century art, gardens, and artist studios still breathe life.
End your walk at the Sacré-Cœur. The inside is decidedly skippable. But the views are spectacular from its dome.
And don’t forget Montmartre’s quieter corners: Place Dalida, Villa Leandre, Rue Norvin, and the vineyard Clos Montmartre.
>>> Click here to pre-book a Montmartre walking tour
Champs Elysees
Start your stroll at Place de la Concorde, where the Luxor Obelisk and grand fountains set the stage.
From there, the Champs-Élysées unfolds in two halves: first the gardens section, lined with trees, statues, and the elegant Petit Palais and newly-renovated Grand Palais nearby.
As you head further west, the avenue turns into the lively shopping stretch with cafes, theaters, and flagship stores.
Keep walking straight ahead and the view builds to its climax: the Arc de Triomphe, standing proud at the top of the avenue.
Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is perched at the heart of Place Charles de Gaulle where 12 grand avenues radiate out like star points.
Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 after the Battle of Austerlitz, this 165 foot monument honors French military victories and later became a symbol of national identity.
When you visit, you’ll approach via an underground walkway. You can’t risk crossing that traffic roundabout!
At ground level, admire the four sculptural groups and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with its eternal flame.
For sweeping views, climb the 284 step spiral staircase to the rooftop terrace and gaze out over the Champs-Élysées, the Eiffel Tower, and beyond.
Sunset is the best time to visit! Skip the (sure to be massive) lines by booking a timed entry ticket in advance.
Day 4 (Paris + Day Trip)
On day 4, take a day trip. I discuss Versaille and the champagne region below.
But you can also check out my guide to secret day trips from Paris if you want something more unusual.
Versailles
On the final day of your 10-day Amsterdam–Paris–Brussels itinerary, take a day trip to the Palace of Versailles. Be sure to book a skip the line ticket
You can opt for a half-day visit or spend the whole day exploring. The train ride from Paris to Versailles takes about an hour.
The palace is one of the busiest landmarks in Europe, and lines can be overwhelming. So book your timed entry ticket or a guided tour from Paris in advance to make the most of your time in Paris.
Once inside, you’ll uncover the story of Louis XIV, the grandeur of his palace, and the events that helped spark the French Revolution.
Reims or Epernay
If you’re a champagne lover, head to Reims or Epernay to sample the goods.
In Reims, you can tour Veuve Cliquot.
In Epernay, you can tour Moet & Chandon. I took this tour of the Moet grounds and champagne cellars and it was amazing (if pricey). They gave us all the premiere crus!
Reims is also home to one of France’s greatest cathedrals, Rems Cathedral.
The Gothic cathedral was completed in the 13th century. It’s famous for its beautiful stained glass windows and its role in French history as the site of the coronation of many French kings.
Be sure to marvel at the incredibly beautiful stained glass windows painted by Marc Chagall in 1974. They’re behind the altar in the back.
The cathedral is free to enter. But you can also book a guided tour to know what you’re looking at.
Days 5–6 (Brussels):
In the morning, take the train from Paris → Brussels, which takes about 1.5 hours. Begin my exploring Grand Place, Galeries Royales, Manneken Pis.
Grand Place
Kick off your day in Brussels at its undeniable showstopper: the UNESCO-listed Grand Place. Plenty of European cities have a main square, but few come close to this one’s drama.
Enclosed by gabled guildhalls and crowned by the spire of the 15th century Town Hall, it’s a masterpiece of Gothic bravado.
Arrive early for golden light, quiet cobbles, and the best photos before the crowds roll in.
Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert
From here, wander to the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert. It’s a glass-roofed arcade from 1847 lined with artisan shops instead of chains.
Grab a waffle at Maison Dandoy or fries with anything but ketchup. Then, if you must, swing by the pint-sized Manneken Pis. This 1619 bronze boy is Brussels’ cheeky mascot, equal parts baffling and beloved.
