10-Day Self-Drive Road Trip in Belgium and Germany With Itinerary from Brussels to Cologne, Hamburg, Berlin, and Bielefeld

Wake up to day 2 of your extraordinary road trip through Belgium and Germany. On this day, you’ll embark on an exciting expedition discovering the enchanting sights and activities of Laeken in Belgium. With 1 night left in Brussels, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Brussels, including the outstanding Royal Gallery Of Saint Hubert. Having an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 38,953 reviews, this fascinating shopping mall and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the village.

Brussels is also home to the captivating Grand-place, a local public square considered one of the highlights of the village. About 151,717 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.7 out of 5 stars, proving its popularity.

The extraordinary Choco-story Brussels is another unforgettable place you can visit on this leg of your journey in Brussels. This extraordinary museum and tourist hot spot boasts a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 7,312 travelers.

A trip to the wonderful Bois De La Cambre - Ter Kamerenbos will inspire you. Visitors have rated their experience at this amazing park and attraction an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 12,963 reviews.

Set your GPS to Laeken and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 26 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Laeken beckons with new experiences!

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Laeken today. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the outstanding Atomium. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 91,642 visitors.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Brussels and set your GPS to Laeken. 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 26 min. Upon reaching Laeken, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

This outstanding travel destination inspires so many travelers each year.

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

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Barge, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible organic menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, La Villa Lorraine by Yves Mattagne is one of the best restaurants for modern and classic cuisine in Brussels. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at Bozar Restaurant. As a top-rated establishment with 2 Michelin star, it is an ideal choice for modern french and creative cuisine in the city.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Bar Des Amis, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Bar Du Canal, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Little Delirium likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

Savor the moment and raise a toast to yet another amazing day of your vacation in Belgium and Germany! Enjoy your evening in Brussels to the fullest by mingling with the locals at a bar, taking a stroll around the city center, or simply relaxing.

On day 3 of your multi-country road trip across Belgium and Germany, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places to see in Brussels in Belgium. In the evening, you’ll end up in Cologne, where you will stay for 1 night.

A tour of Brussels is not complete without a visit to the famous St Michael And St Gudula Cathedral, Brussels. This incredible church and attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 19,282 travelers.

Make the most of your Brussels travel adventure by seeing another popular site, the wonderful Brussels Park. This park and unique destination is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 19,495 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Autoworld Brussels for an experience worth remembering. This local museum and standout destination has received an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 9,983 visitors.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Brussels, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Schaerbeek - Schaarbeek may take around 13 min. Upon your arrival in Schaerbeek - Schaarbeek, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

This outstanding travel destination inspires so many travelers each year.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Brussels and set your GPS to Schaerbeek - Schaarbeek. 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 13 min. Upon reaching Schaerbeek - Schaarbeek, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

One of today’s main highlights is the unforgettable Josaphat Park. This outstanding park and travel destination inspires so many travelers each year. Garnering an average rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 from 6,819 travelers, a visit to the remarkable Josaphat Park is worth pages in your travel diary.

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

Before this memorable day of your vacation comes to a close, treat your palate to a taste of Germany's delectable cuisine at one of Cologne's best restaurants. After a nice meal, enhance your vacation experience by enjoying the local nightlife or unwinding with a drink or two in the city’s most recommended bars.

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Le Moissonnier Bistro, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible french and seafood menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Ox & Klee is one of the best restaurants for modern and creative cuisine in Cologne. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at La Cuisine Rademacher. As a top-rated establishment with 1 Michelin star, it is an ideal choice for modern french cuisine in the city.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting The Grid Bar, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Toddy Tapper is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Legends Bar & Terrasse also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

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!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 of your multi-country journey across Belgium and Germany. This exciting part of your road trip invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Oberhausen in Germany. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to Hamburg where you'll spend 1 night of well-deserved relaxation.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Oberhausen, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Cologne to Oberhausen may take around 1 hour 2 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Oberhausen, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Oberhausen today. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the outstanding Gasometer Oberhausen. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 13,693 visitors.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Oberhausen, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Gelsenkirchen may take around 16 min. Upon your arrival in Gelsenkirchen, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Gelsenkirchen, including the outstanding Nordstern Park. Having an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 6,453 reviews, this fascinating park and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the city.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Bottrop, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Gelsenkirchen to Bottrop may take around 12 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Bottrop, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated art installation and attraction in Bottrop — Tetrahedron In Bottrop. About 4,750 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

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

As the sun sets on day 4 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, prepare for a culinary journey. Navigate through Hamburg's top restaurants and eateries, each offering a local taste of Germany to remember your trip by. After a fulfilling dinner, dive into the city’s local nightlife. Whether you prefer the bustling energy of popular pubs or want to take in the ambiance of a quiet bar, Hamburg has them.

Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in Hamburg by booking a table at The Table Kevin Fehling. This popular restaurant holds 3 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of creative and international cuisine. For another culinary dining option, venture to Haerlin, celebrated for its delectable creative french and classic menu. This acclaimed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, ensuring an essential addition to your holiday itinerary. Seeking an alternative? Discover 100/200 Kitchen, a top local restaurant known for its tantalizing creative and modern menu. With a 2-star Michelin recognition, it promises an exceptional dining experience not to be missed.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like The Boilerman Bar Hafenamt, known for its lively atmosphere. Scandic Hamburg Emporio is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Heritage Hamburg Rooftop Bar offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

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

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across Belgium and Germany. Today's main destinations are Hamburg 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 Berlin. You’ll stay here for 3 nights.

Something that makes Hamburg the perfect holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding concert hall, Elbe Philharmonic Hall. This local gem has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 79,037 visitors.

