Amsterdam - Brussels - Paris: My Whirlwind 3-Day Solo Adventure! 🇳🇱🇧🇪🇫🇷
Hey everyone! Just got back from an amazing solo trip to Amsterdam, Brussels, and Paris! Sharing my experiences and some must-know tips for anyone planning a trip to these incredible cities. Get ready for an adventure!
📆 The Itinerary: 3 Days, 3 Countries!
- Night 1: Amsterdam Arrival! Landed in Amsterdam, took a stroll through the main streets, and crashed at my accommodation.
- Day 2: Windmills & Canals - Zaanse Schans & Giethoorn!
Zaanse Schans: Cheesemaking & Windmill Wonders!
Hopped on a bus from Amsterdam Central to Zaanse Schans in the morning. Picture this: rows of windmills lining the way, with fields on one side and a picturesque lake on the other. Stopped by the cheese house to learn about the Henry family's cheesemaking legacy. The cheese tasting was a MUST (bring crackers or something to pair with the 20+ cheese options!). I arrived around 9 AM and spent about 2 hours there (add another hour if you're a photography enthusiast!).
Giethoorn: The "Venice of the Netherlands" (Maybe?)
From Zaanse Schans, I bused back to Amsterdam Central and hopped on a train to Giethoorn (3 trains + 1 bus!). Arrived around 3 PM and took a boat tour around the village (9.5 euros/hour + a drink), then explored on foot. Honestly, Giethoorn wasn't *quite* as stunning as I'd heard.
Back to Amsterdam: Red Light District & Dutch Delights!
Returned to Amsterdam around 6 PM for dinner at Bistro Amsterdam, specializing in Dutch cuisine. The food (and Dutch food in general) gets a 6/10 from me - a bit bland and oily, but the Dutch Fries were a solid 7/10. Then, it was time to explore the infamous Red Light District and its museum – a must-see to understand Amsterdam's unique culture! Let's just say Amsterdam has legalized certain recreational substances, so prepare to encounter them. After that, headed back to the hostel for some well-deserved sleep!
- Day 3: Keukenhof Gardens + Brussels Bound!
Keukenhof: A Floral Paradise!
Woke up super early to visit Keukenhof Gardens. PRO TIP: Get there EARLY (like 6-7 AM) because it gets INSANELY crowded after 8 AM. Photographers, trust me, the morning light is worth it! I wandered around taking photos for 3 hours. If you're a serious photographer, plan to spend around 6 hours there.
Brussels: Chocolate, Waffles, & Construction?
After Keukenhof, took a Flixbus to Brussels. Sadly, Brussels seemed to be under construction, which was a bit disappointing. I explored Grand Place, indulged in chocolate (8.5/10), waffles (7/10), and Belgian fries (6/10). Then, I checked out the EU Commission and watched the sunset from Mont Des Art. I personally didn't find Brussels' architecture particularly striking or old, it felt quite modern.
- Day 4: Paris - City of Lights (and Lines)!
Paris: Iconic Landmarks & Missed Museums!
Early morning Flixbus from Brussels to Paris, followed by visits to all the iconic landmarks. Unfortunately, I arrived on a day when the Louvre Museum was closed for renovations, so I missed out on that. However, the rest of Paris was absolutely stunning. Getting between attractions takes about 30 minutes to an hour by bus or metro. Again, if you're planning to take photos, go early – it's PACKED! As a solo traveler, I just did a day trip to these spots, but I'd recommend 2-3 days if you're passionate about photography. For dinner, I found a great spot in front of the Pantheon with delicious (non-fishy!) beef tartare (the first restaurant on the left facing the Pantheon).
📌 Important Tips for Your Trip
- Keukenhof is only open until May 12th!
- Amsterdam Region Ticket vs. Holland Travel Ticket: The Amsterdam Region Ticket (for Zaanse Schans and Keukenhof) is cheaper than the Holland Travel Ticket (which covers Giethoorn). Plan your itinerary and ticket purchase accordingly! Tickets are available at vending machines in Central Station.
- Bus Tickets & Card Payments: You can buy bus tickets on the bus, but they only accept card payments! Also, many places in the Netherlands only accept card payments, so be prepared!
- Brussels is Walkable: Brussels is a relatively small city, so walking is a great option.
- Paris Transportation: Single tickets in Paris are only valid for EITHER the train OR the bus. Once you've used it on the bus, you can't reuse it on the train.
- Towel Troubles: Some hotels in the Netherlands may not provide free towels.
🗃️ Conclusion: Paris, I'll be back for the Louvre!
That's it! Hope this helps with your planning! I'm definitely going back to Paris to finally see the Louvre!
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