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

On day 3 of your European tour in the Netherlands and Belgium, you’ll start and end your day in Amsterdam, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you will return to Amsterdam for 2 nights more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Amsterdam in the Netherlands to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Amsterdam, including the outstanding Anne Frank House. Having an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 65,913 reviews and welcoming more than 1,195,456 visitors each year, this fascinating museum and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the city.

Amsterdam is also home to the captivating Nemo Science Center, a local science center considered one of the highlights of the city. About 31,426 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.5 out of 5 stars, proving its popularity. Each year, up to 502,990 people include this sightseeing spot in their travel itineraries.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Amsterdam, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Lisse. This drive usually takes around 37 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

In Lisse, the extraordinary Keukenhof awaits. This attraction is a valued garden that boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 60,394 travelers' reviews.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Lisse, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Rotterdam may take around 44 min. Upon your arrival in Rotterdam, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated zoo and attraction in Rotterdam — Diergaarde Blijdorp. About 35,438 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

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 and Belgium.

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.

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

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

Greet day 4 of your multi-country road trip across the Netherlands and Belgium 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 Arnhem in the Netherlands.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Arnhem. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 14 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Arnhem, including the outstanding Netherlands Open Air Museum. Having an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 17,800 reviews and welcoming more than 524,188 visitors each year, this fascinating museum and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the city.

Arnhem is also home to the captivating Royal Burgers' Zoo, a local zoo considered one of the highlights of the city. About 35,556 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.6 out of 5 stars, proving its popularity.

Set your GPS to Rhenen and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 30 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Rhenen beckons with new experiences!

A tour of Rhenen is not complete without a visit to the famous Ouwehands Zoo. This incredible zoo and attraction has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 21,767 travelers.

As the sun sets on day 4 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.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Gartine, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Spirit Amsterdam offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss FuLu Mandarijn. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Amsterdam.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Bar Mokum, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. De Zotte is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Stone's Café Bar & Nightclub is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

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.

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across the Netherlands and Belgium. Today's main destinations are Drunen 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 Antwerp. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Drunen, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Amsterdam to Drunen may take around 1 hour 23 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Drunen, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated national park and attraction in Drunen — The Loonse And Drunense Duinen National Park. About 6,633 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Kaatsheuvel, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Drunen to Kaatsheuvel may take around 21 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Kaatsheuvel, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated amusement park and attraction in Kaatsheuvel — Efteling. About 118,060 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

The popular Baron 1898 is another top sight in Kaatsheuvel that locals and travelers often enjoy spending time at. This attraction is a well-loved amusement park in the area, rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 8,520 visitors.

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

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

Discover the culinary delights of Antwerp by securing a reservation at Zilte. Esteemed for its 3-star Guide Michelin recognition, this restaurant offers a remarkable selection of creative cuisine. For an alternative dining experience, try The Jane, renowned for its delicious creative dishes. This esteemed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently impresses guests, making it a must-visit spot during your holiday. Craving more culinary excitement? Head to Hertog Jan at Botanic, a highly recommended local eatery celebrated for its mouthwatering creative menu. With its 2-star Michelin recognition, it offers an unforgettable dining adventure.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Hopper, known for its lively atmosphere. Dogma is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Bar Basil offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

As the night falls in Antwerp, 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 6 of your multi-country road trip across the Netherlands and Belgium, 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 Ghent in Belgium. In the evening, you’ll end up in Brussels, where you will stay for 1 night.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Antwerp, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Ghent. This drive usually takes around 58 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Saint Bavo's Cathedral is a travelers’ favorite in Ghent, and today you’ll have the opportunity to discover it too! This one-of-a-kind attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 10,470 visitors.

In Ghent, don’t miss Belfry Of Ghent, a great monument and place to see in the city. This outstanding attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,470 reviews.

Check other top attractions in Ghent off your list when you visit the wonderful Gravensteen. This popular sight is an outstanding castle, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 29,205 travelers.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Ghent and set your GPS to Cambron-Casteau. 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 1 hour 20 min. Upon reaching Cambron-Casteau, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Something that makes Cambron-Casteau the perfect holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding zoo, Pairi Daiza. This local gem has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 70,507 visitors and gets around 2,000,000 visits every year.

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

In the evening, prepare to be amazed by Brussels’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 Belgium.

Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in Brussels by reserving a table at Barge. Renowned as a 1-star Michelin restaurant, it offers an exceptional organic menu. For a different taste experience, head to La Villa Lorraine by Yves Mattagne, recognized for its delicious modern and classic dishes. This 2-star Michelin restaurant consistently impresses guests, ensuring a memorable addition to your holiday. Looking for another option? Make sure to visit Bozar Restaurant, a local favorite known for its delightful modern french and creative cuisine in Brussels. Nestled in the heart of the city, this restaurant with 2 Michelin star is an ideal choice for discerning modern french and creative foodies seeking culinary excellence.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Churchill's, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Station Bxl, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Delirium Café likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

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 7 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in the Netherlands and Belgium, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Brussels in Belgium. 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.

Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated public square and attraction in Brussels — Grand-place. About 151,717 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

The popular Royal Gallery Of Saint Hubert is another top sight in Brussels that locals and travelers often enjoy spending time at. This attraction is a well-loved shopping mall in the area, rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 38,953 visitors.

Brussels Park is a spectacular park and highlight on travelers’ itineraries in Brussels, earning an impressive average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 19,495 enchanted visitors.

As the day moves along, be sure to make time to drop by the magnificent Cinquantenaire. Because of its allure and charm, around 35,771 visitors have rated this attraction and park an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Brussels, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Laeken may take around 20 min. Upon your arrival in Laeken, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Atomium is a travelers’ favorite in Laeken, and today you’ll have the opportunity to discover it too! This one-of-a-kind attraction is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 91,642 visitors.

After an exciting day of sightseeing, it’s time to check in at your accommodation in Amsterdam. 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.

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.

Make sure to reserve a table at Café Orloff Amsterdam, an iconic dining spot in Amsterdam. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Winkel 43, a popular restaurant in Amsterdam. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Bistrot Neuf, a hidden gem nestled in Amsterdam. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Nightbar The Bottle, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Cafe Bar The Pint. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Cafe The Barrel, 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!