First time in Europe, 5 Days, trying to make the most of a long layover for work.
Hello! I am planning to be in Europe for the first time next month (long layover for work). I have to fly into Amsterdam at 7:30 AM on the 20th, and depart mid afternoon on the 25th.
I know I’ll be missing out on a lot, but I love exploring new cities and getting lost. Trying new foods and experiencing small tastes of cultures. To make the most of my time, I plan on packing in as much as possible. Then next Fall my wife and I hope to come back when we have more time to explore more museums and linger around longer!
Is this doable?
June 20th - land early morning in Amsterdam, travel to the city and drop bags off at a hostel. Explore the streets and canals, focusing on city center.
June 21st - Grab coffee, take an early morning stroll and take the IC to Ghent. Drop off my bags at a hostel and rinse/repeat. Wander the streets, eat a Belgian waffle and frites, take in the evening atmosphere, grab a beer.
June 22nd - grab coffee, early morning stroll, take the train to Lille. Drop bags off at hostel and repeat. Wander the streets, try local foods, see a tiny taste of life in a small French city.
June 23rd - grab croissant and coffee, head to the train station and go up to London. Drop bags at hostel and wander the streets. Hit up some of the main tourist landmarks, maybe try and find some restaurants mentioned in Off Menu.
June 24th - full day in London exploring.
June 25th - depart.
(The other option is heading to Paris from Lille and departing from there.)
Feel free to drag me through the mud if this itinerary sounds ridiculous!