12-Day the Netherlands Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Amsterdam traveling south to Utrecht, Rotterdam, and The Hague

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Amsterdam has to offer. Cherish the 3 nights you have left in the city and use the provided itinerary to discover what to see in Amsterdam.

A visit to De Pijp is a must on the agenda today. This neighborhood is full of hidden gems and character, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Plus, you’ll be close to some of the city’s most famous sights.

Start your day at Vondelpark. This serene park is a widely recognized place to see in Amsterdam. Then, wander over to Van Gogh Museum. If history-steeped sites excite you, this museum will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Rijksmuseum. This photogenic museum is a favorite among visitors.

Amsterdam offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, Negen Straatjes is a well-known spot in the city that will captivate you with its unique charm.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in the Netherlands. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Amsterdam, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Eye Film Museum, a highly-rated dining destination in Amsterdam. If you're eager to try something different, consider Restaurant Ambassade, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Palmyra Syrian Restaurant. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Amsterdam this evening.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Café Oporto, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Lost In Amsterdam Lounge Cafe & Cocktail Bar offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out 't Aepjen. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in the Netherlands!

On day 3 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Amsterdam, where you still have 2 nights left. You'll spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city, including Zaandijk and Haarlem.

After soaking in Amsterdam’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Zaandijk. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 24 min. When you arrive in Zaandijk, 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 Wooden Shoe Workshop Of Zaanse Schans, an intriguing handicraft store that everyone visiting Zaandijk should see.

After soaking in Zaandijk’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Haarlem. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 26 min. When you arrive in Haarlem, it's time to take a break from the road.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Teylers Museum, an increasingly popular museum in Haarlem. Explore its eye-catching features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, The St. Bavo Church In Haarlem. This up-and-coming church is a top recommendation in the area.

When you’re ready to explore more, Frans Hals Museum is an excellent choice. Spend some time discovering what some claim to be the most heritage-rich museum in the region.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Amsterdam.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Amsterdam. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Café Loetje, a highly-rated dining destination in Amsterdam. If you're eager to try something different, consider Restaurant Moon, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at d'Vijff Vlieghen. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Amsterdam this evening.

Keep the evening going at Bar Bitterbal, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Twenty Third Bar, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Louis Bar, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

Say good night to Amsterdam and look forward to another great day of your road trip in the Netherlands!

On day 4 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Amsterdam, where you have 1 night left to stay.

When you’ve had your share of Amsterdam, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Aerdenhout. Your travel time is around 40 min.

Savor the day by heading to Elswout, a worthwhile park that draws visitors from near and far.

Overveen’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Aerdenhout behind. This drive usually takes around 6 min. Overveen welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Zuid-kennemerland National Park, an intriguing national park that everyone visiting Overveen should see.

Set your GPS to Santpoort-Zuid and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 11 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Santpoort-Zuid beckons with new experiences!

Brederode Castle is an often recommended castle we recommend visiting today. Discover its visually striking features before continuing your self-guided tour.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Amsterdam and your accommodation.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Amsterdam. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Savor the flavors at Gartine, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Spirit Amsterdam beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider FuLu Mandarijn. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Amsterdam tonight.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Bar Mokum offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, De Zotte is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Stone's Café Bar & Nightclub is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in the Netherlands.

Your itinerary for day 5 of your road trip in the Netherlands includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of Utrecht. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Utrecht, where you'll spend 1 night.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Amsterdam, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Utrecht. This drive usually takes around 49 min.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Nederlands Spoorwegmuseum, a captivating museum in Utrecht. Explore its instagrammable features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Zocherpark. This underrated park is a top recommendation in the area.

When you’re ready to explore more, Dom Tower Of Utrecht is an excellent choice. Spend some time discovering what some claim to be the most instagrammable monument in the region. Next, continue your sightseeing at the worthwhile St Martin's Cathedral and discover what makes this church unique.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Utrecht, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

Utrecht is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Utrecht.

Dine in style at Belgisch Biercafé Olivier Utrecht, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, FLFL Utrecht boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Broadway American Steakhouse. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Utrecht.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Kaasbar Utrecht, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Café Derat, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Body Talk provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in the Netherlands!

On day 6 of your road trip in the Netherlands, your travel plans include 1 stop at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Gouda are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Rotterdam, where you will stay for 3 nights.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Utrecht and set your GPS to Gouda. 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 40 min. Upon reaching Gouda, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Gouda Cheese Experience, an up-and-coming museum that everyone visiting Gouda should see. Next, head to De Goudse Waag. This photogenic museum is one of the most locally appreciated attractions in the region.

If you're keen to see more, don’t miss out on Saint-john Church, a picture-perfect church popular among locals as well as travelers.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Rotterdam. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Rotterdam. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Harvest Cafe & Bakery, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Little V Rotterdam offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Dudok. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Rotterdam.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Mendoza, known for its inviting atmosphere. Wunderbar is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, De Witte Aap provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

As the sun sets, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in the Netherlands.

Greet day 8 of your road trip in the Netherlands with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You have 1 night to stay in Rotterdam, so get ready to make the most of your time in the region. On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Kinderdijk and Delft.

Kinderdijk is brimming with adventures.

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

Set your GPS to Kinderdijk and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 30 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Kinderdijk beckons with new experiences!

When you're ready for some sights, head to Unesco Werelderfgoed Kinderdijk, an increasingly popular historical landmark in Kinderdijk. Explore its UNESCO world heritage-designated features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Delft. This car ride takes around 39 min.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the village's best attractions, visit De Porceleyne Fles, an often recommended museum that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey. Next, head to Nieuwe Kerk Delft and admire its historic features.

When you’re ready, continue to Prinsenhof, an intriguing museum beloved by locals and tourists alike.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Rotterdam.

Rotterdam is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Rotterdam.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Brasserie Pierre, a top-rated dining spot in Rotterdam. If you're in the mood for something new, try Loetje Rotterdam Centrum, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at BRAM'S Gourmet Frites. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Rotterdam.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at The Rumah, a top-rated bar in the area.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in the Netherlands!

Dive into day 11 of your remarkable road trip in the Netherlands. Today you'll explore 2 destinations, including Lisse and Leiden. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Amsterdam, where you'll spend 1 night.

Set your GPS to Leiden and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 24 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Leiden beckons with new experiences!

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Rijksmuseum Van Oudheden. Spend some time admiring the visually striking features of the museum before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Hortus Botanicus Leiden. This intriguing botanical garden is a traveler-favorite in the town.

If you're keen to see more, continue to Burcht Van Leiden. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the castle.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Amsterdam, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Amsterdam's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Café Orloff Amsterdam, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Winkel 43? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Bistrot Neuf as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Amsterdam.

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

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in the Netherlands.