13-Day Self-Drive Road Trip in Belgium and the Netherlands With Itinerary from Brussels to Ghent, Bruges, Antwerp, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam

Wake up to day 2 of your extraordinary road trip through Belgium and the Netherlands. 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, seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Let Cinquantenaire set the tone for the day. Spend some time admiring this historic park before continuing your journey. Royal Palace Of Brussels is your next stop. This popular palace is one of the best-rated sights in Brussels.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Musée Magritte Museum. This visually striking museum is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Grand-place and Royal Gallery Of Saint Hubert.

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 26 min. When you arrive in Laeken, it's time to take a break from the road.

Spend your afternoon discovering Atomium, an extraordinary monument known for its historic features.

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 Belgium and the Netherlands.

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.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Bar Des Amis after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Bar Du Canal, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Little Delirium 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!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your multi-country journey across Belgium and the Netherlands. 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 Ghent where you'll spend 1 night of well-deserved relaxation.

When you’ve had your share of Brussels, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Ghent. Your travel time is around 1 hour 3 min.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Gravensteen, a locally renowned castle in Ghent. Explore its historic features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Ghent City Hall. This locally appreciated city hall is a top recommendation in the area.

When you’re ready to explore more, Saint Bavo's Cathedral is an excellent choice. Spend some time discovering what some claim to be the most historic church in the region. Next, continue your sightseeing at the often recommended Belfry Of Ghent and discover what makes this monument unique.

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

Before this day of your vacation comes to a close, treat your palate to a taste of Belgium's delectable cuisine at one of Ghent'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 delicious dinner at Maste Bvba, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Godot offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Patrick Foley's. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Ghent.

Keep the evening going at De Geus Van Gent, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to The Alchemist, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Hot Club Gent, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

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 4 of your multi-country road trip in Europe. The highlights of today include Bruges in Belgium. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Bruges, your home for 2 nights.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Ghent and set your GPS to Bruges. 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 45 min. Upon reaching Bruges, 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 Church Of Our Lady. Spend some time admiring the masterful features of the church before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Boniface Bridge (bonifaciusbrug). This locally appreciated historical landmark is a traveler-favorite in the city.

If you're keen to see more, continue to Groeninge. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the neighborhood. Next, take your journey to Belfry Of Bruges, a notable monument. Conclude your sightseeing at Basilica Of The Holy Blood, known for its culturally significant features.

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

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

Enjoy a delicious meal at Vlaminck '14, a highly-rated dining destination in Bruges. If you're eager to try something different, consider Het Visioen, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at t'Lammetje. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Bruges this evening.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Groot Vlaenderen. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Bauhaus Bar, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, 't Brugs Beertje provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

Take in the ambiance of Bruges 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!

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

Sint-Anna Quarter is one of the highlights of today. Take your time exploring this iconic neighborhood in Bruges, which offers a perfect blend of history and culture. Plus, it's close to many must-see landmarks in the city.

Look forward to a unique sightseeing adventure at the underrated Adornes Domain and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Koningin Astridpark, an eye-catching park that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Sashuis, one of the city’s most up-and-coming spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the locally appreciated Minnewaterpark.

Set your GPS to Loppem and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 14 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Loppem beckons with new experiences!

Savor the day by heading to Castle Loppem, an increasingly popular castle that draws visitors from near and far.

As the sun sets, freshen up and head out to discover the best dining spots in Bruges. 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 Bistro Den Amand, a top-rated dining destination in Bruges. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider That's Toast, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Petite Aneth. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Bruges this evening.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at De Garre, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, 't Poatersgat offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, The Vintage provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

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.

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

One of the most iconic spots you can visit today is Meir. Allow yourself some time to explore this street and discover its unique quirks. You'll also find many of the best sightseeing spots nearby.

One of the most beloved attractions included on the itinerary is Museum Plantin-moretus. This UNESCO world heritage-listed museum will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Onze-lieve-vrouwekathedraal and learn what makes this UNESCO world heritage-designated church unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the up-and-coming Rubenshuis. After exploring the museum, head to Antwerp Zoo. This locally renowned zoo is a highlight in Antwerp.

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 the Netherlands by rewarding yourself with a taste of Antwerp’s local cuisine.

Don’t miss out on dining at Ciro's, a top-rated dining destination in Antwerp. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Het Pomphuis, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Ellis Antwerpen De Keyserlei. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Antwerp this evening.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Café Delux, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to 't Waagstuk. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Den Hopsack, another top-rated place 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 11, you will wake up in Amsterdam with an entire day of wonders ahead of you! You still have 1 night left in Amsterdam before it’s time to get back on the road and continue your European tour across Belgium and the Netherlands.

Jordaan is one of the highlights of today. Take your time exploring this iconic neighborhood in Amsterdam, which offers a perfect blend of history and culture. Plus, it's close to many must-see landmarks in the city.

Enjoy all that This Is Holland has to offer. This is a frequently visited flying theater you should not miss. Another must-see is Nemo Science Center, a captivating science center in Amsterdam.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Rembrandt House Museum. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Dam Square, another of the city’s locally renowned attractions. We recommend continuing your self-guided tour at Anne Frank House, a heritage-rich place of interest in the city.

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 Belgium and the Netherlands.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Eye Film Museum, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Restaurant Ambassade offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Palmyra Syrian Restaurant. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Amsterdam.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Café Oporto, known for its inviting atmosphere. Lost In Amsterdam Lounge Cafe & Cocktail Bar is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, 't Aepjen provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 12 of your multi-country journey across Belgium and the Netherlands. This exciting part of your road trip invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in Zaandijk in the Netherlands. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to Brussels where you'll spend 1 night of well-deserved relaxation.

Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Zaandijk.

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.

Savor the day by heading to The Zaansche Mill, a frequently visited museum that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue to Bakery Museum "the Gecroonde Duyvekater ', where you can soak in the photogenic surroundings.

Next, explore Wooden Shoe Workshop Of Zaanse Schans, yet another curiosity-inducing place to see in the area. After the handicraft store, make time to go to Julianabrug.

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 on day 12 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.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Villa Lorraine, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Le Marmiton? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Le Bistro - Porte de Hal as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Brussels.

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

Celebrate day 12 of your multi-country road trip in Europe with a toast, and look forward to more memorable moments to come!