One-Week Self-Drive Road Trip in Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands With Itinerary from Frankfurt to Brussels and Amsterdam

On day 2 of your European tour in Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, you’ll start and end your day in Cologne, but spend most of the time exploring beyond the city, including Cologne in Germany. Frankfurt remains your base for 1 night more.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Frankfurt and set your GPS to Cologne. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 2 hours 8 min. Upon reaching Cologne, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Cologne Rodenkirchen Bridge. Then, head to Rheinboulevard. This often recommended boardwalk is a traveler-favorite in the city.

If you're keen to see more, continue to Museum Ludwig. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the museum. Next, take your journey to Cologne Cathedral, a famous church.

In the evening, prepare to be amazed by Frankfurt’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 Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Restaurant Lohninger, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Apfelwein Dax offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Ariston Restaurant. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Frankfurt.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Barkello Café Bar Lounge after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Jambo Bar, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, The Cosy Bar also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

As the night falls in Frankfurt, take a moment to savor the experiences of the day. Wash away your fatigue with a drink, or lie back and relax at your hotel, and look forward to another thrilling day of your multi-country journey across Europe.

On day 3 of your multi-country road trip across Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, 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 Laeken in Belgium. In the evening, you’ll end up in Brussels, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive towards Belgium, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Laeken. This drive usually takes around 4 hours 15 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Atomium is a spectacular monument we recommend visiting today. Discover its detailed features before continuing your self-guided tour.

Set your GPS to Brussels and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 23 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Brussels beckons with new experiences!

When you're ready for some sights, head to Musée Magritte Museum, a beloved museum in Brussels. Explore its historic features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Royal Palace Of Brussels. This locally renowned palace is a top recommendation in the area.

When you’re ready to explore more, Grand-place is an excellent choice. Spend some time discovering what some claim to be the most visually striking public square in the region.

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

After a day of exploration and awe-inspiring sights, it’s time to replenish your strength. Make the most of this stop on your multi-country road trip across Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands by rewarding yourself with a taste of Brussels’s local cuisine.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Harvest Restaurant Bruxelles, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, BrewDog Brussels offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, À La Mort Subite is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Brussels.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Churchill's. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Station Bxl, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Delirium Café provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

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!

Wake up to day 4 of your extraordinary road trip through Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. On this day, you’ll embark on an exciting expedition discovering the enchanting sights and activities of Bruges in Belgium. With 1 night left in Brussels, seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

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.

Church Of Our Lady is an increasingly popular church we recommend visiting today. Discover its history-steeped features before continuing your self-guided tour to Boniface Bridge (bonifaciusbrug), a romantic historical landmark that’s well-regarded in the area.

While you’re nearby, don’t forget to visit Belfry Of Bruges, an UNESCO world heritage-designated and truly unique monument. End your sightseeing at Basilica Of The Holy Blood, a curiosity-inducing church that’s highly recommended by travelers passing through the city.

Get ready to savor the tastiest bites and enjoy a lively evening in Brussels. From mouthwatering restaurants to happening bars, we've got the inside scoop on where to eat and drink at this stop on your multi-country road trip across Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

Make sure to reserve a table at The Lobster House, an iconic dining spot in Brussels. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of o'reilly's Irish Pub Brussels, a popular restaurant in Brussels. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Restaurant Roumaine, a hidden gem nestled in Brussels. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Continue your lively evening at Bar Des Amis, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Bar Du Canal is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Little Delirium ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

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

On day 5 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, you’ll soak in the magnificence Amsterdam in the Netherlands. When you’re not exploring the city and its surrounding areas, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Amsterdam, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Brussels and set your GPS to Amsterdam, the Netherlands. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 2 hours 33 min. Upon reaching Amsterdam, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Magere Brug, an often recommended monument in Amsterdam. Explore its visually striking features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Van Gogh Museum. This astonishing museum is a top recommendation in the area.

When you’re ready to explore more, Vondelpark is an excellent choice. Spend some time discovering what some claim to be the most romantic park in the region. Next, continue your sightseeing at the top-rated Anne Frank House and discover what makes this museum unique. If you’re up for one more stop in the city, head to Dam Square, a photogenic public square many travelers find the visit worthwhile.

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

Get ready to savor the tastiest bites and enjoy a lively evening in Amsterdam. From mouthwatering restaurants to happening bars, we've got the inside scoop on where to eat and drink at this stop on your multi-country road trip across Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

Dine in style at Café restaurant van Kerkwijk, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, CAU Steak Restaurant boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Radisson Blu Hotel, Amsterdam City Center. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Amsterdam.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Excalibur Café after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Rosalia's Menagerie, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Café Hill Street Blues also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

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

Greet day 6 of your multi-country road trip across Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands 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 Zaandijk in the Netherlands. You will return to Amsterdam for your remaining 1 night in the city later today.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Zaandijk. This drive usually takes around 27 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Our first attraction recommendation in Zaandijk is The Zaansche Mill, an up-and-coming museum that draws attention for its breathtaking features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Wooden Shoe Workshop Of Zaanse Schans, a heritage-rich handicraft store that stands out in the village.

Lisse’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Zaandijk behind. This drive usually takes around 36 min. Lisse welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the village's best attractions, visit Keukenhof, an impressive garden that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Lisse and set your GPS to Volendam. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 48 min. Upon reaching Volendam, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Volendam Museum, a locally appreciated museum in Volendam. Explore its photogenic features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

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

Make sure to reserve a table at Eye Film Museum, an iconic dining spot in Amsterdam. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Restaurant Ambassade, a popular restaurant in Amsterdam. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Palmyra Syrian Restaurant, a hidden gem nestled in Amsterdam. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Café Oporto stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Lost In Amsterdam Lounge Cafe & Cocktail Bar offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. 't Aepjen is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Spend the evening looking over your itinerary for tomorrow and reminisce about what you’ve seen and done so far on your European road trip adventure. New experiences await!

Dive into day 7 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Today's main destinations are Aachen in Germany, 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 Frankfurt. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Set your GPS to Aachen, Germany and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 2 hours 45 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Aachen beckons with new experiences!

Spend your afternoon discovering Marktplatz Am Rathaus, a curiosity-inducing public square known for its stunning features. Next, continue your sightseeing at Katschhof, a curiosity-inducing public square.

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 Aachen Cathedral and uncover the details of this picture-perfect church. Make sure to also explore Kreislauf Des Geldes, a curiosity-inducing art installation. For your last stop, consider Elisenbrunnen, a culturally significant monument that many travelers find worth the detour.

After an exciting day of sightseeing, it’s time to check in at your accommodation in Frankfurt. This is not only a place to sleep but your home away from home, offering a warm welcome after a long day on the road.

As the day unfolds, you’ll be delighted to find that Frankfurt boasts an array of restaurants and bars catering to every budget. Take this opportunity to sample the distinctive flavors of the region.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Zu den 12 Aposteln, a highly-rated dining destination in Frankfurt. If you're eager to try something different, consider Chicago Meatpackers, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Zum Gemalten Haus. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Frankfurt this evening.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Rote Bar. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Bar Helium Frankfurt Am Main offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Belfordfrankfurt, another top-rated bar in the area.

Celebrate day 7 of your multi-country road trip in Europe with a toast, and look forward to more memorable moments to come!