12-Day Self-Drive Road Trip in Germany and the Netherlands With Itinerary from Frankfurt to Cologne, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Muenster, Bremen, and Hamburg

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 1 night.

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!

Next, continue your sightseeing at Rheinboulevard, an intriguing boardwalk.

If you're starting to feel hungry, this is a great time for a break at a nearby restaurant or cafe. When you're ready for more, stop by Museum Ludwig and uncover the details of this visually striking museum. Make sure to also explore Cologne Cathedral, a famous church. For your last stop, consider Old Market, an enchanting public square that many travelers find worth the detour.

After a long day of discovery, it's time to settle in at a top-rated hotel in Cologne. Indulge in well-deserved rest and rejuvenation, preparing for the continued adventure that lies ahead.

Before this 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, 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 SAVOY Hotel, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Radisson Blu Hotel, Cologne offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Café Reichard. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Cologne.

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.

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!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 of your multi-country journey across Germany and the Netherlands. This exciting part of your road trip invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in Düsseldorf in Germany. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to Amsterdam where you'll spend 2 nights of well-deserved relaxation.

After soaking in Cologne’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Düsseldorf. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 36 min. When you arrive in Düsseldorf, it's time to take a break from the road.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Schloss Benrath. Spend some time admiring the standout features of the palace before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Königsallee. This frequently visited street is a traveler-favorite in the city.

If you're keen to see more, continue to Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-westfalen. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the art gallery.

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

As the sun sets, 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.

Enjoy a delicious meal 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.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Excalibur Café. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Rosalia's Menagerie, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Café Hill Street Blues provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

Take in the ambiance of Amsterdam as this 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 multi-country road trip to look forward to!

Day 5 of your multi-country road trip promises a full day of discoveries in beautiful Amsterdam. Enjoy time off the road as you have 1 night left in the city.

A top thing to do today is to explore Jordaan, a must-see neighborhood in Amsterdam. It's the perfect starting point for touring the top attractions in the area.

No visit to Amsterdam is complete without Vondelpark. This spectacular park is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Van Gogh 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 Rijksmuseum. This impressive museum is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Dam Square, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary.

Before this day of your vacation comes to a close, treat your palate to a taste of the Netherlands's delectable cuisine at one of Amsterdam'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 Eye Film Museum, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Restaurant Ambassade offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Palmyra Syrian Restaurant. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Amsterdam.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Café Oporto offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Lost In Amsterdam Lounge Cafe & Cocktail Bar is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. 't Aepjen is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Celebrate day 5 of your multi-country road trip in Europe with a toast, and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

On day 7 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in Germany and the Netherlands, you’ll soak in the magnificence Utrecht in the Netherlands. When you’re not exploring the city and its surrounding areas, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Muenster, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Utrecht, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Muenster, Germany. Witness the landscapes transform as you cross the border to Germany. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 21 min.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the city's best attractions, visit Dom Tower Of Utrecht, a curiosity-inducing monument that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey. Next, head to Nederlands Spoorwegmuseum and admire its photogenic features.

When you’re ready, continue to Rietveld Schröder House, a locally appreciated museum beloved by locals and tourists alike.

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

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 Muenster.

Don’t miss out on dining at Cuba - Club und Bar Münster, a top-rated dining destination in Muenster. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Schloßtheater Münster, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Cafe Extrablatt Münster Königsstraße. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Muenster this evening.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Cafe Extrablatt Münster Aegidiimarkt, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Atelier provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Spooky's offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

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

On day 9, you will wake up in Bremen with an entire day of wonders ahead of you! You still have 1 night left in Bremen before it’s time to get back on the road and continue your European tour across Germany and the Netherlands.

Schnoor makes a great addition to your morning plans. This well-known street is a romantic place to see in Bremen. Continue your discovery at Bremen, an enchanting public square with stories to tell.

As you stroll around Bremen, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this city so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Bremen Roland. This curiosity-inducing monument offers an UNESCO world heritage-designated encounter with Bremen. Next, make your way to Town Musicians Of Bremen to add another highlight to your day. After that, visit Bremen Town Hall (ensemble), a locally appreciated city hall that’s sure to impress. If you’re up for more, end your self-guided sightseeing tour at Übersee-museum Bremen, an often recommended museum in the city. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Bremen.

In the evening, prepare to be amazed by Bremen’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 delightful dinner at Gaststätte Kleiner Olymp, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Restaurant Jürgenshof? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Q1 - Metropolitan Kitchen & Bar as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Bremen.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Wohnzimmer Bremen, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, König Lounge is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Cottons Pub also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

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 10 of your multi-country road trip in Europe. The highlights of today include Hamburg in Germany. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Hamburg, your home for 1 night.

Hamburg’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Bremen behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 30 min. Hamburg welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Savor the day by heading to Miniatur Wunderland, a spectacular museum that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue to Elbe Philharmonic Hall, where you can soak in the enchanting surroundings.

Next, explore St. Pauli Piers, yet another well-known place to see in the area. After the pier, make time to go to Elbe Tunnel. This culturally significant historical landmark is well worth the visit. Lastly, head to Planten Un Blomen, a popular botanical garden you won’t want to miss.

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

As the day unfolds, you’ll be delighted to find that Hamburg boasts an array of restaurants and bars catering to every budget. Take this opportunity to sample the distinctive flavors of the region.

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

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting The Boilerman Bar Hafenamt, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Scandic Hamburg Emporio is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Heritage Hamburg Rooftop Bar also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Celebrate day 10 of your multi-country road trip in Europe with a toast, and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 11 of your multi-country journey across Germany and the Netherlands. This exciting part of your road trip invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in Lübeck in Germany. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to Frankfurt where you'll spend 1 night of well-deserved relaxation.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Hamburg and set your GPS to Lübeck. 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 59 min. Upon reaching Lübeck, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Café Niederegger - Stammhaus, an increasingly popular restaurant in Lübeck. Explore its eye-catching features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Lübeck Cathedral. This often recommended church is a top recommendation in the area.

When you’re ready to explore more, Museum Of Nature And Environment is an excellent choice. Spend some time discovering what some claim to be the most respected museum in the region.

After a long day of discovery, it's time to settle in at a top-rated hotel in Frankfurt. Indulge in well-deserved rest and rejuvenation, preparing for the continued adventure that lies ahead.

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

Enjoy a lovely meal at Zu den 12 Aposteln, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Chicago Meatpackers is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Zum Gemalten Haus. As an establishment that consistently gains high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Frankfurt tonight.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Rote Bar, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Bar Helium Frankfurt Am Main is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Belfordfrankfurt is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

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