One-Week Road Trip in Belgium, France, and Germany from Brussels to Laeken, Mutsaard, Brühl, Cologne, Liege, Paris, and Versailles

Your unforgettable multi-country road trip in Belgium, France, and Germany begins the moment you arrive in the awe-inspiring city of Brussels in Belgium. You’ll check in at a top-rated hotel and stay in Brussels for 2 nights.

Catch an early flight to Belgium to enjoy as much time as possible exploring Brussels before it’s time to hit the road and drive to your next destination. Discover the city’s rich history, breathtaking sights, and lively atmosphere with visits to the most popular attractions.

One of today’s main highlights is the unforgettable Het Zinneke. This outstanding point of interest and travel destination inspires so many travelers each year. Garnering an average rating of 4.2 stars out of 5 from 5,221 travelers, a visit to the remarkable Het Zinneke is worth pages in your travel diary.

Find your way to your hotel in Brussels. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Belgium. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

As the day slows down and turns into evening, we encourage you to indulge your taste buds at one of the top-rated restaurants in Brussels. After a delicious dinner, experience the local nightlife or unwind at one of the city’s most popular bars.

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 it is an ideal choice for modern french and creative cuisine in the city.

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

Your multi-country road trip in Belgium, France, and Germany has only just begun. Brace yourself for more exciting days to come as you cross country borders in the comfort of your rental car and discover the most unique attractions, activities, and foods of each destination.

Day 2 of your multi-country road trip promises a full day of discoveries in beautiful Laeken. Enjoy time off the road as you’ll be staying in the city for 1 night more before hitting the road again.

Autoworld Brussels is a travelers’ favorite in Brussels, and today you’ll have the opportunity to discover it too! This one-of-a-kind attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 9,782 visitors.

In Brussels, don’t miss Cinquantenaire, a great urban park and place to see in the village. This outstanding attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 35,271 reviews.

Before this memorable day of your vacation comes to a close, treat your palate to a taste of Belgium's delectable cuisine at one of Brussels'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.

As a top-rated it is an ideal choice in the city. Enjoy a lovely meal at o'reilly's Irish Pub Brussels, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Le Marmiton is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Le Bistro - Porte de Hal. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Brussels tonight.

Keep the evening going at Little Delirium, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink.

Celebrate day 2 of your multi-country road trip in Europe with a toast, and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, where you’ll be making 2 stops. The highlights of today include the wonderful destinations of Brussels in Belgium and Brühl in Germany. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Cologne, your home for 1 night.

Brühl’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Brussels behind. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 16 min. Brühl welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Grand-Place is a travelers’ favorite in Brussels, and today you’ll have the opportunity to discover it too! This one-of-a-kind attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 151,037 visitors.

In Brussels, don’t miss Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert, a great shopping mall and place to see in the city. This outstanding attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 38,465 reviews.

Check other top attractions in Brussels off your list when you visit the wonderful St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral, Brussels. This popular sight is an outstanding church, rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 18,958 travelers.

Beyond the above-mentioned top sights, take the opportunity to visit the outstanding Brussels Park. This urban park and place of interest has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 19,267 reviews.

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 Brühl, Germany. Your travel time is around 2 hours 16 min.

A favorite among locals and travelers alike in Brühl is the fantastic Phantasialand, attracting around 1,750,000 visitors every year. As an appreciated amusement park and local gem in the area, Phantasialand has earned an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 89,377 reviews.

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.

In the evening, prepare to be amazed by Cologne’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, France, and Germany.

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at Le Moissonnier Bistro, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an exceptional french and seafood menu. If you are in the mood for trying an alternative dining experience, consider visiting the nearby 2-star Michelin-awardee, Ox & Klee, known for its delicious modern and creative cuisine. Another highly-recommended restaurant in Cologne is La Cuisine Rademacher, a renowned restaurant , known for its delicious modern french menu.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Toddy Tapper, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Soul Bar Cologne, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Dorint Hotel am Heumarkt Köln provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

Take in the ambiance of Cologne as this vacation 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 road trip to look forward to!

On day 4 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in Belgium, France, and Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Cologne in Germany. When you’re not exploring the city and its surrounding areas, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Liege, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Set your GPS to Liege, Belgium and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 32 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Liege beckons with new experiences!

One place travelers keep coming back to in Cologne is the magnificent Cologne Cathedral. Each year, this popular place of interest welcomes over 5,000,000 travelers from across the world. Around 69,905 visitors have rated this excellent catholic cathedral and travel destination an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Old Market on this leg of your adventure in Germany. This attraction is a well-known sightseeing destination that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from around 12,740 travelers.

The remarkable Cologne Chocolate Museum is known to be one of the best places to visit in Cologne, and its average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 36,704 traveler reviews is proof.

Dive deeper into Cologne by exploring the captivating Cologne Zoological Garden. With a stellar average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 30,118 travelers, make sure this wonderful site is on your Cologne exploration list!

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

As the sun sets on day 4 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, prepare for a culinary journey. Navigate through Liege's top restaurants and eateries, each offering a local taste of Belgium 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, Liege has them.

