5-Day Self-Drive Road Trip in Germany and the Netherlands With Itinerary from Frankfurt to Essen and Amsterdam

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

Römer is a travelers’ favorite in Frankfurt, 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 3,117 visitors.

In Frankfurt, don’t miss Römerberg, a great public square and place to see in the city. This outstanding attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 24,968 reviews.

Check other top attractions in Frankfurt off your list when you visit the wonderful Iron Footbridge. This popular sight is an outstanding monument, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 23,403 travelers.

Beyond the above-mentioned top sights, take the opportunity to visit the outstanding Zoo Frankfurt. This zoo and place of interest has a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 22,905 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, the fantastic Palmengarten awaits. This botanical garden is a tourist hot spot, garnering an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 19,461 visitors.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Essen. This car ride takes around 2 hours 40 min.

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 Essen of your choice.

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 Essen. After a delicious dinner, experience the local nightlife or unwind at one of the city’s most popular bars.

Start your culinary exploration in Essen by securing a reservation at Hannappel. This renowned restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of modern and classic cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Schote, celebrated for its delectable modern menu. This acclaimed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Südrock Rock Pub, known for its inviting atmosphere. Gentlem is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Diamond Cocktail Lounge provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

Celebrate day 2 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 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 1 vibrant destinations - Amsterdam in the Netherlands. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to Amsterdam where you'll spend 1 night of well-deserved relaxation.

Set your GPS to Amsterdam, the Netherlands and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 2 hours 25 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Amsterdam beckons with new experiences!

One place travelers keep coming back to in Amsterdam is the magnificent Vondelpark. Around 51,706 visitors have rated this excellent park and travel destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Van Gogh Museum on this leg of your adventure in the Netherlands. This attraction is a well-known museum that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from around 86,536 travelers. Given this incredible site's popularity, it’s easy to understand why more than 2,161,160 people visit it every year.

The remarkable Rijksmuseum is known to be one of the best places to visit in Amsterdam, and its average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 93,402 traveler reviews is proof. Attracting more than 2,700,000 visitors in a single year, it's clear that the wonderful Rijksmuseum is a perfect add-on to your itinerary.

Dive deeper into Amsterdam by exploring the captivating Anne Frank House, which draws the attention of nearly 1,195,456 visitors annually. With a stellar average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 65,913 travelers, make sure this wonderful site is on your Amsterdam exploration list!

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

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.

Experience a taste of local culinary excellence while in Amsterdam by securing a table at Flore. An esteemed 2-star Michelin restaurant, it features an exceptional contemporary and creative french menu. For an alternative taste experience, visit Ciel Bleu, famous for its scrumptious creative dishes. This 2-star Michelin venue consistently impresses guests, making it a standout addition to your holiday plans. Looking for another choice? Discover Restaurant 212, a local favorite celebrated for its exquisite creative cuisine in Amsterdam. Located in the heart of the city, this 2-star Michelin restaurant is an ideal pick for creative cuisine lovers seeking top-notch culinary experiences.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Excalibur Café, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Rosalia's Menagerie offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Amsterdam. Café Hill Street Blues 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!

On day 4 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 Amsterdam in the Netherlands and Duisburg in Germany. In the evening, you’ll end up in Frankfurt, where you will stay for 1 night.

In Amsterdam, the extraordinary Madame Tussauds Amsterdam awaits. This attraction is a valued wax museum that boasts an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 26,374 travelers' reviews.

Another of the best travel destinations in Amsterdam is the spectacular Dam Square. This attraction is a public square that is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 42,514 visitors, making it a captivating highlight for all travelers.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Amsterdam, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Duisburg, Germany. Witness the landscapes transform as you cross the border to Germany. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 12 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

A favorite among locals and travelers alike in Duisburg is the fantastic Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord. As an appreciated park and local gem in the area, Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord has earned an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 27,144 reviews.

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.

Set out on a gastronomic journey in Frankfurt by reserving a table at Gustav. Renowned for its 2-star Michelin recognition, this restaurant presents an outstanding menu of creative cuisine. For a different taste, head over to Lafleur, renowned for its delectable modern french 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 Erno's Bistro, a highly rated local gem known for its exquisite classic french and modern 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 Frankfurt.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Barkello Café Bar Lounge. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Jambo Bar, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, The Cosy Bar provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring 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 Frankfurt to the fullest by mingling with the locals at a bar, taking a stroll around the city center, or simply relaxing.