14 Days in Europe: Canal Boats, Chocolate Shops, and Rooftop Views

This wasn’t our first time to Europe, but it was for our friends—so we crafted what I lovingly call the Europe Starter Pack: a little taste of everything. Four countries in two weeks, hopping from canals to cobblestones to cafés in a mix of planned experiences and spontaneous finds. Mike and I played travel guides for two other couples, helping them fall in love with Europe the way we had years ago.

🚇 Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam → Train to Rotterdam

After landing at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, we skipped the crowds and caught a sleek Dutch train straight to Rotterdam Centraal—modern, fast, and far less chaotic than navigating Amsterdam on arrival. We based ourselves in Rotterdam to give our group a softer landing and easier access to multiple cities.

Our hotel, Room Mate Bruno, sits in a repurposed tea warehouse on Wilhelminapier, surrounded by bold architecture and riverside views. The rooms were colorful, stylish, and surprisingly spacious by European standards.

Dinner that night was at Ani, where bold Asian flavors met Rotterdam’s harbor flair. Between the jet lag and our first sips of Dutch beer, we knew we were officially on vacation.

💡 Pro Tip: The Schiphol-to-Rotterdam train runs every 15–20 minutes and takes under 30 minutes.

🗺️ Local Find: Head to the NHow's terrace for sweeping views of the Maas River and Rotterdam’s skyline—perfect for a wind-down drink.

🚤 Day 2: Amsterdam by Canal

We spent the day in Amsterdam, but did it our way—on the water. We rented a private electric boat through Boaty, which let us explore the canals at our own pace. No captain or boating license required—just good weather, snacks, and a relaxed vibe.

Some of our group visited the powerful Anne Frank House (reserve well in advance), while others browsed the lively Albert Cuyp Market in the De Pijp district. At a café, we caught an unforgettable scene involving a stoned girl, a barstool, and a slow-motion fall—she was fine, and it became a running joke for the rest of the trip.

That evening, we returned to Rotterdam and took a relaxed walk along the Rijnhaven, watching the city lights reflect off the water.

💡 Pro Tip: Boaty provides maps and quick tutorials. Aim to cruise the Prinsengracht and Amstel for beautiful views without heavy boat traffic.

🗺️ Local Find: Stop into CT Coffee & Coconuts in De Pijp for an Aussie-style café vibe in a former cinema.

🧐 Day 3: Utrecht Curiosities & Gouda Charm

We started with a quick train ride to Utrecht, a charming city that blends medieval towers with bohemian cafés. We cracked clues on a self-guided Mystery City walking tour, stumbled across the adorable Miffy statue, and kicked back with tiki cocktails at the jungle-themed Rum Club.

Next, we trained over to Gouda, where the cobbled town center is dotted with historic storefronts, Dutch architecture, and playful, painted statues of women in all corners. We explored the ornate Gouda Stadhuis, admired the Gothic facades, and browsed cheese shops with names like "Cheese Experience."

As we waited at the station to head back, a traveler sat at the public piano and played a gentle melody that hushed the platform—one of those travel moments that feels cinematic.

Dinner was back at Foodhallen Rotterdam, where global food stalls kept everyone happy.

💡 Pro Tip: Utrecht’s Mystery Tour works best with 2–5 people. Plan about 90 minutes and wear comfy shoes—it's part scavenger hunt, part history lesson.

🗺️ Local Find: In Gouda, try the hand-piped stroopwafels at Van Vliet—they’re a warm, gooey revelation.

🛴 Day 4: Scooters, Sips & Statues in Brussels

We hopped on a morning train to Brussels and Mike & I dove straight into the city—on electric scooters. Gliding past elegant boulevards and art nouveau façades, we headed to Parc du Cinquantenaire, where military arches and tree-lined paths set the scene for our first taste of Belgium.

We toured vintage rides at Autoworld and marveled at ancient art in the neighboring Musée Royal d’Art et d’Histoire. Afterward, we paused at the tiered garden of Mont des Arts and wandered through the glass-topped arcades of Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, a stunning spot for luxury window-shopping (or actual chocolate shopping).

