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

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 Brussels in Belgium. With 1 night left in Brussels, seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Experience Cinquantenaire, a well-known park in the city. Then, head to Brussels Park and soak in the ambiance of this history-steeped park.

There are many interesting places to see in Brussels, and when you are ready for more, go to Musée Magritte Museum. This is one of the city’s most often recommended visually striking spots of interest. After exploring the museum, visit the iconic Grand-place. Not far away, you'll also find Royal Gallery Of Saint Hubert. This shopping mall is a romantic highlight in Brussels.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Laeken. This drive usually takes around 20 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Atomium. Spend some time admiring the remarkable features of the monument before you continue to your next stop.

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 Germany.

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

Cap off your dinner by heading to Bar Des Amis, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Bar Du Canal is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Little Delirium is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

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 3 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in Belgium and Germany, 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.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the city's best attractions, visit Minnewaterpark, a locally appreciated park 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 Church Of Our Lady and admire its enchanting features.

When you’re ready, continue to Boniface Bridge (bonifaciusbrug), an underrated historical landmark beloved by locals and tourists alike. Don't miss out on Groeninge, another highlight of the area that promises a memorable visit. Not far away, you’ll also find Belfry Of Bruges, a history-steeped place to see that you won’t regret spending some extra time discovering.

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

Get ready to savor the tastiest bites and enjoy a lively evening in Bruges. 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 Germany.

Savor the flavors at Vlaminck '14, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Het Visioen beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider t'Lammetje. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Bruges tonight.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Groot Vlaenderen, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Bauhaus Bar, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, 't Brugs Beertje provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

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

Dive into day 4 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across Belgium and Germany. Today's main destinations are Ghent in Belgium and Cologne 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 Cologne. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

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

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Ghent. This car ride takes around 50 min.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Gravensteen, a popular castle in Ghent. Explore its picture-perfect features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Ghent City Hall. This beloved 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 culturally significant church in the region.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Set course for Germany! Under favorable conditions, your drive to Cologne may take around 2 hours 42 min. Upon your arrival in Cologne, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Cologne Rodenkirchen Bridge, a frequently visited sightseeing destination in Cologne. This up-and-coming boardwalk is a top recommendation in the area.

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.

As the day unfolds, you’ll be delighted to find that Cologne 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 delicious dinner at SAVOY Hotel, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Radisson Blu Hotel, Cologne offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Café Reichard. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Cologne.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to The Grid Bar, known for its inviting atmosphere. Toddy Tapper is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Legends Bar & Terrasse provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

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!

On day 5 of your multi-country road trip across 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 Brussels, where you will stay for 1 night.

No visit to Cologne is complete without Cologne Cathedral. This top-rated church is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Museum Ludwig, another must-visit attraction.

As you wander through the inviting streets of Cologne, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Lindt Chocolate Museum. This captivating museum is a traveler-favorite.

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 lovely dining experience at Villa Lorraine, a popular restaurant in Brussels. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Brussels at Le Marmiton, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Le Bistro - Porte de Hal. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Brussels tonight.

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

Take in the ambiance of Brussels 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!