5-Day Self-Drive Road Trip in Germany and Belgium With Itinerary from Frankfurt to Cologne and Brussels

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 2 of your multi-country journey across Germany and Belgium. This exciting part of your road trip invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Frankfurt in Germany. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to Cologne where you'll spend 1 night of well-deserved relaxation.

Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated city hall and attraction in Frankfurt — Römer. About 3,117 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

The popular Römerberg is another top sight in Frankfurt that locals and travelers often enjoy spending time at. This attraction is a well-loved public square in the area, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 24,968 visitors.

Iron Footbridge is a spectacular monument and highlight on travelers’ itineraries in Frankfurt, earning an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 23,403 enchanted visitors.

As the day moves along, be sure to make time to drop by the magnificent Zoo Frankfurt. Because of its allure and charm, around 22,905 visitors have rated this attraction and zoo an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars.

Discover the allure of Palmengarten. Echoing its popularity, 19,461 travelers have awarded this famous botanical garden and sightseeing spot an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

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.

As the day slows down and turns into evening, we encourage you to 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.

Set out on a gastronomic journey in Cologne by reserving a table at Le Moissonnier Bistro. Renowned for its 1-star Michelin recognition, this restaurant presents an outstanding menu of french and seafood cuisine. For a different taste, head over to Ox & Klee, renowned for its delectable modern and creative dishes. This distinguished 2-star Michelin-recipient is a favorite among guests, making it a worthy addition to your holiday plans. Craving more culinary excitement? Explore La Cuisine Rademacher, a highly rated local gem known for its exquisite modern french menu. With a 1-star Michelin acclaim, it promises a dining experience you won't want to miss. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Cologne.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like The Grid Bar, known for its lively atmosphere. Toddy Tapper is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Legends Bar & Terrasse offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

Take in the ambiance of Cologne 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 3 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, where you’ll be making 2 stops. The highlights of today include the wonderful destinations of Cologne in Germany and Laeken in Belgium. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Brussels, your home for 1 night.

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Cologne today. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the outstanding Old Market. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 12,935 visitors.

Next, discover the charms of the popular Cologne Cathedral. This incredible attraction and church holds an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, thanks to 70,814 visitors. Up to 5,000,000 people visit this fantastic attraction every year.

When you’ve had your share of Cologne, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Laeken, Belgium. Your travel time is around 2 hours 25 min.

Something that makes Laeken the perfect holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding monument, Atomium. This local gem has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 91,642 visitors.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Brussels. This drive usually takes around 22 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated shopping mall and attraction in Brussels — Royal Gallery Of Saint Hubert. About 38,953 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

The popular Grand-place is another top sight in Brussels that locals and travelers often enjoy spending time at. This attraction is a well-loved public square in the area, rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 151,717 visitors.

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

Before this memorable day of your vacation comes to a close, treat your palate to a taste of Belgium's delectable cuisine at one of Brussels'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.

Have a memorable dining experience in Brussels by booking a table at Barge, renowned as a 1-star Michelin restaurant presenting an exceptional organic menu. For a different culinary experience in Brussels, La Villa Lorraine by Yves Mattagne shines as one of the top destinations, known for its delicious modern and classic cuisine. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from previous guests, making it a must-visit addition to your holiday experience. If you're looking for an alternative, Bozar Restaurant is known as a top local spot for its delicious modern french and creative cuisine in Brussels. This 2-star Michelin awardee is a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable meal.

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

As the night falls in Brussels, 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 4 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in Germany and Belgium, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Brussels in Belgium and Koblenz in Germany. When you’re not exploring the city and its surrounding areas, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Frankfurt, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

One place travelers keep coming back to in Brussels is the magnificent Mont Des Arts - Kunstberg. Around 14,784 visitors have rated this excellent public square and travel destination an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Brussels Park on this leg of your adventure in Belgium. This attraction is a well-known park that has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from around 19,495 travelers.

The remarkable Cinquantenaire is known to be one of the best places to visit in Brussels, and its average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 35,771 traveler reviews is proof.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Brussels, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Set course for Germany! Under favorable conditions, your drive to Koblenz may take around 3 hours 7 min. Upon your arrival in Koblenz, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

A tour of Koblenz is not complete without a visit to the famous Deutsches Eck. This incredible monument and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 34,555 travelers.

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

As the sun sets on day 4 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, prepare for a culinary journey. Navigate through Frankfurt's top restaurants and eateries, each offering a local taste of Germany to remember your trip by. After a fulfilling dinner, dive into the city’s local nightlife. Whether you prefer the bustling energy of popular pubs or want to take in the ambiance of a quiet bar, Frankfurt has them.

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Gustav, a 2-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible creative menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Lafleur is one of the best restaurants for modern french and creative cuisine in Frankfurt. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at Erno's Bistro. As a top-rated establishment with 1 Michelin star, it is an ideal choice for classic french and modern cuisine in the city.

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

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