Belgium and Netherlands combine well in 7 days. Here's the honest plan.
Best 7-day Belgium + Netherlands
- Day 1-3: Amsterdam (Rijksmuseum, canals, day-trip to Keukenhof in season)
- Day 4: Train to Ghent (overnight)
- Day 5: Day-trip to Bruges from Ghent
- Day 6-7: Train to Antwerp for design + diamonds
Alternative — Amsterdam-base with day-trips
Alternative — Belgium focus
- Day 1-2: Brussels
- Day 3-4: Bruges
- Day 5-6: Ghent
- Day 7: Antwerp
What to skip on 7 days
- Adding Luxembourg or Maastricht: Eats time.
- Dutch coast (Hoek van Holland): Not the trip's strength.
- Trying to see all 5 of Brussels/Bruges/Ghent/Antwerp/Amsterdam: Half is travel.
Cost reality
€180-€280/day comfortable. Belgium is 10-20% cheaper than Netherlands.
For Belgium-only trips see Belgium guide. For Netherlands see Amsterdam guides.