Hello,

I'm thinking of planning a fall 4 day weekend; I have to fly into and out of Paris. I'd like to visit Amsterdam and perhaps Bruges. I was thinking perhaps 2 1/2 days in Amsterdam and 1 day in Bruges. (Perhaps Bruges on the way to Amsterdam?)

Please advise re this itinerary. Would I be better off spending the entire time in Amsterdam and bypassing Bruges? How much time do you recommend for casual sightseeing in Amsterdam?

Thanks.

-Chels

You won't like this, but for a 4-day weekend, I'd just stay in Paris!
Do you have 4 full days to play, or is your travel to/from Paris included in those 4 days? The train to Amsterdam will take about 4-5 hours one way.
To go to Bruges, you might have to transfer trains from Paris to Brussels, then local to Bruges.
The curious (including me) will want to know - why do you have to travel via Paris if you really want to go to Amsterdam/Bruges..?

Hi, Travelnut,

In response to your questions, I have been to Paris several times, and I'd like to try something new. I have no choice but to fly into Paris due to my Frequent Flyer miles ticket. So, essentially, I am completly bypassing Paris.

I can either fly into Amsterdam from Paris, or take the train to Amsterdam via Brussels. I can break my trip to or from with a day in Bruges, or just proceed straight to Amsterdam. I buy a few hours at most using the train versus plane.

In terms of time, I will arrive in Paris CDG at 7:30 a.m. on Day 1, and depart at 6:00 p.m. on Day 4.

My current thoughts are to proceed straight to Amsterdam on Day 1, spend 2 nights in Amsterdam, and then on to Bruges early afternoon of Day 3. Overnight in Bruges, and depart for CDG early afternoon on Day 4 in order to make my 6:00 p.m. return flight. The other alternative is to spend the entire visit in Amsterdam.

So, the question is this: Is Bruges worth the extra hassle or should I just concentrate on Amsterdam?

Thanks!

-Chels

I was in Bruges and Amsterdam 2 weeks ago and I enjoyed Bruges much more than Amsterdam.

Igpjazz,

Really, Bruges over Amsterdam? Can you please give me some insight as to your reasons for your preference? I am not opposed to rescheduling Amsterdam for another time. I am just looking for a nice extended weekend in the fall/early winter when tourist rates are low. Is there enough to do in Bruges for the 3 days without feeling as if one is wasting time?

Thanks,

Chels

I loved both Amsterdam and Bruges. Depending on your aversion to train stations and such, you might want to enjoy the extra time in Amsterdam. I think 4 days in Amsterdam is about right with some side trips, but a day or two in Bruges would be a great trip as well. Bruges is a lot more intimate than Amsterdam, but Amsterdam has more to offer. Have fun.

It's possible, but how about Amsterdam and Delft? You can take the Thalys up to Amsterdam, spend two nights there and one night in Delft.
Bruges is wonderful, but it can be mobbed on week-ends. If your trip is in the early fall, you will find Bruges pretty crowded; less so later in the season.
BTilke (Brussels)

It also depends a lot on what you like--for museums and art, Ansterdam has the Van Gogh, the Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House, Rembrandt's house, etc, plus of course "sights" like the red light district, coffeshops, etc.

Brugges, to me, is more of a walking about city, for soaking up the charm and walking in old churches and seeing what they look like. There are plenty of things to see and do, but, in my mind, none of the "must sees" that Amsterdam has, other than the city itself.

What I would do is come in Amsterdam directly, then see if you get bored after the 2/12 days. If so, then get on the train, (you would take the train that goes to Brussels, get of Antwerpen -Berchem, then get on the train to Brugges) which takes about 3 1/2 hours altogether, and then after seeing Brugges continue back to Paris.

I've only ever spent one day in Brugges (on two separate trips), and it was plenty for me. I'm sure plenty of others would disagree, though.

Have a good trip!

I was last year for 21/2 days in Bruges (after 5 in Amsterdam), took a day tour in Flandria, And half day by train to the coast. Was lovely. BUT I am a very relaxed and slow traveler.
I think Amsterdam has much more to offer. Spending the whole time in Amsterdam, maybe with a side trip by train to Utrecht, Harlem or other cities wouldn't be too long. Otherwise go with your original plan. One night in Bruges is o.k. Or if you can decide on the last moment take allovereurope idea.

Chels, I like your plan the best, ie. go to Amsterdam first, then stop over in Bruges for a night on the return to Paris. That seems like a good division of time, gives you 2 different types of cities, breaks up the train travel. Many people have said Bruges is lovely as evening progresses, and crowds leave. Let me say that, in our visit last October, there were no crowds. The cafes were looking for customers, and we boarded the first canal boat, which had to wait about 15-20 minutes for enough people to fill it. If you are up to it, climb the tower for a wonderful rooftop view over Bruges.
Of course, in Amsterdam, the highlights we enjoyed are the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank house, a canal ride, Vondelpark for some 'open space', and we enjoyed the 'rice table' for dinner.
Have a wonderful visit.

Hi Chels,

I think you have a good plan - Amsterdam and then a night in Bruges.

I agree with BTilke - Brugge is lovely but overwhelmed with visitors. Delft is less crowded, more a living city than a museum (not fair but that's our feeling), and much more convenient by train to A'dam. You could make Delft a day trip from A'dam (around an hour on the train) and not have to break camp and schlep looking for another hotel, thereby saving time and hassle, maybe money too.

Hello,

I have so many options - thank you! As of now, I am considering arriving in Paris early on a Thursday morning, and catching Thalys into Amsterdam, which will arrive at around 2 p.m. I will either spend the entire time in Amsterdam or I will take the Saturday afternoon train to Bruges or Delft, and spend Saturday evening through Sunday mid-day in Bruges, before returning home Sunday evening.

My other alternative is to skip both possible side-trips, fly to Amsterdam, and spend the entire time there. The flights are quite reasonably priced.

Thanks for the posts! I welcome any further thoughts.

Cheers,

Chels

I'm a kick-around 1 particular area kind of traveler. I have done 5 days solo both in Amsterdam and Paris, separate trips.

Don't underestimate the time and trouble of changing locations, in only 4 days you'll lose basically 1/2 your time getting from place to place following the plan you describe.

In A'dam I loved the Leidseplein district and in Paris the 4th & 5th.

Chels, you might want to wait until you get to Amsterdam to decide if you will go to Delft or Bruges, or not. I live in Delft and of course I want people to come visit; it's charming, easily navigated, and safe; but if you get really lousy weather you might be better off staying in Amsterdam (lots more to do inside). In the fall you can probably find a hotel room on short notice.

In past couple of years have spent a week or more in both amsterdam and
bruges. I would chose one or the other, both interesting and plenty to see, but to visit both in 4 days is a bit much.