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

Dive into day 2 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across Germany and Belgium. 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 1 night.

A favorite among locals and travelers alike in Frankfurt is the fantastic Römer. As an appreciated city hall and local gem in the area, Römer has earned an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 3,117 reviews.

Next up on your agenda, you will find the extraordinary Römerberg. This attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 24,968 visitors, so don't miss the opportunity to experience it for yourself!

Join countless others in discovering the allure of Iron Footbridge, a standout monument and attraction that's captivated the hearts of many. It has a stellar rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 23,403 reviewers.

Experience the magic that has drawn so many to the doorstep of the outstanding Zoo Frankfurt. This zoo is a highly recommended attraction in the city boasting an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars in 22,905 visitor reviews.

Just around the corner lies the magnificent Palmengarten, a popular botanical garden and attraction many visitors enjoy. More than 19,461 people have rated this attraction an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Set your GPS to Cologne and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 2 hours 4 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Cologne beckons with new experiences!

This outstanding travel destination inspires so many travelers each year.

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

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 Belgium.

Begin your culinary exploration in Cologne by securing a reservation at Le Moissonnier Bistro. This renowned restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of french and seafood cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Ox & Klee, celebrated for its delectable modern and creative menu. This acclaimed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover La Cuisine Rademacher, a top local spot known for its tantalizing modern french menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting The Grid Bar, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Toddy Tapper is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Legends Bar & Terrasse 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!

On day 3 of your multi-country road trip across Germany and Belgium, 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 Cologne in Germany and Laeken in Belgium. In the evening, you’ll end up in Brussels, where you will stay for 1 night.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Cologne, including the outstanding Old Market. Having an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 12,935 reviews, this fascinating public square and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the city.

Cologne is also home to the captivating Cologne Cathedral, a local church considered one of the highlights of the city. About 70,814 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.8 out of 5 stars, proving its popularity. Each year, up to 5,000,000 people include this sightseeing spot in their travel itineraries.

After soaking in Cologne’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Laeken, Belgium. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 2 hours 25 min. When you arrive in Laeken, it's time to take a break from the road.

This outstanding travel destination inspires so many travelers each year.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Cologne and set your GPS to Laeken, Belgium. 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 2 hours 25 min. Upon reaching Laeken, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Laeken, including the outstanding Atomium. Having an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 91,642 reviews, this fascinating monument and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the city.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Laeken, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Brussels may take around 22 min. Upon your arrival in Brussels, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Brussels today. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the outstanding Royal Gallery Of Saint Hubert. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 38,953 visitors.

Next, discover the charms of the popular Grand-place. This incredible attraction and public square holds an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, thanks to 151,717 visitors.

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

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 Brussels. 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 Brussels by reserving a table at Barge. Renowned for its 1-star Michelin recognition, this restaurant presents an outstanding menu of organic cuisine. For a different taste, head over to La Villa Lorraine by Yves Mattagne, renowned for its delectable modern and classic 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 Bozar Restaurant, a highly rated local gem known for its exquisite modern french and creative menu. With a 2-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 Brussels.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Churchill's, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Station Bxl offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Delirium Café provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

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.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Koblenz, 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 Brussels to Koblenz may take around 3 hours 7 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Koblenz, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

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.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Frankfurt.

This outstanding travel destination inspires so many travelers each year.

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

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.

Have a memorable dining experience in Frankfurt by booking a table at Gustav, renowned as a 2-star Michelin restaurant presenting an exceptional creative menu. For a different culinary experience in Frankfurt, Lafleur shines as one of the top destinations, known for its delicious modern french and creative 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, Erno's Bistro is known as a top local spot for its delicious classic french and modern cuisine in Frankfurt. This 1-star Michelin awardee is a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable meal.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Barkello Café Bar Lounge is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Jambo Bar, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is The Cosy Bar. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

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!