7-Day Road Trip in the Netherlands and Germany from Amsterdam to Cologne and Eindhoven

Your unforgettable multi-country road trip in the Netherlands and Germany begins the moment you arrive in the awe-inspiring city of Amsterdam in the Netherlands. You’ll check in at a top-rated hotel and stay in Amsterdam for 2 nights.

Catch an early flight to the Netherlands to enjoy as much time as possible exploring Amsterdam before it’s time to hit the road and drive to your next destination. Discover the city’s rich history, breathtaking sights, and lively atmosphere with visits to the most popular attractions.

Dam Square is a travelers’ favorite in Amsterdam, and today you’ll have the opportunity to discover it too! This one-of-a-kind attraction is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 42,081 visitors.

You’ll choose from the best hotels and places to stay in Amsterdam. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring.

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.

Book a table at Gartine, a famous dining establishment in Amsterdam. This culinary hotspot and its delectable cuisine have captured the hearts of food enthusiasts. Its reputation for food excellence is reflected in its 4.8 out of 5-star rating from 678 satisfied diners.

Another dining place you should visit in Amsterdam is The Pantry, which boasts a variety of tasteful dishes that cater to different palates. It has earned a commendable 4.6 out of 5 stars, demonstrating the positive feedback from 3,646 satisfied customers.

After your meal, continue your getaway at one of the hottest bars in the city, Proeflokaal Arendsnest. This bar has an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,048 customers.

Your multi-country road trip in the Netherlands and Germany has only just begun. Brace yourself for more exciting days to come as you cross country borders in the comfort of your rental car and discover the most unique attractions, activities, and foods of each destination.

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

A tour of Amsterdam is not complete without a visit to the famous Rijksmuseum. This incredible national museum and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 91,223 travelers, and is visited by 2,700,000 people every year.

Make the most of your Amsterdam travel adventure by seeing another popular site, the wonderful Van Gogh Museum. This art museum and unique destination is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 84,751 travelers and gets around 2,161,160 annual visits.

You can then move on to the incredible Vondelpark for an experience worth remembering. This local park and standout destination has received an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 50,897 visitors.

Another stop we recommend you add to your Amsterdam sightseeing list is the remarkable museum, Anne Frank House. Sought after by many travelers from around the world, Anne Frank House has received 4.5 out of 5 stars from 64,974 visitors. More than 1,195,456 people visit this impressive attraction annually.

While in North Holland, take the chance to join a popular tour to experience something one-of-a-kind during your getaway in the Netherlands. Check out all the tours North Holland offers, and personalize your vacation package to your preferences for an amazing day in the region.

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.

For a memorable dining experience, be sure to visit Restaurant Moeders. Known for its excellent cuisine and commitment to quality dishes, this restaurant in Amsterdam has received a 4.5 out of 5-star rating from around 3,647 happy diners.

When seeking local-favorite dining spots, Café restaurant van Kerkwijk should be on your list. Situated in the heart of Amsterdam, it has become a beloved food venue for its delicious menu. It boasts a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,859 satisfied diners, a testament to its favored status.

If you’re looking for a bar to end the evening at, many locals recommend SkyLounge Amsterdam, claiming it’s one of the best in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 6,266 customers.

Another popular place to go for a drink is Excalibur Café. It is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,047 customers.

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 3 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 Arnhem in the Netherlands and Duisburg in Germany. In the evening, you’ll end up in Cologne, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Fasten your seatbelt and journey to your next stop in Germany. Turn on the radio and notice the scenic views transition from the Netherlands’s Amsterdam to the enchanting landscapes of Cologne. Keep in mind that your travel time may take around 3 hours 26 min without traffic disruptions.

On your break from the road, you will have a blast exploring Arnhem’s lovely eateries, captivating attractions, and engaging tour options.

A tour of Arnhem is not complete without a visit to the famous Sonsbeek Park. This incredible park and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 7,913 travelers.

Make the most of your Arnhem travel adventure by seeing another popular site, the wonderful Royal Burgers' Zoo. This zoo and unique destination is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 34,736 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Netherlands Open Air Museum for an experience worth remembering. This local national museum and standout destination has received an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 17,279 visitors, with up to 524,188 people including this popular attraction in their Arnhem tour itinerary each year.

Elevate your experience in Arnhem by engaging in exhilarating activities and joining tours that uncover the hidden wonders of this beautiful region.

Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to include a unique blend of top-rated experiences to your travel diary. Browse all of your options below and reserve your slot before it's too late.

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

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.

