How to Plan Your Amsterdam Day Trip from Brussels
If you are visiting Brussels and you have extra time for exploring, taking a day trip to Amsterdam is a great way to complement your travel experience. You can witness the captivating canals, classic windmills, and impressive architecture of Amsterdam without worrying about the hassle of traveling or planning a trip from scratch. In this blog post, we will guide you through the essential information you need to know to plan for an Amsterdam day trip from Brussels, including the itinerary, travel details, and points of interest.Overview of the Amsterdam Day Trip from Brussels
The Amsterdam Day Trip from Brussels is an exciting tour that allows you to explore Amsterdam’s historic center and countryside at your own pace. You will start your journey from Brussels and travel to Holland’s countryside by coach. Along the way, you will pass through scenic windmill country and stop at the picturesque village of Kinderdijk to see the iconic Dutch windmills up close. After that, you will head to Amsterdam, where you will have the freedom to tailor your itinerary according to your interests. You can explore the city’s attractions, such as Dam Square, the Anne Frank House, and the Royal Palace of Amsterdam.What’s Included in the Tour?
The Amsterdam Day Trip from Brussels includes all the transportation and travel costs, including a comfortable coach ride from Brussels to Holland’s countryside and back. You will also get to see the windmills at Kinderdijk and explore Amsterdam’s historic center on your own. However, the cost of the 75-minute canal cruise is not included in the price.Itinerary for the Amsterdam Day Trip from Brussels
The Amsterdam Day Trip from Brussels typically follows the following itinerary:- Depart from Brussels
- Drive through Holland’s countryside and windmill country
- Stop at Kinderdijk to see the typical Dutch windmills
- Explore Amsterdam’s historic center independently
- Return to Brussels
Travel Details
The Amsterdam Day Trip from Brussels departs from the Brussels City Center, making it easily accessible for tourists staying in the heart of Brussels. The journey to Holland’s countryside takes approximately 2.5 hours, while the total trip duration, including the time spent exploring Amsterdam, is around 11.5 hours. The tour offers departures and returns to Brussels daily, making it convenient for travelers with different schedules.Points of Interest
There are many exciting points of interest in Amsterdam that you can explore during your day trip from Brussels. Some of the highlights include:Dam Square
Dam Square is located in the heart of Amsterdam and is a central hub for tourist activity. The square is surrounded by stunning architecture and features landmarks such as the Royal Palace of Amsterdam and the National Monument.The Anne Frank House
The Anne Frank House is a museum dedicated to Anne Frank, a young Jewish girl who documented her experiences during the Holocaust in her diary. The museum is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of Amsterdam, Jewish culture, or World War II.The Canals of Amsterdam
The canals of Amsterdam are iconic and offer a picturesque view of the city. You can take a 75-minute canal cruise (not included in the tour price) to see the city from a different perspective and learn about the city’s history and architecture.Tips for Your Amsterdam Day Trip from Brussels
Here are a few tips to keep in mind while planning your Amsterdam day trip from Brussels:- Wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking a lot.
- Bring cash as some small shops and cafes may only accept cash payments.
- Consider purchasing a museum pass to save money on admission to multiple attractions.
- Make sure to bring a camera to capture the beautiful architecture, windmills, and canals.
- Book in advance to avoid disappointment, especially during peak tourist season.
Book Your Amsterdam Day Trip from Brussels Now!
If you’re ready to explore Amsterdam on your next trip to Brussels, book your Amsterdam Day Trip from Brussels now with a reliable third-party travel company like Viator. Book with ease with this link – book the tour here. With this tour, you can experience Dutch culture, history, and architecture in a day trip that will stay with you for years to come.
FAQ About Brussels
Brussels is a vibrant city that’s known for its rich history, architecture, art, food, and beer. It’s the capital of Belgium and the European Union, which makes it a popular destination for tourists, students, and expats. Whether you’re planning to visit Brussels for leisure or business, here are some frequently asked questions that can help you prepare for your trip.
1. What’s the best time to visit Brussels?
The best time to visit Brussels depends on your interests and budget. The peak tourist season is from June to August when the weather is warm and sunny, and there are many festivals and events. However, this is also the most crowded and expensive time, so you might want to book your accommodation and attractions in advance.
If you prefer cheaper and quieter times, you can try visiting Brussels in the shoulder seasons from April to May or September to October. The weather is still pleasant, and there are fewer tourists. Winter in Brussels can be cold and dark, but it’s also charming, especially during the Christmas market season from mid-November to early January.
2. How’s the transportation in Brussels?
Brussels has an extensive public transportation network that includes metro, tram, bus, and train services. You can use a single ticket, a day pass, or a multi-day pass depending on your travel frequency and duration. Most tickets can be bought from vending machines, ticket offices, or mobile apps.
Another popular way to explore Brussels is by bike or on foot. Brussels has several bike rental services, bike lanes, and pedestrian areas that allow you to enjoy the city’s sights and sounds at a slower pace. You can also join guided tours by bike, segway, or bus if you prefer a more structured and informative experience.
3. What are the must-see attractions in Brussels?
Brussels has many landmarks, museums, parks, and neighborhoods that are worth exploring, but here are some of the most popular and iconic ones:
Grand Place
Grand Place or Grote Markt is the central square of Brussels that’s surrounded by guildhouses, the city hall, and the king’s house. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site that hosts many cultural events and light shows throughout the year.
Atomium
Atomium is a unique building that represents an iron crystal at 165 billion times its normal size. It was built for the 1958 World Expo and now houses exhibitions, a restaurant, and a panoramic view of Brussels from 100 meters high.
