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

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 Cologne, 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.

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

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.

Have a memorable dining experience in Cologne by booking a table at Le Moissonnier Bistro, renowned as a 1-star Michelin restaurant presenting an exceptional french and seafood menu. For a different culinary experience in Cologne, Ox & Klee shines as one of the top destinations, known for its delicious modern 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, La Cuisine Rademacher is known as a top local spot for its delicious modern french cuisine in Cologne. This 1-star Michelin awardee is a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable meal.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting The Grid Bar after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Toddy Tapper, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Legends Bar & Terrasse also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

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.

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 Cambron-Casteau in Belgium. In the evening, you’ll end up in Brussels, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Cologne today. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the outstanding Cologne Cathedral. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 70,814 visitors and attracts around 5,000,000 curious travelers annually.

Next, discover the charms of the popular Cologne Zoological Garden. This incredible attraction and zoo holds an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, thanks to 30,676 visitors.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Cambron-Casteau, Belgium. This car ride takes around 2 hours 56 min.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Cambron-Casteau, including the outstanding Pairi Daiza. Having an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 70,507 reviews and welcoming more than 2,000,000 visitors each year, this fascinating zoo and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the city.

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 unfolds, you’ll be delighted to find that the city of Brussels boasts an array of restaurants and bars catering to every budget. Take this opportunity to sample the distinctive flavors of Belgium.

Prepare for an extraordinary culinary adventure in Brussels by booking a table at Barge, a 1-star Michelin restaurant that boasts an exceptional organic menu. For a different flavor experience, head to La Villa Lorraine by Yves Mattagne, renowned for its delectable modern and classic dishes. This 2-star Michelin restaurant consistently wows guests, making it a memorable stop during your holiday. Looking for another option? Visit Bozar Restaurant, a local gem known for its delightful modern french and creative cuisine in Brussels. Nestled in the city's heart, this 2-star Michelin restaurant is a perfect choice for discerning restaurant-goers seeking a new experience.

Continue your lively evening at Churchill's, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Station Bxl is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Delirium Café ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

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!

Wake up to day 4 of your extraordinary road trip through Germany and Belgium. On this day, you’ll embark on an exciting expedition discovering the enchanting sights and activities of Ghent in Belgium. With 1 night left in Brussels, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Brussels today. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the outstanding St Michael And St Gudula Cathedral, Brussels. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 19,282 visitors.

Next, discover the charms of the popular Brussels Park. This incredible attraction and park holds an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, thanks to 19,495 visitors.

According to travelers in Brussels, the extraordinary Cinquantenaire is a must-see attraction. This crowd-favorite destination and park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 35,771 visitors.

As the day moves along, don’t miss out the incredible public square, Grand-place. Up to 151,717 visitors have rated it an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

After soaking in Brussels’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Ghent. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 3 min. When you arrive in Ghent, it's time to take a break from the road.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Ghent, including the outstanding Gravensteen. Having an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 29,205 reviews, this fascinating castle and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the city.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Ghent, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Laeken may take around 48 min. Upon your arrival in Laeken, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

One place travelers keep coming back to in Laeken is the magnificent Atomium. Around 91,642 visitors have rated this excellent monument and travel destination an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

As the day unfolds, you’ll be delighted to find that the city of Brussels boasts an array of restaurants and bars catering to every budget. Take this opportunity to sample the distinctive flavors of Belgium.

Enjoy a delicious meal at The Lobster House, a top-rated dining destination in Brussels. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider o'reilly's Irish Pub Brussels, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Restaurant Roumaine. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Brussels this evening.

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

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 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in Germany and Belgium, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Brussels in Belgium and Brühl 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 of today’s main highlights is the unforgettable Royal Gallery Of Saint Hubert. This outstanding shopping mall and travel destination inspires so many travelers each year. Garnering an average rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 from 38,953 travelers, a visit to the remarkable Royal Gallery Of Saint Hubert is worth pages in your travel diary.

The fascinating Mont Des Arts - Kunstberg is another of the city's top attractions that will stir your curiosity. This public square and tourist destination boasts an average review score of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 14,784 travelers.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Brühl, 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 Brühl may take around 2 hours 13 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Brühl, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

This outstanding travel destination inspires so many travelers each year.

When you’ve had your share of Brussels, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Brühl, Germany. Your travel time is around 2 hours 13 min.

One place travelers keep coming back to in Brühl is the magnificent Phantasialand. Each year, this popular place of interest welcomes over 1,750,000 travelers from across the world. Around 91,824 visitors have rated this excellent amusement park and travel destination an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Frankfurt.

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 Frankfurt. 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 Belgium by rewarding yourself with a taste of Frankfurt’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.

Begin your culinary exploration in Frankfurt by securing a reservation at Gustav. This renowned restaurant holds 2 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of creative cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Lafleur, celebrated for its delectable modern french 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 Erno's Bistro, a top local spot known for its tantalizing classic french and modern menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

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

Take in the ambiance of Frankfurt 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!