9-Day Self-Drive Road Trip in Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands With Itinerary from Brussels to Cologne, Essen, Amsterdam, and North Brabant

On day 2 of your European tour in Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands, you’ll start and end your day in Brussels, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you will return to Brussels for 1 night more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Brussels in Belgium to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!

In Brussels, the extraordinary Cinquantenaire awaits. This attraction is a valued park that boasts an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 35,771 travelers' reviews.

Another of the best travel destinations in Brussels is the spectacular Grand-place. This attraction is a public square that is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 151,717 visitors, making it a captivating highlight for all travelers.

You could then travel to the amazing Royal Gallery Of Saint Hubert. This local shopping mall and wonder has an overall review score of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 38,953 visitors, proving its popularity among travelers.

St Michael And St Gudula Cathedral, Brussels is another attraction you might want to add to your Brussels exploration itinerary. This church is a popular stop among travelers in the area, as seen in its average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 19,282 reviews.

Laeken’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Brussels behind. This drive usually takes around 20 min. Laeken welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

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.

As the sun sets on day 2 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, prepare for a culinary journey. Navigate through Brussels'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, Brussels has them.

Have a memorable dining experience in Brussels by booking a table at Barge, renowned as a 1-star Michelin restaurant presenting an exceptional organic menu. For a different culinary experience in Brussels, La Villa Lorraine by Yves Mattagne shines as one of the top destinations, known for its delicious modern and classic cuisine. This 2-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, Bozar Restaurant is known as a top local spot for its delicious modern french and creative cuisine in Brussels. This 2-star Michelin awardee is a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable meal.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Bar Des Amis. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Bar Du Canal, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Little Delirium provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring 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!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 4 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, where you’ll be making 1 stop. The highlights of today include the wonderful destinations of Cologne in Germany. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Essen, your home for 1 night.

Something that makes Cologne the perfect holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding church, Cologne Cathedral. This local gem has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 70,814 visitors and gets around 5,000,000 visits every year.

The famous Old Market is another remarkable sightseeing hotspot in the area. As one of Cologne's most remarkable sights, there's no wonder why around 12,935 travelers have rated this incredible public square and travel destination an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in reviews.

Cologne is also home to the extraordinary Lindt Chocolate Museum, which boasts a 4.3 out of 5 star rating in 37,446 traveler reviews.

Another place you’ll want to visit is the captivating Cologne Zoological Garden. With an impressive average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from a total of 30,676 reviews, a visit to this wonderful zoo and tourist destination is truly a great idea.

After an exciting day of sightseeing, it’s time to check in at your accommodation in Essen. 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.

In the evening, prepare to be amazed by Essen’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, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Begin your culinary exploration in Essen by securing a reservation at Hannappel. This renowned restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of modern and classic cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Schote, celebrated for its delectable modern menu. This acclaimed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Südrock Rock Pub, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Gentlem, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Diamond Cocktail Lounge likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

Celebrate day 4 of your multi-country road trip in Europe with a toast, and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

On day 5 of your multi-country road trip across Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands, 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 Duisburg in Germany and Arnhem in the Netherlands. In the evening, you’ll end up in Amsterdam, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Set your GPS to Duisburg and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 18 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Duisburg beckons with new experiences!

Something that makes Duisburg the perfect holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding zoo, Duisburg Zoo. This local gem has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 21,434 visitors.

The famous Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord is another remarkable sightseeing hotspot in the area. As one of Duisburg's most remarkable sights, there's no wonder why around 27,144 travelers have rated this incredible park and travel destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in reviews.

When you’ve had your share of Duisburg, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Arnhem, the Netherlands. Your travel time is around 1 hour 18 min.

A tour of Arnhem is not complete without a visit to the famous Netherlands Open Air Museum. This incredible museum and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 17,800 travelers, and is visited by 524,188 people every year.

Make the most of your Arnhem travel adventure by seeing another popular site, the wonderful Royal Burgers' Zoo. This zoo and unique destination is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 35,556 travelers.

