So, you want to see some of Western Europe’s greatest cities by planning a 10 day London Paris Amsterdam itinerary in 2025? Whether you’re a European travel beginner or if you’ve visited before, I’ve got YEARS of insight both as a traveler and resident to give you a well-rounded itinerary to make the most of your time.
Spending 10 days in London, Paris, and Amsterdam will allow you at least three days in each city, perfect for first-time visitors.
Let’s get into all the fun of this London Paris Amsterdam itinerary for 10 days.
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How to Spend 10 Days in London, Paris, and Amsterdam (+ Belgium)
This Western Europe itinerary is ideal for those who want to focus on some of the most iconic cities and see famous sights like Big Ben and the Eiffel Tower. It’s ideal for solo travelers, couples, and even families.
I love this itinerary because you won’t have to take any flights once you arrive in Europe, which will save you unnecessary time waiting in airports and traveling in and out of cities to catch a flight.
Instead, you will take trains (which will all leave and arrive in central parts of the city’s you’re visiting).
Here’s a breakdown of this London Paris Amsterdam itinerary:
- London (3 days)
- Paris (3 days)
- Ghent or Antwerp (1 day)
- Amsterdam (3 days)
As you can see, during this 10-day itinerary, I do include an overnight stay in Belgium. Skipping Belgium on the way would be a missed opportunity—it’s absolutely wonderful!
I’m including Ghent for this itinerary to give you a break from big cities. Ghent is beautifully medieval with lots of beautiful architecture and some of the best beer in Europe.
However, it’s not a direct train. You would take the Eurostar to Brussels and then take a regional train to Ghent – worth it. But if you want a straight shot, you can swap for Antwerp. It’s a smaller Belgian city, also beautiful, but not nearly as much as Ghent.
Where to Stay in London
- London House Hotel: Affordable hotel near Notting Hill & Hyde Park
- The Tower Hotel: Popular hotel with sweeping city views
- NYX Hotel London Holborn: Central hotel with stylish design, mid-range
- Rosewood London: Posh hotel in Victorian building
- St Christopher’s Inn London Bridge: Budget friendly hotel, South Bank
Day 1: London
Arrive in London, preferably in the morning to make the most of your time. Book a central hotel, and start the day off with some London classics. This will kick your London Paris Amsterdam itinerary off to a great start.
This won’t be a FULL day of activities. Instead, you’ll see some sights, do some wandering around, and fight any jet lag you might have. You should be able to walk to all the attractions.
Morning
Buckingham Palace: Start the day off with a truly British landmark! It’s the headquarters of the monarch and one of only two places to always see the King’s Guards (the other being St James’s Palace).
And if you’re wondering, King Charles III and Queen Camilla don’t presently reside at Buckingham Palace. They live around the corner at Clarence House.
Westminster Abbey: Continue your royal explorations to Westminster Abbey, dating back to 1066. The church is used for coronations, like the most recent of Charles III and Camilla. It’s also where Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip married as well as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (William & Kate).
Grab your Westminster Abbey tickets in advance here (if you aren’t opting for the walking tour mentioned below.)
Afternoon
Big Ben & Palace of Westminster: This is where the UK parliament meets and it’s one of the most beautiful buildings in London, located right along the River Thames and Westminster Bridge.
To make the most of your time and save money, I recommend doing a combined walking tour from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey. These guides are incredibly knowledgeable and you’ll truly feel like you’ve learned a lot about London and British history afterward. This tour also includes skip-the-line tickets to Westminster Abbey.
Westminster Bridge: For some of the most iconic and picturesque views of the Big Ben and the parliament building, walk along Westminster Bridge.
Bridge Arch Photo Spot: Then, you’re going to want to go to this photo spot. It’s down the stairs through the tunnel. It’s one of my favorite places for travel photos in London.
Evening
London Eye: The London Eye can’t be missed along the River Thames. If you’d like some 360 views of the city’s skyline at sunset, I recommend riding on the London Eye. You’ll want to pe-book your tickets as they can sell out.
You will be able to easily walk from place to place, making your first day a stress-free one.
For lunch/dinner options in the area:
- Caffè Concerto Northumberland Avenue: Popular Italian spot with sidewalk seating; very European feel
- Sapori: British and Italian classics and comfort foods
- Regency Cafe: Your typical British corner cafe
- Cafe Fresco: Very budget-friendly sandwich / baked potato takeaway shop
British Museum
National Gallery
Day 2: London
After your first day, the jet lag will start to wear off and you can enjoy a lot more activities on day 2 of your London Paris Amsterdam itinerary.
