10-Day Self-Drive Road Trip in Germany and the Netherlands With Itinerary from Frankfurt to Cologne and Amsterdam

On day 2, you will wake up in Frankfurt with an entire day of wonders ahead of you! You still have 1 night left in Frankfurt before it’s time to get back on the road and continue your European tour across Germany and the Netherlands.

Today’s route brings family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and natural wonders. The first attraction of today is Palmengarten. This well-known botanical garden is a romantic place to see in Frankfurt. Continue your discovery at Alte Oper, a romantic opera house with stories to tell.

As you stroll around Frankfurt, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this city so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Goethe House. This intriguing museum offers a heritage-rich encounter with Frankfurt. Next, make your way to Nizza to add another highlight to your day. After that, visit Städel Museum, a beloved art museum that’s sure to impress. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Frankfurt.

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

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Restaurant Lohninger, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Apfelwein Dax offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Ariston Restaurant. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Frankfurt.

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

Take in the ambiance of Frankfurt 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!

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across 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 2 nights.

Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in Frankfurt allows for both. Start by heading to Cologne Rodenkirchen Bridge. This frequently visited point of interest provides an insightful glimpse into the city's identity. Next, discover Museum Ludwig, a photogenic museum, promising a delightful encounter.

Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Cologne Cathedral, an astonishing church. When you’re done, don’t forget to make a stop at the interesting Old Market.

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

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

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

Explore the vibrant nightlife at The Grid Bar after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Toddy Tapper for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Legends Bar & Terrasse is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

As the night falls in Cologne, 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 4 of your great European road trip in Germany and the Netherlands has in store for you! You will be staying in Cologne for 1 night before continuing your journey to the next destination.

Schildergasse is a street that stands out as one of the must-see places in Cologne. Take a moment to explore its distinct atmosphere, and don’t miss the popular sightseeing spots just a short walk away. For another highlight, head to Belgisches Viertel, a neighborhood offering its own unique experiences.

Get ready for a day filled with family-friendly attractions, scenic views, and picturesque spots in the charming city of Cologne. Your adventure starts at Cologne Zoological Garden, an interesting local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Fort X. This worthwhile monument is known for its picture-perfect appeal.

After soaking in the highlights of these sights, take some time to wander Cologne's streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. When you're ready to continue your sightseeing adventure, head to Lindt Chocolate Museum. This eye-catching museum offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable. Rheinboulevard is also worth visiting.

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

Enjoy a lovely meal at Mongo's Restaurant Köln, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Vietnamski restorant "Kuchi Mami" is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at RheinZeit. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Cologne tonight.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Soul Bar Cologne, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

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

On day 7 of your European tour in Germany and the Netherlands, you’ll start and end your day in Rotterdam, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you will return to Amsterdam for 2 nights more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Rotterdam in the Netherlands to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!

Meent is a fantastic place you can explore today in Rotterdam. This street is a testament to the city’s character, and it's easy to spend hours just walking around and admiring the surroundings. Soak in the Rotterdam-way-of-life and visit all the nearby sights.

Today’s itinerary in Amsterdam covers several incredible sights, including a monument, an art installation, a food market, a zoo and much more! Start your adventure at Erasmusbrug. This locally renowned monument is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the breathtaking wonders of Cube House, a must-see art installation in the city.

Consider stopping for a small bite to eat or a drink at a local eatery to keep your energy going. When you’re ready, continue your discovery with a visit to Markthal Tours. This increasingly popular food market offers an enriching experience. For a change of pace, head to Diergaarde Blijdorp, where you can take in picture-perfect features.

If you're eager to sample culinary delights during your multi-country road trip in 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 Loetje, a top-rated dining destination in Amsterdam. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Restaurant Moon, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at d'Vijff Vlieghen. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Amsterdam this evening.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Bar Bitterbal, known for its inviting atmosphere. Twenty Third Bar is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Louis Bar 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!

Greet day 8 of your multi-country road trip across Germany and the Netherlands with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You will return to Amsterdam for your remaining 1 night in the city later today, but first, it’s time for some exploring! On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Utrecht in the Netherlands.

One of the most iconic places you can visit today in Utrecht is Oude Gracht. Allow yourself some time to explore this street and discover its unique quirks. You'll also find many of the best sightseeing spots nearby.

Amsterdam is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a museum, a monument, and a church. Begin your sightseeing adventure at the up-and-coming Rietveld Schröder House. Just a short distance away is Nijntje Museum, an eye-catching museum that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Dom Tower Of Utrecht, one of the city’s most locally appreciated spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the up-and-coming St Martin's Cathedral.

As the sun dips under the horizon, freshen up and head out to discover the best dining spots in Amsterdam. Check out our recommendations on where to wine and dine while seeing this marvelous destination in the Netherlands 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 delightful dinner at Gartine, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Spirit Amsterdam? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at FuLu Mandarijn as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Amsterdam.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Bar Mokum after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to De Zotte, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Stone's Café Bar & Nightclub also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

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