One-Week Self-Drive Road Trip in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany With Itinerary from Amsterdam to Brussels and Cologne

Day 2 of your multi-country road trip promises a full day of discoveries in beautiful Amsterdam. Enjoy time off the road as you’ll be staying in the city for 1 night more before hitting the road again.

Set aside time today to explore De Pijp, a standout neighborhood that reflects the essence of the city. While you're there, you'll also be within reach of some of the city's top landmarks, making it easy to maximize your day.

Get ready for an exciting day in Amsterdam. Today’s sightseeing agenda includes a historical landmark, a museum, and a park. Begin your adventure at Begijnhof. This is an up-and-coming historical landmark you should not miss. Another must-see is Rijksmuseum, a top-rated museum in Amsterdam.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Van Gogh Museum. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Vondelpark, another of the city’s astonishing attractions.

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 the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Eye Film Museum, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Restaurant Ambassade? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Palmyra Syrian Restaurant as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Amsterdam.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Café Oporto after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Lost In Amsterdam Lounge Cafe & Cocktail Bar, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, 't Aepjen also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

As the night falls in Amsterdam, 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 the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, 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 Laeken in Belgium. In the evening, you’ll end up in Brussels, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Today, you'll explore some of the most beautiful places in Amsterdam, including a monument, a palace, a park, a church, a shopping mall, a public square and much more! Start your day with a visit to Atomium. This top-rated monument is a must-visit in the village. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Royal Palace Of Brussels, which may be one of the most respected 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 Brussels Park, a locally renowned park in the village. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for St Michael And St Gudula Cathedral, Brussels and Royal Gallery Of Saint Hubert. End your day with a visit to Grand-place, a timeless public square that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

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.

As the sun sets on day 3 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, prepare for a culinary journey. Navigate through Brussels's top restaurants and eateries, each offering a local taste of Belgium 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, Brussels has them.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Harvest Restaurant Bruxelles, a top-rated dining spot in Brussels. If you're in the mood for something new, try BrewDog Brussels, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at À La Mort Subite. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Brussels.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Churchill's, known for its inviting atmosphere. Station Bxl is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Delirium Café provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

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!

Wake up to day 4 of your extraordinary road trip through the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. On this day, you’ll embark on an exciting expedition discovering the enchanting sights and activities of Bruges 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!

Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Brussels today. One of the most well-known attractions included on the itinerary is Belfry Of Bruges. This romantic monument will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Basilica Of The Holy Blood and learn what makes this instagrammable church unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the increasingly popular Bruges City Hall. After exploring the city hall, head to Groeninge. This increasingly popular neighborhood is a highlight in Brussels. As your day continues, stop by Boniface Bridge (bonifaciusbrug), known for its enchanting features. Lastly, don’t forget to check out the frequently visited Church Of Our Lady. Enjoy exploring this incredible church at your own pace.

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 Brussels. 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 The Lobster House, a popular restaurant in Brussels. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Brussels at o'reilly's Irish Pub Brussels, 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 Restaurant Roumaine. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Brussels tonight.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Bar Des Amis after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Bar Du Canal for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Little Delirium is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

As the night falls in Brussels, 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.

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 of your multi-country journey across the Netherlands, Belgium, 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 2 nights of well-deserved relaxation.

Start by visiting Cologne Rodenkirchen Bridge, a prime spot to begin your journey. Next on your list is Museum Ludwig, another must-visit landmark and beloved museum renowned for its visually striking features.

While exploring and sightseeing, take time to savor the culture of Brussels by sampling some local delicacies. When you’re ready for more sightseeing, head to Cologne Cathedral. This breathtaking church is an essential place to visit for anyone looking for the full Brussels experience. We also recommend visiting Old Market, a well-known public square.

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

In the evening, prepare to be amazed by Cologne’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, Belgium, and Germany.

Enjoy a lovely meal at SAVOY Hotel, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Radisson Blu Hotel, Cologne is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Café Reichard. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Cologne tonight.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at The Grid Bar, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Toddy Tapper offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Cologne. Legends Bar & Terrasse is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

Take in the ambiance of Cologne 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!

On day 6 of your European tour in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, you’ll start and end your day in Düsseldorf, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you will return to Cologne for 1 night more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Düsseldorf in Germany to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!

Today's adventure in Cologne promises more breathtaking discoveries and enriching experiences! Begin at Königsallee. This awe-inspiring street is a highlight of any visit in the city. Next, head over to Hofgarten, one of the city’s most curiosity-inducing attractions, known for its standout features.

If you’re looking for more, spend time soaking in the atmosphere of Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-westfalen. This eye-catching art gallery is frequented by locals and tourists alike. To complete your memorable day, make sure to visit Burgplatz, an up-and-coming public square, and take a stroll around the area. If you want to extend your self-guided sightseeing tour, go check out Rheinpromenade before you head back to your hotel.

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

Enjoy a delicious meal at Mongo's Restaurant Köln, a top-rated dining destination in Cologne. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Vietnamski restorant "Kuchi Mami", another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at RheinZeit. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Cologne this evening.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Soul Bar Cologne after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

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!

On day 7 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Maastricht in the Netherlands. When you’re not exploring the city and its surrounding areas, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Amsterdam, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Cologne is home to plenty of attractions that offer family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and breathtaking views! Start at Sint Servaasbrug, a frequently visited monument that is worthwhile a visit in the city. Nearby, you’ll find Basilica Of Saint Servatius, enchanting visitors with its historic appeal. Continue your exploration at Stadspark. This park is one of the city’s most worthwhile spots.

Enjoy the freedom of exploring Cologne at your own pace and find hidden gems along the way. If you want to see more picture-perfect spots, make sure to visit Caves Zonneberg.

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.

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

Savor the flavors at Café Loetje, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Restaurant Moon beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider d'Vijff Vlieghen. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Amsterdam tonight.

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

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