11-Day Self-Drive Road Trip in Germany and the Netherlands With Itinerary from Frankfurt to Cologne, Utrecht, Amsterdam, Koblenz, and Stuttgart

Dive into day 2 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across Germany and the Netherlands. Today's main destinations are Frankfurt 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.

One place travelers keep coming back to in Frankfurt is the magnificent Iron Footbridge. Around 23,403 visitors have rated this excellent monument and travel destination an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Nizza on this leg of your adventure in Germany. This attraction is a well-known park that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from around 6,282 travelers.

The remarkable Städel Museum is known to be one of the best places to visit in Frankfurt, and its average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 9,458 traveler reviews is proof.

Dive deeper into Frankfurt by exploring the captivating Alte Oper. With a stellar average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 13,602 travelers, make sure this wonderful site is on your Frankfurt exploration list!

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

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 Cologne'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.

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at Le Moissonnier Bistro, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an exceptional french and seafood menu. Alternatively, if you're in the mood for something different, consider the nearby 2-star Michelin-awardee, Ox & Klee, known for its delicious modern and creative cuisine. Another highly-recommended place to eat in Cologne is La Cuisine Rademacher, a renowned restaurant with a 1-star Guide Michelin recognition and a delicious modern french menu.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting The Grid Bar after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Toddy Tapper, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Legends Bar & Terrasse also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

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!

Day 3 of your multi-country road trip promises a full day of discoveries in beautiful Cologne. Enjoy time off the road as you’ll be staying in the city for 1 night more before hitting the road again.

Cologne Zoological Garden is a travelers’ favorite in Cologne, and today you’ll have the opportunity to discover it too! This one-of-a-kind attraction is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 30,676 visitors.

In Cologne, don’t miss Cologne Cathedral, a great church and place to see in the city. This outstanding attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 70,814 reviews. Going here means you’ll be in the great company of 5,000,000 other travelers who visit this attraction every year.

Check other top attractions in Cologne off your list when you visit the wonderful Old Market. This popular sight is an outstanding public square, rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 12,935 travelers.

Beyond the above-mentioned top sights, take the opportunity to visit the outstanding Lindt Chocolate Museum. This museum and place of interest has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 37,446 reviews.

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 Cologne'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 wonderful meal at Mongo's Restaurant Köln, a top-rated dining spot in Cologne. If you're in the mood for something new, try Vietnamski restorant "Kuchi Mami", another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at RheinZeit. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Cologne.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Soul Bar Cologne, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

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 by mingling with the locals at a bar, taking a stroll around the city center, or simply relaxing.

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 4 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, where you’ll be making 2 stops. The highlights of today include the wonderful destinations of Essen in Germany and Utrecht in the Netherlands. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Utrecht, your home for 1 night.

Set your GPS to Essen and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 10 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Essen beckons with new experiences!

One place travelers keep coming back to in Essen is the magnificent Unesco-welterbe Zollverein. Around 21,243 visitors have rated this excellent museum and travel destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

After soaking in Essen’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Utrecht, the Netherlands. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 56 min. When you arrive in Utrecht, it's time to take a break from the road.

One place travelers keep coming back to in Utrecht is the magnificent Nederlands Spoorwegmuseum. Each year, this popular place of interest welcomes over 355,000 travelers from across the world. Around 13,825 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 Dom Tower Of Utrecht on this leg of your adventure in the Netherlands. This attraction is a well-known monument that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from around 7,336 travelers.

The remarkable St Martin's Cathedral is known to be one of the best places to visit in Utrecht, and its average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,869 traveler reviews is proof.

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

In the evening, prepare to be amazed by Utrecht’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 Belgisch Biercafé Olivier Utrecht, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, FLFL Utrecht boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Broadway American Steakhouse. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Utrecht.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Kaasbar Utrecht, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Café Derat is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Body Talk also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Take in the ambiance of Utrecht 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!

Wake up and see what day 6 of your great European road trip in Germany and the Netherlands has in store for you! You will be staying in Amsterdam for 2 nights before continuing your journey to the next destination.

Something that makes Amsterdam the perfect holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding museum, Rijksmuseum. This local gem has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 93,402 visitors and gets around 2,700,000 visits every year.

The famous Van Gogh Museum is another remarkable sightseeing hotspot in the area, with up to 2,161,160 people visiting it every year. As one of Amsterdam's most remarkable sights, there's no wonder why around 86,536 travelers have rated this incredible museum and travel destination an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in reviews.

Amsterdam is also home to the extraordinary Anne Frank House, which boasts a 4.5 out of 5 star rating in 65,913 traveler reviews. This stunning museum and local feature draws more than 1,195,456 visitors on an annual basis, captivating the hearts of travelers with its unique charm.

Another place you’ll want to visit is the captivating Royal Palace Of Amsterdam. With an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from a total of 22,894 reviews, a visit to this wonderful palace and tourist destination is truly a great idea.

