5-Day Self-Drive Road Trip in the Netherlands and Germany With Itinerary from Amsterdam to Cologne

Wake up and see what day 2 of your great European road trip in the Netherlands and Germany has in store for you! You will be staying in Amsterdam for 1 night before continuing your journey to the next destination.

One place travelers keep coming back to in Amsterdam is the magnificent Vondelpark. Around 51,706 visitors have rated this excellent park and travel destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Van Gogh Museum on this leg of your adventure in the Netherlands. This attraction is a well-known museum that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from around 86,536 travelers. Given this incredible site's popularity, it’s easy to understand why more than 2,161,160 people visit it every year.

The remarkable Rijksmuseum is known to be one of the best places to visit in Amsterdam, and its average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 93,402 traveler reviews is proof. Attracting more than 2,700,000 visitors in a single year, it's clear that the wonderful Rijksmuseum is a perfect add-on to your itinerary.

Dive deeper into Amsterdam by exploring the captivating Anne Frank House, which draws the attention of nearly 1,195,456 visitors annually. With a stellar average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 65,913 travelers, make sure this wonderful site is on your Amsterdam exploration list!

As the sun dips under the horizon, freshen up and head out to discover the best dining spots in Amsterdam. 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.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Eye Film Museum, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Restaurant Ambassade offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Palmyra Syrian Restaurant is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Amsterdam.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Café Oporto. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Lost In Amsterdam Lounge Cafe & Cocktail Bar offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook 't Aepjen, another top-rated bar 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 4 of your multi-country road trip across the Netherlands 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 Cologne in Germany. In the evening, you’ll end up in Amsterdam, where you will stay for 1 night.

Something that makes Cologne the perfect holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding church, Cologne Cathedral. This local gem has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 70,814 visitors and gets around 5,000,000 visits every year.

The famous Lindt Chocolate Museum is another remarkable sightseeing hotspot in the area. As one of Cologne's most remarkable sights, there's no wonder why around 37,446 travelers have rated this incredible museum and travel destination an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in reviews.

After soaking in Cologne’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Brühl. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 28 min. When you arrive in Brühl, it's time to take a break from the road.

Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated amusement park and attraction in Brühl — Phantasialand. About 91,824 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

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.

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 Amsterdam'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.

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

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Bar Bitterbal offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Twenty Third Bar is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Louis Bar is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

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!