How to Visit Amsterdam, Brussels, Bruges, and Paris in One Week

A Christmas Markets Travel Edition with Easy Train Travel

If you are looking for a European itinerary that feels ambitious yet completely manageable, this one-week route through Amsterdam, Brussels, Brugge, and Paris is hard to beat. I did this trip in December specifically to experience Christmas markets, and it was one of the smoothest multi-city European trips I’ve taken, largely thanks to Europe’s train network and excellent public transit.

Below is exactly how I structured the trip, where I stayed, how I moved between cities, and practical tips for Christmas markets, airports, and getting around without a car.

The One-Week Route at a Glance

• Amsterdam: 2 nights
• Brussels: 2 nights (with a day trip to Bruges)
• Paris: 3 nights

This itinerary works because travel days are short, hotels are well-located, and public transportation is straightforward in every city.

Stop 1: Amsterdam (2 Nights)

Hotel: Leonardo Hotel Amsterdam City Center

Amsterdam was the perfect first stop after an overnight flight. I stayed near Leidseplein, which made walking and transit incredibly easy while still being slightly removed from the busiest tourist corridors.

Getting Around Amsterdam

Amsterdam is one of the easiest European cities to navigate without a car.

• Trams run constantly and are easy to understand
• You can tap in and out with a credit card or phone
• Walking is very manageable for central neighborhoods

From Schiphol Airport, trains run directly to Amsterdam Centraal in about 15 to 20 minutes, and from there it’s easy to connect via tram or taxi to your hotel.

Amsterdam at Christmas

Amsterdam’s Christmas markets are more subtle than other cities on this itinerary, but the festive atmosphere is still there.

• Seasonal pop-up markets and winter events rotate locations
• Canal areas and shopping streets are decorated beautifully
• Cafés feel especially cozy this time of year

Amsterdam is more about ambiance than big Christmas markets, which made it a calm and enjoyable start to the trip.

Train Travel: Amsterdam to Brussels

One of the biggest highlights of this itinerary is how easy train travel is.

• High-speed and intercity trains connect Amsterdam and Brussels
• Travel time is approximately 2 to 3 hours depending on the train
• No airport security lines, no baggage fees, no hassle

I booked my tickets in advance and found the experience smooth from start to finish. European train stations are well-signed and centrally located, which saves a significant amount of time.

Stop 2: Brussels (2 Nights)

Hotel: Moxy Brussels City Center

Brussels often gets overlooked, but it is an excellent base for exploring Belgium, especially if you want to add a day trip.

Brussels Christmas Markets

Brussels’ Christmas market stretches across multiple areas of the city and feels more like a holiday festival.

• The Grand Place is the centerpiece and absolutely stunning
• Food stalls offer waffles, fries, raclette, and mulled wine
• Light installations and music add to the atmosphere

The market is spread out, so wear comfortable shoes and plan to explore it over an evening rather than rushing through.

Public Transit in Brussels

Brussels public transportation is efficient and affordable.

• Metro, trams, and buses are well integrated
• You can purchase single rides or day passes
• Google Maps works extremely well for routing

I relied entirely on public transit and walking while staying here.

Day Trip: Bruges from Brussels

A day trip to is absolutely worth it and very easy.

Getting There

• Trains from Brussels to Bruges run frequently
• Travel time is about 1 hour
• The train station is walkable to the historic center or a short bus ride

Bruges Christmas Markets

Bruges feels like stepping into a postcard, especially during Christmas.

• The main market is near Market Square
• Smaller markets and festive stalls are scattered throughout town
• Decorations, cobblestone streets, and canals create an incredibly romantic setting

Bruges is compact, so a full day is plenty of time to see the highlights, enjoy the markets, and return to Brussels in the evening.

Train Travel: Brussels to Paris

For the final leg of the trip, I took the .

• Travel time is about 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Seats are reserved
• Luggage is simple and stress-free compared to flying

This is one of the easiest international travel experiences in Europe and a major reason this itinerary works so well.

Stop 3: Paris (3 Nights)

Hotel: Hôtel Ginette à la Folie

Paris was the perfect way to end the trip, with enough time to enjoy both Christmas markets and classic sightseeing without feeling rushed.

Paris Christmas Markets

Paris offers several Christmas markets, each with a different vibe.

• Tuileries Garden market is one of the most popular
• Smaller neighborhood markets feel more local
• Food, gifts, and decorations vary widely by location

Markets tend to get crowded in the evenings and on weekends, so visiting earlier in the day can be more enjoyable.

Public Transit in Paris

Paris has one of the best metro systems in the world.

• The metro is fast, frequent, and affordable
• You can buy carnet packs or use contactless payment
• Google Maps and Citymapper are invaluable

I did not use taxis at all during my stay.

Airport Tips for This Itinerary

Arriving

• Fly into Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
• Excellent train connections directly into the city
• No need for a rental car

Departing

• Fly home from Paris Charles de Gaulle
• Allow extra time, especially during the holidays
• The RER B train connects central Paris to the airport

Booking an open-jaw flight (into Amsterdam, out of Paris) saves time and prevents backtracking.

Why This Itinerary Works So Well

• Short travel times between cities
• Central train stations reduce transit stress
• Excellent public transportation in every destination
• No car needed at any point
• Christmas markets add seasonal magic without requiring extra travel days

Pro Tip: Use My Google Maps Lists

For this trip, I relied heavily on custom Google Maps lists for saved restaurants, Christmas markets, transit points, and must-see spots.

If you want access to the exact maps I use when planning and traveling, make sure to subscribe on this page to get my Google Maps lists. It is one of the easiest ways to stay organized and make the most of your time in each city.

Final Thoughts

Visiting Amsterdam, Brussels, Bruges, and Paris in one week is not only doable, it is enjoyable when planned correctly. By leveraging Europe’s train system and public transportation, you can focus on the experience instead of logistics.

This itinerary is especially perfect during the holiday season, combining festive markets, historic cities, and stress-free travel into one seamless European adventure.

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