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.

Whether you decide to explore Frankfurt on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss.

To truly experience Frankfurt, make sure to drop by Palmengarten. This well-known botanical garden is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Alte Oper, one of the city’s best highlights.

Next, check out Goethe House, one of the most locally appreciated places to see in Frankfurt. This museum is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Enjoy some downtime and refreshments before continuing to your next stop, Nizza. Wander around and soak in the mesmerizing atmosphere this park offers. Then, head to Städel Museum, a top-rated art museum that adds another dimension to your day.

Before this day of your vacation comes to a close, treat your palate to a taste of Germany's delectable cuisine at one of Frankfurt's best restaurants. After a nice meal, enjoy the local nightlife or unwind with a drink or two in the city’s most recommended bars.

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. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Frankfurt.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Barkello Café Bar Lounge, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Jambo Bar offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out The Cosy Bar. 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!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your multi-country road trip in Europe. The highlights of today include Cologne in Germany. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Cologne, your home for 2 nights.

Set your GPS to Cologne and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 2 hours 8 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Cologne beckons with new experiences!

Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Museum Ludwig, a photogenic museum that stands out in the city.

Time flies when you're having fun! But don't forget to stop for a bit to eat and drink between your adventures. When you're rested and recharged, head to Cologne Cathedral, a top-rated church that offers a unique experience. Be sure to also explore Old Market, a nearby public square, highly recommended by other travelers.

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.

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

Make sure to reserve a table at SAVOY Hotel, an iconic dining spot in Cologne. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Radisson Blu Hotel, Cologne, a popular restaurant in Cologne. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Café Reichard, a hidden gem nestled in Cologne. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at The Grid Bar, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Toddy Tapper. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Legends Bar & Terrasse, another top-rated place in the area.

Savor the moment and raise a toast to yet another amazing day of your vacation in Germany and the Netherlands! Enjoy your evening in Cologne to the fullest!

Day 4 of your multi-country road trip promises a full day of discoveries in beautiful Cologne. Enjoy time off the road as you have 1 night left in the city.

Schildergasse is one of the highlights of today. Take your time exploring this iconic street in Cologne, which offers a perfect blend of history and culture. Plus, it's close to many must-see landmarks in the city. Be sure to also visit Belgisches Viertel, a neighborhood that showcases another side of Cologne.

Cologne Zoological Garden brings Cologne's character to life. This mesmerizing zoo is a highlight of any visit in the city. Then, enjoy Fort X, another respected attraction that never fails to captivate visitors. Next, head over to Lindt Chocolate Museum, one of the city’s most notable attractions, known for its eye-catching features.

If you’re looking for more, spend time soaking in the atmosphere of Rheinboulevard. This eye-catching boardwalk is frequented by locals and tourists alike. To complete your memorable day, make sure to take a stroll around the area.

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 Germany and the Netherlands.

Dine in style at Mongo's Restaurant Köln, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Vietnamski restorant "Kuchi Mami" boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out RheinZeit. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Cologne.

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

Greet day 7 of your multi-country road trip across Germany and the Netherlands with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. On today's agenda, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Rotterdam in the Netherlands. You will return to Amsterdam for your remaining 2 nights in the city later today.

Whether you decide to explore Rotterdam on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Make sure to visit Meent, a popular street in Rotterdam. Spend some time wandering around the area and soak in its distinctive charm. You’ll also discover that several of the city’s must-see attractions are just around the corner.

Set your GPS to Rotterdam and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 16 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Rotterdam beckons with new experiences!

When you're ready for some sights, head to Erasmusbrug, a popular monument in Rotterdam. Explore its enchanting features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Cube House. This notable art installation is a top recommendation in the area.

When you’re ready to explore more, Markthal Tours is an excellent choice. Spend some time discovering what some claim to be the most detailed food market in the region. Next, continue your sightseeing at the interesting Diergaarde Blijdorp and discover what makes this zoo unique.

As the sun sets on day 7 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, prepare for a culinary journey at Amsterdam's top restaurants and eateries. After a fulfilling dinner, dive into the city’s local nightlife.

Make sure to reserve a table at Café Loetje, an iconic dining spot in Amsterdam. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Restaurant Moon, a popular restaurant in Amsterdam. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of d'Vijff Vlieghen, a hidden gem nestled in Amsterdam. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Bar Bitterbal, known for its lively atmosphere. Twenty Third Bar is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Louis Bar 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 8 of your European tour in Germany and the Netherlands, you’ll start and end your day in Utrecht, but spend most of the time exploring beyond the city, including Utrecht in the Netherlands. Amsterdam remains your base for 1 night more.

Oude Gracht is a fantastic place you can explore today in Utrecht. 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 Utrecht-way-of-life and visit all the nearby sights.

Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Utrecht.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Amsterdam and set your GPS to Utrecht. 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 47 min. Upon reaching Utrecht, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Rietveld Schröder House and explore the UNESCO world heritage-designated features. Next, make your way to Nijntje Museum, another highlight in Utrecht. When you’re done exploring the museum, continue to Dom Tower Of Utrecht, a culturally significant monument.

Nearby, you will also find St Martin's Cathedral. This curiosity-inducing church is a top place to see in the area.

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 Germany and the Netherlands.

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

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!