Our group reunited at the Delirium Café, home to 2,000+ beers and a vibrant pub atmosphere. We ordered tasting flights and toasted to a day well spent.

💡 Pro Tip: Brussels’ scooters (Dott, Lime, Bolt) are easy to rent via app. Stick to bike lanes and avoid cobbled alleys for smoother rides.

🗺️ Local Find: Head upstairs at Delirium for a quieter vibe and a peek at the vintage beer memorabilia.

🛍️ Day 5: Artisanal Brussels

While our friends rode the hop-on hop-off bus, Mike and I explored Brussels on foot. We admired the Gothic St. Michael & St. Gudula Cathedral, wandered Parc de Bruxelles, and browsed antiques in Sablon.

Don’t skip the chocolate: we stopped at Pierre Marcolini for pralines and at Poechenellekelder, a cozy puppet-themed pub near the Manneken Pis, for Belgian ales. We sat on the terrace and people-watched as tourists took turns snapping selfies with the tiny statue—it was endlessly entertaining.

Dinner was at WOLF, a modern food hall perfect for groups with varied tastes.

💡 Pro Tip: Poechenellekelder has a huge beer menu and shaded patio—ideal for a slow afternoon.

🗺️ Local Find: Visit the Biscuiterie Dandoy shop for speculoos cookies made the traditional way.

🗼 Day 6: Paris Arrival & Golden Hour Views

We boarded the Eurostar and zipped from Brussels to Paris Gare du Nord, arriving just before lunch. Our apartment was tucked into a charming block just steps from the Louvre Museum, giving us an easy home base for exploring the city’s Right Bank.

To warm up our legs and get our bearings, we walked to Saint-Vincent de Paul Church—a neoclassical stunner with peaceful steps perfect for a quiet moment before jumping into Paris proper. From there, we made our way toward the Eiffel Tower, passing the Flame of Liberty, now an unofficial memorial to Princess Diana.

After grabbing a late lunch at Café de la Régence, we wandered over to the opulent Palais Garnier—the kind of place that makes you believe in chandeliers and velvet curtains all over again.

Late night cravings took us to La Brigade – Opéra, where we tucked into steak frites in a casual, no-fuss setting. Paris was already working its magic.

💡 Pro Tip: Buy a carnet of t+ tickets (paper or digital) for easy Metro access—you’ll use them often.

🗺️ Local Find: Stop by Librairie Galignani near the Louvre—Paris’s oldest English-language bookstore and a beautiful browsing break.

🎨 Day 7: Montmartre Magic, Hidden Bars & Vintage Treasures

We started the day with a scenic ride up to Montmartre, where artists and cobblestones still reign supreme. After taking the funicular to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, we were rewarded with panoramic views of the city stretching out below us. Mike and I wandered through the church, it happened to be during a service so we were able to enjoy the choir singing while we wandered through this iconic church.

We wandered through Place du Tertre, where I picked up a vibrant painting from a local street artist—an unexpected keepsake I’ll always treasure. At the nearby Wall of Love , we paused to take in the 250+ ways to say “I love you” tiled across a quiet garden wall.

As the group split up for the afternoon, the ladies headed off for some antique and oddities shopping near Rue des Martyrs, a charming street filled with brocantes and tucked-away boutiques. Meanwhile, the guys explored the offbeat Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature—equal parts taxidermy art, surreal design, and historic hunting lore.

Later that night, we met up again in the Marais district, roaming down the vibrant Rue des Archives, one of Paris’s most LGBTQ+-friendly stretches. We capped the night with cocktails at Rehab, a secret speakeasy tucked beneath an unassuming taco joint—because of course it is.

💡 Pro Tip: Montmartre artists can be pushy—browse before you commit, and feel free to say no politely but firmly.

🗺️ Local Find: Stop by Chez Michou, a legendary Montmartre drag cabaret that's been dazzling since the '60s.

🗺️ Day 8: Grand Boulevards, Hidden Sewers & Garden Boats

We kicked off our final full day in Paris at the famed Angelina tearoom with velvety hot chocolate and flakey pastries. Yes, it’s touristy—but the rich, silky chocolat chaud lives up to the hype. We parted ways again as our friends hopped on the double-decker bus tour, while Mike and I wandered Paris by foot and Metro.

