We planned this “7-Day Netherlands and Belgium Itinerary” because we couldn’t choose between tulip fields, canal cruises, Belgian waffles, and fairytale towns—so we decided to experience it all in one go. These two countries are close enough to explore in a week, yet each offers charm and culture.
Travelling between the Netherlands and Belgium is easy with fast trains and short distances. It felt like each day brought something fresh—modern cities, quiet villages, and picture-perfect scenery.
If you’re a first-time visitor, a couple looking for a romantic trip, or someone who loves a mix of history, art, and food, this itinerary is made for you. We’ve included travel tips, day-by-day highlights, and real experiences to help you plan your journey with ease.
Let’s take you through the best of both countries—without rushing and without missing the magic.
Best Time to Visit Both Countries
After travelling through the Netherlands and Belgium, we can confidently say that spring (April) is the best time to visit both. The weather is mild, tulips are in full bloom, and cities like Amsterdam and Bruges feel alive but not too crowded. We visited in late April and caught the colourful fields at Keukenhof and enjoyed warm afternoons by the canals.
Summer (July to early September) is also great if you want longer days and lots of outdoor festivals, but expect bigger crowds and higher prices.
If you love cosy vibes and don’t mind cooler weather, Autumn (late September to October) is beautiful too. The landscapes turn golden, and you’ll still catch good weather for walking tours and sightseeing.
Winter can be a better option for Christmas markets, especially in Brussels and Bruges, but it’s not ideal for first-timers who want to explore a lot outdoors.
Is 7 Days Enough for the Netherlands and Belgium?
We had the same question before planning this trip—and honestly, 7 days is just the right amount to see the highlights of both countries without feeling rushed. You won’t cover everything, but you’ll get a perfect taste of the culture, landscapes, and must-see cities.
In one week, we explored charming towns like Bruges and Ghent, wandered through Amsterdam’s canals, and enjoyed a mix of big cities and peaceful countryside. The short travel times between cities made it super convenient—most train rides were under two hours.
If it’s your first trip to Europe or you love culture, food, and streets, this one-week itinerary will leave you satisfied—without needing a vacation after your vacation!
7-Day Netherlands and Belgium Itinerary: Step by Step Guide
Day 1: Amsterdam
We landed in Amsterdam early in the morning and instantly felt its relaxed, artistic vibe. We started with a walk through the Jordaan district. From there, we took a canal cruise, which was the best way to see the city’s beauty and learn its history while resting our travel legs.
Later, we visited the Anne Frank House, one of the most moving stops on our journey. If you plan to go, keep in mind that tickets can be booked online. New slots open every Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. CET for visits scheduled six weeks ahead. You can either choose the standard museum entry or book a ticket that includes a short introduction session. It’s best to plan ahead because tickets sell out quickly.
If you enjoy art, you’ll love the Museumplein area. You can pick from the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, or Stedelijk Museum, all just minutes apart. Even if you don’t go inside, the green lawn here is a nice spot to relax and people-watch.
In the evening, we found a cosy local spot in De Pijp for dinner. Try Dutch pancakes, fries with mayo, or fresh seafood if you’re feeling adventurous. Then take a slow walk along the canals as the city lights reflect in the water—it’s the perfect way to end your first day.
We recommend staying in De Pijp, Jordaan, or around Amsterdam Central for easy access to top sights and public transport.
Day 2: Zaanse Schans + Haarlem
On our second day, we wanted to experience the countryside without going too far from Amsterdam. So, we planned a morning in Zaanse Schans followed by an afternoon in the historic town of Haarlem—and it turned out to be one of our favourite days of the whole 7-Day Netherlands and Belgium Itinerary trip.
We took a short train ride (around 20 minutes) from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans. This open-air village is full of working windmills, traditional Dutch houses, cheese-making farms, and wooden clog workshops. You can walk around for free, but some windmills and museums ask for a small fee if you want to go inside.
By early afternoon, we headed to Haarlem, a small, underrated city that’s just 15–20 minutes from Amsterdam. It surprised us in the best way. Haarlem is quieter than Amsterdam but full of history, cobbled streets, and beautiful old buildings.
We walked through Grote Markt, visited the St. Bavo Church, and stopped by the Teylers Museum—the oldest museum in the Netherlands. Haarlem felt less touristy and gave us a real taste of local Dutch life.
Day 3: Keukenhof + Rotterdam
Day 3 of our 7-day Netherlands and Belgium itinerary was a mix of blooming fields and bold city life. We started our morning with bright nature at Keukenhof and ended the day in Rotterdam, one of the most modern cities in the Netherlands.
