How to Visit 4 Countries in 5 Days: A Traveler’s Guide (Europe Edition)
Maximize your week off by exploring four diverse European countries in just five days. Yes, it’s possible! On our recent spontaneous trip, we managed to hop between Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and Denmark—all while taking in notable landmarks, rich history, and incredible local cuisine along the way.
So, how did we pull it off? In this guide, I will share tips for transportation, what to do in each city, and how to get the most out of the trip. Pack your bags and go on the European trip of your dreams.
Country 1: Brussels, Belgium: Heart of Europe
Capital of Europe
The adventure begins in Brussels, Belgium - the center of the European Union. If you are someone like me, I have never considered Brussels as a destination to visit when thinking of Europe. Come to find out, Brussels is the perfect location to make your hub, given the simplicity and connection between other European Cities. This slower-paced yet fascinating city allows for a place to come back to and unwind after exploring other iconic European destinations.
What to Visit:
Grand Place: Start your journey at the heart of the square, where 17th-century buildings will leave you in awe. Wander down cobblestone alleys in every direction, each packed with tempting local shops. Just a few blocks away is one of the most famous fountains, Manneken Pis— a must-see.
Atomium: Considered one of the biggest tourist attractions in Brussels, this building represents peace amongst all nations. This is a great location surrounded by museums and other landmarks to learn about history.
Local Delicacies:
Chocolate: Chocolatiers and modern-day Willy Wonkas fill the streets of Brussels, where you can't leave without tasting the city's renowned chocolates at a few of its iconic shops. Recommendation: Planète Chocolat
Waffles: Fluffy and Cripsy Belgium waffles date back to the 1950s and have become a staple for what Brussels is known for.
Frites: Legend has it, frites (fries) date back to the 1700s in Brussels and was the predecessor to one of the world’s best creations. Recommendation: Frites Atelier
Pro Tip: When it comes to getting around Brussels, the metro and trams are your best friend; they're fast and efficient, making it easy to explore the city quickly and safely. For longer distances, hop on the Eurostar to Paris (just 1.5 hours) for a quick and seamless day trip. Not only will you get to experience one of France’s most iconic cities, but traveling by train means you won’t have to drag your suitcase through busy metros or train stations while you explore.
Day 2 Paris, France: The City of Light
Bonjour, Paris!
After just a short 1.5 hours on the train, we had ourselves just under 12 hours in Paris. You can certainly come down the night prior but not having to drag your carry-on through metros and train stations made traveling that much easier. This city is large and can seem very daunting when trying to figure out how to fit everything in. It’s considerably important to figure out what your priorities are, and have a plan of action that will maximize your day to see and eat everything you want.
What to Visit:
Notre Dame: This Cathedral has been in existence since the growth of Paris back in the 12th-Century which closely followed and evolved over the decades to become this historic landmark.
Effiel Tower: No trip to Paris is complete without seeing the Eiffel Tower. When the sun sets, the tower begins to sparkle which is a sight everyone must see.
Louvre Museum: While we didn't enter the museum, we were engulfed by its stunning architecture from the outside. With its vast art and popularity, it would take at least half a day to walk the entire museum (especially to see the Mona Lisa).
Local Delicacies:
La Crème de Paris
Crepes: Sweet or Savory, crepe stands and restaurants have it all. A great way to start your day is at La Crème de Paris which is just over the bridge by Notre Dame.
Crossaints: Throughout your walk, there are dozens of bakeries and cafés that all have the most buttery and flakey croissants you can think of.
Pro Tip: Get off of the train at Gare Du Nord and take the Metro 4 heading south towards Notre Dame. Stroll along the Seine towards the Eiffel Tower, stopping at the best cafés, savoring delicious crêpes, and exploring some of the finest museums along the way.
Day 3: Amsterdam, Netherlands: Venice of the North
Morning Train from Brussels - Amsterdam
Started as a small fishing village in the 12th Century, Amsterdam is now the vibrant capital of the Netherlands. Its charm is truly captivating, and the best way to experience it is from the water.