We began at the Arc de Triomphe and slowly strolled the Champs-Élysées, ducking in and out of shops and cafés before making our way down to the Seine. A leisurely riverside lunch turned into a people-watching session, complete with crisp wine and the shimmer of sunlight on the water.

Next came a delightfully odd stop at the Paris Sewer Museum (Musée des Égouts), where you walk literal catwalks over the flowing channels below the city—fascinating, informative, and surprisingly clean (but still smelly). Not for everyone, but we enjoyed the information.

With a little time to spare, we sipped wine at La Diva before wandering the leafy Jardin du Luxembourg. The tiny sailboats gliding across the pond brought the perfect sense of calm after a bustling day. We made a quick stop at the Panthéon and then headed to Notre-Dame Cathedral to see the reconstruction progress before wrapping up the night near our apartment.

💡 Pro Tip: Many museums and monuments (like the Arc or Panthéon) offer free entry with a Paris Museum Pass—worth it if you plan to visit multiple in a short time.

🗺️ Local Find: Visit Shakespeare and Company on your way to or from the Seine—an English-language bookstore with a dreamy view and storied past.

🌇 Day 9: London Arrival & Sky-High Dining

We boarded the Eurostar once again, this time gliding beneath the Channel toward London St. Pancras International. After navigating the lively station, we headed to our apartment in the Queensway/Bayswater area—just a short stroll from Hyde Park and tucked among classic white townhouses.

Dinner reservations brought us to the sleek and sky-high Fenchurch Restaurant at the top of the Sky Garden—London’s lush public garden in the sky. We timed it just right to watch the sunset over the Thames and the city slowly light up beneath us, lemon gin fizz in hand.

On the way back to our flat, we discovered The Beachcomber, a cozy tiki bar just around the corner. It turned out to be one of our favorite spontaneous stops of the trip—dimly lit, unpretentious, and filled with fruity, rum-soaked cocktails, make sure to check out the loos (restrooms) they are all unique and funky.

💡 Pro Tip: Entry to the Sky Garden is free with advanced booking—dinner gets you in without the reservation hassle, but book early for sunset slots.

🗺️ Local Find: Queensway’s Whiteleys Building is being reimagined into a high-end hub, but the nearby Prince Alfred pub still delivers classic London charm and a great pint.

👑 Day 10: Palaces, Bridges & A Practically Perfect Evening

Our group embraced the full royal treatment today, starting at Buckingham Palace. Since we visited in late summer, we were lucky to score tickets to tour the State Rooms, Royal Mews, and Queen’s Gallery, an elegant deep dive into royal life and ceremonial glamor.

From there, we crossed over to the Tower Bridge and wandered the quiet marina at St Katharine Docks. Tucked among the yachts and houseboats is the ornately carved Gloriana, the Queen’s royal barge—along with a collection of laid-back pubs and cafes. We grabbed lunch at The Dickens Inn, a 18th-century timber-framed pub with overflowing flower boxes and plenty of fish and chips.

After a quick freshen-up, we closed the night with a touch of magic at Mary Poppins the Musical, staged at the beautiful Prince Edward Theatre. It was joyful, colorful, and yes—we all hummed “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” on the walk home.

💡 Pro Tip: If you're visiting during the summer, plan ahead—Buckingham Palace State Rooms are only open for about 10 weeks a year.

🗺️ Local Find: Walk a bit past Tower Bridge to Wilton’s Music Hall, the world’s oldest surviving music hall with atmospheric performances in a timeworn setting.

🛍️ Day 11: Market Finds, Museums & Camden Cool

We started our morning at Portobello Road Market, one of London’s most iconic street markets. From antiques and art prints to vintage leather jackets and secondhand books, there was something for everyone. The vibrant energy and colorful facades made it a photographer’s dream.

After browsing and grabbing a coffee, our group split up again. Mike and I headed over to the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), where we wandered through rooms filled with design, fashion, and decorative arts. It’s an inspiring space that’s also blissfully free to enter—one of London’s great cultural perks.