Morning
British Museum or National Gallery: Choose between the British Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of works/artifacts (including the Rosetta Stone and Ancient Egyptian mummies and coffins).
On the other hand, The National Gallery overlooks Trafalgar Square and is home to paintings dating from the 1900s to the 13th century. This includes works from Van Gogh, da Vinci, Claude Monet, Henri Rousseau, and more.
Note! Both are free to enter, but for the British Museums it’s best to reserve your time-slot online in advance.
Trafalgar Square: Huge public square with a central fountain. It’s a popular meeting point for walking tours, demonstrations, etc.
Covent Garden: This small shopping district in central London, not an actual garden. Here you’ll find upscale shops, eateries, street performers, St Paul’s Church Covent Garden, and pedestrian-only paths.
St. Paul’s Cathedral: One of London’s most historic churches, pass by it on your way to lunch. You could go inside, but it does cost £25. Keep this in mind if you do wish to do a tour.
Afternoon
Borough Market: Lunch at Borough Market is a must on a first-time visit to London. It’s known for its high-quality food and history. There are more than 100 vendors and all sorts of things to choose from such as authentic Greek food, fresh fish, Middle Eastern cuisine, etc.
Tower of London & Tower Bridge: Both iconic sites to see. The Tower of London is a medieval castle with loads of gruesome history from its time as a palace, prison, and fortress. It’s also where you can see Beefeaters, the ceremonial guardians of the Tower.
Grab your tickets for the Tower of London before you go.
Traditional Pub: Continue this historic day in London by visiting one of the city’s main historic pubs. Nearby the Tower you’ll find Ye Ole Waiting serving real ales and classic pub grub in a 17th century pub.
Evening
South Bank: For nightlife, I recommend spending an evening in South Bank. This area is known for its trendy bars, comedy clubs, and restaurants. Check out these gorgeous South Bank bars.
Day 3: London
With 3 days in London, you’ll have more of an opportunity to explore beyond central London into some of the most charming and eclectic neighborhoods. Here’s how to spend day 3 of London, Paris, and Amsterdam trip.
Morning
Explore Camden Town or Notting Hill: Choose between neighborhoods Camden Town or Notting Hill to start the day. Camden is perfect if you’re looking for an alternative vibe, local markets, vintage clothing shops, and live music venues.
On the other hand, Notting Hill is a bit more posh with pastel-colored buildings, gardens, and the famous Portobello Road Market with antiques and souvenirs.
Both have pretty photo spots, Notting Hill with its pastel residences, and Camden with its street murals.
Afternoon
Picnic or walk through Regent’s Park or Hyde Park: Go for a walk through Regent’s Park if you visit Camden Town, and Hyde Park if you go to Notting Hill.
This article gives some great info on where to get food for a London picnic at both parks.
Free time: As there is no one-size-fits-all itinerary for London, take a few hours to do whatever you might have on your bucket list. Whether it’s visiting a London bookstore, go to a Harry Potter themed-attraction, visiting another museum, going for drinks, or shopping for souvenirs.
Evening
Soho: This is another trendy nightlife spot in London. Check out spots like Bar Américain at Brasserie Zédel or Bar Termini for cocktails and good vibes.
Chinatown is also in Soho, and I highly recommend going for dinner in this area. London is known for its excellent international cuisine, thanks to its cosmopolitan population.
Dinner recommendations in Chinatown include:
- Viet Food: Excellent Vietnamese food in cozy setting
- Hankki London China Town: Cool design with Korean food and cocktails
- Old Town 97: Cantonese restaurant open late into the night
- Cafe TPT: Chinese restaurant with generous menu and no-frills set up
Where to Stay in Paris
- Hotel Rivoli: Excellent, budget-friendly hotel by Notre Dame
- Hotel Britannique: 3-star hotel with balconies near the Louvre
- My Maison In Paris Invalides: Cozy, mid-range hotel by the canals
- Generator Paris: cool, budget hostel in 19th arr.
Day 4: Paris
On day 4 of your London Paris Amsterdam itinerary, you’ll be taking the Eurostar to France! The Eurostar is a high-speed train that connects Great Britain to Europe by rail. It goes under the English Channel before arriving onto mainland Europe.
You will get the train from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord. The average duration is 2.5 hours. Keep in mind that you will need tickets in advance, and you can grab those Eurostar tickets here.
