11-Day Self-Drive Road Trip in Germany and Belgium With Itinerary from Frankfurt to Cologne, Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, Düsseldorf, and Heidelberg

On day 2, you will wake up in Frankfurt with an entire day of wonders ahead of you! You still have 1 night left in Frankfurt before it’s time to get back on the road and continue your European tour across Germany and Belgium.

Today’s route brings fun adventures, romantic experiences, and natural wonders. The first attraction of today is Palmengarten. This locally renowned botanical garden is a mesmerizing place to see in Frankfurt. Continue your discovery at Alte Oper, an enchanting opera house with stories to tell.

As you stroll around Frankfurt, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this city so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Römerberg. This interesting public square offers a respected encounter with Frankfurt. Next, make your way to Iron Footbridge to add another highlight to your day. After that, visit Nizza, a locally appreciated park that’s sure to impress. If you’re up for more, end your self-guided sightseeing tour at Städel Museum, an underrated art museum in the city. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Frankfurt.

Experience shopping bliss at Frankfurt as you explore Skyline Plaza. Take a leisurely stroll through unique and shops, where local treasures are waiting to be found. Beyond shopping, Skyline Plaza offers more options, including restaurants, unique attractions, key services, and vibrant events.

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

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Restaurant Lohninger, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Apfelwein Dax offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Ariston Restaurant. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Frankfurt.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Barkello Café Bar Lounge stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Jambo Bar offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. The Cosy Bar is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

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!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 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 - Cologne 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.

Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Frankfurt. Some of the city’s most loved attractions await! Cologne Rodenkirchen Bridge is the perfect place to start. This point of interest is one of the most beloved places to visit in Frankfurt. Next, head to Rheinboulevard, a curiosity-inducing boardwalk, known for its instagrammable features.

In between the sights, don’t hesitate to take small detours to explore local stores and eateries. When you’re ready to continue your adventure, head to Cologne Cathedral. This picture-perfect church is a highly recommended experience. Nearby, you'll also find Museum Ludwig and Old Market. Visit these for an interesting touch to your journey.

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

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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at SAVOY Hotel, a top-rated dining destination in Cologne. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Radisson Blu Hotel, Cologne, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Café Reichard. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Cologne this evening.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at The Grid Bar, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Toddy Tapper offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Legends Bar & Terrasse. 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 4 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in Germany and Belgium, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Aachen in Germany. When you’re not exploring the city and its surrounding areas, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Brussels, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

Today, you'll explore some of the most beautiful places in Cologne, including a spa, a monument, a public square, a church, a zoo and much more! Start your day with a visit to Carolus Thermen. This up-and-coming spa is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Elisenbrunnen, which may be one of the most heritage-rich places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Cologne on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to Katschhof, an underrated public square in the city. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Aachen Cathedral and Aachener Tierpark Euregiozoo.

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

In the evening, prepare to be amazed by Brussels’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.

Make sure to reserve a table at Harvest Restaurant Bruxelles, an iconic dining spot in Brussels. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of BrewDog Brussels, a popular restaurant in Brussels. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of À La Mort Subite, a hidden gem nestled in Brussels. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

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.

Take in the ambiance of Brussels 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!

Wake up to day 5 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 Laeken 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!

Savor the day by visiting some of the best places to see in Brussels, including a monument, a shopping mall, a public square, a museum, a palace, a park and much more! Start your adventure at Atomium. This impressive monument is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Royal Gallery Of Saint Hubert located in Brussels for another exciting encounter.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Grand-place. Its history-steeped features will captivate you. After the public square, continue your tour of the village with a visit to Musée Magritte Museum. Visitors usually appreciate the photogenic features of this museum. Next up is Royal Palace Of Brussels, a highly recommended palace. For a change of pace, head to Cinquantenaire. As one of the most popular attractions in Brussels, this park is the perfect place to end your self-guided sightseeing tour.

If you're eager to sample culinary delights during your multi-country road trip in Germany and Belgium, you'll be excited to head out for dinner and get a taste of the local cuisine in Brussels. After dinner, head out to a bar to reminisce about your day and raise a toast to this stop on your road trip.

Don’t miss out on dining 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 fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Bar Des Amis, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Bar Du Canal offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Little Delirium provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Savor the moment and raise a toast to yet another amazing day of your vacation in Germany and Belgium! Enjoy your evening in Brussels to the fullest by mingling with the locals at a bar, taking a stroll around the city center, or simply relaxing.

On day 6 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 Bruges in Belgium. In the evening, you’ll end up in Bruges, where you will stay for 1 night.

