One-Week Road Trip in the Netherlands and Belgium from Amsterdam to Antwerp and Brussels

Your unforgettable multi-country road trip in the Netherlands and Belgium 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 4 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.

Something that makes Amsterdam the perfect holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding group of geographic locations, Negen Straatjes. This local gem has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 12,058 visitors.

Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Amsterdam. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.

As the sun sets on day 1 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 Café restaurant van Kerkwijk, a top-rated dining destination in Amsterdam. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider CAU Steak Restaurant, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Restaurant Ambassade. With a reputation for consistently satisfied 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 Excalibur Café, known for its lively atmosphere. Rosalia's Menagerie is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Lost in Amsterdam Lounge Cafe & Cocktail Bar offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

Your multi-country road trip in the Netherlands and Belgium 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.

Wake up and see what day 2 of your great European road trip in the Netherlands and Belgium has in store for you! You will be staying in Amsterdam for 3 nights before continuing your journey to the next destination.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Amsterdam, including the outstanding Artis. Having an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 31,524 reviews and welcoming more than 1,400,000 visitors each year, this fascinating zoo and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the city.

Amsterdam is also home to the captivating Rijksmuseum, a local national museum considered one of the highlights of the city. About 92,707 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.6 out of 5 stars, proving its popularity. Each year, up to 2,700,000 people include this sightseeing spot in their travel itineraries.

The extraordinary Van Gogh Museum is another unforgettable place you can visit on this leg of your journey in Amsterdam. This extraordinary art museum and tourist hot spot hosts more than 2,161,160 visitors annually and boasts a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 85,859 travelers.

A trip to the wonderful Vondelpark will inspire you. Visitors have rated their experience at this amazing park and attraction an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 51,399 reviews.

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.

Make sure to book a table at Palmyra Syrian Restaurant, a popular restaurant in Amsterdam. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Amsterdam at Café Loetje, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is Gartine. As a dining spot that gains consistently high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Amsterdam tonight.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, SkyLounge Amsterdam stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Louis Bar offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. De Zotte is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing 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!

Wake up to day 3 of your extraordinary road trip through the Netherlands and Belgium. On this day, you’ll embark on an exciting expedition discovering the enchanting sights and activities of Amsterdam in the Netherlands. With 2 nights left in Amsterdam, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

In Amsterdam, the extraordinary Anne Frank House awaits. This attraction is a valued museum that boasts an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 65,604 travelers' reviews. Hosting around 1,195,456 visitors every year, the amazing Anne Frank House is undoubtedly one of the top sights of the area.

Another of the best travel destinations in Amsterdam, which gets around 502,990 annual visits, is the spectacular NEMO Science Center. This attraction is a science museum that is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 30,969 visitors, making it a captivating highlight for all travelers.

Lisse’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Amsterdam behind. This drive usually takes around 37 min. Lisse welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Keukenhof is a travelers’ favorite in Lisse, and today you’ll have the opportunity to discover it too! This one-of-a-kind attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 60,421 visitors.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Rotterdam. This drive usually takes around 44 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

A favorite among locals and travelers alike in Rotterdam is the fantastic Diergaarde Blijdorp. As an appreciated zoo and local gem in the area, Diergaarde Blijdorp has earned an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 35,020 reviews.

After a day of exploration and awe-inspiring sights, it’s time to replenish your strength. Make the most of this stop on your multi-country road trip across the Netherlands and Belgium by rewarding yourself with a taste of Amsterdam’s local cuisine. After dinner, head out to a bar to relax or mingle with the locals and raise a toast to your exciting road trip adventure.

Make sure to reserve a table at FuLu Mandarijn, 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 The Pantry, a hidden gem nestled in Amsterdam. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Stone's Café Bar & Nightclub offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Cafe Stevens is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Proeflokaal Arendsnest is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Celebrate day 3 of your multi-country road trip in Europe with a toast, and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

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.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Arnhem, 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 Arnhem may take around 1 hour 14 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Arnhem, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Something that makes Arnhem the perfect holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding national museum, Netherlands Open Air Museum. This local gem has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 17,497 visitors and gets around 524,188 visits every year.

The famous Royal Burgers' Zoo is another remarkable sightseeing hotspot in the area. As one of Arnhem's most remarkable sights, there's no wonder why around 35,061 travelers have rated this incredible zoo and travel destination an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in reviews.

After soaking in Arnhem’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Rhenen. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 30 min. When you arrive in Rhenen, it's time to take a break from the road.

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 21,342 travelers.

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.