Take your Cologne getaway to new heights by dining at Le Moissonnier, a Bib Gourmand awarded restaurant. Renowned for its world-famous 2 Michelin-star rating and a variety of creative and refined dishes, Le Moissonnier consistently impresses foreign and local diners, garnering praise for its exceptional creative french and classic cuisine.

A renowned dining spot in Cologne is Ox & Klee, which holds a rating of 2 Michelin stars. This Bib Gourmand establishment’s inviting ambiance and menu leave a lasting impression on everyone who dines here. Its modern and creative menu, characterized by its exquisite flavors, is a true testament to the Ox & Klee’s culinary mastery.

Experience a taste of local culinary excellence while in Cologne and reserve a table at the 1-star Michelin restaurant, La Cuisine Rademacher. Its delectable modern french menu has contributed to impressive reviews from many previous guests. Food enthusiasts visiting the area will be particularly excited to experience this Bib Gourmand restaurant.

Order some of the best-tasting cocktails and celebrate the night away at Toddy Tapper. This famous bar in Cologne has a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 590 customers.

You can also check out an equally popular bar in the area, Gaffel am Dom I Kölsches Brauhaus und Wirtshaus I Brauhaus Köln. This amazing place never disappoints with its variety of drinks and fantastic ambiance. Gaffel am Dom I Kölsches Brauhaus und Wirtshaus I Brauhaus Köln has received an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 6,484 customers.

If you want to visit another bar, we recommend Gilden im Zims. This bar offers guests many choices of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to pair with a great night, helping it earn an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 5,823 customers.

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!

Wake up and see what day 4 of your great European road trip in the Netherlands and Germany has in store for you! You will be staying in Cologne for 1 night before continuing your journey to the next destination.

Elevate your experience in Mainz by engaging in exhilarating activities and joining tours that uncover the hidden wonders of this beautiful region.

Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to include a unique blend of top-rated experiences to your travel diary. Browse all of your options below and reserve your slot before it's too late.

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 and Germany.

Make sure to book a table at Servus Colonia Alpina, a popular restaurant in Cologne. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of food lovers. Its commitment to culinary excellence is evident in its 4.3 out of 5-star rating from 2,757 satisfied guests.

Do not miss the opportunity to dine at The Little Steakhouse during your stay in Cologne. This popular dining spot boasts a tantalizing menu, earning a remarkable rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, esteemed by 2,631 satisfied guests.

Spend the night with your favorite cocktail in hand at Gaststätte Lommerzheim. This bar is among the most recommended in the city, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,487 customers.

Embrace relaxation as you toast to a fantastic night at Jameson Pub Cologne. This popular bar in Cologne is a local favorite with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,308 customers.

Celebrate day 4 of your multi-country road trip in Europe with a toast, and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 5 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, where you’ll be making 3 stops. Today you will experience some of the highlights of this European tour package, that is, the wonderful destinations of Cologne in Germany and Eindhoven in the Netherlands. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Eindhoven. Eindhoven will be your home for 1 night.

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Cologne today. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the outstanding Cologne Chocolate Museum. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 36,145 visitors.

Next, discover the charms of the popular Cologne Cathedral. This incredible attraction and catholic cathedral holds an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, thanks to 68,667 visitors. Up to 5,000,000 people visit this fantastic attraction every year.

According to travelers in Cologne, the extraordinary Cologne Zoological Garden is a must-see attraction. This crowd-favorite destination and zoo is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 29,743 visitors.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Cologne and set your GPS to Eindhoven, the Netherlands. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 2 hours 13 min.

Upon your arrival in Cologne you’ll be greeted with an exciting opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring. Immerse yourself in the unique charm of this city and discover some of its most popular sights.

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Cologne today. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the outstanding Cologne Chocolate Museum. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 36,145 visitors.

Next, discover the charms of the popular Cologne Cathedral. This incredible attraction and catholic cathedral holds an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, thanks to 68,667 visitors. Up to 5,000,000 people visit this fantastic attraction every year.

According to travelers in Cologne, the extraordinary Cologne Zoological Garden is a must-see attraction. This crowd-favorite destination and zoo is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 29,743 visitors.

Tours often allow you to see beyond what books and social media feature about Cologne, its culture, and people.

So be sure to reserve your slot early so you won’t miss the chance to join this highly recommended activity in Cologne.

An exhilarating day of exploring and driving will have you longing for a comfortable bed at the end of the day. Fortunately, Eindhoven’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 Eindhoven boasts an array of restaurants and bars catering to every budget. Take this opportunity to sample the distinctive flavors of the Netherlands.

