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

On day 2, you will wake up in Amsterdam 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, Belgium, and Germany.

Don’t miss De Pijp today, a must-see neighborhood that offers a glimpse into the city’s vibrant character. Take your time to explore its best features, and enjoy the convenience of nearby top-rated landmarks.

Awaiting your discovery is the locally appreciated Begijnhof, a romantic historical landmark in Amsterdam. Next, go to Rijksmuseum.

After visiting Begijnhof and Rijksmuseum, have a stroll along Amsterdam's streets and take in the local charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Van Gogh Museum. This instagrammable museum offers a unique experience. Vondelpark is another noteworthy attraction worthwhile a visit.

Get ready to savor the tastiest bites and enjoy a lively evening in 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, Belgium, and Germany.

Don’t miss out on dining at Eye Film Museum, a top-rated dining destination in Amsterdam. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Restaurant Ambassade, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Palmyra Syrian Restaurant. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Amsterdam this evening.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Café Oporto, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Lost In Amsterdam Lounge Cafe & Cocktail Bar offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, 't Aepjen provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

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!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your multi-country journey across the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. This exciting part of your road trip invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in Laeken in Belgium. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to Brussels where you'll spend 2 nights of well-deserved relaxation.

Laeken’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Amsterdam behind. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 25 min. Laeken welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Atomium, an extraordinary monument that everyone visiting Laeken should see.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Brussels. This car ride takes around 22 min.

Savor the day by heading to Royal Palace Of Brussels, a notable palace that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue to Brussels Park, where you can soak in the romantic surroundings.

Next, explore St Michael And St Gudula Cathedral, Brussels, yet another locally renowned place to see in the area. After the church, make time to go to Royal Gallery Of Saint Hubert. This awe-inspiring shopping mall is well worth the visit. Lastly, head to Grand-place, an iconic public square you won’t want to miss.

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 sun sets, freshen up and head out to discover the best dining spots in Brussels. Check out our recommendations on where to wine and dine while seeing this marvelous destination in Belgium in a new light.

Dine in style at Harvest Restaurant Bruxelles, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, BrewDog Brussels boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out À La Mort Subite. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Brussels.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Churchill's, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Station Bxl is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Delirium Café is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

Take in the ambiance of Brussels as this 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 multi-country road trip to look forward to!

Wake up to day 4 of your extraordinary road trip through the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. On this day, you’ll embark on an exciting expedition discovering the enchanting sights and activities of Bruges in Belgium. With 1 night left in Brussels, seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Bruges’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Brussels behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 22 min. Bruges welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Belfry Of Bruges, a popular monument that everyone visiting Bruges should see. Next, head to Basilica Of The Holy Blood. This heritage-rich church is one of the most frequently visited attractions in the region.

If you're keen to see more, don’t miss out on Bruges City Hall, a heritage-rich city hall popular among locals as well as travelers. Groeninge is an excellent attraction to visit next. Spend some time learning more about this curiosity-inducing neighborhood before you continue your journey. Lastly, visit Boniface Bridge (bonifaciusbrug), a romantic historical landmark and a top attraction in the city.

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

Enjoy a delicious meal at The Lobster House, a highly-rated dining destination in Brussels. If you're eager to try something different, consider o'reilly's Irish Pub Brussels, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Restaurant Roumaine. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Brussels this evening.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Bar Des Amis, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Bar Du Canal is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Little Delirium 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 5 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. Today's main destinations are Cologne 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 2 nights.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Set course for Germany! Under favorable conditions, your drive to Cologne may take around 2 hours 14 min. Upon your arrival in Cologne, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Cologne Rodenkirchen Bridge. Then, head to Museum Ludwig. This beloved museum is a traveler-favorite in the city.

If you're keen to see more, continue to Cologne Cathedral. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the church. Next, take your journey to Old Market, a locally renowned public square.

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

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, Belgium, and Germany.

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

Round off your dining experience by visiting The Grid Bar, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Toddy Tapper, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Legends Bar & Terrasse likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

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

Greet day 6 of your multi-country road trip across the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. On today's agenda, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Düsseldorf in Germany. You will return to Cologne for your remaining 1 night in the city later today.

Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Düsseldorf.

When you’ve had your share of Cologne, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Düsseldorf. Your travel time is around 44 min.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the city's best attractions, visit Königsallee, a curiosity-inducing street that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

When you’re ready, continue to Hofgarten, a worthwhile park beloved by locals and tourists alike. Don't miss out on Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-westfalen, another highlight of the area that promises a memorable visit. Not far away, you’ll also find Burgplatz, an enchanting place to see that you won’t regret spending some extra time discovering.

If you're eager to sample culinary delights during your multi-country road trip in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, you'll be excited to head out for dinner and get a taste of the local cuisine in Cologne.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Mongo's Restaurant Köln, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Vietnamski restorant "Kuchi Mami"? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at RheinZeit as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Cologne.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Soul Bar Cologne is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Take in the ambiance of Cologne as this 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 multi-country road trip to look forward to!

On day 7 of your multi-country road trip across the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, you'll get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places to see in Maastricht in the Netherlands. In the evening, you’ll end up in Amsterdam, where you will stay for 1 night.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Amsterdam, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Maastricht to Amsterdam may take around 2 hours 30 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Amsterdam, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Sint Servaasbrug, a beloved monument in Maastricht. Explore its grand features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Basilica Of Saint Servatius. This beloved church is a top recommendation in the area.

When you’re ready to explore more, Stadspark is an excellent choice. Spend some time discovering what some claim to be the most standout park in the region. Next, continue your sightseeing at the frequently visited Caves Zonneberg and discover what makes this cave system unique.

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.

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, Belgium, and Germany by rewarding yourself with a taste of Amsterdam’s local cuisine.

Don’t miss out on dining at Café Loetje, a top-rated dining destination in Amsterdam. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Restaurant Moon, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at d'Vijff Vlieghen. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Amsterdam this evening.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Bar Bitterbal, known for its inviting atmosphere. Twenty Third Bar is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Louis Bar provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

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!