Discovering Benelux: a route through the most interesting places

Benelux is a compact region that includes 3 countries: Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Moving between its main cities will take no more than 2-3 hours, which saves a lot of energy and time in case of a very busy program. It is important to note that it is quite expensive, for example, the average cost of a meal in a cafe starts from €10-14, and a hotel room - from €40-50. But everything is compensated by the impressions that you will definitely get during a trip through these countries.

We suggest you the following itinerary: Amsterdam-The Hague-Rotterdam-Antwerp-Bruges-Brussels-Luxembourg. At least 1 day for each city, and the rest - as much as time and budget allows. Although the capital of the Netherlands is definitely worth staying at least a few days.

You can fly to Amsterdam by different airlines, the easiest way to do it is with KLM or Air France. The best way to travel between cities is by bus or train (slightly faster than buses, but more expensive). From Luxembourg you can take a bus for €5 to Charleroi, Lille or Frankfurt and fly home from there.

Amsterdam

The legendary city is the capital not only of the Netherlands, but of the entire liberal world. Millions of tourists from all parts of the world come here, fly in, come on foot. Amsterdam first of all attracts with its architecture, cultural sights, and especially with its informal, free and very "friendly" atmosphere.

If you don't have a lot of time, and you want to see the city in full, then a tour will help you: fascinating walks, sights, history of the city - all this in 3 hours.

Must-see: Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Royal Palace, city canals, flower market, "nine streets" area.

The Hague

The Hague is the hallmark of "imperial" Holland, when this country was a huge metropolis. There are many Renaissance mansions, palaces, castles, count's estates. Few people know that The Hague is a resort city, and Scheveningen is the best seaside resort in the Netherlands.

The Hague is also one of the world's judicial capitals. It is home to several international tribunals, the International Criminal Court, the UN Court of Justice - it will be a godsend for legal travelers and history buffs. Must-see attractions include the Peace Palace, Binnenhof, Lange Voorhout, Mauritshuis Gallery, and Museon.

Rotterdam

An unusual and not quite Dutch city will strike your imagination at the general contrast with other points on this itinerary. Rotterdam is a business city, it has one of the largest ports in Europe, many offices of international companies, skyscrapers. It is a vivid representative of "undiscovered" Europe, many people have heard about it, but few have been there. Here you will meet futuristic architecture, which resembles the scenery of fantasy movies.

Must-see: Euromast, cubic houses, harbor, Boijmans Museum, Erasmus Bridge, cathedral and Peter the Great monument.

Antwerp

Antwerp is a city of the rich, ancient, progressive and, at the same time, a place of peace of mind. All these definitions fit it very precisely. First of all, here is a diamond exchange and diamond cutting center - the largest in the world. In the so-called "diamond quarter" you can buy an expensive necklace, ring or a small souvenir diamond for only €15!

Secondly, here you can find buildings that are 500, 600, 900 years old. There are many museums and galleries in Antwerp, where from time to time modern and shocking contemporary exhibitions are held. It is also a quiet European city, but not boring at all. A must-see: the central train station, Sten Castle, Museum of Fine Arts, Rubens House, Diamond Museum, Grote Markt Square.

Bruges

"Laying low in Bruges" is perhaps the very first association with the city. Medieval Bruges really immerses you in a leisurely quiet rhythm, transporting you back two hundred years. It is quite compact and small, so you can walk around almost all of it in one day. The main thing is to enjoy the medieval architecture and get lost in the city's labyrinth of narrow streets.

One of the city's attractions is the 2be store, where all 1300 types of Belgian beer are collected! Must-sees: Basilica of the Holy Blood, City Hall, Beguinage, Belfort.

Brussels

The capital of Belgium, the capital of the European Union, the capital of NATO - Brussels is a city of officials and bureaucrats, where money flows from all EU countries. But Gothic temples, palaces, spacious squares have also been preserved here. The city's specialty is its love for comic books, the plots of which have begun to decorate the facades or ends of many buildings in the central part of the city.

Brussels is home to the famous monument to the peeing boy, which is hidden at the crossroads of two streets in the city center. Must-see: Grand Place, Royal Palace, Atomium, City Hall, St. Michael's Cathedral, Mini Europe Park, European Parliament.

Luxembourg

The tiny country of Luxembourg, sandwiched between Belgium, France and Germany, is a very picturesque and comfortable country. In the capital of the state, which bears the same name, you can not be afraid to walk at night in a dark alley, you should not hide your wallet or jewelry - Luxembourg is synonymous with security, wealth and prosperity.

This city will also surprise you with ducal palaces and castles, Gothic architecture and wonderful hiking trails. The only thing that sometimes confuses you is that here the names of sights and exhibits are not duplicated in English, as French, German and Luxembourgish are in use. But that's no problem when you have a guide on hand to familiarize you with Luxembourg's most interesting sights, entertainment and cuisine.

Also don't deny yourself the pleasure of tasting Luxembourg's elite wine. Must-see: Rocher du Bock, Grand Ducal Palace, Mudam, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Fort Thüngen.