southbound

Amsterdam • Bruges • Paris • Lyon • Nice • Milan • Lake Como • Venice • Florence • Rome • Naples • Cappadocia

🇳🇱 netherlands

amsterdam

  • De KoffieschenkerijCozy cafe in a medieval building
  • MoedersAuthentic, very delicious Dutch food in Jordaan
  • Canal tourDefinitely worth it
  • LagomCute brunch spot, not fully authentic but delicious
  • Free walking tourWent in with low expectations, ended up one of the best parts
  • RijksmuseumGreat app with audio guides and suggested routes
  • Back To BlackDelicious coffee (a cafe, not a "coffee shop")
  • Heineken ExperienceTouristy, but worth it for the 3 free beers
  • Long PuraIndonesian rijsttafel, very delicious — best Indonesian food is in Amsterdam thanks to colonial history
  • Ferry across the Amstel + building swingCool, only-in-Amsterdam experience

🇧🇪 belgium

bruges (day trip from Amsterdam, via Antwerp & Ghent)

  • Free walking tourAmazing guide, a true local of Bruges
  • Duc de BourgogneRecommended by the guide, ask for Table #5 ("The Duke's Table"); the Flemish beef stew is excellent
  • The Chocolate LineBest stop on the chocolate shop walk
  • Beer hall by the canalGood way to end the day

🇫🇷 france

paris

  • The LouvreGood for a quick highlights tour — skip the Mona Lisa hype
  • Baguett's CafeGreat brunch, highly recommended
  • Latin Quarter & Jardin du LuxembourgLovely for wandering
  • Pierre HerméGreat coffee and macarons, good rain shelter
  • Eiffel TowerLots of 2024 Olympics construction limited access at the time
  • La Fontaine de MarsAuthentic French cuisine, recommended by a local friend
  • Arc de TriompheGreat sunset views over the city
  • Sandeman's free walking tourGuide was Paris's #1 ranked
  • Culottée PanoramasHidden, delicious brunch spot
  • Cimetière du Père-LachaiseWorth the trek, recommended by an archaeology-of-death professor
  • The Dancing GoatGood coffee stop near the cemetery
  • Eiffel Tower at nightDon't miss it; also spot Gustave Eiffel's little flat at the top
  • MontmartreA full day well spent wandering the neighborhood

giverny (day trip from Paris)

  • Monet's townA full day trip to see where Monet lived and painted

lyon

  • La GranadaLunch spot
  • Café Comptoir AbelSecond restaurant recommendation
  • MokxaCoffee shop

nice

  • Promenade des AnglaisLong walks along here
  • Amour Hôtel beachGood for swimming
  • Old Italian city centerWorth wandering
  • Fennocchio GelatoUnique flavors worth trying
  • La Taverne Masséna, Garden Café Nice, La Maison de Marie, Club Player Nice, Sweet Sisters Nice, Boulangerie Royal CapitoleAll good eats around town
  • Frédéric et Katia RoyBest lavender and pistachio croissants

antibes (day trip from Nice)

  • Farmers market
  • Picasso Museum
  • Sidewalk along the coastline

Èze (day trip from Nice)

  • Jardin ExotiqueClimb up for amazing views — easiest via an early bus from Nice
  • Château de la Chèvre d'OrA highlight of the village
  • Fragonard PerfumerieFactory tour on how they make perfumes, soaps, and lotions
  • Hôtel Chèvre d'OrLunch with (allegedly) the best view on the French Riviera

menton (day trip from Nice)

  • Not a lot to doBut a colorful, pretty atmosphere

🇲🇨 monaco

monaco (day trip from Nice)

  • Not much to do overall
  • Monte Carlo CasinoWorth a look, and maybe a bet

🇮🇹 italy

lake como

  • RouteBellano → Bellagio → Tremezzo (Villa Carlotta) → Varenna

venice

  • RouteSan Marco → San Polo → Dorsoduro → Cannaregio (favorite)
  • La BittaFavorite restaurant