We are going on a riverboat cruise that terminates in Amsterdam. Trying to use frequent flyer tickets to and from Europe. Can only get return tickets from Brussels. I assume we can take train from Amsterdam to Brussels - how would we arrange that? Any advice on must sees in Brussels as we will have several days there.

Thanks
Pam

There are Intercity trains from Amsterdam to Brussels every hour. There are no reservations, so just buy a ticket at the station and get on the next train. High-speed Thalys trains also cover the same route but are only slightly faster as they use the same tracks. Train schedules for anywhere in Europe can be checked on www.bahn.de, or use www.ns.nl or www.b-rail.be.

You buy a train ticket in any travel agancy in Amsterdam or in the Amsterdam Centraal Station.

For schedules go to www.ns.nl, click English and International.

There are dozens of threads on this forum regarding trains between Amsterdam and Brussels. Use the search box above to find them. Also, there is a train from each of Brussels main stations to the Brussels airport.

Hi Pam,

The first thing I suggest is to spend your extra days in Amsterdam and go to Brussels only for the purpose of flying home.

Train schedules are at http://www.ns.nl/international/index.cgi

I would tend to agree with Ira on this, especially if you haven't been to either city.
Brussels is quite nice but Amsterdam and environs I think, in general, has more to offer..but of course that depends on indivdiual tastes.

Take a train from the Amsterdam Centraal Station to Brussels. The train ride is not too bad, it takes about 4 hours or so.

Attractions to see in Brussels - The Grand Place, Mannekin Pis, churches, chocolate museum, and tons of great restaurants (mussels). You must also sample the frites.

I was able to do a walking tour in half a day, but I didn't have a chance to go to any museums. Brussels is a nice town, but A'dam had a lot more attractions and interesting neighborhoods.

Instead of going to Brussels, you may want to consider going to Brugge. I found Brugge (and even Ghent) more charming than Brussels. Brugge is about an hour to 1.5 hour train ride from Brussels.

On the other hand (ahem), Brussels, especially the older parts around the Grand Place, offers more old world European sites such as squares surrounded by majestic cathedrals and beautiful architecture. It may be nice for to see a little of both cities, and decide for yourself whether you want to see more of the Netherlands or Belgium on your next trip when you have more time.

As previouslty said, you can take the Intercity train from Amsterdam to Brussels. It's cheaper but it's a longer trip. You just have to show up at Amsterdam Centraal and buy your ticket.
If you want to experience the high-speed train, then the Thalys will be your choice but you will have to make reservations at least 2 weeks in advance. You can book it online at thalys.com

I will be partial to Brussels. I lived there for a long time and although it's not as "funky" as Amsterdam it has a discreet charm. Along the classic must-see: the Grand-Place, Manneken-Pis, Galleries St-Hubert, both Musees des Beaux Arts (ancient and modern), the Musee des Instruments de Musique (it's located in one of my favourite Art Nouveau building), the St-Michel Cathedral, Le Sablon neighbourhood if you like antiques, and le Petit Sablon park (charming), Avenue Louise for upscale shopping, the Parc de Bruxelles with the Royal Palace and the parliament, the Palais de Justice (it's enormous), restaurants, restaurants, restaurants, beer, beer and beer... And of course pralines, speculoos (they are a kind of spicy cookies that are typical to belgium) and gauffres de Liege (I'm salivating just thinking about it).
My off-the-beaten track tip: go to the cafeteria of the Royal Library. It's on the top of the building, open from Monday to friday. The meals are cheap (or you can just stop for a coffee) and they have one of the best view of Brussels I know. And it's free. ;o)
Few... but it really depends of your interests though.
Happy travel!

Thank you all so much for your replies. I think we may stay one extra night in Amsterdam and then last night in Brussels.

Pam

There's absolutely nothing to do in Brussels.

You'll be much happier in Amsterdam watching the stoners glued to their park benches, having people walk past you whispering "ecstasy" and looking at the prostitutes in their boxes. Don't forget to walk along Warmoesstraat and look for "j/o" parties.

It amazes me how many people completely write off Brussels, yet think Amsterdam is wonderful. Maybe I'm naïve and want to believe that people should expect more out of life than the entire city center of Amsterdam has to offer.

Anne Frank house? Van Gogh and State museums? They aren't in Amsterdam's city center. They're all on some of the outer canals if not further.

Why do people show up in Brussels, see the Grand Place, walk 10 yards and say, "Brussels is boring"? I guess because it isn't easy enough for them...or they really want the j/o parties in Amsterdam.

The canals are not in the centre of Amsterdam? What on earth are you talking about. Just what do you think the centre of Amsterdam is?
Anyway, both cities have a lot to offer, but have a completely different atmosphere; you just cannot compare. Some people will be happier in Amsterdam, some in Brussels. If you have never been to Brussels, do try to spend more than just a day there. There is some good info on this forum from BTilke, who lives there.
Beware when taking the train from Amsterdam that major rebuilding work is taking place at Central Station.