We reached Keukenhof Gardens early in the morning by bus from Amsterdam (about an hour). If you’re visiting between late March and mid-May, it is a must-see. Make sure to book your Keukenhof combo ticket in advance. It includes both the garden entry and bus transport. After a few hours wandering through flowers and greenhouses, we grabbed a quick bite and took the train to Rotterdam.
Rotterdam is perfect for travellers who enjoy cities with a creative edge. It’s less crowded than Amsterdam, yet full of cool spots and photo-worthy corners.
We stayed overnight in Rotterdam since it made the next day’s journey to Belgium easier. The area near the central station is safe and well-connected.
Day 4: Brussels
We left Rotterdam early in the morning and took the train to Brussels, the capital of Belgium. The journey was smooth—about 2 hours—and by late morning, we were already standing in the heart of the city.
We started our day at Grand Place, Brussels’ central square and one of the most beautiful city squares.
Next, we walked over to the quirky Manneken Pis statue (tiny but iconic!). Brussels is perfect for those who love art, history, and food. We toured the Magritte Museum, explored the elegant Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, and treated ourselves to real Belgian chocolate from local shops like Pierre Marcolini and Neuhaus. For lunch, try traditional moules-frites (mussels and fries) or a savoury Belgian waffle.
In the afternoon, we visited the Atomium, a unique and futuristic structure from the 1958 World’s Fair. It’s a bit outside the city centre but totally worth the trip for the views and cool exhibitions.
The Magritte Museum and the Royal Museums of Fine Arts are both close to the city centre and easy to fit in if you have time.
Brussels has three main train stations (Central, North, and South), so double-check which one your accommodation is near before booking. We spent the night in Brussels near Brussels Central Station, which made it easy to walk around and connect to our next destination.
Day 5: Ghent
After a hearty Belgian breakfast in Brussels, we hopped on a train to Ghent. The ride took less than an hour – almost 40 minutes.
The city is full of stunning Gothic buildings, cobbled streets, and canals. We started our walk from St Bavo’s Cathedral, home to the famous Ghent Altarpiece, and slowly made our way through cobbled lanes.
One of the highlights was visiting the Gravensteen Castle—a real mediaeval fortress right in the city centre. From the top, you get amazing views over the city rooftops. Inside, the exhibits are fun and unusual (including a mediaeval torture room!), but nothing too overwhelming.
Ghent also has a very local vibe. We loved wandering around Patershol, the old quarter filled with quaint homes and small restaurants.
You can spend the night in Ghent or continue to Bruges in the evening (about 30–40 minutes by train) to save time the next morning.
Ghent’s main train station (Sint-Pieters) is a short tram ride from the city centre. Buy your tram ticket at the station or via the De Lijn app for convenience.
Day 6: Bruges
Day 6 took us to Bruges, and if there’s one word to describe it, it’s magical. Just a short 30-minute train ride from Ghent, Bruges feels like stepping into a storybook. With cobblestone lanes, swan-filled canals, and old brick buildings, it’s one of the most romantic cities we’ve ever visited.
We started at the Markt Square, the heart of Bruges, surrounded by colourful mediaeval buildings. The Belfry Tower stands tall here—you can climb its 366 steps for a stunning panoramic view (totally worth it if you’re up for it!).
Next, we strolled down to the Burg Square and visited the Basilica of the Holy Blood, a small but beautifully preserved church with deep historical roots.
Bruges is lovely in the evening when the day-trippers leave. We recommend staying overnight in the historic centre to enjoy the quiet magic of the town at night.
Day 7: Antwerp
On our final day, we visited Antwerp, a vibrant city that blends rich history with modern flair. The train from Bruges took about 1.5 hours, and it was worth every minute. Known as Belgium’s fashion capital and home to one of the most beautiful train stations in Europe, Antwerp felt like the perfect place to end our journey.
We arrived at Antwerp Central Station, which looked more like a palace than a train terminal. From there, we walked to the Cathedral of Our Lady, home to several paintings by the famous artist Rubens. The towering Gothic architecture is simply breathtaking.
The city’s old town is full of character. We spent time at Grote Markt, admiring the Renaissance-style buildings and the impressive Brabo Fountain. Then we wandered into Het Zuid.
For lunch, we tried stoofvlees, a hearty Flemish beef stew, with crispy fries. If you’re a chocolate lover, Antwerp also has some fantastic shops to stock up before heading home.
We ended the day along the Scheldt River, watching the sunset and reflecting on a week full of discovery, beauty, and unforgettable memories.
If your flight or train is the next day, staying near Antwerp Central Station is convenient and safe. And if you’re flying out of Brussels Airport, it’s about 45 minutes from Antwerp by direct train, so you can easily end your journey here.
