9-Day Self-Drive Road Trip in Belgium and Germany With Itinerary from Brussels to Essen, Hanover, Berlin, and Bielefeld

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 2 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 - Brussels in Belgium. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to Essen where you'll spend 1 night of well-deserved relaxation.

One of today’s main highlights is the unforgettable Grand-place. This outstanding public square and travel destination inspires so many travelers each year. Garnering an average rating of 4.7 stars out of 5 from 151,717 travelers, a visit to the remarkable Grand-place is worth pages in your travel diary.

The fascinating Royal Gallery Of Saint Hubert is another of the city's top attractions that will stir your curiosity. This shopping mall and tourist destination boasts an average review score of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 38,953 travelers.

This day is also your chance to see the amazing park, Brussels Park. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 19,495 travelers, a trip to this wonderful site promises a memorable experience.

The top-rated Cinquantenaire, an outstanding public square, is one place you should visit while in Brussels considering its average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 35,771 travelers.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Brussels, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Laeken. This drive usually takes around 20 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated monument and attraction in Laeken — Atomium. About 91,642 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

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

By dinnertime, you’ll be ready to savor the tastiest bites and enjoy the lively vibes in central Essen. 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.

Experience a taste of local culinary excellence while in Essen by securing a table at Hannappel. An esteemed 1-star Michelin restaurant, it features an exceptional modern and classic menu. For an alternative taste experience, visit Schote, famous for its scrumptious modern dishes. This 1-star Michelin venue consistently impresses guests, making it a standout addition to your holiday plans.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Südrock Rock Pub, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Gentlem is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Diamond Cocktail Lounge is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

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

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across Belgium and Germany. Today's main destinations are Essen 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 Hanover. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Essen today. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the outstanding Unesco-welterbe Zollverein. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 21,243 visitors.

Next, discover the charms of the popular Shaft Xii. This incredible attraction and museum holds an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, thanks to 2,333 visitors.

According to travelers in Essen, the extraordinary Kokerei Zollverein is a must-see attraction. This crowd-favorite destination and museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,111 visitors.

As the day moves along, don’t miss out the incredible laser tag arena, Laserzone Lasertag Essen West - Borbeck. Up to 8,211 visitors have rated it an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

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

Discover the culinary delights of Hanover by securing a reservation at Handwerk. Esteemed for its 1-star Guide Michelin recognition, this restaurant offers a remarkable selection of modern and creative cuisine. For an alternative dining experience, try Jante, renowned for its delicious creative and modern dishes. This esteemed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently impresses guests, making it a must-visit spot during your holiday. Craving more culinary excitement? Head to Votum, a highly recommended local eatery celebrated for its mouthwatering creative and modern menu. With its 2-star Michelin recognition, it offers an unforgettable dining adventure.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Bar Seña, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Sternwarte is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Dormero Hotel Hannover also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

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

On day 4 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in Belgium and Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Laatzen in Germany. When you’re not exploring the city and its surrounding areas, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Berlin, where you’ll be staying for 3 nights.

A tour of Hanover is not complete without a visit to the famous Markthalle Hannover. This incredible food market and attraction has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 9,074 travelers.

Make the most of your Hanover travel adventure by seeing another popular site, the wonderful Herrenhausen Gardens. This botanical garden and unique destination is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 19,178 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Hanover Zoo for an experience worth remembering. This local zoo and standout destination has received an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 27,161 visitors.

One place travelers keep coming back to in Laatzen is the magnificent Hanover Fairground. Around 6,951 visitors have rated this excellent exposition center and travel destination an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Berlin. This drive usually takes around 3 hours, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

This outstanding travel destination inspires so many travelers each year.

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.

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

Experience a harmony of flavors at Rutz in Berlin by securing a reservation in advance. Known for its 3-star Michelin status, Rutz offers a delightful variety of dishes highlighting its delicious modern and creative menu. If you're seeking an alternative culinary experience, be sure to explore Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer, a highly recommended restaurant known for its enticing creative cuisine. This popular 2-star Michelin-awarded venue consistently exceeds expectations, ensuring a memorable holiday experience. Ready for another culinary adventure? Indulge your senses at FACIL, a highly acclaimed restaurant celebrated for its exceptional creative and contemporary menu.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Monkey Bar, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Bar Saint Jean, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Green Door Bar provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

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!

Day 5 of your multi-country road trip promises a full day of discoveries in beautiful Berlin. Enjoy time off the road as you’ll be staying in the city for 2 nights more before hitting the road again.

One place travelers keep coming back to in Berlin is the magnificent Pergamon Museum. Each year, this popular place of interest welcomes over 1,298,000 travelers from across the world. Around 29,292 visitors have rated this excellent museum and travel destination an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Berlin Cathedral on this leg of your adventure in Germany. This attraction is a well-known church that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from around 36,615 travelers.

The remarkable Fernsehturm Berlin is known to be one of the best places to visit in Berlin, and its average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 44,005 traveler reviews is proof.

Dive deeper into Berlin by exploring the captivating Alexanderplatz. With a stellar average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 213,494 travelers, make sure this wonderful site is on your Berlin exploration list!

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.

Make sure to reserve a table at Park Inn by Radisson Berlin Alexanderplatz, an iconic dining spot in Berlin. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Nante-Eck | Restaurant Berlin Mitte, a popular restaurant in Berlin. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Berlin TV Tower, a hidden gem nestled in Berlin. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Sharlie Cheen Bar, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Berlin Icebar provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, The Curtain Club offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

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

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

One of today’s main highlights is the unforgettable Checkpoint Charlie. This outstanding historical landmark and travel destination inspires so many travelers each year. Garnering an average rating of 4.1 stars out of 5 from 83,167 travelers, a visit to the remarkable Checkpoint Charlie is worth pages in your travel diary.

The fascinating Topography Of Terror is another of the city's top attractions that will stir your curiosity. This museum and tourist destination boasts an average review score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 36,601 travelers.

This day is also your chance to see the amazing monument, Siegessäule. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 26,706 travelers, a trip to this wonderful site promises a memorable experience.

The top-rated Großer Tiergarten, an outstanding historical landmark, is one place you should visit while in Berlin considering its average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 23,436 travelers.

Explore the magnificent Berlin Wall Memorial and discover what makes this local war memorial and wonder one of the best attractions in Berlin. This popular sightseeing destination enjoys a rating of 4.6 stars out of 5 from 41,126 travelers.

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 Berlin'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 a delightful dinner at BrewDog Berlin Mitte, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Restaurant Marjellchen? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Leonardo Royal Hotel Berlin Alexanderplatz as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Berlin.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Booze Bar Berlin, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Victoria Bar offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Scandic Berlin Potsdamer Platz provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

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.

On day 7 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 Berlin in Germany. In the evening, you’ll end up in Bielefeld, where you will stay for 1 night.

One place travelers keep coming back to in Berlin is the magnificent Brandenburg Gate. Around 162,714 visitors have rated this excellent monument and travel destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Memorial To The Murdered Jews Of Europe on this leg of your adventure in Germany. This attraction is a well-known monument that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from around 45,507 travelers.

The remarkable Potsdamer Platz is known to be one of the best places to visit in Berlin, and its average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 60,557 traveler reviews is proof.

Dive deeper into Berlin by exploring the captivating Berlin Zoological Garden. With a stellar average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 63,593 travelers, make sure this wonderful site is on your Berlin exploration list!

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 sets on day 7 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, prepare for a culinary journey. Navigate through Bielefeld'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, Bielefeld has them.

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.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Die Villa, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Three Sixty Bielefeld. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Cutie, 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!