11-Day Self-Drive Road Trip in the Netherlands and Germany With Itinerary from Amsterdam to Cologne, Maastricht, and Rotterdam

On day 2, you will wake up in Amsterdam with an entire day of wonders ahead of you! You still have 3 nights left in Amsterdam before it’s time to get back on the road and continue your European tour across the Netherlands and Germany.

A top thing to do today is to explore De Pijp, a must-see neighborhood in Amsterdam. It's the perfect starting point for touring the top attractions in the area.

Start your adventure at This Is Holland. This underrated flying theater is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Rijksmuseum located in Amsterdam for another exciting encounter.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Van Gogh Museum. Its instagrammable features will captivate you. After the museum, continue your tour of the city with a visit to Vondelpark. Visitors usually appreciate the eye-catching features of this park.

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 the Netherlands and Germany 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.

Don’t miss out on dining at Eye Film Museum, a top-rated dining destination in Amsterdam. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Restaurant Ambassade, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Palmyra Syrian Restaurant. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Amsterdam this evening.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Café Oporto, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Lost In Amsterdam Lounge Cafe & Cocktail Bar is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, 't Aepjen also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Celebrate day 2 of your multi-country road trip in Europe with a toast, and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Wake up to day 3 of your extraordinary road trip through the Netherlands and Germany. On this day, you’ll embark on an exciting expedition discovering the enchanting sights and activities of Utrecht in the Netherlands. With 2 nights left in Amsterdam, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Make sure to visit Oude Gracht, a popular street in Utrecht. Spend some time wandering around the area and soak in its distinctive charm. You’ll also discover that several of the city’s must-see attractions are just around the corner.

Get ready for a day filled with family-friendly attractions, photo-friendly spots, and history-rich sites in the charming city of Amsterdam. Your adventure starts at Nederlands Spoorwegmuseum, a captivating local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Nijntje Museum. This curiosity-inducing museum is known for its standout appeal.

After soaking in the highlights of these sights, take some time to wander Amsterdam's streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. When you're ready to continue your sightseeing adventure, head to Dom Tower Of Utrecht. This picture-perfect monument offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable. St Martin's Cathedral is also worth visiting.

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

Enjoy a lovely meal at Café Loetje, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Restaurant Moon is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at d'Vijff Vlieghen. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Amsterdam tonight.

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

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!

Greet day 4 of your multi-country road trip across the Netherlands and Germany with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You will return to Amsterdam for your remaining 1 night in the city later today, but first, it’s time for some exploring! On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Düsseldorf in Germany.

Start your day with a visit to Tritonenbrunnen In Düsseldorf. This underrated well is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-westfalen, which may be one of the most visually striking places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Amsterdam 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 Burgplatz, an often recommended public square in the city. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Rheinpromenade.

In the evening, prepare to be amazed by Amsterdam’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 the Netherlands and Germany.

Don’t miss out on dining at Gartine, a top-rated dining destination in Amsterdam. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Spirit Amsterdam, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at FuLu Mandarijn. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Amsterdam this evening.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Bar Mokum, known for its inviting atmosphere. De Zotte is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Stone's Café Bar & Nightclub provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

Take in the ambiance of Amsterdam 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!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 of your multi-country journey across the Netherlands and Germany. 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 3 nights of well-deserved relaxation.

Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in Amsterdam allows for both. Start by heading to Lindt Chocolate Museum. This popular museum provides an insightful glimpse into the city's identity. Next, discover Museum Ludwig, a photogenic museum, promising a delightful encounter.

Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Cologne Cathedral, a widely recognized church. When you’re done, don’t forget to make a stop at the popular Old Market.

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.

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

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

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

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

On day 6 of your European tour in the Netherlands and Germany, you’ll start and end your day in Bonn, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you will return to Cologne for 2 nights more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Bonn in Germany to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and natural wonders. Whether you decide to explore Cologne on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Rheinaue is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this romantic park before continuing your journey. Poppelsdorf Palace is your next stop. This curiosity-inducing palace is one of the best-rated sights in Cologne.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Botanical Garden, Bonn. This romantic botanical garden is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Holy Name Church and Beethoven-haus Bonn. If time allows, end your day with Kirschblüte, a visually striking street that offers a memorable conclusion to your exploration.