Have a memorable dining experience in Liege by booking a table at la cantinetta, renowned as a Bib Gourmand restaurant presenting an exceptional italian and organic menu. For a different culinary experience, ¡Toma! shines as one of the top destinations known for its delicious creative cuisine in Liege. This 1-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from previous guests, making it a must-visit addition to your holiday experience. If you're looking for an alternative, Héliport Brasserie is known as a top local spot for its delicious creative french cuisine in Liege. This 1-star Michelin awardee is a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable meal.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Lou's Bar, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Café des Miracles provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Tam-Tam Bambou offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

As the night falls in Liege, take a moment to savor the experiences of the day. Wash away your fatigue with a drink, or lay 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 Belgium, France, 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 Paris in France. In the evening, you’ll end up in Paris, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Something that makes Paris the perfect holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding triumphal arch, Arc de Triomphe. This local gem has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 193,235 visitors and gets around 2,743,823 visits every year.

The famous Eiffel Tower is another remarkable sightseeing hotspot in the area, with up to 6,207,303 people visiting it every year. As one of Paris's most remarkable sights, there's no wonder why around 322,389 travelers have rated this incredible lattice tower and travel destination an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in reviews.

Paris is also home to the extraordinary Champ de Mars, which boasts a 4.6 out of 5 star rating in 172,488 traveler reviews.

Another place you’ll want to visit is the captivating Jardin du Luxembourg. With an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from a total of 94,043 reviews, a visit to this wonderful urban park and tourist destination is truly a great idea.

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

As the sun dips under the horizon, freshen up and head out to discover the best dining spots in Paris. Check out our recommendations on where to wine and dine while seeing this marvelous destination in Belgium 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 L'Imprévu Café, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Le Petit Châtelet offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Restaurant Guy Savoy. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Paris.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Café de Paris V, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Dirty Dick, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Little Red Door likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night 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!

On day 6, you will wake up in Paris with an entire day of wonders ahead of you! You still have 1 night left in Paris before it’s time to get back on the road and continue your European tour across Belgium, France, and Germany.

One of today’s main highlights is the unforgettable Panthéon. This outstanding mausoleum and travel destination inspires so many travelers each year. Garnering an average rating of 4.6 stars out of 5 from 43,649 travelers, a visit to the remarkable Panthéon is worth pages in your travel diary.

The fascinating Louvre Museum is another of the city's top attractions that will stir your curiosity. This art museum and tourist destination welcomes approximately 2,825,000 visitors every year and boasts an average review score of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 260,788 travelers.

This day is also your chance to see the amazing art museum, Musée d'Orsay, which hosts approximately 3,651,616 visitors per year. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 71,115 travelers, a trip to this wonderful site promises a memorable experience.

The top-rated Tuileries Garden, an outstanding mausoleum, is one place you should visit while in Paris considering its average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 92,172 travelers.

Explore the magnificent place de la Concorde and discover what makes this local square and wonder one of the best attractions in Paris. This popular sightseeing destination enjoys a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 from 54,229 travelers.

As the sun dips under the horizon, freshen up and head out to discover the best dining spots in Paris. Check out our recommendations on where to wine and dine while seeing this marvelous destination in Belgium 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.

This renowned restaurant holds , and offers an exceptional menu of cuisine. Make sure to reserve a table at Saint James Paris, an iconic dining spot in Paris. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Solera Paris : Bar à Cocktail, a popular restaurant in Paris. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of To Restaurant Paris, a hidden gem nestled in Paris. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Prescription Cocktail Club offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Sherry Butt is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. The Highlander is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

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

Dive into day 7 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across Belgium, France, and Germany. Today's main destinations are Paris in France, 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 Brussels. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Paris, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Versailles may take around 45 min. Upon your arrival in Versailles, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

A tour of Paris is not complete without a visit to the famous Sacré-Cœur. This incredible church building and attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 118,527 travelers, and is visited by 11,000,000 people every year.

Make the most of your Paris travel adventure by seeing another popular site, the wonderful La Villette. This commune of france and unique destination is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 56,497 travelers.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Versailles. This car ride takes around 45 min.

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Versailles today. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the outstanding Palace of Versailles. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 119,665 visitors and attracts around 4,741,758 curious travelers annually.

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

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, France, and Germany by rewarding yourself with a taste of Brussels’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.

As a top-rated it is an ideal choice in the city. Enjoy a lovely meal at Pasta Divina, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Café Walvis is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Brussels Beer Project // Dansaert Brewery. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Brussels tonight.

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

On day 8 you have reached the last destination of your European road trip. Catch one last glimpse of Brussels before it’s time to leave.

Depending on how much time you have before your departure, you may want to engage in some last-minute shopping or souvenir hunting. Get some unique items to remind you of your great European road trip across Belgium, France, and Germany. If shopping isn’t your thing, visit some of the lesser-known attractions you have yet to discover.

Maximize your last day in Belgium and go on a shopping spree in Brussels’s shopping center. This bustling commercial district is conveniently located near your lodging, granting you leisure time to roam and explore its assortment of establishments.

If you love the adrenaline rush of hunting for the best offers and deals in Belgium, you’re in for a treat. A variety of goods and gifts await your discovery. Bring a bit of Belgium home with you through these charming souvenirs.

Get a last taste of Belgium’s tasty traditional food. Choose from a curated list of the best local food and drink spots in Brussels and enjoy what may be your last vacation meal of this trip. Look forward to recreating these distinct culinary experiences in your own kitchen later to remind you of your unforgettable road trip across Belgium, France, and Germany.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at La Porte Noire, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Fin de Siècle? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu.

The time has come to say farewell to Brussels for now. You will realize that you’re traveling home with more than you came with as you look back at your 8-day European road trip in Belgium, France, and Germany with fond memories. Safe travels!