7 Days Netherlands, Belgium & Luxembourg Itinerary
Explore the best of the Benelux region in just one week! This trip takes you through the canals of Amsterdam, the modern architecture of Rotterdam, the historical heart of Brussels, the medieval charm of Bruges, and the cosmopolitan vibes of Luxembourg City, offering a diverse and unforgettable experience.
Duration
7 days
Budget
$1400
Best Time
April-May or September-October for pleasant weather and fewer crowds
Activities
45
Daily Avg
USD200/day
Cities
Amsterdam (2d), Rotterdam (1d), Brussels (1d), Bruges (1d), Luxembourg City (1d), Amsterdam (1d)
Pace
Fast
This itinerary offers a diverse blend of culture, history, and stunning landscapes within a compact geographical area. The efficient transportation networks make it easy to hop between vibrant cities and charming towns, experiencing the unique character of each country.
Your itinerary covers 6 of 12 must-have experiences
Cultural Immersion
Day 1: Anne Frank House visit
Art & Architecture
Day 3: Atomium visit
Canal Cruise
Day 1: Canal Cruise
Food & Drink
Day 2: Lunch at Albert Cuyp Market
Historical Sites
Day 5: Visit the Beguinage (Bruges)
Modern Architecture
Day 2: Explore the Cube Houses
Cycling
Day 1: Rent a bike in Amsterdam
Beer Tasting
Day 4: Belgian Chocolate Tasting
Parks & Gardens
e.g., Stroll through the Vondelpark (Amsterdam), Visit the Parc de Bruxelles (Brussels)
Shopping
Day 7: Souvenir Shopping
Museums
Day 2: Rijksmuseum
Day Trip
Day 4: Comic Strip Center
The Benelux region offers a delightful culinary journey with a mix of hearty comfort food, seafood specialties, and sweet treats. From Belgian fries and waffles to Dutch cheeses and Luxembourgish pastries, there's something for every palate. Be prepared for generous portions and rich flavors, reflecting the region's history and culture.
Must-Try Dishes
Thick-cut potatoes, double-fried for extra crispiness, served with a variety of sauces (mayonnaise, andalouse, samurai). A true Belgian staple.
📍 Friteries (fry shops) all over Belgium, especially in Brussels and Bruges.
There are two main types: Brussels waffles (light and crispy) and Liège waffles (denser and sweeter). Topped with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, fruit, or simply powdered sugar.
📍 Waffle stands and cafes in Brussels, Ghent, and other Belgian cities.
Mussels steamed in white wine, garlic, and herbs, served with Belgian fries. A classic Belgian dish, especially popular in coastal areas.
📍 Seafood restaurants in Brussels, Antwerp, and along the Belgian coast.
Thin, crispy waffles sandwiched together with a caramel syrup filling. A popular Dutch treat, best enjoyed warm.
📍 Markets, bakeries, and supermarkets throughout the Netherlands.
Food Neighborhoods
Diverse cuisine from around the world, trendy cafes and bars.
Known for its African restaurants and vibrant atmosphere.
Indoor market with a wide variety of food stalls and restaurants.
Bars and restaurants along the Alzette river.
Vegetarian options are increasingly available, especially in larger cities. Vegan options can be more limited, so it's best to research restaurants in advance. Many restaurants can accommodate allergies, but it's important to inform them when ordering. Halal food can be found in some areas, particularly in Brussels and Amsterdam.
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service (5-10%). It's common to say 'eet smakelijk' (enjoy your meal) in Dutch or 'bon appétit' in French before starting to eat. Table manners are generally formal, so keep elbows off the table and use utensils properly.
King's Day (Netherlands)
AprilNational holiday with street parties and markets.
Brussels Summer Festival
AugustMusic festival in Brussels.
Luxembourg National Day
JuneCelebrations throughout Luxembourg City.
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚆From Airport: Train to Amsterdam Centraal Station. From there, tram or walk to your accommodation.$50
02:00 PM - Check-in & Freshen Up
Check into your hotel/hostel and take some time to freshen up after your journey.
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- 🚶Walk from Amsterdam Centraal Station.$20
03:00 PM - Canal Cruise
Enjoy a relaxing canal cruise to see Amsterdam from a unique perspective.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walk from canal cruise departure point.$0 (Exterior) / $15 (Interior, if booked)
04:30 PM - Anne Frank House (Exterior)
Visit the Anne Frank House (book tickets well in advance!). If tickets are unavailable, view the exterior and reflect on its historical significance.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walk from Anne Frank House.FREE
05:30 PM - Wander through Jordaan
Explore the charming Jordaan district with its narrow streets, independent shops, and art galleries.