How to Travel Between the Netherlands and Belgium
Getting around these two countries is surprisingly easy. The Netherlands and Belgium are well-connected, and the distances between major cities are short, making travel convenient and comfortable for most visitors.
Trains vs. Flights vs. Car Rental
For this 7-day itinerary, trains are the most efficient and stress-free option. High-speed trains like Thalys and Intercity Express (ICE) connect cities such as Amsterdam, Brussels, and Antwerp in under two hours. Trains are frequent and comfortable and arrive in the heart of each city, saving you time and hassle.
Flights aren’t practical for this route. Travel times are too short to justify airport check-ins, security lines, or transfers. If you’re flying into one country and out from another, booking an open-jaw flight is more useful than flying within the region.
Car rentals offer more flexibility if you’re planning to explore smaller towns or the countryside. However, parking can be expensive and limited in many cities. Also, traffic in city centres can be frustrating, especially in Brussels and Amsterdam. Trains are the better choice for most travellers following this city-based itinerary.
Eurail Pass or Individual Tickets?
If you’re travelling between multiple cities in both countries over a week, you might be wondering whether to get a Eurail Pass or buy individual train tickets.
A Eurail Benelux Pass covers unlimited travel in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg over a set number of days. It’s a good choice if you want flexibility or plan to take multiple trains each day. However, seat reservations may still be required on some high-speed routes.
If you have a fixed itinerary, individual tickets are often cheaper, especially if you book them in advance. Dutch and Belgian rail websites usually offer discounted fares for early bookings. You can use NS International (for Dutch trains) or SNCB (for Belgian trains) to compare and book.
In our experience, pre-booking individual tickets worked well for this itinerary. It gave us peace of mind and saved money without limiting flexibility too much.
Budget & Travel Time Breakdown
Planning ahead helps you make the most of your week across the Netherlands and Belgium. Here’s a simple overview of how much time and money you can expect to spend on transportation between cities.
Train Travel Costs (One-way, per adult)
Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans – ~30 minutes / €5–€7
Zaanse Schans to Haarlem – ~30 minutes / €5–€8
Haarlem to Keukenhof (via bus from Leiden or Schiphol) – ~1 hour total / €10–€15
Keukenhof to Rotterdam – ~1.5 hours / €15–€20
Rotterdam to Brussels – ~1.5 to 2 hours / €25–€40
Brussels to Ghent – ~40 minutes / €10–€15
Ghent to Bruges – ~30 minutes / €8–€12
Bruges to Antwerp – ~1.5 hours / €15–€20
Antwerp to Amsterdam (if returning) – ~2 hours / €30–€50
If you follow this exact route and book in advance: €120–€180 for the week using trains and public transport. You’ll spend about 1 to 2 hours per travel day, with shorter trips on some days. Distances are manageable, and most routes offer scenic views, especially between Dutch towns and the Belgian countryside.
Budget-Friendly Advice:
- Consider day passes or group tickets for regional travel in the Netherlands.
- Avoid taxis; public transport is safe, clean, and reliable.
- If you’re travelling as a couple or group, splitting car rental costs could be smart for rural stops.
This breakdown helps you stay on track with time and budget, making your 7-day journey smooth and enjoyable.
FAQs:
When is the best time to visit the Netherlands and Belgium?
Spring (April–May) and early autumn (September) offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and blooming tulips.
Should I use a Eurail Pass for this trip?
For a one-week trip, buying individual train tickets is often cheaper than a Eurail Pass—unless you’re travelling multiple times per day.
How much should I budget for transportation?
Plan around €120–€180 per person for train and public transport across a 7-day Netherlands and Belgium itinerary.
Can I visit tulip fields during this itinerary?
Yes! Plan your trip between mid-March and early May to visit Keukenhof Gardens and nearby tulip fields in the Netherlands.
Conclusion
Our 7-day adventure through the Netherlands and Belgium was everything we hoped for—vibrant cities, peaceful canals, rich history, and delicious local food. Each destination offered its charm, and the short travel distances made it easy to explore without feeling rushed. Whether it was cycling in Amsterdam, wandering through flower fields near Keukenhof, or getting lost in the cobbled lanes of Bruges, this itinerary made every moment worthwhile
If you’re planning your first trip to Europe or looking to experience two countries in one seamless journey, this 7-day Netherlands and Belgium itinerary is a perfect place to start. And if you’re craving even more scenic landscapes and storybook towns, don’t miss our 7-Day Austria Itinerary—a journey through alpine lakes, mountains, and timeless villages.
Wherever you go next, we hope our experiences help shape yours.