Hello, this is Enjoy Your Life. Today I’m sharing my complete travel experience in Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, and Brussels, the capital of Belgium — along with a detailed review of the Eurostar Premier service. If you’re planning a trip to Europe or considering traveling between Amsterdam and Brussels by Eurostar, this guide will give you helpful insights, tips, and honest impressions.
Amsterdam
Shall we watch a video before we get started?
It had been so long since my first visit to Amsterdam that I barely remembered anything—except one thing: people were very tall. At that time I disliked taking photos, so I sadly left without a single picture. On my recent visit, I made sure to capture everything.
When most people think of the Netherlands or Amsterdam, they think of Guus Hiddink, tulips, windmills, bicycles, and world-class museums. This trip reminded me why Amsterdam remains one of Europe’s most charming small cities.
Basic Travel Information (Netherlands & Belgium)
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Visa: Korean passport holders can travel visa-free for up to 90 days (check your country’s foreign ministry for updates).
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Currency: Euro (€)
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Voltage: 220V
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Language: English widely spoken
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Tips: Not required
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Hotels: Expect to pay an additional local tourist tax upon check-in or check-out.
📍 Amsterdam Travel Guide
Top Places to Visit in Amsterdam
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Van Gogh Museum
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Anne Frank House
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Rijksmuseum
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Dam Square
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Rembrandt House
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A’DAM Lookout
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Royal Palace Amsterdam
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NEMO Science Museum
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Albert Cuyp Market
Best Food in Amsterdam
Amsterdam does not have a 3-star Michelin restaurant, but it does offer:
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7 two-star restaurants
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24 one-star restaurants
Total: 31 Michelin-starred restaurants
🍟 Must-Try: Dutch Fries with Mayo
Amsterdam is famous for crispy Dutch fries dipped in creamy mayo.
Recommended Fries Shop
Manneken Pis Damrak
Address: Damrak 41, 1012 LK Amsterdam, Netherlands
Transportation in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a compact city, so walking is the best way to explore. Uber and the subway are convenient for longer distances.
🚴 Should You Rent a Bike?
First-time visitors should avoid renting bicycles, even if you are a good rider. Local cycling rules, traffic flow, and road conditions require experience and quick reflexes.
Since Amsterdam is small, many travelers prefer to combine their trip with a visit to Brussels.
🚄 Amsterdam → Brussels by Eurostar Premier
Traveling to Brussels is easy by Eurostar, taking about 2 hours from Amsterdam Centraal to Brussels-Midi/Zuid. You can also drive or fly, but the train is the most convenient.
Eurostar Premier Lounge & Onboard Review
⭐ Amsterdam Eurostar Lounge
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Located at the far end of the station
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Compact size
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Free drinks (alcoholic drinks available for purchase)
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Clean and simple but not luxurious
🍽️ Onboard Meal: Amsterdam → Brussels
Food was served shortly after departure, but unfortunately the meal was cold and quite disappointing.
⭐ Brussels Eurostar Lounge
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Located outside the station
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Much larger and more comfortable than the Amsterdam lounge
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Better food selection and relaxed atmosphere
🍽️ Onboard Meal: Brussels → Amsterdam
Seats were similar to premium bus seats in Korea (not 180° lie-flat). A wet wipe was provided before the meal.
However, the food was again very poor, just like the outbound trip.
Brussels
Top Places to Visit in Brussels
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Grand Place
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Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert
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Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
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Mont des Arts
Best Food in Brussels
Brussels also has:
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6 two-star restaurants
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25 one-star restaurants
Total: 31 Michelin-starred restaurants
🍟 Fries & Mussels
Brussels is famous for fries, mayo, and of course mussels.
Recommended Fries Shops
Fritzguard
Address: Rue Jules Van Praet 7, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Frites Atelier
Address: Rue Sainte-Catherine 32, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Recommended Mussels Restaurant
The Lobster House
Address: Rue des Bouchers 34, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Transportation in Brussels
Like Amsterdam, Brussels is relatively small. Walking is ideal, but Uber and the metro are convenient alternatives.
Brussels feels slightly similar to Amsterdam, but its architecture is closer to French style.
🗓 Recommended Length of Stay
Amsterdam: 3 nights, 4 days
Brussels: 2 nights, 3 days
⭐ Final Summary & Personal Rating
Amsterdam is a compact city filled with world-class museums and artistic attractions. Anyone who loves galleries, culture, and historical museums will find it unforgettable. The Dutch are very tall on average, so shorter travelers may find the crowds surprisingly towering!
Brussels has a similar vibe to Amsterdam but with more elegant, French-influenced architecture.
My personal rating: 5/5.
A short but memorable European city-pair trip.
Have a great day.
I forbid unauthorized use of my writing and photos!!







