9-Day the Netherlands Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Amsterdam to Haarlem, Utrecht, and Zwolle and surrounding area

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Amsterdam has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in the city and use the provided itinerary to discover what to see in Amsterdam.

Set aside time today to explore De Pijp, a standout neighborhood that reflects the essence of the city. While you're there, you'll also be within reach of some of the city's top landmarks, making it easy to maximize your day.

Magere Brug is an ideal stop early in the day. This worthwhile monument is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Rijksmuseum, which may be one of the most historic places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Amsterdam on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to Van Gogh Museum, an astonishing museum in the city. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Vondelpark.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in the Netherlands. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Amsterdam. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Eye Film Museum, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Restaurant Ambassade offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Palmyra Syrian Restaurant. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Amsterdam.

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.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in the Netherlands!

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in the Netherlands. Today you'll explore 2 destinations, including Zaandijk and Haarlem. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Haarlem, where you'll spend 2 nights.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Zaandijk, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Amsterdam to Zaandijk may take around 24 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Zaandijk, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Wooden Shoe Workshop Of Zaanse Schans, a worthwhile handicraft store in Zaandijk. Explore its instagrammable features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Julianabrug. This locally appreciated sightseeing destination is a top recommendation in the area.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Haarlem, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Zaandijk to Haarlem may take around 27 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Haarlem, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Frans Hals Museum, an often recommended museum in Haarlem. Explore its visually striking features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, The St. Bavo Church In Haarlem. This often recommended church is a top recommendation in the area.

When you’re ready to explore more, Teylers Museum is an excellent choice. Spend some time discovering what some claim to be the most history-steeped museum in the region. Next, continue your sightseeing at the locally appreciated Amsterdamse Poort and discover what makes this historical landmark unique.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Haarlem. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Haarlem's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Ratatouille Food & Wine, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Bistro La Plume? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Anne&Max Haarlem as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Haarlem.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Cafe Stiels. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Proeflokaal In Den Uiver, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Café Studio provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in the Netherlands.

On day 4 of your road trip in the Netherlands, you’ll start and end your day in Haarlem, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you still have 1 night to spend in Haarlem, there’s no need to rush. Experience Aerdenhout and Overveen to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary.

Aerdenhout is brimming with adventures.

Aerdenhout’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Haarlem behind. This drive usually takes around 11 min. Aerdenhout welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Elswout is an increasingly popular park we recommend visiting today. Discover its eye-catching features before continuing your self-guided tour.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Overveen. This car ride takes around 6 min.

Zuid-kennemerland National Park is a locally appreciated national park we recommend visiting today. Discover its romantic features before continuing your self-guided tour.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Aerdenhout and set your GPS to Overveen. 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 6 min. Upon reaching Overveen, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Spend your afternoon discovering Kennemerland National Park, an often recommended national park known for its mesmerizing features.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Haarlem and your accommodation.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Haarlem. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Vascobelo V-bar Haarlem, a top-rated dining destination in Haarlem. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Restaurant De Zeeuw, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Spaarne66. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Haarlem this evening.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Café Koops B.v., a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Uiltje Bar, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Cafe De Lange Heer provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in the Netherlands.

Your itinerary for day 5 of your road trip in the Netherlands includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of Utrecht. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Utrecht, where you'll spend 2 nights.

Utrecht’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Haarlem behind. This drive usually takes around 50 min. Utrecht welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Utrecht Botanic Gardens and explore the eye-catching features. Next, make your way to Nijntje Museum, another highlight in Utrecht. When you’re done exploring the museum, continue to Zocherpark, a romantic park.

Nearby, you will also find Dom Tower Of Utrecht. This beloved monument is a top place to see in the area. Lastly, head to St Martin's Cathedral, a picture-perfect church that is perfect for some final exploring in the city.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Utrecht, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Utrecht, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Belgisch Biercafé Olivier Utrecht, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, FLFL Utrecht offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Broadway American Steakhouse is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Utrecht.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Kaasbar Utrecht, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Café Derat. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Body Talk, another top-rated place in the area.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

On day 6 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Utrecht, where you still have 1 night left. You'll spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city, including Gouda.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Gouda, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Utrecht to Gouda may take around 42 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Gouda, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Museum Gouda and explore the visually striking features. Next, make your way to Saint-john Church, another highlight in Gouda. When you’re done exploring the church, continue to Gouda Cheese Experience, a standout museum.

Nearby, you will also find Van Bergen Ijzendoornpark. This worthwhile park is a top place to see in the area. Lastly, head to Goudse Hout, an enchanting park that is perfect for some final exploring in the town.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Utrecht.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Utrecht's best restaurants.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Restaurant De Markt, a highly-rated dining destination in Utrecht. If you're eager to try something different, consider The Seafood Bar, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Koffie & Ik. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Utrecht this evening.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Café De Stad, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Mr. Finch is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Café De Zaak is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

As the sun sets, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in the Netherlands.

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 7 of your road trip in the Netherlands. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 places, which are Zuideinde and Giethoorn. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Zwolle, where will spend 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Zuideinde. This car ride takes around 1 hour 31 min.

Spend your afternoon discovering Museumboerderij 't Olde Maat Uus, an up-and-coming museum known for its photogenic features. Next, continue your sightseeing at Giethoorn Center, an often recommended sightseeing destination.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Zwolle. Zwolle offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Zwolle's best restaurants.

Dine in style at Bistro De Buik Van Parijs, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Bluefinger Restaurant boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out The Dublin House. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Zwolle.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Jack's Music Bar, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Café De Hetebrij, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, 't Proeflokaal Van Zwolle provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in the Netherlands.

On day 8 of your road trip in the Netherlands, your travel plans include 3 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Ede, Laren, and Blaricum are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Amsterdam, where you will stay for 1 night.

Set your GPS to Ede and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 57 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Ede beckons with new experiences!

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Het Nationale Park De Hoge Veluwe, an interesting national park that everyone visiting Ede should see.

When you’ve had your share of Ede, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Laren. Your travel time is around 50 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Singer Laren. Spend some time admiring the visually striking features of the art gallery before you continue to your next stop.

After soaking in Laren’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Blaricum. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 5 min. When you arrive in Blaricum, it's time to take a break from the road.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Schaapskooi Blaricummerheide, a beloved farm in Blaricum. Explore its visually striking features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Amsterdam. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

Amsterdam is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Amsterdam.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Café Loetje, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Restaurant Moon offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss d'Vijff Vlieghen. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Amsterdam.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Bar Bitterbal, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Twenty Third Bar offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Louis Bar. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

As the sun sets, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in the Netherlands.