8 days in Belgium, Dusseldorf & Amsterdam Itinerary

Renowned for its fashion and trade fairs, Dusseldorf offers visitors vibrant nightlife and a wide range of shopping options.

On the 18th (Wed), admire the masterpieces at Museum Kunstpalast, take in the spiritual surroundings of St. Lambertus Church, then explore the world behind art at Museum Folkwang, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Shrine of the Three Kings, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Gross St. Martin. On the next day, stroll the grounds of Melaten-Friedhof, then don't miss a visit to Kirche St. Andreas, then take a stroll through Konigsallee, and finally admire the masterpieces at Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen.

For more things to do, traveler tips, where to stay, and other tourist information, refer to the Dusseldorf road trip site .

Istanbul, Turkey to Dusseldorf is an approximately 4-hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and train; or drive. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 2 hours traveling from Istanbul to Dusseldorf. Plan for little chillier nights when traveling from Istanbul in December since evenings lows in Dusseldorf dip to 3°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 19th (Thu) to allow time to drive to Amsterdam.

Known as one of the greatest small cities in the world, Amsterdam charms visitors with its cool and cozy atmosphere.

Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Anne Frank House and World Heritage Kinderdijk. Museum-lovers will get to explore Van Gogh Museum and Louwman Museum The Hague. Venture out of the city with trips to Canals area (in Utrecht) and Escher in Het Paleis (Escher in the Palace) (in The Hague). There's lots more to do: explore the world behind art at Rijksmuseum, explore the activities along The Amstel, see the interesting displays at Zaanse Schans, and appreciate the extensive heritage of Begijnhof.

For traveler tips, ratings, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our Amsterdam tour planner.

Drive from Dusseldorf to Amsterdam in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or fly. In December, plan for daily highs up to 9°C, and evening lows to 3°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Sun) so you can go by car to Bruges.

The medieval town of Bruges centers around a canal, and the architecture of its historical district has made it a World Heritage Site.

Kick off your visit on the 22nd (Sun): steep yourself in history at Historic Centre of Brugge.

To see ratings, where to stay, maps, and tourist information, you can read our Bruges travel planning website .

Getting from Amsterdam to Bruges by car takes about 3 hours. Other options: take a train; or do a combination of flight and train. Expect a daytime high around 9°C in December, and nighttime lows around 3°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 24th (Tue) early enough to catch the train to Ghent.

Ghent melds the fairy tale-like beauty of Bruges with its stunning Flemish architecture, while at the same time supporting a vibrant cafe and bar scene.

On the 24th (Tue), view the masterpieces at Art Center Horus, explore the world behind art at Museum Voor Schone Kunsten, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Saint Bavo's Cathedral, then look for all kinds of wild species at Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen Nature Reserve, then step into the grandiose world of Gravensteen, and finally take a stroll through Patershol.

To find photos, ratings, and more tourist information, you can read our Ghent holiday maker site .

Ghent is very close to Bruges. Expect a daytime high around 9°C in December, and nighttime lows around 3°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Wed) so you can take a train to Brussels.

The allure of the multi-cultural capital, Brussels, stems from its mix of political intrigue, artistic influence, historical significance, and a thriving social scene.

Start off your visit on the 25th (Wed): don't miss a visit to Atomium, then admire the masterpieces at René Magritte Museum, and then contemplate the long history of Grand Place.

For maps, other places to visit, photos, and other tourist information, you can read our Brussels attractions planning tool .

Traveling by train from Ghent to Brussels takes an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or drive. In December in Brussels, expect temperatures between 7°C during the day and 1°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Wed) so you can travel back home.