9-Day Self-Drive Road Trip in Belgium, France, Germany, and the Netherlands With Itinerary from Brussels to Bruges, Ghent, Amsterdam, Cologne, and Paris

On day 2 of your European tour in Belgium, France, 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!

Start by visiting Cinquantenaire, a prime spot to begin your journey. This culturally significant park is sure to impress. Next on your list is Brussels Park, another must-visit landmark and locally renowned park renowned for its visually striking features.

While exploring and sightseeing, take time to savor the culture of Brussels by sampling some local delicacies. When you’re ready for more sightseeing, head to Musée Magritte Museum. This eye-catching museum is an essential place to visit for anyone looking for the full Brussels experience. We also recommend visiting Grand-place, an iconic public square. Nearby, you'll also find Royal Gallery Of Saint Hubert, ready to add charm to your journey. End your self-guided sightseeing tour with a stop at Atomium and wrap up your day with its culturally significant appeal.

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, France, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at The Lobster House, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try o'reilly's Irish Pub Brussels? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Restaurant Roumaine as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Brussels.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Bar Des Amis after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Bar Du Canal for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Little Delirium is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

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 multi-country road trip across Belgium, France, 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 Bruges in Belgium. In the evening, you’ll end up in Bruges, where you will stay for 1 night.

Brussels is home to plenty of attractions that offer fun adventures, romantic experiences, and natural wonders! Start at Minnewaterpark, an underrated park that is worthwhile a visit in the city. Nearby, you’ll find Church Of Our Lady, enchanting visitors with its visually striking appeal. Continue your exploration at Boniface Bridge (bonifaciusbrug). This historical landmark is one of the city’s most frequently visited spots.

Enjoy the freedom of exploring Brussels at your own pace and find hidden gems along the way. If you want to see more picture-perfect spots, make sure to visit Groeninge. After exploring the neighborhood, head to the locally renowned Belfry Of Bruges. Lastly, wrap up today’s self-guided sightseeing tour with a visit to Basilica Of The Holy Blood, a place of inviting interest in Brussels.

After an exciting day of sightseeing, it’s time to check in at your accommodation in Bruges. 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 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, France, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Vlaminck '14, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Het Visioen is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at t'Lammetje. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Bruges tonight.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Groot Vlaenderen, known for its lively atmosphere. Bauhaus Bar is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, 't Brugs Beertje offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

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

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several fun adventures, breathtaking views, and picturesque spots. Whether you decide to explore Bruges on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Gravensteen is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this culturally significant castle before continuing your journey. Saint Bavo's Cathedral is your next stop. This interesting church is one of the best-rated sights in Bruges.

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 Belfry Of Ghent. This picture-perfect monument is a sight to behold.

After a long day of discovery, it's time to settle in at a top-rated hotel in Ghent. 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 Ghent. 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, France, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Maste Bvba, a highly-rated dining destination in Ghent. If you're eager to try something different, consider Godot, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Patrick Foley's. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Ghent this evening.

Continue your lively evening at De Geus Van Gent, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. The Alchemist is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Hot Club Gent ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

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!

Dive into day 6 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across Belgium, France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Today's main destinations are 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.

Discover a day packed with family-friendly attractions, picturesque spots, and history-rich sites in Amsterdam. Begin your sightseeing with Cologne Rodenkirchen Bridge. This underrated point of interest is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Lindt Chocolate Museum, another must-visit attraction.

As you wander through the inviting streets of Amsterdam, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Museum Ludwig. This increasingly popular museum is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Cologne Cathedral, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary.

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.

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, Germany, and the Netherlands by rewarding yourself with a taste of Cologne’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.

Have a fantastic dining experience at SAVOY Hotel, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Radisson Blu Hotel, Cologne offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Café Reichard is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option 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.

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 8 of your multi-country road trip across Belgium, France, 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 Versailles in France. In the evening, you’ll end up in Brussels, where you will stay for 1 night.

Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Paris, featuring fun adventures, romantic experiences, and scenic views. Start at Marie-antoinette's Estate, a frequently visited palace in the town. Then, head to Palace Of Versailles and soak in the ambiance of this UNESCO world heritage-listed palace.

There are many interesting places to see in Paris, and when you are ready for more, go to Royal Chapel. This is one of the town’s most curiosity-inducing visually striking spots of interest.

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

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

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.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into La Reserve. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Manneken Pis Cafe offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Addict Bar, another top-rated bar in the area.

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