In the afternoon, we made our way to Camden Town, where the vibe shifts from classic to edgy in the best way. We explored the Camden Lock Market and the Stables Market, both filled with quirky art, handmade goods, and global eats. I found a gorgeous leather purse at M&M Leatherworks and celebrated with a citrusy lemon gin fizz at a stall just across the way.

We capped the night with dinner at Camden Eve—great cocktails, cozy lighting, and a front-row view of Camden’s vibrant evening scene.

💡 Pro Tip: Many vendors at Camden only take cards, but a few still prefer cash—keep a small stash just in case.

🗺️ Local Find: Stop in at Cyberdog—part rave boutique, part sci-fi art installation. It’s like stepping into a neon-fueled alternate universe.

🚆 Day 12: Return to Rotterdam & Harbor Nostalgia

We boarded a direct train from London back to Rotterdam Centraal for the final stretch of our trip. After nearly two weeks of new cities, this return felt like a reset—a chance to slow down and soak in a familiar favorite.

Back in Rotterdam, we settled once again at Room Mate Bruno and took a sunset walk along the Kop van Zuid. This modern waterfront district is lined with bold architecture, cozy terraces, and a steady stream of locals biking by.

Dinner was outdoors at the Hotel New York—a historic harbor building that once served as the headquarters for the Holland America Line. The vibe was relaxed and nostalgic, with seafood platters and views of the Maas River that made us linger longer than planned.

💡 Pro Tip: If you're coming from London, book your Eurostar early—tickets are cheapest about 3 months out and seats fill fast.

🗺️ Local Find: Pop into Fenix Food Factory across the water—an indoor market with local cheese, cider, coffee, and books, all housed in a converted warehouse.

🎣 Day 13: Fishing & Foodie Finds in Rotterdam

With one full day left, we split up to chase our favorite pastimes. The guys booked a charter and headed into Biesbosch National Park for a morning of fishing—calm waters, bird calls, and a bit of luck with the catch. It was a peaceful contrast to the bustle of our earlier city days.

Meanwhile, we ladies stayed local and spent the morning revisiting Rotterdam’s iconic sights. We browsed the colorful stalls at Markthal, admired the quirky geometry of the Cube Houses, and wandered the shops and boutiques along the Lijnbaan and Koopgoot, Rotterdam’s sunken shopping street.

For our final dinner, we reunited at Loetje, a beloved Dutch steakhouse perched right along the water. Their signature buttery “biefstuk” with gravy and white bread was the perfect comfort meal to close out the trip.

💡 Pro Tip: Rotterdam is incredibly bike-friendly. Rent a bike or use the shared Donkey Republic app to cover more ground effortlessly.

🗺️ Local Find: Stop by Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen if you have time—it’s the world’s first publicly accessible art storage facility, and the mirrored building is a photo opp in itself.

✈️ Day 14: Farewell from Amsterdam

We packed our bags and made our way to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport for our flight home—tired, happy, and buzzing with memories. With luggage full of stroopwafels, street art, and a few too many train tickets, it felt like the perfect mix of adventure and ease.

We’d introduced our friends to the magic of European travel—watching them light up at a Paris sunset, discover a new favorite beer in Brussels, and marvel at London’s skyline. And along the way, we rediscovered our own love for the little things: canal reflections, buttery sauces, and unexpected laughter in hidden bars.

💡 Pro Tip: Schiphol’s security line can be long—arrive early and use their free security time slot booking to skip the worst of the wait.

🗺️ Local Find: If you’ve got extra time at the airport, visit Rijksmuseum Schiphol, a free mini-gallery with rotating Dutch masterpieces between Lounges 2 and 3.

After two unforgettable weeks, we returned home with full hearts, tired feet, and memories that still make us laugh out loud. This Europe Starter Pack gave our friends a taste of four countries, countless cultures, and the confidence to dream bigger for their next adventure. Whether you're planning your first trip abroad or looking to revisit old favorites in a fresh way, I’d love to help you make it effortless, meaningful, and uniquely yours. 💼✨

Ready to start planning? I’ve got the maps, the magic, and someone to call when plans go sideways. Let’s make Europe your next story.