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

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

Don’t miss out on dining at Café restaurant van Kerkwijk, a top-rated dining destination in Amsterdam. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider CAU Steak Restaurant, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Radisson Blu Hotel, Amsterdam City Center. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Amsterdam this evening.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Excalibur Café, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Rosalia's Menagerie offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Café Hill Street Blues. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

As the night falls in Amsterdam, 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 6 of your great European road trip in Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands has in store for you! You will be staying in Amsterdam for 1 night before continuing your journey to the next destination.

One of today’s main highlights is the unforgettable Anne Frank House. This outstanding museum and travel destination inspires so many travelers each year, with over 1,195,456 people visiting it annually. Garnering an average rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 from 65,913 travelers, a visit to the remarkable Anne Frank House is worth pages in your travel diary.

The fascinating Van Gogh Museum is another of the city's top attractions that will stir your curiosity. This museum and tourist destination welcomes approximately 2,161,160 visitors every year and boasts an average review score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 86,536 travelers.

This day is also your chance to see the amazing science center, Nemo Science Center, which hosts approximately 502,990 visitors per year. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 31,426 travelers, a trip to this wonderful site promises a memorable experience.

The top-rated Rijksmuseum, an outstanding museum, is one place you should visit while in Amsterdam considering its average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 93,402 travelers. Rijksmuseum receives around 2,700,000 visitors in a single year, and today is the perfect opportunity to see it up close.

In the evening, prepare to be amazed by Amsterdam’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, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Eye Film Museum, a top-rated dining destination in Amsterdam. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Restaurant Ambassade, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Palmyra Syrian Restaurant. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Amsterdam this evening.

Continue your lively evening at Café Oporto, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Lost In Amsterdam Lounge Cafe & Cocktail Bar is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, 't Aepjen ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

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

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

Dam Square is a travelers’ favorite in Amsterdam, and today you’ll have the opportunity to discover it too! This one-of-a-kind attraction is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 42,514 visitors.

In Amsterdam, don’t miss Madame Tussauds Amsterdam, a great wax museum and place to see in the city. This outstanding attraction has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 26,374 reviews.

Check other top attractions in Amsterdam off your list when you visit the wonderful Royal Palace Of Amsterdam. This popular sight is an outstanding palace, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 22,894 travelers.

Beyond the above-mentioned top sights, take the opportunity to visit the outstanding Vondelpark. This park and place of interest has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 51,706 reviews.

After soaking in Amsterdam’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Lisse. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 35 min. When you arrive in Lisse, it's time to take a break from the road.

This outstanding travel destination inspires so many travelers each year.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Amsterdam and set your GPS to Lisse. 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 35 min. Upon reaching Lisse, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

One place travelers keep coming back to in Lisse is the magnificent Keukenhof. Around 60,394 visitors have rated this excellent garden and travel destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

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

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 North Brabant. After a delicious dinner, experience the local nightlife or unwind at one of the city’s most popular bars.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Uncle Bernard, a top-rated dining spot in North Brabant. If you're in the mood for something new, try Picasso Restaurant, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Bistro Tante Pietje. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in North Brabant.

Continue your lively evening at De Rooie Haen, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Café Bar Le Duc is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Café Klassiek ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

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

On day 8 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Kaatsheuvel in the Netherlands and Boom in Belgium. When you’re not exploring the city and its surrounding areas, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Brussels, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Kaatsheuvel, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Boom, Belgium. Witness the landscapes transform as you cross the border to Belgium. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 18 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated amusement park and attraction in Kaatsheuvel — Efteling. About 118,060 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

The popular Baron 1898 is another top sight in Kaatsheuvel that locals and travelers often enjoy spending time at. This attraction is a well-loved amusement park in the area, rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 8,520 visitors.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Boom, Belgium. This car ride takes around 1 hour 18 min.

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Boom today. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the outstanding Provinciaal Recreatiedomein De Schorre. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 7,780 visitors.

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.

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

Make sure to book a table at Villa Lorraine, a popular restaurant in Brussels. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Brussels at Le Marmiton, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is Le Bistro - Porte de Hal. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Brussels tonight.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, La Reserve offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Manneken Pis Cafe is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Addict Bar is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

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!