- 🚶N/A$25
07:00 PM - Dinner in Jordaan
Enjoy dinner at a traditional Dutch restaurant in the Jordaan district.
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- 🚶Walk from dinner.FREE
08:30 PM - Evening stroll along the Canals
Take a leisurely evening stroll along the canals and enjoy the illuminated bridges.
Jordaan
Charming neighborhood with canals, cafes, and independent shops, close to many attractions.
📅 Best Time to Visit
April-May or September-October for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
The weather is generally mild with average temperatures around 15-20°C. Expect some rain, so pack accordingly. Days are getting longer, providing ample daylight for exploring.
Shoulder season offers pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to peak summer.
Check for public holidays as some businesses may be closed.
Getting Around
Excellent NS rail network; cycling is a way of life
OV-chipkaart
Get an OV-chipkaart for all transit. Rent a bike — Amsterdam is best explored on two wheels.
Travel
USD 150-250 (trains & buses)Accommodation
USD 70-120 per nightFood
USD 40-60 per dayActivities
USD 20-40 per dayUtilize public transportation and consider purchasing a multi-day pass. Walk or bike whenever possible to save money and experience the cities more intimately.
Look for budget-friendly options such as hostels, guesthouses, or Airbnb outside the city center. Consider booking accommodation in advance, especially during peak season.
Take advantage of free activities like walking tours, visiting parks, and exploring local markets. Pack your own snacks and drinks to avoid expensive tourist traps.
- Purchase train tickets in advance for the best prices.
- Consider a multi-day train pass if you plan to travel extensively by train.
- Learn a few basic phrases in Dutch, French, and Luxembourgish.
- Pack comfortable shoes for walking and cycling.
- Download offline maps and translation apps.
- Be aware of pickpockets in crowded tourist areas.
- Check for local festivals and events happening during your visit.
- 1Comfortable walking shoes
- 2Rain jacket
- 3Layers of clothing
- 4Universal adapter
- 5Reusable water bottle
Flights/International Train Tickets
Book 3-6 months in advance for the best prices, especially during peak seasons or holidays.
Accommodation
Reserve 2-4 months ahead, or even earlier for popular cities (e.g., Amsterdam, Bruges) during peak times or major events.
Popular Museums & Attractions with Timed Entry
Book 1-2 months in advance, or as soon as your dates are firm, as tickets often sell out quickly.
Inter-city Train Travel (Thalys, Eurostar, high-speed trains)
Purchase 1-3 months ahead for cheaper 'early bird' fares, especially between major cities like Amsterdam, Brussels, and Paris.
Travel Insurance
Arrange as soon as you book your first major travel component (flights/accommodation) to cover unforeseen circumstances.
eSIM/Physical SIM Card
Consider purchasing an eSIM online before departure for immediate connectivity, or plan to buy a local SIM upon arrival at an airport or telecom store.
Schengen Visa Requirements
Check well in advance (several months) if your nationality requires a visa for the Schengen Area.
Specialized Tours (e.g., Canal Cruises, Brewery Tours)
Book 2-4 weeks ahead, especially if you have specific dates or times in mind, or for popular small-group tours.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Airalo app or website
📍 Vodafone stores or airport kiosks
📍 Travel Wifi website (requires pre-booking)
Free WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants, especially in urban areas. Public WiFi hotspots can be found in some cities, but their reliability can vary. Many museums and tourist attractions also offer free WiFi.
Useful Apps
Consider purchasing an eSIM for convenience and cost-effectiveness. Check your mobile provider's international roaming rates before you travel. Download offline maps for navigation in case you don't have internet access. Be aware that some public WiFi networks may require registration or have limited bandwidth.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two round pins (Europlug)
Two round pins + side earth clips (Schuko)
230V
50Hz
Tipping Etiquette
Round up or 5–10%
Round up to nearest euro
€1–2 per bag
Tipping is not mandatory. Rounding up is a common gesture.
Safety & Travel Advisories
Generally safe destinations with low crime rates. Be aware of petty theft in tourist areas.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
112
112
112
112 for all emergencies. 0900-8844 for non-urgent police.
Payments
The Netherlands is very cashless — many places card-only
Visa/Mastercard accepted; Amex less common. PIN (debit) preferred
Ubiquitous
Many places prefer PIN/debit cards over credit. Maestro/V-Pay common locally.
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Trip Summary
How was this itinerary?
The best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer (June-August) is also popular, but expect higher prices and more tourists.
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