One-Week Self-Drive Road Trip in Belgium, Germany, and France With Itinerary from Brussels to Bruges, Antwerp, Cologne, and Strasbourg

Greet day 2 of your multi-country road trip across Belgium, Germany, and France with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. On today's agenda, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Laeken in Belgium. You will return to Brussels for your remaining 1 night in the city later today.

To truly experience Brussels, make sure to drop by St Michael And St Gudula Cathedral, Brussels. This captivating church is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Brussels Park, one of the village’s best highlights.

Next, check out Musée Magritte Museum, one of the most increasingly popular places to see in Brussels. This museum is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Enjoy some downtime and refreshments before continuing to your next stop, Royal Palace Of Brussels. Wander around and soak in the awe-inspiring atmosphere this palace offers. Then, head to Cinquantenaire, a top-rated park that adds another dimension to your day.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Laeken may take around 26 min. Upon your arrival in Laeken, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Our first attraction recommendation in Laeken is Atomium, an astonishing monument that draws attention for its culturally significant features.

Before this day of your vacation comes to a close, treat your palate to a taste of Belgium's delectable cuisine at one of Brussels's best restaurants. After a nice meal, enjoy the local nightlife or unwind with a drink or two in the city’s most recommended bars.

Dine in style at The Lobster House, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, o'reilly's Irish Pub Brussels boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Restaurant Roumaine. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Brussels.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Bar Des Amis after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Bar Du Canal for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Little Delirium is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

Relax, recharge, and look forward to what tomorrow holds. The opportunities are endless with a European self-drive tour!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your multi-country journey across Belgium, Germany, and France. This exciting part of your road trip invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in Bruges in Belgium. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to Bruges where you'll spend 1 night of well-deserved relaxation.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Brussels, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Bruges. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 23 min.

Savor the day by heading to Minnewaterpark, a frequently visited park that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue to Church Of Our Lady, where you can soak in the romantic surroundings.

Next, explore Boniface Bridge (bonifaciusbrug), yet another curiosity-inducing place to see in the area. After the historical landmark, make time to go to Groeninge. Lastly, head to Belfry Of Bruges, a well-known monument you won’t want to miss.

After a long day of driving and exploring, you’ll check in at a top-recommended hotel in Bruges of your choice.

As the sun sets, freshen up and head out to discover the best dining spots in Bruges. Check out our recommendations on where to wine and dine while seeing this marvelous destination in Belgium in a new light.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Vlaminck '14, a highly-rated dining destination in Bruges. If you're eager to try something different, consider Het Visioen, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at t'Lammetje. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Bruges this evening.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Groot Vlaenderen, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Bauhaus Bar is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, 't Brugs Beertje also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Relax, recharge, and look forward to what tomorrow holds. The opportunities are endless with a European self-drive tour!

On day 4 of your multi-country road trip across Belgium, Germany, and France, you'll get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places to see in Ghent in Belgium. In the evening, you’ll end up in Antwerp, where you will stay for 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Ghent. This car ride takes around 50 min.

Our first attraction recommendation in Ghent is Gravensteen, a popular castle that draws attention for its picture-perfect features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Saint Bavo's Cathedral, a majestic church that stands out in the city.

After soaking in Ghent’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Antwerp. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 49 min. When you arrive in Antwerp, it's time to take a break from the road.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Onze-lieve-vrouwekathedraal. Spend some time admiring the UNESCO world heritage-listed features of the church before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Nello & Patrasche Statue. This worthwhile point of interest is a traveler-favorite in the city.

Take some time off from the road, it’s time to check in at a top-rated stay in Antwerp. Choose a hotel where you can gently let go of the day’s excitement and enjoy some peace and relaxation.

If you're eager to sample culinary delights during your multi-country road trip in Belgium, Germany, and France, you'll be excited to head out for dinner and get a taste of the local cuisine in Antwerp.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Aspen, a top-rated dining destination in Antwerp. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider De Zeven Schaken, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Restaurant Graanmarkt 13. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Antwerp this evening.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Hopper stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Dogma offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Bar Basil is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Celebrate day 4 of your multi-country road trip in Europe with a toast, and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 5 of your multi-country road trip in Europe. The highlights of today include Cologne in Germany. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Cologne, your home for 1 night.