Book a table at De Burger, a famous dining establishment in Eindhoven. This culinary hotspot and its delectable cuisine have captured the hearts of food enthusiasts. Its reputation for food excellence is reflected in its 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 1,910 satisfied diners.

Another dining place you should visit in Eindhoven is Sopranos, which boasts a variety of tasteful dishes that cater to different palates. It has earned a commendable 4.6 out of 5 stars, demonstrating the positive feedback from 1,467 satisfied customers.

Locals and visitors alike recommend Eindhoven’s Restaurant Zoet & Zout Eindhoven for the delightful dining experience it gives. The establishment has garnered positive reviews for its tasty dishes, holding an admirable score of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,664 satisfied diners.

Spend the night with your favorite cocktail in hand at O'Sheas Irish Pub. This bar is among the most recommended in the city, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,861 customers.

Embrace relaxation as you toast to a fantastic night at Drinkers Pub. This popular bar in Eindhoven is a local favorite with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,208 customers.

If you want to check out another bar in the area, you’ll love The Little One Speakeasy Bar. This bar is known for its many choices of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The Little One Speakeasy Bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 622 reviews.

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 6 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in the Netherlands and Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, North Brabant 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.

When you’ve had your share of Eindhoven, prepare for your next destination. Enjoy the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Amsterdam. Your travel time is around 2 hours 47 min.

When you reach North Brabant, that’s your cue to take a breather from the road and indulge in some sightseeing and adventure. Check out some of the top attractions in the region.

One place travelers keep coming back to in North Brabant is the magnificent Baron 1898. Around 8,459 visitors have rated this excellent dive coaster and travel destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Efteling on this leg of your adventure in the Netherlands. This attraction is a well-known amusement park that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from around 116,501 travelers. Given this incredible site's popularity, it’s easy to understand why more than 5,400,000 people visit it every year.

Your destination has so much to offer to all kinds of travelers. Discover more about this place and add more excitement to your vacation in North Brabant in the Netherlands by embarking on popular tours and excursions. Joining tours will give you a deeper understanding of Amsterdam’s history and culture while meeting other adventurers like you.

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.

By dinnertime, you’ll be ready to savor the tastiest bites and enjoy 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 and Germany.

Treat yourself to a delightful dining experience at FuLu Mandarijn while you’re in Amsterdam. Famous for its lovely menu and delectable dishes, it has captivated around 2,203 diners, earning it an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Another favorite dining locale in Amsterdam is CAU Steak Restaurant. Have a satisfying meal from the menu that has charmed its way to the hearts of around 2,292 happy customers, who gave it an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

While in Amsterdam, enjoy Palmyra Syrian Restaurant’s delectable dishes. This dining establishment has earned a positive reputation and a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, thanks to the endorsements and reviews of around 1,561 satisfied guests.

If you’re looking for a bar to end the evening at, many locals recommend Lost in Amsterdam Lounge Cafe & Cocktail Bar, claiming it’s one of the best in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,918 customers.

Another popular place to go for a drink is Red Light Bar. It is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,612 customers.

Bar-B Burgers ‘N’ Beers is a place where you can easily spend an hour or two of fun or relaxation. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,912 customers.

Savor the moment and raise a toast to yet another amazing day of your vacation in the Netherlands 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 just relaxing.

On day 7 you have reached the last destination of your European road trip. Catch one last glimpse of Amsterdam before it’s time to leave.

Depending on how much time you have before your departure, you may want to engage in some last-minute shopping or souvenir hunting. Get some unique items to remind you of your great European road trip across the Netherlands and Germany. If shopping isn’t your thing, visit some of the lesser-known attractions you have yet to discover.

As you approach the end of your journey in the Netherlands, take a moment for some retail therapy in Amsterdam’s celebrated shopping district, Shopping Area. Thanks to your stay’s premier location, you can easily visit the city’s commercial hubs and wander through its diverse range of local shops without rushing.

Whether you’re on a hunt for an ideal present to give to your friends or family or looking for a personal memento to remind you of the Netherlands, a variety of items are waiting for you.

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Amsterdam today. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the outstanding Negen Straatjes. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 11,821 visitors.

Get a last taste of the Netherlands’s tasty traditional food. Choose from a curated list of the best local food and drink spots in Amsterdam and enjoy what may be your last vacation meal of this trip. Look forward to recreating these distinct culinary experiences in your own kitchen later to remind you of your unforgettable road trip across the Netherlands and Germany.

The time has come to say farewell to Amsterdam for now. You will realize that you’re traveling home with more than you came with as you look back at your 7-day European road trip in the Netherlands and Germany with fond memories. Safe travels!