9-Day Self-Drive Road Trip in Germany and Belgium With Itinerary from Frankfurt to Cologne, Brussels, and Bruges

On day 2, you will wake up in Frankfurt with an entire day of wonders ahead of you! You still have 1 night left in Frankfurt before it’s time to get back on the road and continue your European tour across Germany and Belgium.

Whatever your travel style is, Palmengarten is an essential stop in Frankfurt. This well-known botanical garden provides an insightful glimpse into the city's identity. Next, discover Senckenberg Museum, a heritage-rich museum, promising a delightful encounter.

Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Städel Museum, an underrated art museum. When you’re done, don’t forget to make a stop at the locally renowned Iron Footbridge. Not far away from the monument, you will find the history-steeped Alte Oper, perfect for a quick visit. Round off your day at Römerberg, another gem in Frankfurt with visually striking features to discover.

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

Have a fantastic dining experience at Restaurant Lohninger, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Apfelwein Dax offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Ariston Restaurant is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Frankfurt.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Barkello Café Bar Lounge, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Jambo Bar offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, The Cosy Bar provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable 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!

On day 3 of your multi-country road trip across Germany and Belgium, 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 Cologne in Germany. In the evening, you’ll end up in Cologne, where you will stay for 1 night.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Cologne. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 8 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Next, continue your sightseeing at Museum Ludwig, an underrated museum.

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 Cologne Cathedral and uncover the details of this picture-perfect church. Make sure to also explore Old Market, a locally renowned public square.

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.

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

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.

Cap off your dinner by heading to The Grid Bar, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Toddy Tapper is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Legends Bar & Terrasse is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

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

Dive into day 4 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across Germany and Belgium. 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 Brussels. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.

Set your GPS to Aachen and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 7 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Aachen beckons with new experiences!

Savor the day by heading to Marktplatz Am Rathaus, a beloved public square that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue to Aachen Cathedral, where you can soak in the stunning surroundings.

Next, explore Kreislauf Des Geldes, yet another intriguing place to see in the area. After the art installation, make time to go to Elisenbrunnen. This symbolic monument is well worth the visit. Lastly, head to Suermondt-ludwig-museum, a curiosity-inducing museum you won’t want to miss.

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.

As the sun sets on day 4 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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Harvest Restaurant Bruxelles, a highly-rated dining destination in Brussels. If you're eager to try something different, consider BrewDog Brussels, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at À La Mort Subite. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Brussels this evening.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Churchill's, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Station Bxl is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Delirium Café also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

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

Greet day 5 of your multi-country road trip across Germany and Belgium 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 Brussels in Belgium. You will return to Brussels for your remaining 1 night in the city later today.

Check out the well-known palace, Royal Palace Of Brussels. Afterward, continue to Musée Magritte Museum, a museum every traveler should visit. As you explore Brussels’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the city.

Next, make your way to Grand-place. This iconic public square is an essential stop. Following that, head to Royal Gallery Of Saint Hubert, another must-visit site that will enhance your experience. Don’t forget to stop by St Michael And St Gudula Cathedral, Brussels, a captivating church in the city.

After soaking in Brussels’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Laeken. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 20 min. When you arrive in Laeken, it's time to take a break from the road.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Atomium and explore the historic features.

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

Enjoy a delicious meal at The Lobster House, a highly-rated dining destination in Brussels. If you're eager to try something different, consider o'reilly's Irish Pub Brussels, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Restaurant Roumaine. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Brussels this evening.

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

On day 6 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in Germany and Belgium, you’ll soak in the magnificence Bruges in Belgium. When you’re not exploring the city and its surrounding areas, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Bruges, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Bruges’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Brussels behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 23 min. Bruges welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Minnewaterpark is a beloved park we recommend visiting today. Discover its romantic features before continuing your self-guided tour to Church Of Our Lady, an inviting church that’s well-regarded in the area.

Next, stop by Boniface Bridge (bonifaciusbrug), a visually striking historical landmark. End your sightseeing at Belfry Of Bruges, a notable monument that’s highly recommended by travelers passing through the city.

After an exciting day of sightseeing, it’s time to check in at your accommodation in Bruges. 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.

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 and Belgium by rewarding yourself with a taste of Bruges’s local cuisine.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Vlaminck '14, a top-rated dining spot in Bruges. If you're in the mood for something new, try Het Visioen, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at t'Lammetje. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Bruges.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Groot Vlaenderen, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Bauhaus Bar provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, 't Brugs Beertje offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

As the night falls in Bruges, 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.

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 7 of your multi-country journey across Germany and Belgium. This exciting part of your road trip invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in Ghent in Belgium. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to Cologne where you'll spend 1 night of well-deserved relaxation.

After soaking in Bruges’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Ghent. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 50 min. When you arrive in Ghent, it's time to take a break from the road.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Gravensteen, an interesting castle that everyone visiting Ghent should see. Next, head to Saint Nicholas' Church. This awe-inspiring church is one of the most underrated attractions in the region.

If you're keen to see more, don’t miss out on Belfry Of Ghent, an awe-inspiring monument popular among locals as well as travelers. Saint Bavo's Cathedral is an excellent attraction to visit next. Spend some time learning more about this interesting church before you continue your journey.

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

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

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Mongo's Restaurant Köln, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Vietnamski restorant "Kuchi Mami" offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss RheinZeit. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Cologne.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Soul Bar Cologne after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

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!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 8 of your multi-country road trip in Europe. The highlights of today include Heidelberg in Germany. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Frankfurt, your home for 1 night.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Cologne, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Heidelberg. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 48 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Heidelberg Castle. Spend some time admiring the culturally significant features of the castle before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Karlsplatz. This intriguing public square is a traveler-favorite in the city.

If you're keen to see more, continue to Old Bridge Heidelberg. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the historical landmark. Next, take your journey to Philosophers’ Way, an up-and-coming hiking area.

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

Before this day of your vacation comes to a close, treat your palate to a taste of Germany's delectable cuisine at one of Frankfurt'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.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Zu den 12 Aposteln, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Chicago Meatpackers? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Zum Gemalten Haus as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Frankfurt.

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