5-Day Road Trip in Germany, and the Netherlands from Frankfurt to Essen, and Amsterdam

Your unforgettable multi-country road trip in Germany, and the Netherlands begins the moment you arrive in the awe-inspiring city of Frankfurt in Germany. You’ll check in at a top-rated hotel and stay in Frankfurt for 1 night.

Catch an early flight to Germany to enjoy as much time as possible exploring Frankfurt before it’s time to hit the road and drive to your next destination. Discover the city’s rich history, breathtaking sights, and lively atmosphere with visits to the most popular attractions.

Something that makes Frankfurt the perfect holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding concert hall, Alte Oper. This local gem has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 13,602 visitors.

Find your way to your hotel in Frankfurt. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Germany. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

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 Frankfurt. After dinner, head out to a bar to reminisce about your day and raise a toast to this stop on your road trip.

Make sure to reserve a table at Berliner Keller Frankfurt, an iconic dining spot in Frankfurt. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Im Herzen Afrikas, a popular restaurant in Frankfurt. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of 25hours Hotel Frankfurt The Trip, a hidden gem nestled in Frankfurt. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Gute Stute, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Flemings Hotel Frankfurt-central (former Flemings Express Frankfurt), a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Gleis 25 provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

Your multi-country road trip in Germany, and the Netherlands has only just begun. Brace yourself for more exciting days to come as you cross country borders in the comfort of your rental car and discover the most unique attractions, activities, and foods of each destination.

On day 2 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in Germany, and the Netherlands, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Frankfurt in Germany. When you’re not exploring the city and its surrounding areas, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Essen, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

One place travelers keep coming back to in Frankfurt is the magnificent Römer. Around 3,117 visitors have rated this excellent rathaus and travel destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Römerberg on this leg of your adventure in Germany. This attraction is a well-known square that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from around 24,968 travelers.

The remarkable Iron Footbridge is known to be one of the best places to visit in Frankfurt, and its average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 23,403 traveler reviews is proof.

Dive deeper into Frankfurt by exploring the captivating Zoo Frankfurt. With a stellar average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 22,905 travelers, make sure this wonderful site is on your Frankfurt exploration list!

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

Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in Essen by booking a table at Hannappel. This popular restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of modern, and classic cuisine. For another culinary dining option, venture to Schote, celebrated for its delectable modern menu. This acclaimed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, ensuring an essential addition to your holiday itinerary.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Südrock Rock Pub, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Gentlem offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Diamond Cocktail Lounge. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

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

On day 3 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. In the evening, you’ll end up in Amsterdam, where you will stay for 1 night.

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

Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated park and attraction in Amsterdam — Vondelpark. About 51,706 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

The popular Van Gogh Museum is another top sight in Amsterdam that locals and travelers often enjoy spending time at. This attraction is a well-loved art museum in the area, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 86,536 visitors.

Rijksmuseum is a spectacular national museum and highlight on travelers’ itineraries in Amsterdam, earning an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 93,402 enchanted visitors.

As the day moves along, be sure to make time to drop by the magnificent Anne Frank House. Because of its allure and charm, around 65,913 visitors have rated this attraction and museum an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars. More than 1,195,456 people visit this attraction each year, and today is your opportunity to be one of the lucky travelers to explore it.

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.

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

Set out on a gastronomic journey in Amsterdam by reserving a table at Flore. Renowned for its 2-star Michelin recognition, this restaurant presents an outstanding menu of contemporary, and creative french cuisine. For a different taste, head over to Ciel Bleu, renowned for its delectable 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 Restaurant 212, a highly rated local gem known for its exquisite 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 Amsterdam.

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

Celebrate day 3 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 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 2 vibrant destinations - Amsterdam in the Netherlands, and Duisburg 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.

A tour of Amsterdam is not complete without a visit to the famous Madame Tussauds Amsterdam. This incredible wax museum and attraction has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 26,374 travelers.

Make the most of your Amsterdam travel adventure by seeing another popular site, the wonderful Dam Square. This square and unique destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 42,514 travelers.

Set your GPS to Duisburg, Germany and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 2 hours 12 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Duisburg beckons with new experiences!

Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord is a travelers’ favorite in Duisburg, 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 27,144 visitors.

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

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 Frankfurt. After dinner, head out to a bar to reminisce about your day and raise a toast to this stop on your road trip.

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.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Barkello Café Bar Lounge, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Jambo Bar provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, The Cosy Bar offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

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 5 you have reached the last destination of your European road trip. Catch one last glimpse of Frankfurt before it’s time to leave.

Depending on how much time you have before your departure, you may want to engage in some last-minute shopping or souvenir hunting. Get some unique items to remind you of your great European road trip across Germany, and the Netherlands. If shopping isn’t your thing, visit some of the lesser-known attractions you have yet to discover.

As your final day in Germany unfolds, enjoy a last-minute shopping spree in Frankfurt's best shopping area. Enjoy finding the perfect gift or keepsake to remind you of your wonderful trip to Germany.

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Frankfurt today. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the outstanding Nizza. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 6,282 visitors.

Get a last taste of Germany’s tasty traditional food. Choose from a curated list of the best local food and drink spots in Frankfurt and enjoy what may be your last vacation meal of this trip. Look forward to recreating these distinct culinary experiences in your own kitchen later to remind you of your unforgettable road trip across Germany, and the Netherlands.

If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Chicago Meatpackers, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu.

The time has come to say farewell to Frankfurt for now. You will realize that you’re traveling home with more than you came with as you look back at your 5-day European road trip in Germany, and the Netherlands with fond memories. Safe travels!