Evening
In Brussels, the evening’s wide open, but two options stand out:
A guided food walk is a great way to taste Brussels beyond waffles and fries. You’ll try Belgian classics like carbonnade flamande (beef stew in beer), mussels, pralines, and of course local beers paired with each course.
Belgium’s beer culture is world famous too. You could join a brewery tour (Cantillon is legendary for its lambics and gueuze) or do a beer tasting with flights in traditional cafes.
Day 6 (Brussels)
Museums
Today, move on to the upper town. This is where the best museums are.
You can visit the Magritte Museum to learn about the life of the Surrealist painter and see a range of his paintings. Entry is included with the Brussels City Card.
The Old Masters Museum is the opposite experience. You’ll encounter unsettling Flemish Primitives with their ghostly faces and radiant Dutch Golden Age canvases so precise they verge on photographic.
It’s an instant immersion in intensity, faith, and sly little figures tucked into the margins. My favorite painting was Jacques-Louis David’s famous Death of Marat.
In the afternoon, depending on your interests, visit the Atomium or take a half-day trip to Leuven.
Atomium
The Atomium in Brussels is a 335 foot tall futuristic landmark shaped like an iron crystal. It was built for the 1958 World’s Fair and now housing exhibitions with panoramic city views.
Leuven
Leuven is a true hidden gem. Though often bypassed, it rivals Bruges and Ghent in beauty.
Its streets are lined with ornate facades, graceful squares, and historic buildings that quietly command attention. With fewer tourists, the city feels relaxed yet full of atmospherics.
A lively university hub, Leuven boasts the striking University Library, the serene Groot Begijnhof, impressive art, and a thriving craft beer culture. It’s even the birthplace of Stella Artois.
>>> Click here to book a guided walking tour of the city
Days 7–8 (Bruges)
On Day 7, leave Brussels behind and make your way to Bruges.
Bruges (or Brugge, if you want to sound local) is a storybook come to life. Think winding medieval streets, canals reflecting stepped gables, and chocolate shops at every turn.
Two days here give you space to wander, soak in the city’s history, and dodge the worst of the tourist crush.
>>> Click here to book a historical walking tour
Start your first day in Market Square. Watch the carriages circle, listen for the bells, and climb the Belfry for sweeping views. Just be sure to reserve a time slot in advance!
From there, wander over to Burg Square to admire City Hall and step inside the Basilica of the Holy Blood.
In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Flemish art at the Groeninge Museum, home to Van Eyck, Memling, and other masters.
End the evening with a canal boat ride, dinner by candlelight, and a Belgian beer or two.
On your second day, head into the quieter Sint-Anna Quarter, a neighborhood with a more local feel.
Visit the Church of Our Lady to see Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child.
Then stop at the old hospital to explore the Memling Collection, where 15th century altarpieces still impress.
After lunch, wander the Gruuthuse Museum with its elegant interiors, lace, and tapestries. You’ll see how the rich and famous Bruges merchants lived in the city’s heyday.
Close the day on a slower note. Enjoy a twilight walk, relax in a cafe, or find a local brewery like Half Moon for a final toast.
Stay overnight in Bruges before moving on.
Day 8 (Ghent)
From Bruges, it’s just a short hop to another magical medieval city: Ghent.
Ghent often flies under the radar compared to Bruges, but it’s one of Belgium’s best kept secrets. Canals, cobbled lanes, and grand old buildings set the scene. Yet, the city feels alive rather than trapped in the past.
Start your morning in the medieval core. Explore Gravensteen Castle with its brooding towers, then head to St. Michael’s Bridge for a perfect view of Ghent’s three spires: St. Bavo’s Cathedral, the Belfry, and St. Nicholas Church.
>>> Click here to book a Ghent walking tour
Don’t miss the Ghent Altarpiece inside St. Bavo’s. It’s a true jaw-dropper, and one of the most important paintings in art history.