The famous Miniatur Wunderland is another remarkable sightseeing hotspot in the area. As one of Hamburg's most remarkable sights, there's no wonder why around 89,283 travelers have rated this incredible museum and travel destination an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in reviews.

Hamburg is also home to the extraordinary Hamburg Dungeon, which boasts a 4.5 out of 5 star rating in 12,768 traveler reviews.

Another place you’ll want to visit is the captivating St. Pauli Piers. With an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from a total of 19,508 reviews, a visit to this wonderful pier and tourist destination is truly a great idea.

On this Hamburg exploration, you'll also have the chance to admire the fantastic Elbe Tunnel up close. This fascinating historical landmark and attraction is a must-visit, and its average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 34,850 travelers is proof.

Take some time off from the road, it’s time to check in at a top-rated stay in Berlin. 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 Belgium and Germany by rewarding yourself with a taste of Berlin’s local cuisine. After dinner, head out to a bar to relax or mingle with the locals and raise a toast to your exciting road trip adventure.

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at Rutz, a 3-star Michelin restaurant offering an exceptional modern and creative menu. Alternatively, if you're in the mood for something different, consider the nearby 2-star Michelin-awardee, Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer, known for its delicious creative cuisine. Another highly-recommended place to eat in Berlin is FACIL, a renowned restaurant with a 2-star Guide Michelin recognition and a delicious creative and contemporary menu.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Monkey Bar is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Bar Saint Jean, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Green Door Bar. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

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

Checkpoint Charlie is a travelers’ favorite in Berlin, and today you’ll have the opportunity to discover it too! This one-of-a-kind attraction is rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 83,167 visitors.

In Berlin, don’t miss Topography Of Terror, a great museum and place to see in the city. This outstanding attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 36,601 reviews.

Check other top attractions in Berlin off your list when you visit the wonderful Potsdamer Platz. This popular sight is an outstanding public square, rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 60,557 travelers.

Beyond the above-mentioned top sights, take the opportunity to visit the outstanding Memorial To The Murdered Jews Of Europe. This monument and place of interest has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 45,507 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, the fantastic Berlin Wall Memorial awaits. This war memorial is a tourist hot spot, garnering an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 41,126 visitors.

As the sun sets on day 6 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, prepare for a culinary journey. Navigate through Berlin's top restaurants and eateries, each offering a local taste of Germany to remember your trip by. After a fulfilling dinner, dive into the city’s local nightlife. Whether you prefer the bustling energy of popular pubs or want to take in the ambiance of a quiet bar, Berlin has them.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Park Inn by Radisson Berlin Alexanderplatz, a top-rated dining spot in Berlin. If you're in the mood for something new, try Nante-Eck | Restaurant Berlin Mitte, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Berlin TV Tower. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Berlin.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Sharlie Cheen Bar after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Berlin Icebar for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, The Curtain Club is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

As the night falls in Berlin, 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.

Wake up and see what day 7 of your great European road trip in Belgium and Germany has in store for you! You will be staying in Berlin for 1 night before continuing your journey to the next destination.

In Berlin, the extraordinary Brandenburg Gate awaits. This attraction is a valued monument that boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 162,714 travelers' reviews.

Another of the best travel destinations in Berlin, which gets around 1,298,000 annual visits, is the spectacular Pergamon Museum. This attraction is a museum that is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 29,292 visitors, making it a captivating highlight for all travelers.

You could then travel to the amazing Berlin Cathedral. This local church and wonder has an overall review score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 36,615 visitors, proving its popularity among travelers.

Alexanderplatz is another attraction you might want to add to your Berlin exploration itinerary. This public square is a popular stop among travelers in the area, as seen in its average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 213,494 reviews.

If you’re interested in seeing something outstanding today, consider dropping by a well-loved spot among locals — East Side Gallery. More than a popular street art and attraction, East Side Gallery offers visitors an immersive journey of the rich cultural tapestry of Berlin. East Side Gallery boasts an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 54,103 traveler reviews.

If you're eager to sample culinary delights during your multi-country road trip in Belgium and Germany, you'll be excited to head out for dinner and get a taste of the local cuisine in Berlin. After dinner, head out to a bar to reminisce about your day and raise a toast to this stop on your road trip.

Have a fantastic dining experience at BrewDog Berlin Mitte, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Restaurant Marjellchen offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Leonardo Royal Hotel Berlin Alexanderplatz is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Berlin.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Booze Bar Berlin. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Victoria Bar offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Scandic Berlin Potsdamer Platz, 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!

On day 8 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in Belgium and Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Berlin in Germany. When you’re not exploring the city and its surrounding areas, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Bielefeld, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

In Berlin, the extraordinary Großer Tiergarten awaits. This attraction is a valued park that boasts an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 23,436 travelers' reviews.

Another of the best travel destinations in Berlin is the spectacular Siegessäule. This attraction is a monument that is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 26,706 visitors, making it a captivating highlight for all travelers.

You could then travel to the amazing Berlin Zoological Garden. This local zoo and wonder has an overall review score of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 63,593 visitors, proving its popularity among travelers.

Charlottenburg Palace is another attraction you might want to add to your Berlin exploration itinerary. This palace is a popular stop among travelers in the area, as seen in its average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 25,831 reviews.

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

As the sun dips under the horizon, freshen up and head out to discover the best dining spots in Bielefeld. Check out our recommendations on where to wine and dine while seeing this marvelous destination in Germany in a new light. After dinner, head out to a bar to relax, mingle with the locals, and raise a toast to your unforgettable road trip vacation in Europe.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at GlückundSeligkeit, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? New Orleans offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Café Knigge. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Bielefeld.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Die Villa offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Three Sixty Bielefeld is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Cutie is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

As the night falls in Bielefeld, 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.