One of the coolest things about exploring Europe is how ridiculously easy it is to jump from one country to another. Seriously, it's like a piece of cake! For example, you can just take a Eurostar train from London to Amsterdam. So, if you're on the hunt for an exciting journey, these cities absolutely deserve a spot on your bucket list. Get ready for some serious fun!
London is steeped in history and boasts awe-inspiring landmarks, while Amsterdam shows off its charming brick buildings, stunning canals, and sprawling skyline. With a week's time, you can explore the best of both cities and have a blast doing it!
To make planning a breeze, we've put together an incredible one-week itinerary adventure, including a ride on the Eurostar from London to Amsterdam. Get ready for an unforgettable journey!
LONDON
DAY 1
The Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace
Begin your London adventure with a royal touch by visiting The Queen's Gallery! This stunning attraction features a treasure trove of old master paintings, rare furniture, and decorative pieces that offer a glimpse into the city's regal history. And to immerse yourself even further, don't miss the Style & Society: Dressing the Georgians exhibit. You'll step back in time and witness the fashion of the Georgian era, from practical laundry maid dresses to the glamorous gowns worn at court and stunning sparkling jewellery. It's a feast for the eyes and a must-see for anyone interested in the history of fashion!
The London Eye
No trip to the city is complete without a spin on the London Eye! This iconic observation wheel is one of the tallest in the world, reaching an impressive height of 135 meters. Step into one of the air-conditioned glass pods and prepare to be amazed by the stunning panoramic views of London. You'll be able to spot all of the most famous landmarks, including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace, from an entirely new perspective. It's an experience you won't want to miss!
If sky-high city skylines are your thing, you can also check out these 18 places with the best views of London:
Borough Market Walking Food Tour
Hungry for a culinary adventure? Go on the award-winning Borough Market Walking Food Tour! This tour will take you on a mouth-watering journey through both traditional and contemporary British cuisine in London. The journey begins at the world-famous Borough Market, where you'll be surrounded by tantalizing food stalls and charming trinket shops. From there, the tour will take you to explore the best food spots and sights in the city, including London Bridge, Tower Bridge, Southwark Cathedral, and more. It's a foodie's dream come true and you won't be disappointed!
The View from The Shard
Take your London experience to new heights with a visit to The View from The Shard, the city's highest viewing gallery! Whether you prefer to take in the sights from the indoor viewing platform or the open-air Skydeck, you'll be treated to stunning panoramic views and a refreshing breeze of the city. Marvel at iconic landmarks such as Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, the Gherkin, and the London Eye from a perspective like no other. It's an experience you won't forget!
DAY 2
Portobello Road
If you're looking for a unique experience in London beyond the typical tourist hotspots, don't miss the vibrant Portobello Road—a shopper's paradise! Whether you're on the hunt for one-of-a-kind souvenirs to bring home, fresh ingredients to cook up a delicious meal, or just looking for a leisurely stroll and some tasty snacks, this market has something for everyone.
Aside from this must-visit attraction, you can also explore 18 hidden gems in London that tourists typically miss:
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter
Attention all Potterheads! Embark on a magical journey at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London and immerse yourself in the spellbinding world of Harry Potter. Explore iconic sets like Diagon Alley™ and the Hogwarts Express, discover the enchanting costumes and props from the films, and don't forget to try some delicious Butterbeer before you leave! It's the ultimate experience for any fan.
DAY 3
Madame Tussauds
Be among the stars (or their wax figures, to be more precise) at Madame Tussauds London, the original one that opened over 180 years ago. Meet film stars like Kate Winslet and Helen Mirren, as well as the British Royal Family—minus the rigid security detail! Take a selfie with the Kim K. herself, sports superstar Usain Bolt, and Chewbacca from Star Wars. Your camera roll will be filled with plenty of stars and icons!
London River Thames Cruise
Explore the city through its historic waters on the London River Thames Cruise. Aside from having a relaxing ride, you’ll have fantastic panoramic views of London’s famous historical and cultural landmarks, such as Big Ben, Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and more! Plus, you can choose between different cruise packages that include lunch, afternoon tea, or even jazzy entertainment. If you want to see the city illuminated at night, you can also opt for the evening cruise.
If you have more time to explore England’s bustling capital, you can also try these exciting 20 things to do in London:
AMSTERDAM
DAY 4
Riding the Eurostar from London to Amsterdam
After exploring the best of London for three days, it’s time to embark on a journey on the Eurostar from London to Amsterdam—which only takes about three hours!
The Eurostar is a high-speed rail service that traverses the Channel Tunnel between the UK and France, taking passengers from London to cities like Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. You can get your Eurostar train tickets here:
DAY 5
Cruise down the canals of Amsterdam
What better way to explore Amsterdam than on a relaxing 75-minute canal cruise? This cruise not only gives you a great view point of the city’s iconic sights, it also showcases the city’s development with buildings from way back to the 17th Century all the way to the 21st. Journey from the city’s famous Golden Ben to the city’s newest quarter, the Overhoeks. You can also learn more about the history and culture through the audio guide, which is available in 21 languages!
Heineken® Experience
On the Heineken® Experience, you’ll discover the history of the original Heineken® brewery built back in 1867, as well as the brewing process that makes the iconic beer. On the 1.5-hour interactive, self-guided tour, you’ll enjoy a small beer tasting session and interactive activities—including pouring your own pint of beer! At the end, you’ll also get full-sized Heineken® glasses to bring home.
DAY 6
Van Gogh Museum
Complete your Amsterdam trip by going to the Van Gogh Museum, home to the largest collection of Van Gogh’s work, including over 200 paintings, drawings and letters as well as stunning immersive experiences. Must-see works include "Sunflowers", "The Bedroom", as well as his many self-portraits—bascially all of the works that made him an icon! Aside from Van Gogh, you can also check out works from fellow artists like Gauguin's Les Misérables, and Monet's Tulip Fields near The Hague. It’s every art lovers dream!
Foodhallen
Here’s another treat for foodies: Foodhallen, an iconic food market that brings together diverse food and drink concepts! Located at an old tram remise, it’s now a space to enjoy local and international cuisine in Amsterdam. Have a gastronomic experience at the myriad of food joints offering staple Dutch fare, as well as global favourites such as Indian, Italian, Asian, and more!
Rijksmuseum
Art lovers, here’s a another stop you have to include on your bucket list: the most-visited museum of the Netherlands—the Rijksmuseum! It houses 8,000 works of art across 80 galleries, including 5,000 paintings, so your artistic soul will be fed and satisfied. Check out Night Watch by Rembrandt and The Milkmaid by Vermeer, as well as the many temporary exhibitions.
DAY 7
AMAZE
Cap off your last day at Amsterdam with an unforgettable experience at AMAZE, a one-hour immersive, audiovisual, walk-through experience. All of your senses will be stimulated by the maze-like installations, which are also perfect backdrops for your photo ops. There are seven stages, each of which invites you to interact—record your experience, hop on the swing, control the room, and more!
Want to visit all these exciting sights and stops? Then get ready for an epic journey on the Eurostar from London to Amsterdam and experience an exciting weeklong exploration!
Written by: Rohana Monzon