What I’d Do Differently: Amsterdam, Brussels, and Paris Edition
Updated April 2026 | 3 min read
- Start in Brussels, Not Amsterdam
- Skip Gouda, Add More Ghent
- Book the Thalys to Paris Earlier
- Do the Paris Catacombs at Night
- Take the Zandvoort Race Train Earlier
- The Bottom Line
- Travel Tools We Actually Use
- Book Tours and Activities
- Gear That Saved Us in Europe
- Find Your Next Flight
- Plan Your Trip to Amsterdam
Two weeks by train from Amsterdam to Brussels to Paris in August 2023, with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. The logistics mostly worked, but here is what we would tweak.
Start in Brussels, Not Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the most exciting city on the route, so starting there meant everything after felt slightly less electric. Starting in Brussels, then Amsterdam (with race weekend energy), then Paris would have built momentum.
Skip Gouda, Add More Ghent
The Thursday cheese market in Gouda was charming but took a whole day for a morning activity. Meanwhile, we only had an afternoon in Ghent, which deserved a full day.
Book the Thalys to Paris Earlier
Early-bird Thalys tickets (2-3 months out) are significantly cheaper. We booked a month ahead and paid roughly double.
Do the Paris Catacombs at Night
They are open until 8:30pm in summer. The evening session is less crowded and more atmospheric. Book a timed entry online.
Take the Zandvoort Race Train Earlier
We arrived around noon for a 3pm race. The 10am trains are less crowded and give you time for the Zandvoort beach bars pre-race.
The Bottom Line
One of our best trips. Train travel in Europe is civilized, the three cities complement each other perfectly, and the Dutch Grand Prix is brilliantly organized. We would just reorder the cities and spend more time in Ghent.
Amsterdam, Brussels, and the Dutch Grand Prix by Train is the full overview. Paris in 4 Days has our Paris itinerary.
Travel Tools We Actually Use
- eSIM Data: Airalo eSIM for Amsterdam — Skip the airport SIM card line. Buy before you land, activate when you arrive. We use this every trip now.
- Travel Insurance: — Comprehensive coverage for trip cancellation, medical, and baggage. We learned the hard way that skipping insurance is not worth it.
- VPN: — Public wifi at hotels and airports is sketchy. This keeps your banking apps and passwords safe.
- Money Transfer: — Best exchange rates, no hidden fees. We use the multi-currency card for every trip.
Book Tours and Activities
Gear That Saved Us in Europe
- Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack – Fits in overhead bins on budget European airlines.
- Anker Nano Power Bank – Long museum and walking days drain your phone.
- Airalo eSIM – One eSIM for all of Europe.
- Universal Travel Adapter – EU, UK, and Swiss plugs are all different.
- Packing Cubes – Keeps your bag organized across multiple cities.
- Rain Jacket (Marmot Precip) – Weather changes fast in shoulder season.
Find Your Next Flight
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Plan Your Trip to Amsterdam
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Plan your own trip: guides I actually use
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Written by Jenna Fattah
I have visited 25+ countries across 6 continents, attended 7 Formula 1 races, and spent 4 years writing about what actually works and what I would do differently. Every recommendation on this site comes from trips I planned and paid for myself. Read more about me
