European City Hopping: 7-Day Itinerary

Maximize your European adventure with our perfectly planned week-long city tour itinerary. Discover how to experience the best of Paris, Amsterdam, and Berlin in just one week.

Europe's rich history, diverse cultures, and excellent transportation connections make it the perfect continent for a city-hopping adventure. While many travelers dream of spending months exploring Europe's capitals, the reality is that most of us have limited vacation time. The good news? With strategic planning, you can experience the essence of multiple European cities in just one week.

Our 7-day itinerary focuses on three iconic cities: Paris, Amsterdam, and Berlin. Connected by efficient high-speed trains, these destinations offer distinct cultural experiences while being close enough to minimize travel time. Let's embark on an unforgettable European adventure!

Before You Go: Essential Planning Tips

Transportation

For this itinerary, we recommend:

• Eurail Pass: If you're visiting multiple countries, a Eurail Pass can be cost-effective. The 3-country select pass would work perfectly for this itinerary.
• Point-to-Point Tickets: Book high-speed train tickets in advance for the best prices. The Thalys train connects Paris to Amsterdam in just 3.5 hours, while the ICE train connects Amsterdam to Berlin in about 6 hours.
• City Transportation Passes: Each city offers tourist transportation passes that include unlimited public transit and sometimes museum discounts.

Accommodation

Book accommodations near major transportation hubs to maximize your time:

• Paris: Consider staying in the 3rd, 4th, or 5th arrondissements for central locations.
• Amsterdam: The Jordaan or De Pijp neighborhoods offer charming settings with good connections.
• Berlin: Mitte or Prenzlauer Berg provide central locations with excellent public transportation.

Packing Tips

• Pack light with versatile clothing that can be layered
• Comfortable walking shoes are essential
• Bring a universal power adapter
• Download offline maps and translation apps
• Consider a lightweight day bag for sightseeing

Day 1-2: Paris, France - The City of Light

Day 1: Classic Paris

Morning: Begin your European adventure with a traditional Parisian breakfast of croissants and coffee at a sidewalk café. Head to the Île de la Cité to visit the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral (view from outside due to reconstruction) and the stunning Sainte-Chapelle with its breathtaking stained glass.

Afternoon: Cross the Seine to the Left Bank and explore the Latin Quarter. Enjoy lunch at a classic bistro before visiting the Panthéon and strolling through the Luxembourg Gardens. Continue to the Musée d'Orsay to admire its impressive collection of Impressionist masterpieces.

Evening: Head to Montmartre for dinner with a view of the city. Visit the iconic white-domed Sacré-Cœur Basilica and explore the charming streets that once housed the studios of famous artists like Picasso and Van Gogh. End your day with a view of the sparkling Eiffel Tower's hourly light show.

Day 2: Iconic Monuments and Museums

Morning: Rise early to beat the crowds at the Louvre Museum. Focus on the highlights like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory if time is limited. Afterward, stroll through the beautiful Tuileries Garden and up the Champs-Élysées.

Afternoon: Reach the Arc de Triomphe and climb to the top for panoramic views of Paris's star-shaped street layout. Then, head to the Eiffel Tower. Consider booking skip-the-line tickets in advance to save time. Enjoy lunch in the Champ de Mars park with the tower as your backdrop.

Evening: Experience a Seine River cruise to see Paris illuminated at night. Afterward, enjoy a farewell dinner in the trendy Marais district before preparing for your morning train to Amsterdam.

Paris Pro Tips:

• The Paris Museum Pass covers most major attractions and allows you to skip ticket lines
• Many museums are closed on Mondays or Tuesdays, so check opening hours in advance
• Consider an early morning or evening visit to the Eiffel Tower to avoid the longest lines

Day 3-4: Amsterdam, Netherlands - The Venice of the North

Day 3: Historic Amsterdam

Morning: Catch an early Thalys train from Paris to Amsterdam (approximately 3.5 hours). Upon arrival at Amsterdam Centraal Station, check into your accommodation and begin exploring. Start with a canal cruise to orient yourself to the city's layout and learn about its history.

Afternoon: Visit the Anne Frank House (book tickets well in advance) to learn about the Jewish diarist's life during World War II. Afterward, wander through the charming Jordaan neighborhood with its narrow streets, boutique shops, and cozy cafés.