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.

Don’t miss out on dining 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.

Keep the evening going at Café Oporto, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Lost In Amsterdam Lounge Cafe & Cocktail Bar, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is 't Aepjen, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

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.

On day 7, you will wake up in Amsterdam with an entire day of wonders ahead of you! You still have 1 night left in Amsterdam before it’s time to get back on the road and continue your European tour across Germany and the Netherlands.

A tour of Amsterdam is not complete without a visit to the famous Vondelpark. This incredible park and attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 51,706 travelers.

Make the most of your Amsterdam travel adventure by seeing another popular site, the wonderful Madame Tussauds Amsterdam. This wax museum and unique destination is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 26,374 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Dam Square for an experience worth remembering. This local public square and standout destination has received an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 42,514 visitors.

Another stop we recommend you add to your Amsterdam sightseeing list is the remarkable science center, Nemo Science Center. Sought after by many travelers from around the world, Nemo Science Center has received 4.5 out of 5 stars from 31,426 visitors. More than 502,990 people visit this impressive attraction annually.

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

Dine in style at Café Loetje, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Restaurant Moon boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out d'Vijff Vlieghen. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Amsterdam.

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

On day 9 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in Germany and the Netherlands, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Koblenz in Germany. When you’re not exploring the city and its surrounding areas, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Stuttgart, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated monument and attraction in Koblenz — Deutsches Eck. About 34,555 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

The popular Ehrenbreitstein Fortress is another top sight in Koblenz that locals and travelers often enjoy spending time at. This attraction is a well-loved castle in the area, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 18,566 visitors.

Set your GPS to Speyer and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 52 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Speyer beckons with new experiences!

Something that makes Speyer the perfect holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding aviation museum, Technik Museum Speyer. This local gem has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 24,541 visitors.

When you’ve had your share of Speyer, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Sinsheim. Your travel time is around 31 min.

Something that makes Sinsheim the perfect holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding aviation museum, Technikmuseum Sinsheim. This local gem has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 29,268 visitors.

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

As the sun dips under the horizon, freshen up and head out to discover the best dining spots in Stuttgart. 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.

Prepare for an extraordinary culinary adventure in Stuttgart by booking a table at Der Zauberlehrling, a 1-star Michelin restaurant that boasts an exceptional creative menu. For a different flavor experience, head to Speisemeisterei, renowned for its delectable creative and innovative dishes. This 2-star Michelin restaurant consistently wows guests, making it a memorable stop during your holiday. Looking for another option? Visit Ritzi Gourmet, a local gem known for its delightful creative french and modern cuisine in Stuttgart. Nestled in the city's heart, this 1-star Michelin restaurant is a perfect choice for discerning restaurant-goers seeking a new experience.

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

As the night falls in Stuttgart, 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.

Dive into day 10 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across Germany and the Netherlands. Today's main destinations are Stuttgart 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 Frankfurt. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Stuttgart, including the outstanding Schloßplatz. Having an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 41,914 reviews, this fascinating public square and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the city.

Stuttgart is also home to the captivating Mercedes-benz Museum, a local museum considered one of the highlights of the city. About 43,234 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.8 out of 5 stars, proving its popularity. Each year, up to 876,109 people include this sightseeing spot in their travel itineraries.

The extraordinary Wilhelma is another unforgettable place you can visit on this leg of your journey in Stuttgart. This extraordinary zoo and tourist hot spot boasts a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 33,531 travelers.

Heidelberg’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Stuttgart behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 35 min. Heidelberg welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

This outstanding travel destination inspires so many travelers each year.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Heidelberg, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Stuttgart to Heidelberg may take around 1 hour 35 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Heidelberg, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

One of today’s main highlights is the unforgettable Heidelberg Castle. This outstanding castle and travel destination inspires so many travelers each year. Garnering an average rating of 4.7 stars out of 5 from 54,486 travelers, a visit to the remarkable Heidelberg Castle is worth pages in your travel diary.

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

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 Frankfurt. After dinner, head out to a bar to reminisce about your day and raise a toast to this stop on your road trip.

Experience a harmony of flavors at Gustav in Frankfurt by securing a reservation in advance. Known for its 2-star Michelin status, Gustav offers a delightful variety of dishes highlighting its delicious creative menu. If you're seeking an alternative culinary experience, be sure to explore Lafleur, a highly recommended restaurant known for its enticing modern french and 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 Erno's Bistro, a highly acclaimed restaurant celebrated for its exceptional classic french and modern menu.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Barkello Café Bar Lounge, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Jambo Bar is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, The Cosy Bar 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 Germany and the Netherlands! Enjoy your evening in Frankfurt to the fullest by mingling with the locals at a bar, taking a stroll around the city center, or simply relaxing.