Brussels is home to plenty of attractions that offer fun adventures, romantic experiences, and natural wonders! Start at Minnewaterpark, an often recommended park that is worthwhile a visit in the city. Nearby, you’ll find Church Of Our Lady, enchanting visitors with its history-steeped appeal. Continue your exploration at Groeninge. This neighborhood is one of the city’s most increasingly popular spots.

Enjoy the freedom of exploring Brussels at your own pace and find hidden gems along the way. If you want to see more picture-perfect spots, make sure to visit Belfry Of Bruges. After exploring the monument, head to the often recommended Basilica Of The Holy Blood. Lastly, wrap up today’s self-guided sightseeing tour with a visit to Burg, a place of majestic interest in Brussels.

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

If you're eager to sample culinary delights during your multi-country road trip in Germany and Belgium, you'll be excited to head out for dinner and get a taste of the local cuisine in Bruges. After dinner, head out to a bar to reminisce about your day and raise a toast to this stop on your road trip.

Dine in style at Vlaminck '14, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Het Visioen boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out t'Lammetje. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Bruges.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Groot Vlaenderen, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Bauhaus Bar provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, 't Brugs Beertje offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

As the night falls in Bruges, 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.

Dive into day 7 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across Germany and Belgium. Today's main destinations are Ghent in Belgium, 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 Ghent. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Bruges, featuring family-friendly attractions, breathtaking views, and photo-friendly spots. Start at Gravensteen, a popular castle in the city. Then, head to Sint-michielsbrug and soak in the ambiance of this visually striking historical landmark.

There are many interesting places to see in Bruges, and when you are ready for more, go to Saint Bavo's Cathedral. This is one of the city’s most interesting respected spots of interest. After exploring the church, visit the up-and-coming Ghent City Hall. Not far away, you'll also find Belfry Of Ghent. This monument is an awe-inspiring highlight in Bruges.

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

As the sun dips under the horizon, freshen up and head out to discover the best dining spots in Ghent. Check out our recommendations on where to wine and dine while seeing this marvelous destination in Belgium in a new light. After dinner, head out to a bar to relax, mingle with the locals, and raise a toast to your unforgettable road trip vacation in Europe.

Make sure to reserve a table at Maste Bvba, an iconic dining spot in Ghent. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Godot, a popular restaurant in Ghent. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Patrick Foley's, a hidden gem nestled in Ghent. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Keep the evening going at De Geus Van Gent, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to The Alchemist, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Hot Club Gent, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

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!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 8 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, where you’ll be making 1 stop. The highlights of today include the wonderful destinations of Düsseldorf in Germany. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Düsseldorf, your home for 1 night.

Discover a day packed with family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and scenic views in Ghent. Begin your sightseeing with Königsallee. This worthwhile street is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Hofgarten, another must-visit attraction.

As you wander through the inviting streets of Ghent, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-westfalen. This frequently visited art gallery is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Burgplatz, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary. Rheinpromenade is yet another highly recommended place to visit nearby, offering plenty to discover for curious travelers.

After a long day of discovery, it's time to settle in at a top-rated hotel in Düsseldorf. 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 Düsseldorf. After a delicious dinner, experience the local nightlife or unwind at one of the city’s most popular bars.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Brewery Schumacher, a popular restaurant in Düsseldorf. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Düsseldorf at Brewery im Füchschen, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated The ASH Düsseldorf. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Düsseldorf tonight.

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

Savor the moment and raise a toast to yet another amazing day of your vacation in Germany and Belgium! Enjoy your evening in Düsseldorf to the fullest by mingling with the locals at a bar, taking a stroll around the city center, or simply relaxing.

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 9 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 - Heidelberg in Germany. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to Heidelberg where you'll spend 1 night of well-deserved relaxation.

Savor the day by visiting some of the best places to see in Düsseldorf, including a castle, a public square, a historical landmark, a hiking area and much more! Start your adventure at Heidelberg Castle. This astonishing castle is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Heidelberger Marktplatz located in Düsseldorf for another exciting encounter.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Old Bridge Heidelberg. Its history-steeped features will captivate you. After the historical landmark, continue your tour of the city with a visit to Philosophers’ Way. Visitors usually appreciate the mesmerizing features of this hiking area.

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

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

Have a fantastic dining experience at Strohauer's Café Alt Heidelberg, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Vetter's Alt Heidelberger Brauhaus offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Joe Molese 117 - Burgers'n'Sandwiches is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Heidelberg.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Friedrich, Kaffee & Bar is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Sonder Bar (pinte), offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Café Bar Goodfellas. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Celebrate day 9 of your multi-country road trip in Europe with a toast, and look forward to more memorable moments to come!