steve

I will fly into Brussels, spend three days, take the high-speed train to paris for three days, take the train to Amsterdamn for three days and take the train back to Brussels for our return flight...If you could offer any websites and or advice on the best ways to buy tickets and use these trains..i am a train novice

DellVecc

Just go to the train station a day in advance and buy the tickets. I was in Amsterdam and we took the Thalyas to Brussels. I would go during off peak hours so not to get caught up with all the comuters.

snorkelman

Although not a response to your specific question, I suggest less time in Brussels. After you see the Mannequin Pis (small statue of boy taking a leak) you will realize that something is wrong when this is arguably the most famous thing about a city! I would suggest visiting Brugge in Belgium. If you decide to ignore the suggestion about Brugge, then spend less time in Brussels and more in Paris.

Tom

Not quite sure why anyone would choose to fly into Brussels. I'm aware of the cheaper discount flights, but it's not worth the discount to wind up spending time in Brussels. While you can spend time in these other cities, make sure to get back in plenty of time to Brussels if you have a return flight to make. I got stuck in the Brussels airport for 12 hours last month on one of the US Air specials. What a nightmare! <BR> <BR>As for Amsterdam, it's a great city for a bunch of guys on vacation, but most women I know have not been as intrigued by the city. <BR> <BR>And whatever you do, make sure you have your hotels booked soon. I had difficulty getting lodging last month and my boss just got back last week and said that decent hotels were completely booked for Brussels and Amsterdam.

Thayer

I'd recommend traveling very light if you're going anytime soon. I was over in Europe last week and found it difficult to even find room for a small suitcase on the trains, not alone any extras. So make sure you pare down to a small suitcase and just re-wear some of your clothes.

s.fowler

I'm begging to differ with Tom. Sometimes the right airfare/frequent flyer miles combo takes you to Brussels. I think you're right about going to Bruges rather than spending 3 days in Brussels -- he could also consider Antwerp and/or Gent. <BR> <BR>Now as to your opinion of A'dam -- you're dead wrong. A'dam has great museums, wonderful restaurants, good shopping and it's utterly charming to walk around in. Sure -- you'll run into a "coffee house" or two -- but it's not in your face. Which is to say that there is a LOT more to the town than drugs and sex.

Sabrina

Dog shit all over the streets, whores showing off their goods in the window and hash houses...oh yeah, that's every women's dream city. It's not the worst city around, but there are far better ones. Edinburgh for instance is one of my favorite places. <BR> <BR>As for Brussels, it's ok, but not the most fun place in Europe. Hopefully you've got plenty of time to rethink your travels and rearrange some of your schedule. <BR> <BR>Like one of the other posters, I'd recommend having your hotel rooms booked well before you leave. I just got back on Saturday and found the lodging to be pretty much packed every place I went. Apparently the low airfares have prompted a lot of travel. Crowded museums, restaurants, etc. Be prepared for some long waits. <BR> <BR>

Sam

Please tell me that you didn't get one of those low airfares to Brussels on US Air. I just got back and can say that if I had known the hellish trip I'd have, I would have stayed home. Horrible meals, bad service and long, long airport waits. <BR> <BR>Plus why bother going to Brussels for a week in the middle of summer.

Liz

Funny, we didn't have ANY trouble on our US Airways flight to Brussels in June! Loved Brussels, Paris, and Brugge. You might want to check train information at www.ricksteves.com to see if point-to-point or railpasses are better.

Jim Rosenberg

Sorry Amsterdam and Brussels are getting such a bad rap -- both have their charm. That said, I tend to agree with cutting Brussels down to a night or two and perhaps leaving Amsterdam after two nights, rather than three. You can get enough of Brussels quickly and Amsterdam can be explored rather efficiently, too. But Paris? You can never have too much time in Paris!

BTilke

Steve, <BR>Sorry nobody gave you any train advice, just their opinions on Brussels! Let's start with your arrival (FYI, living in Brussels, I fly in and out of there all the time and haven't had any of the nightmare experiences described here--Brussels airport is no worse in terms of delays than any other airport in Europe and better than some). Although you can take a train to Brussels directly from the airport--they go three times an hour and are very cheap--you might want to splurge and take a cab to your hotel. If you're staying in central Brussels, a cab will cost about $30. <BR>The trains to Paris run from the Gare du Midi. You will be taking the Thalys high speed train (www.thalys.com). If you are going down on a week-day, I suggest you splurge a little and get a leisure rate first class ticket--more comfortable seat (although second class is comfortable, too) and a nice little meal served at your seat. FYI, pick up the Thalyscope guides on the train--their mini guides to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, etc., are quite good and their restaurant recommendations are usually very trustworthy--at least for Brussels. Your train to Paris will leave from tracks 3 to 6 in the Gare du Midi--it's a special new part of the station and there will be personnel there to assist you. All seats are reserved and your ticket will tell you which car (voiture) and seat. The Thalys makes no stops between Brussels and Paris--it's a fast trip. <BR>I suggest you buy your tickets online or as soon as you arrive in Brussels. Your hotel concierge may be able to help you. <BR>In Brussels, I could suggest some things to see beyond the Mannequin Pis (and yes, Piss Boy will be disppointing!) and Grand'Place. I would squeeze a day trip to Bruges into your three days--I think you'd enjoy it a lot. You can email me privately for more info (and no, I'm not selling anything and I don't charge for it!). <BR>BTilke (Brussels)