One-Week Road Trip in the Netherlands, and Germany from Amsterdam to Cologne, Hamburg, and Zwolle

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

A favorite among locals and travelers alike in Amsterdam is the fantastic Rijksmuseum, attracting around 2,700,000 visitors every year. As an appreciated national museum and local gem in the area, Rijksmuseum has earned an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 93,402 reviews.

Next up on your agenda, you will find the extraordinary Moco Museum. This attraction is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 20,671 visitors, so don't miss the opportunity to experience it for yourself!

Join countless others in discovering the allure of Van Gogh Museum, a standout art museum and attraction that's captivated the hearts of many. It has a stellar rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 86,536 reviewers, so it's no surprise that it attracts as many as 2,161,160 visitors annually.

Experience the magic that has drawn so many to the doorstep of the outstanding Vondelpark. This park is a highly recommended attraction in the city boasting an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 51,706 visitor 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 Germany 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.

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Flore, a 2-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible contemporary, and creative french menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Ciel Bleu is one of the best restaurants for creative cuisine in Amsterdam. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at Restaurant 212. As a top-rated establishment with 2 Michelin star, it is an ideal choice for creative cuisine in the city.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Café Oporto, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Lost In Amsterdam Lounge Cafe & Cocktail Bar is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, 't Aepjen also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

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!

Dive into day 4 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across the Netherlands, and Germany. Today's main destinations are Kaatsheuvel in the Netherlands, and Brühl in Germany, 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 Cologne. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Kaatsheuvel’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Amsterdam behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 25 min. Kaatsheuvel welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

A favorite among locals and travelers alike in Kaatsheuvel is the fantastic Baron 1898. As an appreciated dive coaster and local gem in the area, Baron 1898 has earned an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 8,520 reviews.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Kaatsheuvel, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Hilvarenbeek. This drive usually takes around 24 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

A favorite among locals and travelers alike in Hilvarenbeek is the fantastic Beekse Bergen. As an appreciated park and local gem in the area, Beekse Bergen has earned an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 27,828 reviews.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive towards Germany, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Brühl. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 8 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

In Brühl, the extraordinary Phantasialand awaits. This attraction is a valued amusement park that boasts an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 91,824 travelers' reviews. Hosting around 1,750,000 visitors every year, the amazing Phantasialand is undoubtedly one of the top sights of the area.

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

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

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Le Moissonnier Bistro, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible french, and seafood menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Ox & Klee is one of the best restaurants for modern, and creative cuisine in Cologne. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at La Cuisine Rademacher. As a top-rated establishment with 1 Michelin star, it is an ideal choice for modern french cuisine in the city.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. The Grid Bar is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Toddy Tapper, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Legends Bar & Terrasse. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Take in the ambiance of Cologne 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!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 5 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 Hamburg, your home for 1 night.

One place travelers keep coming back to in Cologne is the magnificent Cologne Cathedral. Each year, this popular place of interest welcomes over 5,000,000 travelers from across the world. Around 70,814 visitors have rated this excellent catholic cathedral and travel destination an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Lindt Chocolate Museum on this leg of your adventure in Germany. This attraction is a well-known museum that has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from around 37,446 travelers.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Cologne, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Borstel in der Kuhle may take around 4 hours 6 min. Upon your arrival in Borstel in der Kuhle, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Borstel in der Kuhle today. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the outstanding Borsteler Schweiz. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 188 visitors.

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

Start your culinary exploration in Hamburg by securing a reservation at The Table Kevin Fehling. This renowned restaurant holds 3 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of creative, and international cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Haerlin, celebrated for its delectable creative french, and classic 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 100/200 Kitchen, a top local spot known for its tantalizing creative, and modern menu. With a 2-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

Cap off your dinner by heading to The Boilerman Bar Hafenamt, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Scandic Hamburg Emporio is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Heritage Hamburg Rooftop Bar is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

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

On day 6 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 Hamburg in Germany. In the evening, you’ll end up in Zwolle, where you will stay for 1 night.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Hamburg, including the outstanding Miniatur Wunderland. Having an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 89,283 reviews, this fascinating museum and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the city.

Hamburg is also home to the captivating Elbe Philharmonic Hall, a local concert hall considered one of the highlights of the city. About 79,037 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.6 out of 5 stars, proving its popularity.

The extraordinary St. Pauli Piers is another unforgettable place you can visit on this leg of your journey in Hamburg. This extraordinary point of interest and tourist hot spot boasts a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 19,508 travelers.

A trip to the wonderful Elbe Tunnel will inspire you. Visitors have rated their experience at this amazing road tunnel and attraction an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 34,850 reviews.

Take some time off from the road, it’s time to check in at a top-rated stay in Zwolle. Choose a hotel where you can gently let go of the day’s excitement and enjoy some peace and relaxation.

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 Germany by rewarding yourself with a taste of Zwolle’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.

Prepare for an extraordinary culinary adventure in Zwolle by booking a table at Senang, a Bib Gourmand restaurant that boasts an exceptional asian contemporary, and sharing menu. For a different flavor experience, head to De Librije, renowned for its delectable modern dishes. This 3-star Michelin restaurant consistently wows guests, making it a memorable stop during your holiday. Looking for another option? Visit Brass Boer Thuis, a local gem known for its delightful regional, and modern cuisine in Zwolle. Nestled in the city's heart, this 1-star Michelin restaurant is a perfect choice for discerning restaurant-goers seeking a new experience.

Continue your lively evening at Jack's Music Bar, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Café De Hetebrij is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, 't Proeflokaal Van Zwolle ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

As the night falls in Zwolle, 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.

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 7 of your multi-country journey across the Netherlands, and Germany. This exciting part of your road trip invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Rotterdam in the Netherlands. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to Amsterdam where you'll spend 1 night of well-deserved relaxation.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Rotterdam, 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 Zwolle to Rotterdam may take around 1 hour 45 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Rotterdam, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

One of today’s main highlights is the unforgettable Erasmusbrug. This outstanding bascule bridge and travel destination inspires so many travelers each year. Garnering an average rating of 4.6 stars out of 5 from 13,932 travelers, a visit to the remarkable Erasmusbrug is worth pages in your travel diary.

The fascinating Diergaarde Blijdorp is another of the city's top attractions that will stir your curiosity. This zoo and tourist destination boasts an average review score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 35,438 travelers.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in The Hague. This drive usually takes around 24 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in The Hague, including the outstanding Mauritshuis. Having an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 15,127 reviews and welcoming more than 500,000 visitors each year, this fascinating art museum and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the city.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to The Hague, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Lisse. This drive usually takes around 31 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

A favorite among locals and travelers alike in Lisse is the fantastic Keukenhof. As an appreciated garden and local gem in the area, Keukenhof has earned an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 60,394 reviews.

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.

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.

Make sure to book a table at Gartine, 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 Spirit Amsterdam, 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 FuLu Mandarijn. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Amsterdam tonight.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Louis Bar, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Bar Mokum offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, De Zotte provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Celebrate day 7 of your multi-country road trip in Europe with a toast, and look forward to more memorable moments to come!