Europe never runs out of things that will take your breath away, especially Western Europe. The region is a patchwork of captivating cities, cozy towns, and postcard-perfect landscapes. Moreover, it is often chosen as the first stop for international travelers to see the beauty of Europe. From romantic Parisian cafes to blooming tulip gardens in the Netherlands, you would want to see everything in the region. Then, get the best out of it with this Western Europe itinerary – recommended by locals and experienced travelers.
1-Week Western Europe Itinerary: France, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands
This itinerary is designed for travelers who are craving for a quick yet wholesome Europe experience. You can travel to four of the iconic Western European countries – France, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. This itinerary features quick stops between cities without missing the must-visit places. Recommended by TripLeader Luna, a ship captain who explores Europe and the Balkans.
Day 1: Paris, France
Bonjour! Your Western Europe adventure begins in the City of Love. The world-famous Eiffel Tower and artistic Musee de Louvre beckon you to stop by. Moreover, the Renaissance-styled arrondissement awaits you to stroll through and take some pictures. Don’t forget to sit in a Parisian cafe and order a cup of hot chocolate. Topped with thick cream, Paris’ hot chocolate always hits!
Best Places to Visit in Paris:
- Eiffel Tower: Worldwide-known landmark. However, instead of seeing it on ground level, TripLeader Merlin recommended to hop on a Seine River cruise.
- Musée d’Orsay: One of the best museums in Paris housing beautiful sculptures
- Palace Versailles: An opulent palace where Marie Antoinette used to live
Where to Stay in Paris:
- The Marais (3rd or 4th arrondissement): A strategic tourist area near the Louvre and Notre Dame Cathedral
- Montmartre (18th arrondissement): A charming neighborhood lined with cafes and stores offering an authentic Parisian experience
Day 2-3: Brussels, Belgium
How to get there: High-speed train from Paris to Brussels (1.5 hours)
“Brussels is the capital of chocolate and sweets. It’s a must-visit for foodies,” said TripLeader Luna.
Yes, Brussels can make every sweet tooth’s dream come true. However, it is not only the special thing about Brussels. After digging into chocolate-drenched Belgian waffles, take the time to admire the city’s Art Noveau buildings. Brussels also has an interesting history housing Europe’s fastest-growing textile industry. With all it has to offer, we can’t leave out Brussels from the Western Europe itinerary.
Best Places to Visit in Brussels:
- Royal Museums of Fine Arts: One of the best museums in Belgium for fine arts, housing around 20,000 works
- Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert: Milan’s Galleri Vittorio’s twin where you can find delicious Belgian waffles and lavish shops
- Royal Quarter: An elegant palace built in the 18th century and serving as a government office
Where to Stay in Brussels:
- Grand Palace: A central area with historical charms and proximity to famous locations
- Saint-Gilles: A budget-friendly option set in a friendly neighborhood
Day 4: Cologne, Germany
How to get there: Train from Brussels to Cologne (2 hours)
Next, travel to Cologne. Begin your day at the majestic Cologne Cathedral, then cross the Hohenzollern Bridge to enjoy city views and leave a love lock. The Old Town is perfect for beer tasting and soaking in the laid-back vibes. For art lovers, Museum Ludwig offers an impressive modern collection just next door to the cathedral.
Top places to visit:
- Cologne Cathedral: A 13th-century cathedral with an impressive Gothic architecture
- Museum Ludwig: An art lover haven housing Germany’s largest collection of modern and 20th-century contemporary art
- Old Town (Altstadt): A cobblestone areas that take you to the Middle Ages, showcasing beautiful Gothic buildings, local bars, and impressive sculptures
Where to Stay in Cologne
- Altstadt-Nord: Historic and central, with lots of restaurants and museums.
- Belgian Quarter: Trendy, young, and great for nightlife.
- Deutz: Across the river, quieter, with nice views of the city skyline.
Day 5: Düsseldorf
How to get there: Train, including Deutsche Ban (30 minutes)
Just a quick ride from Cologne, Düsseldorf balances cutting-edge fashion with age-old traditions. Start at the elegant Königsallee for shopping, then explore MedienHafen’s modern skyline. Cap off your day with a walk along the Rhine Promenade and a round of Altbier in the Old Town’s bustling bars.
