7-Day Self-Drive Road Trip in the Netherlands and Germany With Itinerary from Amsterdam to 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 2 nights more before hitting the road again.

One of the most iconic places you can visit today in Amsterdam is De Pijp. Allow yourself some time to leisurely explore this neighborhood and discover its unique quirks. You'll also find many of the best sightseeing spots nearby.

One of today’s main highlights is the unforgettable This Is Holland. This outstanding flying theater and travel destination inspires so many travelers each year. Garnering an average rating of 4.7 stars out of 5 from 9,685 travelers, a visit to the remarkable This Is Holland is worth pages in your travel diary.

The fascinating Rijksmuseum is another of the city's top attractions that will stir your curiosity. This museum and tourist destination welcomes approximately 2,700,000 visitors every year and boasts an average review score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 93,402 travelers.

This day is also your chance to see the amazing museum, Van Gogh Museum, which hosts approximately 2,161,160 visitors per year. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 86,536 travelers, a trip to this wonderful site promises a memorable experience.

The top-rated Vondelpark, an outstanding flying theater, is one place you should visit while in Amsterdam considering its average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 51,706 travelers.

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

Have a memorable dining experience in Amsterdam by booking a table at Flore, renowned as a 2-star Michelin restaurant presenting an exceptional contemporary and creative french menu. For a different culinary experience in Amsterdam, Ciel Bleu shines as one of the top destinations, known for its delicious 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, Restaurant 212 is known as a top local spot for its delicious creative cuisine in Amsterdam. This 2-star Michelin awardee is a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable meal.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Café Oporto offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Lost In Amsterdam Lounge Cafe & Cocktail Bar is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. 't Aepjen is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

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 5, you will wake up in Cologne with an entire day of wonders ahead of you! You still have 1 night left in Cologne 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 Schildergasse, a must-see street in Cologne. It's the perfect starting point for exploring the top attractions in the area.

A tour of Cologne is not complete without a visit to the famous Lindt Chocolate Museum. This incredible museum and attraction has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 37,446 travelers.

Make the most of your Cologne travel adventure by seeing another popular site, the wonderful Media Park Köln Mbh. This cultural center and unique destination is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,045 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Rheinpark for an experience worth remembering. This local park and standout destination has received an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,479 visitors.

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.

Don’t miss out on dining 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.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Soul Bar Cologne, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Cologne. Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

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!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 6 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, where you’ll be making 1 stop. The highlights of today include the wonderful destinations of Cologne in Germany. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Amsterdam, your home for 1 night.

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Cologne today. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the outstanding Old Market. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 12,935 visitors.

Next, discover the charms of the popular Cologne Cathedral. This incredible attraction and church holds an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, thanks to 70,814 visitors. Up to 5,000,000 people visit this fantastic attraction every year.

According to travelers in Cologne, the extraordinary Museum Ludwig is a must-see attraction. This crowd-favorite destination and museum gets around 304,942 visits annually and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,470 visitors.

As the day moves along, don’t miss out the incredible zoo, Cologne Zoological Garden. Up to 30,676 visitors have rated it an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

After a long day of discovery, it's time to settle in at a top-rated hotel in Amsterdam. Indulge in well-deserved rest and rejuvenation, preparing for the continued adventure that lies ahead.

As the sun sets on day 6 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, prepare for a culinary journey. Navigate through Amsterdam's top restaurants and eateries, each offering a local taste of the Netherlands 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, Amsterdam has them.

Enjoy a delicious meal 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 meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Bar Mokum, known for its lively atmosphere. De Zotte is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Stone's Café Bar & Nightclub offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

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!