Evening: Explore the vibrant food scene at Foodhallen, an indoor food market with various international cuisines. Take a leisurely stroll along the canals, which are beautifully lit at night, and perhaps enjoy a drink at a traditional brown café.

Day 4: Art and Culture

Morning: Start your day at the magnificent Rijksmuseum, home to Dutch masterpieces including Rembrandt's "Night Watch." Continue to the nearby Van Gogh Museum to see the largest collection of works by the famous Dutch painter.

Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at the Museumplein, then visit the Vondelpark for a taste of local life. Rent a bicycle for a couple of hours to experience Amsterdam like a local, perhaps cycling through the scenic Eastern Docklands area.

Evening: Explore the Red Light District to see this famous area (regardless of whether you're interested in its adult offerings, it's a historic part of the city). Enjoy dinner at one of Amsterdam's excellent Indonesian restaurants, a reflection of the Netherlands' colonial history.

Amsterdam Pro Tips:

• The I Amsterdam City Card includes public transportation and admission to many museums
• Be cautious when walking as bike lanes are everywhere and cyclists move quickly
• Book Anne Frank House tickets online as soon as they become available (usually two months in advance)

Day 5-7: Berlin, Germany - A City of Contrasts

Day 5: Historic Berlin

Morning: Take an early train from Amsterdam to Berlin (approximately 6 hours). Upon arrival, check into your accommodation and begin exploring. Start at the Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of German unity, and walk down Unter den Linden boulevard.

Afternoon: Visit the Reichstag Building (book free dome visits in advance) for panoramic views and a lesson in German parliamentary history. Continue to the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe for a sobering reminder of the Holocaust.

Evening: Explore Potsdamer Platz, once divided by the Berlin Wall and now a modern center of architecture and entertainment. Enjoy dinner at one of Berlin's diverse restaurants, perhaps trying traditional German cuisine.

Day 6: Museums and East Berlin

Morning: Visit Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site home to five world-renowned museums. Focus on the Pergamon Museum with its reconstructed ancient structures or the Neues Museum housing the famous bust of Nefertiti.

Afternoon: Head to the East Side Gallery to see the longest remaining section of the Berlin Wall, now covered in murals by artists from around the world. Continue to Kreuzberg or Friedrichshain neighborhoods to experience Berlin's alternative culture and vibrant street art scene.

Evening: Sample Berlin's famous nightlife, starting with dinner at a trendy restaurant in Prenzlauer Berg or Mitte. If clubbing interests you, Berlin offers some of the world's most famous venues, though lines can be long and entry selective.

Day 7: Berlin's Green Spaces and Farewell

Morning: Spend your final morning visiting Tiergarten, Berlin's largest park, and climb the Victory Column for a last panoramic view of the city. If time permits, visit the nearby Berlin Zoo or the adjacent Kaufhaus des Westens (KaDeWe), Europe's largest department store.

Afternoon: Depending on your departure time, enjoy lunch at a local spot and pick up any last-minute souvenirs. Perhaps visit Hackescher Markt for unique shops and cafés.

Evening: If your flight departs the next day, enjoy a farewell dinner at a restaurant overlooking the Spree River, reflecting on your whirlwind European adventure.

Berlin Pro Tips:

• The Berlin WelcomeCard offers unlimited public transportation and discounts to many attractions
• Book your Reichstag dome visit well in advance
• Berlin is very spread out, so plan your sightseeing by neighborhood to minimize travel time

Making the Most of Your European City Hop

Practical Tips for Efficient Travel

• Early Starts: Begin your day early to maximize sightseeing time and avoid crowds
• Strategic Planning: Group attractions by neighborhood to minimize transit time
• Skip-the-Line Tickets: Book these whenever possible for major attractions
• Travel Light: Pack minimal clothing and be prepared to do laundry if necessary
• Digital Organization: Use apps like TripIt or Google Trips to keep all reservations organized
• Language Basics: Learn a few key phrases in French, Dutch, and German
• Stay Connected: Consider a European SIM card or portable WiFi device

Cultural Considerations

As you travel between these three distinct cities, be mindful of cultural differences:

• Paris: Basic French phrases are appreciated. Dining is unhurried, and tipping is minimal (service is usually included).
• Amsterdam: Most Dutch people speak excellent English. Cycling is a way of life—respect bike lanes. Direct communication is valued.
• Berlin: Germans appreciate punctuality and directness. Recycling is taken seriously. Sunday shopping is limited as most stores are closed.