Best Places to Visit in Dusseldorf:
- Königsalle: A riverside boulevard lined with flagship stores, classy bars, and laidback cafes
- Schloss Benrath: A Baroque-styled mansion with lovely pink-tinted walls
- St. Lambertus Church: An opulent Gothic-styled church standing in the middle of Old Town Dusseldorf
Where to Stay in Dusseldorf
- Altstadt (Old Town): Lively, full of bars and restaurants.
- Pempelfort: Residential, artsy, and walkable to museums.
- Unterbilk: Near MedienHafen, perfect for foodies and creatives.
Day 6-7: Amsterdam, Netherlands
How to get there: Train (2.5 hours) or Bus (provided by FlixBus – 3 hours)
The wrap-up of this Western Europe itinerary – Amsterdam! Be ready to get swept off your feet by Amsterdam’s imposing canals and storybook houses. A well-rounded historical trip is a must, so stop by the Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, and Rembrandt House Museum. As the sun goes down, you can hop on a canal cruise to enjoy a distinctive view. Then, you can’t miss a beer in the Netherlands! Sign up for the Heineken Experience, where you can sample craft beers and do a tour around Heineken’s brewery.
Best Places to See in Amsterdam:
- Anne Frank House: Biographical museum dedicated to Anne Frank, a Jewish writer from the World War II period
- Van Gogh Museum: An immersive museum bringing a futuristic touch to Vincent Van Gogh’s paintings
- Albert Cuyp Market: An open-air market selling various goods, including pipping hot poffertjes and bitterballen
Where to stay in Amsterdam:
- Jordaan: Artistic and local, perfect for a laid-back vibe.
- De Pijp: Diverse, foodie-friendly, and energetic.
- Centrum (Canal Ring): Close to major sights, ideal for first-timers.
2-Week Western Europe Itinerary: France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands & Germany
Two weeks is the sweet spot to truly immerse yourself in Western Europe’s blend of culture, cuisine, history, and iconic landscapes. This itinerary takes you on an immaculate route through five amazing countries – France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, and Germany. TripLeader Merlin, a tour agency owner based in Belgium, recommended this itinerary for an exciting adventure!
Days 1-2: Paris, France
Your Western Europe journey begins in Paris, a city that truly needs no introduction. Spend your first day exploring the city’s legendary sights, starting with the Eiffel Tower, then heading over to the Louvre Museum to glimpse the Mona Lisa and other masterpieces. Paris is made for slow strolls, café people-watching, and soaking in the romance that fills the air.
Best Places to Visit in Paris:
- Eiffel Tower: Worldwide-known landmark. However, instead of seeing it on ground level, TripLeader Merlin recommended to hop on a Seine River cruise.
- Musée d’Orsay: One of the best museums in Paris housing beautiful sculptures
- Palace Versailles: An opulent palace where Marie Antoinette used to live
Where to Stay in Paris:
- The Marais (3rd or 4th arrondissement): A strategic tourist area near the Louvre and Notre Dame Cathedral
- Montmartre (18th arrondissement): A charming neighborhood lined with cafes and stores offering an authentic Parisian experience
Day 3: Lyon, France
How to get there: Train from Paris (TGV high-speed – 2 hours 45 minutes)
Catch a high-speed train to Lyon, often hailed as France’s culinary capital. Begin your day exploring the Presqu’île and the narrow alleys of Vieux Lyon, one of Europe’s largest Renaissance old towns. Walk up to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière for sweeping views of the city. Spend the evening dining at a traditional bouchon, where you can sample Lyonnaise specialties like quenelles and cervelle de canut. Lyon’s charm lies in its food culture, riverfront views, and peaceful pace.
Best Places to Visit in Lyon:
- Vieux Lyon: A Renaissance district sitting on the banks of River Saône
- Fourvière Basilica: An outstanding Gothic-styled cathedral famous for its breathtaking frescoes and decorations
- Parc de la Tête d’Or: Lyon’s largest public park adorned with large Renaissance-styled gates and artistic sculptures
Where to Stay in Lyon:
- Vieux Lyon: Historic and atmospheric.
- Presqu’île: Central and ideal for shopping and dining.
- Croix-Rousse: Bohemian and artistic.
