Benelux's Big Burgs

Amsterdam is dubbed the Venice of the North, and for good reason. Spanning more than 60 miles, the city’s 165 canals define Amsterdam and provide the perfect backdrop to the iconic 16th century buildings that seem to be floating sleepily on the calm waters. Art is central to Amsterdam’s cultural identity, as the city’s museums are abundant in masterpieces by Van Gogh, Vermeer, Rembrandt, and several other geniuses of Dutch painting. Traditionally a bike-friendly city and with a mind to ensure a relaxed lifestyle for residents and visitors alike, Amsterdam never stops improving and expanding its cycling infrastructure and facilities.

The birthplace of Tintin, the Smurfs, and several other famous comic strip characters, Brussels is also the capital of Art Nouveau architecture and the ultimate symbol of the European Union. Home to over 80 museums of all shapes and sizes and for all tastes, the multifaceted capital of Belgium is a laid-back multicultural city with an inescapably authentic and irresistibly quirky character, where the flavors of chocolate, beer, and fried mussels come together to create the city’s mesmerizing scent. Conveniently located between London and Paris, Brussels has always been a hub for international artists and the perfect starting point for a trip across Belgium and beyond.

Situated in a location of incredible natural beauty, Luxembourg City is quite unlike the average European capital. With fairytale-style buildings adorning clifftops, gorges, and lush valleys and rivers winding their way through them, Luxembourg City resembles the setting of a period film or a romantic novel. Built on several levels, Luxembourg City boasts more than one spectacular viewpoint. Historically, Luxembourg was home to an unassailable fortress that earned the city its nickname: Gibraltar of the North. Nowadays, Luxembourg City is one of the most picture-perfect and laid-back capitals to visit in Europe, renowned for its haute cuisine and top-notch services.