Europe Excursion
 

I am planning a 16-day trip to London, Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. Any suggestions on must see? I am looking for small treasures that get overlooked or unpublished.

the penguin museum in Brussels is undervisited

In Brussels, if you like a REAL authentic flea market with very old junky collectible stuff, Brussels has a giant one in the decidedly downscale Marolles District. Balance this off with the very upscale Grand Sablon district and dinner at a fun Balkan cafe' "Le Grande Mayeur"....Hungarian gypsy, Russian, Slavic ambience and music, very reasonable, delicious menu offereings (scampi seems to be their specialty).

At the fish market area (poissoinaries), a cute little mom and pop diner-y "Le Quai"...Nelly, daughter of the owners, will greet you warmly and serve you like royalty. ..grilled salmon and cold lobster dishes, specialties.

Strongly suggest a visit to Brugge, train ride from Brussels, and spend a few nights there if you can. Very unique medieval town, canals, friendly population. Suggest staying at Hotel Egmond in the handsome Minnewater/Bequinage area. Very special. We've stayed there twice as did members of our family.

In Paris, we favor the Ile de St. Louis...many cafe's, feel like you're in a village outside of Paris....behind Notre Dame. Down the stairs from the little bridge connecting Ile de Cite (Notre Dame) and Ile de St, Louis, there is the minimalist museum of the deportees (no fee). Grim, haunting, unique.

Ile de St. Louis and de Cite are both connectd by bridges to each side of the Seine.

In London, I can recommend two little known pubs for a superb lunch or dinner menu. Pubs are usually the best bang for your "pound" in the UK..."The Running Horse"(1734) on Davies Street (two bloocks below Oxford street)and "The Lord Balfour"(1734)in Bloomsbury about two blocks north of Russell Square Station, on Marchmont Street.(that's why I keep all the business cards in a file!) We liked both and were staying in Bloomsbury during that visit.(Where will you be staying?)

If you're a walker, one of the less traveled Union Barge Canal-side walks is from Portobello Road markets, just below the Westway Highway, to Edgware Road near Hyde Park.If I recall, we had to slightly jog left over the canal at two places. You will see it coming.

In Am'dam, a one day side trip by bus or self-drive east to Giethoorn, a small village laced by canals and thatched roofs is very pleasant. Or to Kinderdjk near Rotterdam to see a large concentration of windmills...and a half day visit to Keukenhoff Gardens.
stu

Thanks for the feedback. I also wanted to know if I will have to clear customs for each country when I travel throughout Europe via train once I arrive in London.
Fly into London from USA
London to Paris via Eurostar
Paris to Amsterdam via Thalys
Amsterdam to Brussels via Thalys
Brussels to London via Eurostar
Fly back to USA from London

There is no Customs inspection on journeys (or on any merchandise movements) within the EU.

You go through Schengen immigration control as you check in for Paris at St Pancras, and you go through UK immigration control at the Gare du Nord before leaving Paris for London.

Otherwise, you should encounter no other formalities until you arrive back in the US.