Enjoy one last breakfast in London. I recommend an English breakfast or a typical British breakfast pastry like a crumpet and a sausage roll (vegetarian options are easy to find!)
Morning
Tuileries Garden: This is a long, 17th-century garden that leads toward the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel.
The Louvre: Go to see the beautiful glass pyramids outside the building, and go inside if you’d like to tour the museum. Be aware it is HUGE and you could easily spend half the day here. However, you could pop in to see the Mona Lisa and a few other notable artworks on your list.
Pont Neuf: Cross the bridge at Pont Neuf and you’ll get some distant views of the Eiffel Tower to the right.
Saint-Chapelle: Visit one of the most picturesque chapels in Paris with tall stained glass windows and a magical feel. You will need tickets in advance, as it can sell out quickly.
Notre Dame Cathedral: Despite being closed for reconstruction, go see the facade of Notre Dame. It’s wondrous with all of its intricate details, gargoyles, and arches.
Afternoon
Shakespeare and Company: If you’re a reader, make this famous Paris bookshop your next stop as it’s only minutes from the cathedral.
Lunch in 5th Arrondissement recommendations:
- La Petite Bouclerie: organic crepes (savory or sweet) and other classic dishes
- Le Chalet Saint-Michel: Rustic French restaurant with vintage vibe (might not be as fast as other restaurants, so keep this in mind)
- Pepita Paris: Trendy spot with sidewalk seating serving pizza and Mediterranean food
Luxembourg Gardens: Take a stroll through one of the most popular parks in Paris, spotted in many films and TV shows.
Parisian Sidewalk Cafe: Two of the best are in the 6th arrondissement. Café de Flore is the most famous. It’s been around for a long time and is even frequented by celebrities. It was really busy when I was there so I didn’t get to sit in one of the “picture perfect” sidewalk tables.
We were under a covered terrace. Nonetheless, the waiter was kind and helped suggest a good white wine. I had the Sancerre and it was divine! Otherwise, Les Deux Magots is right across the street and it’s an excellent alternative.
Evening
Jazz Bar: Paris and Jazz go hand in hand. Luckily, there are loads of jazz bars in this area of Paris.
Here are some jazz bar recommendations in the area:
- Chez Papa Jazz Club: Restaurant that plays jazz every evening and serves a French menu
- Café de Paris V: Low-lit bar playing jazz and serving French wines and cocktails
- Le Caveau des Oubliettes: More grundy vibe set in a medieval oubliette (dungeon)
Day 5: Paris
On day 5 of this 10-day London, Paris, Amsterdam trip, you’ll explore a museum, see the Eiffel Tower up close, and see it sparkle in the evening.
Morning
Parisian Breakfast: Visit a local bakery or restaurant to enjoy a French continental breakfast or a flaky croissant and cafe au lait. No matter what area you’re staying in, you should be able to find a restaurant near your hotel.
Musée d’Orsay: On the left bank of the Seine River, the Musée d’Orsay is one of the coolest art museums to visit with one day in Paris. It’s set in the old train station (built in 1900) and you can look out of the giant clock at the top of the building.
Closed on Mondays! Grab Musée d’Orsay tickets in advance here.
Rue de l’Université: This street has one of the best close-up perspectives of the Eiffel Tower. Perfect photo spot!
Afternoon
Picnic Lunch: Honestly, if the weather is nice, I suggest having lunch in the grass or by the Seine River. You can visit a fromagerie (for cheese), a bakery, and a wine shop (they will uncork the bottle if you ask) and enjoy a nice picnic.
You can find everything you need, for example, on the Rue Cler Market Street. If in doubt, visit a supermarket like Carrefour.
Eiffel Tower: Enjoy the Eiffel Tower to your heart’s content. Get tickets to go up it if you’d like, enjoy it for free by standing beneath it, or sit in the grass at Champ de Mars with cheese, a baguette, and a bottle of wine and admire it from there.
Pont d’Iéna: Cross this bridge to begin a nice walk to Trocadero. There are some different museums in this area, like the Musée de l’Homme (anthropology museum) and the National Marine Museum. If you’re curious and have time, feel free to visit one.
Evening
Macarons: Visit Carette along Place du Trocadero for some of the best macarons in Paris.
Dinner near Trocadero: Because you’re staying in this area to watch the Eiffel Tower light up and twinkle, make this area your dinner spot.
