12-Day Self-Drive Road Trip in Germany and the Netherlands With Itinerary from Frankfurt to Cologne, Amsterdam, Zwolle, Hamburg, Berlin, and Dresden

On day 2 of your multi-country road trip across 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 Frankfurt in Germany. In the evening, you’ll end up in Cologne, where you will stay for 1 night.

One place travelers keep coming back to in Frankfurt is the magnificent Frankfurt Cathedral. Around 5,990 visitors have rated this excellent church and travel destination an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Iron Footbridge on this leg of your adventure in Germany. This attraction is a well-known monument that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from around 23,403 travelers.

The remarkable Zoo Frankfurt is known to be one of the best places to visit in Frankfurt, and its average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 22,905 traveler reviews is proof.

Dive deeper into Frankfurt by exploring the captivating Palmengarten. With a stellar average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 19,461 travelers, make sure this wonderful site is on your Frankfurt exploration list!

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Frankfurt. This drive usually takes around 1 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

This outstanding travel destination inspires so many travelers each year.

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

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.

Experience a symphony of flavors at Le Moissonnier Bistro in Cologne by securing a reservation in advance. Renowned for its 1-star Michelin distinction, Le Moissonnier Bistro delights its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious french and seafood cuisine. For a palate-pleasing alternative, make sure to dine at Ox & Klee, acclaimed for its delectable modern and creative specialties. This local 2-star Michelin establishment consistently satisfies guests, ensuring an unforgettable holiday experience. Want to go on another culinary journey? Delight your senses at La Cuisine Rademacher, a top-rated restaurant known for its outstanding menu. Known as a top-rated 1-star Michelin establishment, it's a top choice for modern french cuisine in the city.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at The Grid Bar. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Toddy Tapper, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Legends Bar & Terrasse provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

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.

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 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 2 vibrant destinations - Cologne in Germany and Hilvarenbeek in the Netherlands. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to Amsterdam where you'll spend 2 nights of well-deserved relaxation.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Cologne, including the outstanding Cologne Cathedral. Having an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 70,814 reviews and welcoming more than 5,000,000 visitors each year, this fascinating church and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the city.

Cologne is also home to the captivating Cologne Zoological Garden, a local zoo considered one of the highlights of the city. About 30,676 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.4 out of 5 stars, proving its popularity.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Hilvarenbeek, the Netherlands. This car ride takes around 2 hours 3 min.

A tour of Hilvarenbeek is not complete without a visit to the famous Beekse Bergen. This incredible safari park and attraction has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 27,828 travelers.

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

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

Dine in style at Café restaurant van Kerkwijk, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, CAU Steak Restaurant boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Radisson Blu Hotel, Amsterdam City Center. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Amsterdam.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Excalibur Café, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Rosalia's Menagerie offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Café Hill Street Blues. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

Take in the ambiance of Amsterdam 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!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 6 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, where you’ll be making 2 stops. The highlights of today include the wonderful destinations of Assen in the Netherlands and Bremen 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.

This outstanding travel destination inspires so many travelers each year.

After soaking in Zwolle’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Assen. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 54 min. When you arrive in Assen, it's time to take a break from the road.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Assen, including the outstanding Tt Circuit Assen. Having an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 14,288 reviews, this fascinating motor speedway and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the city.

After soaking in Assen’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Bremen, Germany. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 2 hours 9 min. When you arrive in Bremen, it's time to take a break from the road.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Bremen, including the outstanding Schnoor. Having an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 16,546 reviews, this fascinating street and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the city.

Bremen is also home to the captivating Town Musicians Of Bremen, a local literary work considered one of the highlights of the city. About 10,109 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.6 out of 5 stars, proving its popularity.

The extraordinary Am Stadtwaldsee (uni-wildnis) is another unforgettable place you can visit on this leg of your journey in Bremen. This extraordinary lake and tourist hot spot boasts a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 619 travelers.

An exhilarating day of exploring and driving will have you longing for a comfortable bed at the end of the day. Fortunately, Hamburg’s top hotels offer a lovely retreat at day’s end. Choose from options ranging from budget to luxury.

In the evening, prepare to be amazed by Hamburg’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.

Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in Hamburg by booking a table at The Table Kevin Fehling. This popular restaurant holds 3 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of creative and international cuisine. For another culinary dining option, venture to Haerlin, celebrated for its delectable creative french and classic menu. This acclaimed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, ensuring an essential addition to your holiday itinerary. Seeking an alternative? Discover 100/200 Kitchen, a top local restaurant known for its tantalizing creative and modern menu. With a 2-star Michelin recognition, it promises an exceptional dining experience not to be missed.

Continue your lively evening at The Boilerman Bar Hafenamt, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Scandic Hamburg Emporio is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Heritage Hamburg Rooftop Bar ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

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

Dive into day 7 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across Germany and the Netherlands. Today's main destinations are Hamburg 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 Berlin. You’ll stay here for 3 nights.

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Hamburg today. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the outstanding St. Pauli Piers. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 19,508 visitors.

Next, discover the charms of the popular Elbe Tunnel. This incredible attraction and historical landmark holds an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, thanks to 34,850 visitors.

According to travelers in Hamburg, the extraordinary Elbe Philharmonic Hall is a must-see attraction. This crowd-favorite destination and concert hall is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 79,037 visitors.