After soaking in Antwerp’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Cologne, Germany. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 2 hours 14 min. When you arrive in Cologne, it's time to take a break from the road.

Cologne Rodenkirchen Bridge is an up-and-coming sightseeing destination we recommend visiting today.

Next, stop by Museum Ludwig, an instagrammable museum. While you’re nearby, don’t forget to visit Cologne Cathedral, a stunning and truly unique church.

An exhilarating day of exploring and driving will have you longing for a comfortable bed at the end of the day. Fortunately, Cologne’s top hotels offer a lovely retreat at day’s end. Choose from options ranging from budget to luxury.

In the evening, prepare to be amazed by Cologne’s regional flavors and culminate your day with a toast. We’ve curated a guide to the city’s culinary and nightlife hotspots to enhance your experience during your multi-country vacation in Belgium, Germany, and France.

Savor the flavors at SAVOY Hotel, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Radisson Blu Hotel, Cologne beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Café Reichard. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Cologne tonight.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at The Grid Bar, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Toddy Tapper, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Legends Bar & Terrasse provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

Go to bed happy and look forward to a good night’s sleep as soon as your head hits the pillow. Your European tour continues tomorrow!

Dive into day 6 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across Belgium, Germany, and France. Today's main destinations are Strasbourg in France, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Strasbourg. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive towards France, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Strasbourg. This drive usually takes around 4 hours 4 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Spend your afternoon discovering Cathedral Of Our Lady Of Strasbourg, an extraordinary church known for its visually striking features. Next, continue your sightseeing at Palais Du Rhin, an increasingly popular palace.

If you're starting to feel hungry, this is a great time for a break at a nearby restaurant or cafe. When you're ready for more, stop by Parc De L'orangerie and uncover the details of this majestic park. Make sure to also explore Petite France, an often recommended historical landmark.

Relax your senses after a day of exhilarating activities and fun exploration. Retreat to one of the best accommodations in Strasbourg.

As the day slows down and turns into evening, indulge your taste buds at one of the top-rated restaurants in Strasbourg. After a delicious dinner, experience the local nightlife or unwind at one of the city’s most popular bars.

Dine in style at Le Baeckeoffe d'Alsace, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Blue Moon Bar boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Zehnerglock. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Strasbourg.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Canapé Queer Bar Strasbourg. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, La Mandragore offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Le Local, another top-rated bar in the area.

Take in the ambiance of Strasbourg as this day slowly comes to an end. Whether you’re going bar hopping or you decide on a quiet night at your hotel, you have another exciting day of your multi-country road trip to look forward to!

On day 7 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in Belgium, Germany, and France, you’ll soak in the magnificence Colmar in France. When you’re not exploring the city and its surrounding areas, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Brussels, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

As you explore Colmar’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the town.

When you’ve had your share of Strasbourg, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Colmar. Your travel time is around 1 hour 3 min.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Schwendi Fountain and explore the noteworthy features. Next, make your way to Petite Venise In Colmar, another highlight in Colmar.

Schaflager’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Colmar behind. This drive usually takes around 32 min. Schaflager welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Château Du Haut-koenigsbourg is a notable castle we recommend visiting today. Discover its history-steeped features before continuing your self-guided tour.

After a long day of discovery, it's time to settle in at a top-rated hotel in Brussels. Indulge in well-deserved rest and rejuvenation, preparing for the continued adventure that lies ahead.

As the sun sets on day 7 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, prepare for a culinary journey at Brussels's top restaurants and eateries. After a fulfilling dinner, dive into the city’s local nightlife.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Villa Lorraine, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Le Marmiton offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Le Bistro - Porte de Hal is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Brussels.

Cap off your dinner by heading to La Reserve, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Manneken Pis Cafe is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Addict Bar is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

Savor the moment and raise a toast to yet another amazing day of your vacation in Belgium, Germany, and France! Enjoy your evening in Brussels to the fullest!