Restaurant recommendations near Trocadero include:
- Mokus l’Écureuil: Italian joint with pizza, pasta, and burgers
- Café du Mexique: French neighborhood bistro with great food
- Golden Spoon: Quality French cuisine in a chic space
- Aux Cocottes: Cozy, intimate restaurant with upscale French food
Trocadero Esplanade: This is considered one of the best places to see the Eiffel Tower at night. As soon as it’s dark out, the Eiffel Tower will illuminate that warm, buttery glow – thanks to some 20,000 light bulbs!
The Eiffel Tower also sparkles for the first five minutes of every hour until the lights turn off for the night. (This is 11:45 p.m. or 1 a.m. depending on the time of year). Definitely stay for the sparkles! ✨
Day 6: Paris
On the 6th day of your London Paris Amsterdam Itinerary, you’ll be getting to know one of Paris’s oldest and most charming neighborhoods. You’ll also end the day with an evening river cruise along the Seine… dreamy!
I’ve put some Montmartre suggestions below, but feel free to look up unique places you’d like to visit as well.
Morning
Sacré-Cœur Basilica: Start with the Basilica. Climb to the dome for panoramic views of Paris, or check out the terrace views if you want to stand on ground.
Wander the Streets: Rue Lepic and Rue des Abbesses are lovely for window shopping, grabbing crepes, or enjoying the charm of Montmartre. Rue de L’Abreuvoir is considered one of the prettiest streets in Paris, so don’t miss it.
You can also stop for photos at Stop for photos at La Maison Rose, Le Consulat, and Au Lapin Agile – some of the most iconic photo spots in the neighborhood.
Café des Deux Moulins: If you enjoyed the movie Amélie, I suggest stopping for coffee here as it was a key filming location.
Mur des Je T’aime: Next, stop at the Wall of Love, a romantic landmark with “I love you” written in 250+ languages.
Afternoon
Cheese and wine tasting: France is all about the wine and cheese pairings. That’s why I suggest you do a fun little tasting while in Montmartre. I like this wine and cheese tasting because it’s affordable and has excellent reviews.
Café Renoir & Gardens in Montmartre Museum: Overlooking the hidden vineyard Clos Montmartre, this cafe is set in a garden dedicated to French artist Pierre-AugusteRenoir. It’s picture-perfect with lush greenery. It also has indoor/outdoor seating.
Café Renoir serves wine, sandwiches, quiche, coffee, etc. so, it’s my lunch recommendation for the day. However, there are plenty of nice places to eat in the area.
Place du Tertre: Montmartre is artsy and this spot is a great one to soak up its artistic vibe. You will find a lot of artist showcases here.
Evening
Seine River Cruise: Come back to central Paris for a very memorable last night in Paris. Book an evening Seine River Cruise and soak up gorgeous views of Paris’s most notable monuments, including the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame. You will watch as the city lights up – even the undersides of bridges and facades of less famous buildings will illuminate after sunset.
The Evening Seine River Cruise. It’s typically available every hour from 7:30 p.m. with the last ride beginning at 10 p.m.
Where to Stay in Ghent
- Maison Willem Tell: homey studio apartment
- 1898 The Post: 5-star hotel in medieval centre
- Hotel Gravensteen: 3-star hotel near Gravensteen
- Edville Studio: boho-style studios by river (where I stayed)
Day 7: Ghent or Antwerp
Take a Eurostar train from Gare du Nord Station in Paris. The Eurostar will be set for Amsterdam, but you will get off at the Brussels Station (for Ghent) or in Antwerp. The Eurostar to Brussels is about an hour and 20 minutes.
I recommend getting an 8:30 or 9:30 a.m. train to Belgium, so you can make the most of your one day in the country.
See my 1 Day in Ghent itinerary and you’ll see why this is a must-see destination. From its mottled, medieval castle to old-world cathedrals and masterful architecture, Ghent is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever seen.
But, do your research and see if Antwerp might be a better fit for your trip! The choice is yours 🙂
Where to Stay in Amsterdam
- St. Christopher’s Inn The Winston: Fun hostel attached to Belushi’s bar; private rooms too (where I’ve stayed)
- Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam: Popular upscale hotel with a pool
- Hotel HEGRA by Stanley Collection: Cozy, mid-range hotel by the canals
- The Hoxton: Chic, contemporary hotel set in canal houses
- Max Brown Hotel Museum Square: Stylish, cozy hotel by the museums; eco-certified
Day 8: Amsterdam
Depart Belgium after breakfast. You will need to take the regional train to Brussels, which is a little over 30 minutes. Then, you’ll hop on a train from Brussels to Amsterdam. The journey is just over two hours.