Manneken Pis
Manneken Pis is a small bronze statue of a boy urinating into a fountain that has become a popular symbol of Brussels. It has many costumes and legends that reflect the city’s humor, folklore, and history.
Magritte Museum
Magritte Museum is a museum that’s dedicated to the works of René Magritte, a famous surrealist artist who lived and worked in Brussels. It has over 200 paintings, drawings, sculptures, and documents that showcase his unique style and vision.
Sablon District
Sablon District is a chic and historic neighborhood that’s known for its antique shops, chocolatiers, art galleries, and restaurants. It’s a popular destination for shopping, dining, and strolling, especially on weekends.
4. What are the local customs and etiquettes in Brussels?
Brussels has a diverse and tolerant culture that welcomes visitors from all over the world. However, there are some customs and etiquettes that you should respect and follow to avoid misunderstandings and offences:
- Greet people with a handshake or a nod, and address them using their titles and surnames unless they allow you to use their first names.
- Speak French or Dutch if you can, but don’t assume that everyone speaks them fluently or prefers them over English.
- Dress modestly and appropriately, especially when visiting churches, mosques, or synagogues. Don’t wear revealing or offensive clothes in public places.
- Don’t smoke or drink alcohol in non-designated areas, such as schools, hospitals, and public transport. Follow the smoking and drinking laws and regulations.
- Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated, especially in restaurants, cafes, and taxis. A tip of 10% or rounding up the bill is a common practice.
5. What’s the food and drink scene in Brussels?
Brussels is famous for its local cuisine, which includes dishes such as moules-frites (mussels and fries), stoemp (mashed potatoes and vegetables), carbonnade flamande (beef stew with beer), and waffles (sweet or savory). It also has a variety of specialty beers, such as lambic, gueuze, and trappist, that are brewed in traditional or modern styles.
Brussels has many restaurants, cafes, and bars that serve local and international dishes, as well as street food and snacks. You can find them in different neighborhoods, from the touristy ones to the offbeat ones. Some recommended areas for food and drink are Saint-Géry, Flagey, Chatelain, and Saint-Boniface.
Book Your Tour Now
Brussels is a city that offers something for everyone, whether you’re interested in art, history, food, or fun. By knowing some basic facts and tips about Brussels, you can make the most of your visit, avoid common mistakes, and appreciate its unique charm and character. Bon voyage!
How to spend your time as a tourist in Brussels
Brussels is the capital of Belgium and one of the most vibrant cities in Europe. It is a city with a rich history, and it has a lot of things to offer to its visitors. From its incredible museums to its delicious cuisine, there are plenty of ways to spend your time in Brussels. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the best things to do in Brussels, so you can make the most out of your trip to this fantastic city.1. Visit the Grand Place (Grote Markt)
The Grand Place is the heart of Brussels and one of the most beautiful squares in the world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is surrounded by elegant guildhalls and the stunning Brussels City Hall. The square is also home to a variety of restaurants and cafes, so it’s an excellent place to sit down, have a coffee, and watch the world go by.2. Explore the Belgian Comic Strip Center
Belgium is famous for its comic strip art, and the Belgian Comic Strip Center is the perfect place to experience this art form. The museum is located in an Art Nouveau building and is dedicated to the history of comic strips in Belgium. You can see original drawings, learn about the history of comics, and even create your own comic strip.3. Try the local cuisine
When you’re in Brussels, you have to try some of the local delicacies. Belgian cuisine is famous for dishes such as moules-frites (mussels and fries), waffles, and chocolate. There are plenty of restaurants in Brussels where you can try these dishes, including some famous ones such as Chez Leon and Maison Antoine.4. Visit the Atomium
The Atomium is one of the most famous landmarks in Brussels. It was built for the 1958 World Expo, and it is a representation of an iron crystal that has been blown up 165 billion times. It is an impressive sight, and you can even go up to the top and enjoy the views across the city.5. Take a stroll in the Parc du Cinquantenaire
The Parc du Cinquantenaire is a massive park located in the heart of Brussels. It was built in the late 19th century and features some stunning architecture. The park is an excellent place to take a stroll, have a picnic, or just relax and enjoy the scenery.6. Visit the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium are a group of museums that feature some of the best art collections in the country. The museums are located in a beautiful building, and you can see works by famous artists such as Rubens, Bruegel, and Magritte.7. Explore the European Union Quarter
Brussels is the capital of the European Union, and it’s essential to explore the European Quarter to gain a better understanding of the EU. You can visit the European Parliament, the European Commission, and the Council of the European Union. There are also plenty of parks and restaurants in the area, so it’s an excellent place to spend an afternoon.8. Visit the Mini-Europe
Mini-Europe is a miniature park located in Brussels, which features more than 350 models of famous European buildings. It’s a great place to visit with kids, and it’s a lot of fun to see all the different models of famous landmarks in Europe.9. Have a beer
Belgium is famous for its beer, and there are plenty of bars in Brussels where you can try some of the best beers in the world. Some of the most famous Belgian beers include Duvel, Chimay, and Leffe. You can try them in a traditional Belgian cafe or bar, and you might even find a new favorite beer.Book Your Tour Now
Brussels is an amazing city with a lot to offer its visitors. From its stunning architecture to its delicious cuisine and its rich history, there are plenty of things to see and do in Brussels. Whether you’re interested in art, history, or just want to relax and enjoy the atmosphere, Brussels is the perfect city to visit. So, pack your bags and head to Brussels for an experience of a lifetime.Table of Contents
