Benelux Travel Bucket List

Pedal canal belts, tulip fields, and design hubs of the Netherlands

Visit Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands. Cruise the UNESCO-listed canal ring (17th-century waterways with over 1,500 bridges), see masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer at the Rijksmuseum, explore the Anne Frank House (historic hiding place during WWII), and wander the Jordaan district (picturesque streets with cafes and boutiques).

Taste Trappist ales, artisan chocolate, and canal cities of Belgium

Visit Luxembourg, a small landlocked country in Western Europe. Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Luxembourg City with its fortifications and casemates, see the Grand Ducal Palace (official residence of the Grand Duke), walk across the Pont Adolphe (a stone arch bridge offering views of the Pétrusse Valley), and try local dishes like judd mat gaardebounen (smoked pork with broad beans) or gromperekichelcher (potato fritters).

Visit Brussels, capital of Belgium and the European Union. See the iconic Manneken Pis (a small bronze fountain statue dressed in costumes), explore the Grand-Place (a UNESCO World Heritage site with ornate guildhalls and the Town Hall), and try Belgian specialties like moules-frites (mussels with fries) and waffles from street vendors. Don't miss the Atomium (a landmark building shaped like an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times) and the Comic Strip Center celebrating Belgian comics like Tintin.

Visit Antwerp, a historic port city in Belgium. Explore the Cathedral of Our Lady (home to four Rubens masterpieces and a 123-meter Gothic spire), stroll through the Grote Markt (Renaissance town hall and guildhalls), see the MAS Museum (riverfront building with panoramic views and maritime collections), and try local dishes like stoofvlees (beef stew) and Antwerpse handjes (almond cookies).

Visit Bruges, the medieval city in Belgium. Explore the historic Markt square (dominated by the 13th-century Belfry with 366 steps and carillon bells), take a boat tour along the picturesque canals (often called the 'Venice of the North'), see Michelangelo's Madonna and Child sculpture in the Church of Our Lady, and sample local treats like chocolate and Belgian waffles from shops like The Chocolate Line.

Visit Utrecht, a historic Dutch city with a medieval center. See the Dom Tower (the tallest church tower in the Netherlands at 112.5 meters), explore the Rietveld Schröder House (a UNESCO World Heritage site and icon of modern architecture), stroll along the Oudegracht (a unique canal with wharf cellars housing cafes and shops), and visit the Centraal Museum (featuring works by Dick Bruna, creator of Miffy).

Visit The Hague, the seat of government and royal family of the Netherlands. Explore the Binnenhof (historic complex housing the Dutch Parliament since the 13th century), see the Peace Palace (home to the International Court of Justice and iconic for its role in global law), and admire the Mauritshuis museum (featuring Vermeer's 'Girl with a Pearl Earring' and other Dutch Golden Age masterpieces). Stroll along Scheveningen Beach (a popular seaside resort with a long pier and lively promenade).

Visit Rotterdam, a modern Dutch city known for innovative architecture and maritime heritage. See the Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen) designed by Piet Blom, walk across the Erasmus Bridge (iconic cable-stayed bridge nicknamed 'The Swan'), explore the Markthal (indoor food market with a massive ceiling mural), and visit the Maritime Museum (historic ships and port history).

Glide the 17th-century canal ring past gabled merchant houses, houseboats and 1,500 bridges — the city as it was meant to be seen.