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

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Mongo's Restaurant Köln, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Vietnamski restorant "Kuchi Mami"? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at RheinZeit as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Cologne.

Keep the evening going at Soul Bar Cologne, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

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.

Wake up to day 7 of your extraordinary road trip through the Netherlands and Germany. On this day, you’ll embark on an exciting expedition discovering the enchanting sights and activities of Koblenz in Germany. With 1 night left in Cologne, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Today’s itinerary in Cologne covers several incredible sights, including a castle, a palace, a boardwalk, a tramway, a monument and much more! Start your adventure at Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. This captivating castle is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the eye-catching wonders of Schloss Koblenz, a must-see palace in the city.

Consider stopping for a small bite to eat or a drink at a local eatery to keep your energy going. When you’re ready, continue your discovery with a visit to Rheinanlagen Koblenz. This worthwhile boardwalk offers an enriching experience. For a change of pace, head to Seilbahn Koblenz - Talstation, where you can take in visually striking features. Conclude your self-guided sightseeing tour with a visit to Deutsches Eck. These sights offer a fulfilling end to a perfect day.

As the sun dips under the horizon, freshen up and head out to discover the best dining spots in Cologne. Check out our recommendations on where to wine and dine while seeing this marvelous destination in Germany 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.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Limani, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Funkhaus Cafe-Bar-Restaurant offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss The hanging gardens of Ehrenfeld. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Cologne.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Suderman, where the evening is just getting started.

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

Dive into day 8 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across the Netherlands and Germany. Today's main destinations are Maastricht in the Netherlands, 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 Maastricht. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Today’s itinerary in Cologne covers several incredible sights, including a cave system, a park, a historical landmark, a church and much more! Start your adventure at Caves Zonneberg. This locally appreciated cave system is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the idyllic wonders of North Caves Maastricht Underground, a must-see cave system in the city.

Consider stopping for a small bite to eat or a drink at a local eatery to keep your energy going. When you’re ready, continue your discovery with a visit to Stadspark. This frequently visited park offers an enriching experience. For a change of pace, head to Helpoort, where you can take in picture-perfect features. Conclude your self-guided sightseeing tour with a visit to Basilica Of Our Lady and Basilica Of Saint Servatius. These sights offer a fulfilling end to a perfect day.

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

As the sun dips under the horizon, freshen up and head out to discover the best dining spots in Maastricht. Check out our recommendations on where to wine and dine while seeing this marvelous destination in the Netherlands 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.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Bistrot-Bar 't Wycker Cabinet, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Café Local, lekker eten en drinken in Maastricht is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Onglet. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Maastricht tonight.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Mr. Smith, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Café Duke is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Bar Brutal also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Celebrate day 8 of your multi-country road trip in Europe with a toast, and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

On day 9 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in the Netherlands and Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Rotterdam in the Netherlands. When you’re not exploring the city and its surrounding areas, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Rotterdam, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Today's adventure in Maastricht promises more breathtaking discoveries and enriching experiences! Begin at Erasmusbrug. This romantic monument is a highlight of any visit in the city. Then, enjoy Maritime Museum Rotterdam, another visually striking attraction that never fails to captivate visitors. Next, head over to Markthal Tours, one of the city’s most beloved attractions, known for its stunning features.

If you’re looking for more, spend time soaking in the atmosphere of Cube House. This stunning art installation is frequented by locals and tourists alike. To complete your memorable day, make sure to take a stroll around the area.

After an exciting day of sightseeing, it’s time to check in at your accommodation in Rotterdam. 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 the Netherlands's delectable cuisine at one of Rotterdam'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.

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

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Mendoza, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Wunderbar offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Rotterdam. De Witte Aap is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

Take in the ambiance of Rotterdam 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!