As the day moves along, don’t miss out the incredible museum, Miniatur Wunderland. Up to 89,283 visitors have rated it an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

If you’re up for another attraction, check out the popular park, Stadtpark. This attraction is rated an average 4.7 out of 5 stars among 20,877 visitors.

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

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

Prepare for an extraordinary culinary adventure in Berlin by booking a table at Rutz, a 3-star Michelin restaurant that boasts an exceptional modern and creative menu. For a different flavor experience, head to Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer, renowned for its delectable creative dishes. This 2-star Michelin restaurant consistently wows guests, making it a memorable stop during your holiday. Looking for another option? Visit FACIL, a local gem known for its delightful creative and contemporary cuisine in Berlin. Nestled in the city's heart, this 2-star Michelin restaurant is a perfect choice for discerning restaurant-goers seeking a new experience.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Monkey Bar, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Bar Saint Jean offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Berlin. Green Door Bar is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

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!

Day 8 of your multi-country road trip promises a full day of discoveries in beautiful Berlin. Enjoy time off the road as you’ll be staying in the city for 2 nights more before hitting the road again.

Something that makes Berlin the perfect holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding war memorial, Berlin Wall Memorial. This local gem has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 41,126 visitors.

The famous Berlin Cathedral is another remarkable sightseeing hotspot in the area. As one of Berlin's most remarkable sights, there's no wonder why around 36,615 travelers have rated this incredible church and travel destination an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in reviews.

Berlin is also home to the extraordinary Alexanderplatz, which boasts a 4.3 out of 5 star rating in 213,494 traveler reviews.

Another place you’ll want to visit is the captivating East Side Gallery. With an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from a total of 54,103 reviews, a visit to this wonderful street art and tourist destination is truly a great idea.

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 Berlin. 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 delicious meal at Park Inn by Radisson Berlin Alexanderplatz, a top-rated dining destination in Berlin. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Nante-Eck | Restaurant Berlin Mitte, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Berlin TV Tower. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Berlin this evening.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Sharlie Cheen Bar, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Berlin Icebar, a bar catering to every mood and preference. The Curtain Club likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

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

Wake up and see what day 9 of your great European road trip in Germany and the Netherlands has in store for you! You will be staying in Berlin for 1 night before continuing your journey to the next destination.

One of today’s main highlights is the unforgettable Berlin Zoological Garden. This outstanding zoo and travel destination inspires so many travelers each year. Garnering an average rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 from 63,593 travelers, a visit to the remarkable Berlin Zoological Garden is worth pages in your travel diary.

The fascinating Großer Tiergarten is another of the city's top attractions that will stir your curiosity. This park and tourist destination boasts an average review score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 23,436 travelers.

This day is also your chance to see the amazing public square, Potsdamer Platz. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 60,557 travelers, a trip to this wonderful site promises a memorable experience.

The top-rated Memorial To The Murdered Jews Of Europe, an outstanding zoo, is one place you should visit while in Berlin considering its average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 45,507 travelers.

Explore the magnificent Checkpoint Charlie and discover what makes this local historical landmark and wonder one of the best attractions in Berlin. This popular sightseeing destination enjoys a rating of 4.1 stars out of 5 from 83,167 travelers.

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

Have a fantastic dining experience at BrewDog Berlin Mitte, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Restaurant Marjellchen offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Leonardo Royal Hotel Berlin Alexanderplatz is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Berlin.

Keep the evening going at Booze Bar Berlin, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Victoria Bar, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Scandic Berlin Potsdamer Platz, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

Take in the ambiance of Berlin 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 10 of your multi-country road trip across 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 Berlin in Germany. In the evening, you’ll end up in Dresden, where you will stay for 1 night.

Something that makes Berlin the perfect holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding monument, Brandenburg Gate. This local gem has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 162,714 visitors.

The famous Siegessäule is another remarkable sightseeing hotspot in the area. As one of Berlin's most remarkable sights, there's no wonder why around 26,706 travelers have rated this incredible monument and travel destination an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in reviews.

Berlin is also home to the extraordinary Charlottenburg Palace, which boasts a 4.5 out of 5 star rating in 25,831 traveler reviews.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Potsdam. This drive usually takes around 34 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Sanssouci Park is a travelers’ favorite in Potsdam, and today you’ll have the opportunity to discover it too! This one-of-a-kind attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 33,286 visitors.

In Potsdam, don’t miss Sanssouci, a great palace and place to see in the city. This outstanding attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 25,145 reviews.

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

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 Dresden. 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 ElbUferei in Dresden by securing a reservation in advance. Known for its Bib Gourmand status, ElbUferei offers a delightful variety of dishes highlighting its delicious mediterranean and international menu. If you're seeking an alternative culinary experience, be sure to explore Genuss-Atelier, a highly recommended restaurant known for its enticing modern and creative cuisine. This popular 1-star Michelin-awarded venue consistently exceeds expectations, ensuring a memorable holiday experience. Ready for another culinary adventure? Indulge your senses at Elements, a highly acclaimed restaurant celebrated for its exceptional modern and international menu.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Hebeda's after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Bbc – Bar Brasserie Cassis for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Blondes is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

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