7-Day Self-Drive Road Trip in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany With Itinerary from Amsterdam to Brussels and Cologne

Day 2 of your multi-country road trip promises a full day of discoveries in beautiful Amsterdam. Enjoy time off the road as you have 1 night left in the city.

A top thing to do today is to explore De Pijp, a must-see neighborhood in Amsterdam. It's the perfect starting point for touring the top attractions in the area.

Make time for Vondelpark, an astonishing park that is worthwhile a visit in the city. Nearby, you’ll find Van Gogh Museum, enchanting visitors with its heritage-rich appeal. Continue your exploration at Rijksmuseum. This museum is one of the city’s most extraordinary spots.

Enjoy the freedom of exploring Amsterdam at your own pace and find hidden gems along the way. If you want to see more picture-perfect spots, make sure to visit Sarphatipark.

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

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.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Café Oporto, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Lost In Amsterdam Lounge Cafe & Cocktail Bar, a bar catering to every mood and preference. 't Aepjen likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for 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!

On day 3 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence Laeken in Belgium. 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 2 nights.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Amsterdam, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Laeken, Belgium. Witness the landscapes transform as you cross the border to Belgium. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 25 min.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Atomium, a widely recognized monument that everyone visiting Laeken should see.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Laeken, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Brussels. This drive usually takes around 16 min.

Spend your afternoon discovering St Michael And St Gudula Cathedral, Brussels, a captivating church known for its culturally significant features. Next, continue your sightseeing at Royal Gallery Of Saint Hubert, an interesting shopping mall.

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 Grand-place and uncover the details of this visually striking public square.

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

As the sun sets, freshen up and head out to discover the best dining spots in Brussels. 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 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.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Churchill's, known for its inviting atmosphere. Station Bxl is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Delirium Café provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

Celebrate day 3 of your multi-country road trip in Europe with a toast, and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Wake up and see what day 4 of your great European road trip in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany has in store for you! You will be staying in Brussels for 1 night before continuing your journey to the next destination.

Sablon/Zavel is a fantastic place you can explore today in Brussels. This neighborhood is a testament to the city’s character, and it's easy to spend hours just walking around and admiring the surroundings. Soak in the Brussels-way-of-life and visit all the nearby sights.

Cinquantenaire is an ideal stop early in the day. This interesting park is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Brussels Park, which may be one of the most history-steeped places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Brussels on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to Royal Palace Of Brussels, a popular palace in the city. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Musée Magritte Museum and Mont Des Arts - Kunstberg.

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

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at The Lobster House, a top-rated dining spot in Brussels. If you're in the mood for something new, try o'reilly's Irish Pub Brussels, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Restaurant Roumaine. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Brussels.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Bar Des Amis, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Bar Du Canal offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Little Delirium provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

As the night falls in Brussels, 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 5 of your multi-country road trip across the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, 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.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Cologne, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Brussels to Cologne may take around 2 hours 14 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Cologne, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Cologne Rodenkirchen Bridge is an often recommended point of interest we recommend visiting today.

Next, stop by Museum Ludwig, a heritage-rich museum. While you’re nearby, don’t forget to visit Cologne Cathedral, a picture-perfect and truly unique church.

Take some time off from the road, it’s time to check in at a top-rated stay in Cologne. 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 5 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, prepare for a culinary journey at Cologne's top restaurants and eateries. After a fulfilling dinner, dive into the city’s local nightlife.

Dine in style at SAVOY Hotel, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Radisson Blu Hotel, Cologne boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Café Reichard. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Cologne.

Continue your lively evening at The Grid Bar, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Toddy Tapper is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Legends Bar & Terrasse ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

As the night falls in Cologne, 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.

Dive into day 6 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. Today's main destinations are Maastricht in the Netherlands, 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 Amsterdam. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Maastricht and set your GPS to Amsterdam. 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 30 min. Upon reaching Amsterdam, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Spend your afternoon discovering Sint Servaasbrug, an often recommended monument known for its visually striking features. Next, continue your sightseeing at Basilica Of Saint Servatius, an increasingly popular church.

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 Stadspark and uncover the details of this serene park. Make sure to also explore Caves Zonneberg, a worthwhile cave system.

After an exciting day of sightseeing, it’s time to check in at your accommodation in Amsterdam. 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 Amsterdam boasts an array of restaurants and bars catering to every budget. Take this opportunity to sample the distinctive flavors of the region.

Don’t miss out on dining at Café Loetje, a top-rated dining destination in Amsterdam. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Restaurant Moon, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at d'Vijff Vlieghen. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Amsterdam this evening.

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

Take in the ambiance of Amsterdam 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!