Day 4: Marseille (France)
Wrap up your French leg with a trip to Marseille, France’s sun-drenched southern star. Start at the bustling Vieux-Port (Old Port) where fishing boats bob in the turquoise water. Explore the colorful streets of Le Panier, the city’s oldest district, and hop on a boat to visit the Calanques, stunning limestone cliffs and coves just outside town. Don’t miss the chance to try bouillabaisse, Marseille’s signature seafood stew.
Best Places to Visit in Marseille:
- Vieux-Port: Centuries-old port lined with seafood restaurants and is famous as a get-together place
- Calanques National Park: A national park sitting on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, featuring dramatic coves and crystal-clear sea
- MuCEM (Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean)
Where to Stay in Marseille:
- Vieux-Port: Central and full of life.
- Le Panier: Artsy and authentic.
- Corniche: Scenic, ideal for sea views and quiet strolls.
Day 5-6: Brussels
Once again, Brussels is in our Western Europe itinerary! Start your exploration at the iconic Grand Place, a stunning central square surrounded by gilded guildhalls and the Town Hall. Stroll to see the quirky Manneken Pis, visit the impressive Atomium, and don’t miss the Magritte Museum for a dose of surrealist art. Brussels is also a food lover’s dream—indulge in Belgian chocolates, waffles, and locally brewed Trappist beers.
Day 7: Dinant and Bruges
Start your day early in Dinant, a jewel along the Meuse River known for its dramatic cliffs, citadel views, and musical history. Explore the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame, snap photos with the town’s famous saxophone sculptures, and take the cable car or stairs up to the Citadel of Dinant for breathtaking morning views. After soaking in this postcard-perfect town, catch a midday train and head west toward the storybook city of Bruges (approximately 3.5–4 hours via Brussels).
Arriving in Bruges by the afternoon, stroll through the enchanting Markt Square, marvel at the towering Belfry, and enjoy a canal-side walk or quick boat ride through the city’s tranquil waterways. Bruges is especially magical in the early evening, when the crowds thin out and the lights reflect off the canals. Be sure to stop into a chocolate shop or cozy pub before winding down your day.
Best places to visit in Dinant: Citadel of Dinant, Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame, Maison Adolphe Sax
Best places to visit in Bruges: Markt Square, Belfry of Bruges, Canal Cruise, Basilica of the Holy Blood
Where to Stay in Bruges:
- Historic Centre: Perfect for exploring on foot and soaking in Bruges’ charm.
- Sint-Gillis: A quieter alternative close to all the action.
Day 8: Luxembourg
Hop over to Luxembourg, one of Europe’s tiniest yet most picturesque countries. Luxembourg City surprises visitors with its dramatic cliffs, deep valleys, and old fortresses. Visit the Bock Casemates and take a walk along the Chemin de la Corniche, nicknamed “Europe’s most beautiful balcony.”
Top Places to Visit in Luxembourg:
- Bock Casemates: A viewpoint
- Grand Ducal Palace
- Chemin de la Corniche
- Grund neighborhood.
Where to Stay in Luxembourg:
- Ville Haute: Central, historic, and close to everything.
- Gare District: Convenient and walkable to the old town.
Day 9-12: Amsterdam & Zaanse Nach
Spend two full days in Amsterdam diving into its unique personality. Start with the classics—Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, and a canal cruise. Then explore lesser-known spots like the Nine Streets (De 9 Straatjes) for boutique shopping or the urban green oasis of Vondelpark. And of course, you cannot miss the nightlife in Amsterdam! Head to a listening bar, mega club, or even silent disco.
Furthermore, take a day trip to Zaanse Nach. It is a neighborhood just less than an hour drive away from Amsterdam. You can find gigantic windmills and museums, simply witnessing a piece of Dutch culture.
Day 12-14: Munich, Germany
Finish your trip in Munich, the capital of Bavaria. Walk through Marienplatz, visit the English Garden, and drink beer in a traditional hall like Hofbräuhaus. If time allows, take a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle or head into the Alps for a nature escape.
Top Places to Visit in Munich:
- Marienplatz
- Residenz Palace
- Neuschwanstein Castle (day trip).
Where to stay in Munich
- Altstadt-Lehel: Historic and central
- Schwabing: Artsy and bohemian.
- Glockenbachviertel – Trendy and LGBT-friendly.
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