I’ve pulled the Amsterdam portion of this itinerary from my guide to spending 4 days in Amsterdam. I recommend following it.
However, the itinerary has you do a day trip to Utrecht on day 3. But, if you want to see windmills, I recommend doing this Dutch countryside bike tour.
Anyway, here’s a general breakdown of the itinerary, but use the itinerary linked above for a more in-depth guide.
Morning
Walking tour: After checking into your hotel, or at least dropping off your bags, hop on an Amsterdam walking tour to get to know the layout and history of the city.
Afternoon
Hansel and Gretel: Go for lunch at the cute, canal-side restaurant Hansel and Gretel for classic and modern Dutch food.
Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum: After lunch, visit the Rijksmuseum, the country’s national museum. Alternatively, you can explore the Van Gogh Museum, but I will note it’s a lot more of the painter’s history rather than his paintings.
Evening
Dinner and Drinks: One night we had a nice Italian dinner at Ristorante Sardegna near VondelPark. Another night we went to Moeders, a famous spot for authentic Dutch cuisine. The Pantry is another iconic spot for Dutch food.
Follow it up with a nightcap at one of the many bars in Amsterdam.
Day 9: Amsterdam
On day 9, you’ll discover more of the city’s historic places like the Anne Frank House, as well as enjoy a boat ride through the canal district.
Morning
Rent Bikes: It’s a great day to rent a bike to explore the city like a local! Ride around the canal district, Vondelpark, and Jordaan to get to know the city a bit better.
Anne Frank House or Rembrandt House Museum: Two very different museums and experiences, but there is no one-size-fits-all itinerary.
The Rembrandt dates back to when the painter lived in it from 1639 to 1658. You’ll be able to walk through his former home, see some of his belongings and paintings, as well as his workshop.
At the Anne Frank House Museum, you’ll step into the Secret Annex where Anne Frank, her family, and four others hid during World War II. You’ll also see photographs, personal belongings, and historical documents that tell the story of Anne’s life, the impact of the Holocaust, and the lives of the people she lived with.
Afternoon
Albert Cuyp Market: This is Amsterdam’s most famous market. It’s a street-wide market dating back to 1905. It has local cuisine, artisan goods, apparel, etc.
Evening
Canal cruise: Do a canal cruise for sunset and beautiful views of the city. This open-air boat ride with unlimited drinks is perfect for warmer days. Otherwise, this canal cruise is better for colder weather. They do a covered and heated boat ride.
Day 10: Amsterdam
This is the day you can choose between a day trip to Utrecht (just a half hour train ride away) or doing a bike tour to the countryside.
Morning & afternoon
Oude Kerk: You likely saw it on the walking tour, but I want to mention it here so you make sure to see it. It’s the oldest building in Amsterdam, founded in roughly 1213.
Day trip to Utrecht or Dutch countryside: I found Utrecht to be a lot lovelier than Amsterdam, so see why you should visit Utrecht (and how to plan a 1 day itinerary). Otherwise, this is the bike tour I recommend. If you want to do the countryside but cycling is not an option for you, then this Dutch countryside tour by van gives you a fantastic round-up.
Evening
Red Light District: Of course, we can’t forget about the Red Light District. Return to Amsterdam by the evening to see the pleasure district in full form. There are bars, walking tours, coffeeshops, museums, and all sorts of things to get up to.
If you want to learn about the history of this lively district, I recommend the Red Light Secrets Museum, which is open late.
Day 11: Fly Home
Say farewell to your London Paris Amsterdam itinerary. Today you’ll be taking the train from Amsterdam Centraal Station to the Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.
The train is the quickest and often the cheapest way to get to the airport, taking about 25 minutes.
A one-way ticket costs €4.90, plus €1 for the travel card.
Conclusion: London Paris Amsterdam Itinerary
Thanks for reading this 10-day itinerary. See some of Western Europe’s top cities and indulge in some wonderful cultural experiences along the way.
Remember to be mindful while visiting these destinations. Respect local customs, read up on local laws, and enjoy yourself!
While photos are a big part of conserving memories of your travels, the real memorable parts are the experiences you partake in. Talk to locals, try new food, dance like you mean it, visit a coffeeshop… live a little. Life is too short. 🙂
That is all – thank you again for reading! Please comment below any questions you may have. I’m always eager to help.
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