Trip routing help needed -- AMS --> ? --> Paris

Posted by Donna (Orlando, FL, USA) on 04/21/15 03:24 PM

We are spending 3 nights in Amsterdam in late May, then we were going to stop in Bruges but now I have realized that those 2 days are Whit Sunday and Whit Monday so it appears that EVERYTHING will be closed. We Need to be in Paris on Tuesday so I have 2 days to re-route -- a Sunday/Monday (24-26 May)... Any ideas as to where a good stop over place would be to explore? I don't want to be in a city that is, in effect, shut down :(

to note: We are on our honeymoon, both 50, new husband has never been to Europe. We are traveling with soft sided backpacks, and are young at heart! We are not renting a car - trains only

Posted by Terry kathryn

Ann Arbor, Mi

04/21/15 03:49 PM

3696 posts

Will you be having a car or taking the train?

Posted by Donna OP

Orlando, FL, USA

04/21/15 04:04 PM

81 posts

Trains only. Husband does not want to rent a car (and the drop off costs were very very high!)

Posted by Nigel

Northamptonshire, England

04/21/15 07:52 PM

32746 posts

What things do you think will be closed in Brugge (Bruges) on the 24th and 25th that wouldn't be closed normally?

De Halve Maan has 31 tours on that Sunday, 32 on the Monday.

I'm sure the boats will be making their usual circuits.
There will be the usual carillon concert on Sunday.
As far as I can tell, the Beguinage will have normal hours.
So will the Friet Museum
The Groeninge Museum is never open on Mondays but is open normal hours on the Sunday.

I think you could have a very good time there on that weekend.

What particular place that you had hoped for will be closed exceptionally?

Posted by andreajm317

06/04/15 04:07 PM

34 posts

Hello,

My husband and I will be making a similiar honeymoon trip in September. We are doing 3 days in AMS and then taking a train to Paris for 4 days. I just booked the Thalys train online and from the research I've done; this is the best way to purchase (idealy 3 months before your trip). Prices are reasonable and the trains take you from city centre to city centre. Note - use the thalys website versus raileurope.

Good Luck!

Posted by Laura

Virginia, USA

06/04/15 11:12 PM

5516 posts

I was in Bruges over Easter about 5 years ago and there were plenty of things to do. By no means was it shut down.

Posted by Jennifer

Kansas City

07/20/15 08:54 PM

180 posts

I think the best parts of Bruges are just wandering the city. We even walked to the outer canal to see the windmills (and DH climbed up one, which was slightly scary). The cobblestone streets, amazing architecture, and lovely canals are definitely worth the time (we spent 2 nights and could have easily stayed 4+). We had a problem with a bank transfer snafu that left us without cash for most of the time we were there and we still had a great time so I'm sure you will too!