This renowned restaurant holds , and offers an exceptional menu of cuisine. Make sure to reserve a table at Bar-B Burgers ‘N’ Beers, 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 Blue Amsterdam, 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 Brouwerij 't IJ, a hidden gem nestled in Amsterdam. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Cafe Belgique stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Red Light Bar offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night.

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 5 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 Drunen in the Netherlands. In the evening, you’ll end up in Antwerp, where you will stay for 1 night.

Set your GPS to Drunen and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 23 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Drunen beckons with new experiences!

Something that makes Drunen the perfect holiday destination is that the town offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding park, The Loonse and Drunense Duinen National Park. This local gem has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 6,591 visitors.

Set your GPS to Kaatsheuvel and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 21 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Kaatsheuvel beckons with new experiences!

Efteling is a travelers’ favorite in Kaatsheuvel, 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 117,462 visitors. More than 5,400,000 people visit this extraordinary amusement park and local gem every year to experience its uniqueness.

In Kaatsheuvel, don’t miss Baron 1898, a great dive coaster and place to see in the town. This outstanding attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 8,478 reviews.

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

As the day unfolds, you’ll be delighted to find that the city of Antwerp boasts an array of restaurants and bars catering to every budget. Take this opportunity to sample the distinctive flavors of the Netherlands.

Begin your culinary exploration in Antwerp by securing a reservation at Zilte. This renowned restaurant offers an exceptional menu of creative cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Hertog Jan at Botanic, celebrated for its delectable creative menu. This acclaimed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover Nebo, a top local spot known for its tantalizing contemporary and modern french menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

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

Celebrate day 5 of your multi-country road trip in Europe with a toast, and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 6 of your multi-country journey across the Netherlands and Belgium. This exciting part of your road trip invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Ghent in Belgium. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to Brussels where you'll spend 1 night of well-deserved relaxation.

After soaking in Antwerp’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Ghent. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 58 min. When you arrive in Ghent, it's time to take a break from the road.

One place travelers keep coming back to in Ghent is the magnificent Saint Bavo's Cathedral. Around 10,232 visitors have rated this excellent church and travel destination an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Belfry of Ghent on this leg of your adventure in Belgium. This attraction is a well-known point of interest that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from around 7,404 travelers.

The remarkable Gravensteen is known to be one of the best places to visit in Ghent, and its average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 28,715 traveler reviews is proof.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Ghent, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Cambron-Casteau may take around 1 hour 20 min. Upon your arrival in Cambron-Casteau, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

A tour of Cambron-Casteau is not complete without a visit to the famous Pairi Daiza. This incredible zoo and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 69,456 travelers, and is visited by 2,000,000 people every year.

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 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.

Experience a taste of local culinary excellence while in Brussels by securing a table at Barge. Esteemed as a 1-star Michelin restaurant, it features an exceptional organic menu. For an alternative taste experience, visit La Villa Lorraine by Yves Mattagne, famous for its scrumptious modern and classic dishes. This 2-star Michelin venue consistently impresses guests, making it a standout addition to your holiday plans. Looking for another choice? Discover Bozar Restaurant, a local favorite celebrated for its exquisite modern french and creative cuisine in Brussels. Located in the heart of the city, this 2-star Michelin restaurant is an ideal pick for modern french and creative cuisine lovers seeking top-notch culinary experiences.

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

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

Dive into day 7 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across the Netherlands and Belgium. Today's main destinations are Brussels in Belgium, 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 Amsterdam. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Brussels today. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the outstanding Grand-Place. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 151,037 visitors.

Next, discover the charms of the popular Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert. This incredible attraction and shopping mall holds an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, thanks to 38,465 visitors.

According to travelers in Brussels, the extraordinary Brussels Park is a must-see attraction. This crowd-favorite destination and urban park is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 19,267 visitors.

As the day moves along, don’t miss out the incredible urban park, Cinquantenaire. Up to 35,271 visitors have rated it an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

One place travelers keep coming back to in Laeken is the magnificent Atomium. Around 90,942 visitors have rated this excellent history museum and travel destination an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

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.

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 Belgium.

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

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

On day 8 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 Belgium. If shopping isn’t your thing, visit some of the lesser-known attractions you have yet to discover.

Make the most of your final day in the Netherlands by visiting Amsterdam’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Your stay’s proximity to the city’s retail haven invites an unhurried and unforgettable exploration of its variety of stores and establishments. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in the Netherlands. Take home a piece of the Netherlands with these souvenirs, keeping your adventures close.

Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated square and attraction in Amsterdam — Dam Square. About 42,263 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

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 Belgium.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Restaurant Moeders, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, De Brabantse Aap offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu.

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 8-day European road trip in the Netherlands and Belgium with fond memories. Safe travels!