By midday, drift to the riverfront. Stroll the Graslei and Korenlei, grab a cafe table facing the guildhalls, and watch boats glide past.
Then wander to Vrijdagmarkt, a lively square full of history, local markets, and a few tempting beer halls.
If you have energy left, climb the Belfry for sweeping views. Then duck into Graffiti Street to see a more modern side of the city.
As evening sets in, indulge a little. Waffles or chocolate make a fine snack.
Or, linger over dinner in Patershol, where narrow streets and old brick houses make the perfect backdrop to end the day.
Days 9-10 (Amsterdam)
Sure, Amsterdam has its red lights and coffee shops, but that’s only one side of the story.
Look past the cliches and you’ll find a city of canals, gabled houses, world class art, and a creative spirit that’s been thriving for centuries.
Kick off your first day in Amsterdam with a canal cruise. It’s touristy, sure, but riding the water gives you that “I’m really in Amsterdam” moment.
If possible, book ahead, especially in summer. Try to get a small open air boat, rather than the large tourist boats with glassed in windows.
Afterwards, head to Museumplein and dive into the Rijksmuseum with a timed entry ticket. Think Rembrandt, Vermeer, Delft pottery, all the Golden Age heavyweights.
If you’ve got extra time or crave something different, swing into the Moco Museum for street art and the unexpected.
For lunch, wander over to the Albert Cuyp Market in De Pijp. Stroopwafels, poffertjes, herring. It’s a smorgasbord of Dutch treats. Great place to fuel up and people watch.
Then walk to the Jewish Quarter. There’s lots to choose from: Portuguese Synagogue, Jewish History Museum, Rembrandt’s old place. Heavy stuff, beautiful architecture, and a real sense of history.
Wrap up your wandering with Dam Square (don’t skip the floating Flower Market) and the peaceful Begijnhof courtyard.
Anne Frank House
From there, head to the Anne Frank House. Few places in Amsterdam carry quite the emotional weight of this site.
It’s the very building where Anne Frank, her family, and four others hid from the Nazis for 25 months in what became known as the Secret Annex.
Inside, the visit unfolds in two parts. You walk through the Secret Annex itself: narrow rooms, a single bathroom, and the eerie silence that still lingers there.
And there are the museum galleries. They set the story in context with photos, video, personal quotes, and exhibits on the Holocaust and Jewish persecution.
Finish off in Jordaan with dinner, my favorite Amsterdam neighborhood.
There are cozy canals, tasty spots, and cozy cafes. You’ll want to indulge in the famed apple pie at Winkel 43 if you’ve got dessert energy.
Van Gogh Museum
Day 2 in Amsterdam is all about art, green spaces, and local flavor. Start with the Van Gogh Museum with a pre-booked ticket. It’s not just self portraits and sunflowers.
You’ll also find letters, sketches, and the struggle behind the masterpieces. Budget a solid chunk of your morning there.
Then shake off the museum hangover with a stroll in Vondelpark. Wind through shady trees, past ponds and open air theatre spots, maybe stop at a cafe. It’s the perfect calm after all that art.
In the afternoon, mix things up. Hit up Foodhallen for lunch (lots of international food, lively atmosphere).
Then check out the Heineken Experience if you’re curious about beer history or, you know, beer itself.
Nine Streets
After that, wander the Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes). You’ll find small shops, galleries, cute boutiques. Less rush, more charm.
As evening descends, take the free ferry across to Amsterdam North for the A’DAM Lookout. Panoramic city views, a rooftop swing if you dare, great for sunset.
End the night with dinner at Pllek, with chill waterfront vibes, good food, and good company.
Amsterdam also has amazing international food. I loved the Indonesian food at Blue Pepper.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my Paris+ Brussels + Amsterdam itinerary. You may find these related travel guides useful:
- One week in Holland itinerary
- Tips for visiting the Netherlands
- Best places to visit in the Netherlands
- One week in Belgium itinerary
- 5 days in Paris itinerary
- Best museums in Paris
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