What to Visit:
Canals: Over 165 canals surround this city, making these the foundation of Amsterdam’s history. Originally built for transporting goods, these also played a crucial role in managing water for the growing population of the Dutch town in the 17th century.
Anne-Frank House: This historic World War II house in Amsterdam offers a deeply moving experience that will leave you with a new appreciation for life.
Local Delicacies:
Stroop Waffles: If you have that sweet tooth, stop by one of the many stores to get some of the most flavorful stroop waffles to exist.
Bitterballen: This fried meatball is known to be one of the most common Dutch snacks in cafés and bars.
Pro Tip: Trains run regularly between Brussels and Amsterdam. Once you arrive, everything is close and walkable. Take the time and do a 1-hour cruise on the canal to learn some stories and history of the development of this unique town.
Day 4: Copenhagen, Denmark: The City of Spires
Castles and Bikes
Home to the Vikings and dating back to the 10th Century, this place holds Palaces and Castles which show a different side of Europe. Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is best explored by bike, allowing you to easily navigate the city and experience it like a local.
What to Visit:
Nyhavn: 17th-century harbor that is lined with old wooden ships and is considered the entertainment district with vibrant townhouses in the background.
Christiansborg Castle: Back in the Renaissance period, this iconic Castle was surrounded by a mote and the most beautiful king’s garden to take in the chill air of Denmark.
Tivoli Gardens: As one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, it stands as Copenhagen's top attraction. These historic gardens also inspired Walt Disney, evolving modern-day amusement parks as we know them.
Local Delicacies:
Danish Pastries: For the sweet tooth, they are beloved treats featuring a crispy, flaky exterior similar to a croissant, but with a variety of delicious jams nestled inside.
Smørrebrød: This is a unique open-faced sandwich on dense rye bread that is a staple of the cuisine in Copenhagen.
Pro Tip: Getting around the city is best done by bike. With most locals biking everywhere, it’s the easiest and most efficient way to see all the sights you want to explore in short time. This destination was our extended layover on the way from the United States to Brussels, making the long travel days feel much more manageable.
Lessons Learned:
Train to Amsterdam:
We made Brussels our home base for the trip, using it as a launchpad for day trips to neighboring countries. For our journey to Amsterdam, we went for the cheapest train from Brussels to Amsterdam, hoping to save a bit on travel costs. However, when we arrived at a small, unfamiliar station in the heart of Brussels, things quickly took a turn. After a bit of confusion and struggling with translations, we learned that our train had been “supprimé”—basically, it was canceled. To make matters worse, there was no help desk in sight.
Determined to get to Amsterdam, we decided to head to the larger Brussels-Midi station and booked a seat on the EuroCity Direct. Thankfully, that train ran smoothly, and in under two hours, we were in Amsterdam without a hitch.
Lesson learned: When booking trains, especially from unfamiliar stations, don’t always go for the cheapest option—it’s not always the best one!
Metro in Brussels:
After a jam-packed day exploring the fashion capital of the world—Paris—our train back to Brussels was delayed. What was supposed to be a quick 1.5-hour ride turned into a long wait, but eventually, we were back on our way. The clock was ticking, and we knew we had to get back before midnight, as the metro shuts down for the night. However, thanks to the delay, our new expected arrival time was 11:30 PM.
We rushed off the train and sprinted to the metro, hoping to catch the last train of the night. Our hotel was only a few stops away, so we jumped on the 10 line without much thought. But with our energy drained and our brains barely functioning, we didn’t realize we were heading south in the wrong direction. Panic set in, and we hoped the train would eventually loop back around and head toward our stop. After what felt like forever and plenty of concerned looks, the line finally switched directions. We made it to the correct station just in time, arriving around 12:16 AM—right on the edge of the last metro of the night.
Lesson Learned: Don’t get complacent until you are in your bed at the hotel, one little mistake can make for a long night.
