Another vote for Bruges.
We had a ton of fun in Brussels–son did study abroad there and had already scoped out all the good spots by the time we got there.
Wouldn’t bother with flying–trains are easy but prepare for pickpockets!
The train from Amsterdam to Paris is fairly quick and easy. You could take a train from Paris to Bayeux in Normandy. A tour of the DDay beaches can be done from there. The Bayeux tapestry is a quick visit but definitely worth seeing.
Also if your in Amsterdam during late April to Mid May don’t miss Keukenhof Gardens.
Antwerp, Brussels Brugges, also Ghent. A lovely trip also can be had to Namur and then take the local train to Dinant down the Meuse river valley.
I lived in Rotterdam for 6 months during my short term assignment within my company. I went to Paris, London, Bruges, Cologne, Lille during my time there.
If you have already been to Paris and London, go for Bruges. Awesome architecture, excellent city center, cafes and all. My second choice would be Cologne. I loved it there as well but not as much as Bruges.
Nothing to add…just salivating over the chocolate…
.the window shopping for chocolate in Bruges was incredible. Gorgeous town.
Should’ve stayed longer…
650 beer varieties in Brussels…and light shows on the square and music museum and…and…
Just daydreaming about food and fun…
Pack less. Play more!
Tip from son from a couple years ago (from study abroad)—
when in Amsterdam–do not speak French. They speak French fluently but don’t love the French. Speak English for better service. Proved true.
Train stations are easy in Amsterdam because all the train station people know English, Dutch and French making it very easy to navigate.
My broken record–pick pockets. They are FAMOUS in the Amsterdam train stations. Signs are everywhere and by the time you are pick pocketed you are in another country and just another statistic.
They are high end, well-suited business men carrying brief cases.
No wallets in a back pocket. Nobody “helps” you with your luggage. Period. Forewarned .
Lots of good possibilities here travelling by train.
http://www.seat61.com/international-trains/trains-from-Amsterdam.htm#Amsterdam-Switzerland
Bruges sounds fantastic. Another idea, having seen a few smaller French cities, am totally a fan. Research what there is to see in Normandy, in various places, and go for it. The meals can be very good, the pace slower, and there is so much that is historic. Cars are easy to rent in train stations just about everywhere in France.
Bruges is really great, charming, good restaurants. If I had only been to Paris once I would go back. The next time I go I want to go to Giverny where Monet lived. And you could go to Chartres or go to some of the less famous museums like the Picasso museum or the Rodin museum. Another vote for the Keukenhof gardens while you are in the Netherlands and Delft is a fun day trip.
Just a thought, having been burned on some of my trips. If you are traveling specifically to see a museum or particular painting, do check the museum’s website before finalizing the plans. I was burned in Berlin a couple years ago - I saved my visit to the Alte Nationalgalerie only to discover that the German Romantics galleries were temporarily closed for the hanging of a new exhibit. These galleries were a particular interest - I could have gone earlier in my visit when they were open had I checked. You would think I’d learn but just last month, I planned a day trip from London to the Brighton Pavilion. Luckily I checked the website before buying a train ticket - the Pavilion was closed for several days for private filming. Had I checked earlier, I could have made that trip earlier in my visit. Gives me a good excuse to return, but is still quite a disappointment.
Last summer my daughter and I took the train from Amsterdam to Bruges, changed in Antwerp. After 2 nights in Bruges we went to Brussels for 2 nights. One day we took the train back to Antwerp to see the 4 Ruben’s in the cathedral there. The trip was not stressful and we loved all the places we visited!
@Momofadult, we learned (the hard way) to always check the website first. DH was excited to visit the Paris sewer museum (yes, there is such a thing). When he got there, it was closed due to flooding (!). He wound up with a bonus visit to the Army Museum instead.
Aha, you know how frustrating these near misses are then! I tried to talk my way into the closed German Romantic galleries, even spoke with the curator(!), but no luck. I have not visited the Paris Sewers, my son and I considered it on a trip a couple years ago, but we choose something else instead. I have heard that it is a unique tour!
If you’re going to Brussels or Bruges, I second the suggestion to stop in Antwerp to see the Rubens paintings in the cathedral. They’re said to be magnificent. I haven’t seen them, but my daughter, an art history major, did, and she raved about them. Rubens’ house and studio are also in Antwerp, with his personal collection of paintings (mostly other artists). And part of the Belgian Royal Art Museum is there (the other part is in Brussels). All trains going south from Amsterdam into Belgium will go right through Antwerp, so it’s an easy stop, with frequent service to continue your journey.