Hi! I am recently graduated from college and am thinking about traveling to Europe by myself. I have around 3 weeks to travel. I really want to see Belgium and the Netherlands because I have not been to those two countries. The main cities I want to hit so far are bruges, ghent, and amsterdam although I know there are various other cities in the Benelux area that could be worth seeing. I also read it may be best to have a "home" city in Belgium and the Netherlands and just take day trips. I am open for suggestions. If time, I would like to add Western Germany or England but I don't want to feel rushed either. I have already been to Munich and Berlin in Germany so I do not need to see those cities again. I really would like help with a suggested itinerary because I am unsure how long I should stay in each city. Thank you for your help!
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
How much time to spend in each city would depend on your interests and pace, so I really couldn't answer that. But here's at least a few suggestions. For a recent college graduate, in Belgium, I would recommend staying in either Ghent or Leuven, especially if the universities are in session. You'll enjoy the nightlife, particularly if you actually want to have a conversation with somebody (university-type drinking establishments in Belgium don't tend to blast the music nearly as loud as in the US). Belgium's cities are well connected by rail and the country is small enough that you can visit just about any portion of it as a daytrip from somewhere else. So, I would consider staying in one location. If traveling during the summer, give the beaches in Belgium and/or the Netherlands a look. They remind me of the south Jersey shore. For the same type of university environment in the Netherlands, consider staying in Utrecth.
Posted by
CA, USA
266 posts
Another thumbs up for Utrecht. Charming, quaint, peaceful, yet fun town. Spent 4 days here and felt like I was really living more like a local, rather than a tourist. If you go, spend some time at Kafe België. Your text to link here...
Posted by
Auburn, Washington, USA
515 posts
I would highly recommend Delft and Kinderdijk in Holland. Kinderdijk is a small village with 19 windmills and about an hour to Delft. Delft is a small version of Amsterdam. We stayed in Luxembourg city in Luxembourg for 3 days and saw practically the whole country. Waterloo is so-so, It has the hill and a panorama overview of the battle. We took a small day trip to Bernkastel-Kues in Germany on the Mosel. My favorite town in Germany. Cochem and Monschau are gorgeous aswell. Dinan in southern Belgium is absolutley incredible. Enjoy your trip.
Posted by
Eijsden, the Netherlands
2 posts
" Another thumbs up for Utrecht. Charming, quaint, peaceful, yet fun town. Spent 4 days here and felt like I was really living more like a local, rather than a tourist." there are few true locals left in Utrecht, as it is mostly a city filled with students and immigrants (including Dutch immigrants, mind you). I'm not sure what you are looking for during your travels, or what your means of transportation will be, but if you like nature ("Dutch mountains"), try the south of the Netherlands, the region called Heuvelland, or even better, visit the Eiffel area in Germany. It has castles, sleeping vulcano's, and most important of all, the Nuernburgring (motor racing circuit) !!! If you like roman history, try Koeln or Maastricht. If you like industrial history, Liege is the place to be. If you like engineering, try the waterworks (delta werken) in Zeeland, on the island of Neeltje Jans or the Zeelandbrug. The history of the great flood and what the Dutch have accomplished fighting it's way back is rather impressive. Older nice cities in Zeeland are Zierikzee and Middelburg.
Rotterdam is not so much of a looker, but you can do lots of fun stuff there besides partying, like abseiling from the Euromast building or going for a cruise on a pancakeboat (yes, you read that correctly).