9-Day Road Trip in Belgium and the Netherlands from Brussels to Amsterdam, Hoorn, The Hague, and Ghent

Your unforgettable multi-country road trip in Belgium and the Netherlands begins the moment you arrive in the awe-inspiring city of Brussels in Belgium. You’ll check in at a top-rated hotel and stay in Brussels for 3 nights.

Catch an early flight to Belgium to enjoy as much time as possible exploring Brussels 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.

Find your way to your hotel in Brussels. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Belgium. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

If you're eager to sample culinary delights during your multi-country road trip in Belgium and the Netherlands, you'll be excited to head out for dinner and get a taste of the local cuisine in Brussels. After dinner, head out to a bar to reminisce about your day and raise a toast to this stop on your road trip.

Make your stay in Brussels one for the books by indulging in an unforgettable culinary experience at Barge, a 1 Michelin star-rated gem acclaimed by food experts. Its delightful organic cuisine and the praise from satisfied patrons speak of its outstanding quality. Barge ensures your dining experience will be nothing short of extraordinary.

Another Michelin restaurant in Brussels you shouldn’t miss is the Bib-Gourmand awardee La Villa Lorraine by Yves Mattagne. With 2 Michelin star rating, it’s a haven for food lovers and enthusiasts. La Villa Lorraine by Yves Mattagne proudly maintains an outstanding reputation, attracting diners from near and far, all delighted by its modern and classic culinary offerings.

Bozar Restaurant is not just another restaurant in Brussels. Its 2-Michelin star menu promises to tantalize your taste buds and take you on a gastronomic adventure. This Bib-Gourmand awarded restaurant’s modern french and creative dishes and numerous glowing reviews from satisfied patrons have solidified its reputation as a culinary gem in Brussels.

Quench your thirst after a long day of adventure at Delirium Café, a prime hotspot for fun and relaxation seekers in the city. Delirium Café boasts an impressive 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 18,478 customers.

Or, try the exciting drinks at Poechenellekelder, a vibrant place where locals and travelers converge for spirited toasts and amazing stories. Poechenellekelder has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,331 customers.

As the sun dips below the horizon, make a stop at another famous bar in the area, Monk. This bar is a local favorite, with an impressive rating of 4.3 out of 5-star from 2,331 customers.

Your multi-country road trip in Belgium and the Netherlands 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 Belgium and the Netherlands has in store for you! You will be staying in Brussels for 2 nights before continuing your journey to the next destination.

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 Belgium and the Netherlands by rewarding yourself with a taste of Brussels’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.

Don't miss out on experiencing The Lobster House, a renowned dining spot in Brussels. This restaurant's rich flavors have left a lasting impression on diners. Its dedication to culinary perfection is evident in its 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 2,528 satisfied guests.

Make a reservation at Café Walvis while immersing yourself in Brussels. This distinguished restaurant offers imaginative dishes, with a remarkable rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,654 guests.

Discover the culinary treasures of Pasta Divina, a beloved dining establishment within Brussels. Its exquisite menu promises to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to culinary bliss. Renowned for its exceptional service, it has earned a 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 2,190 satisfied customers.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Brussels. At La Porte Noire, you can enjoy a mix of fun and relaxation. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,483 customers.

Alternatively, unwind and relive your best memories of this day of your adventure at Bar Des Amis, another popular bar in the city. Customers have rated this fantastic bar an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 1,677 reviews.

Brussels Beer Project // Dansaert Brewery is also one of the best places in Brussels where you can let loose and enjoy some celebratory drinks. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,046 customers.

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 3, you will wake up in Laeken - Laken with an entire day of wonders ahead of you! You still have 1 night left in Brussels before it’s time to get back on the road and continue your European tour across Belgium and the Netherlands.

Before this memorable day of your vacation comes to a close, treat your palate to a taste of Belgium's delectable cuisine at one of Brussels's best restaurants. After a nice meal, enhance your vacation experience by enjoying the local nightlife or unwinding with a drink or two in the city’s most recommended bars.

Reserve a table at Le Cirio, a renowned restaurant in Brussels. This culinary gem and its flavorful dishes have captured the hearts of food enthusiasts. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.3 out of 5-star rating from 2,548 guests.

Ensure you experience culinary excellence at Le Marmiton while in Brussels. This dining establishment presents an exquisite menu that has received a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, acclaimed by 1,876 discerning diners.

Experience a taste of Brussels at The Blue Restaurant, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 1,345 customers.

For a sip of relaxation, head over to Barbeton, a top-notch spot in the city scene. Whether you're unwinding solo or with pals, Barbeton has charmed many with its 4.3 out of 5-star rating, as attested by 1,044 happy guests.

Or, join the buzz at Little Delirium, where locals and fellow explorers gather for good times and good chats. Little Delirium captures hearts with its 4.4 out of 5-star rating, drawing acclaim from 648 merry-makers.

And don't miss out on Churchill's, another local party gem in Brussels. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 688 reviews, highlighting its charm and popularity in the area.

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

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

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Kaatsheuvel, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Haarzuilens. This drive usually takes around 59 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated château and attraction in Haarzuilens — Castle de Haar. About 17,504 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Haarzuilens, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Vleuten may take around 11 min. Upon your arrival in Vleuten, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

In Vleuten, the extraordinary Máximapark awaits. This attraction is a valued park that boasts an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 5,016 travelers' reviews.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Vleuten and set your GPS to Amsterdam. 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 37 min. Upon reaching Amsterdam, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Take some time off from the road, it’s time to check in at a top-rated stay in Amsterdam. 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 Belgium and the Netherlands 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.

Reserve your spot at Box Sociaal, a popular local restaurant in Amsterdam. This culinary hotspot and its flavorful dishes have left a lasting impression on guests. Its dedication to culinary mastery is reflected by its 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 2,162 satisfied guests.

Make it a priority to experience Restaurant Ambassade during your stay in Amsterdam. This popular local restaurant offers an unparalleled menu, with a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 769 discerning guests.

Explore the culinary wonders of Gartine, a popular local gem in Amsterdam. Its enticing menu promises a journey through flavors that will leave a lasting impression. Renowned for its impeccable service, it boasts a 4.8 out of 5-star rating from 678 satisfied guests.

For a sip of relaxation, head over to Proeflokaal Arendsnest, a top-notch spot in the city scene. Whether you're unwinding solo or with pals, Proeflokaal Arendsnest has charmed many with its 4.7 out of 5-star rating, as attested by 3,048 happy guests.

Or, join the buzz at SkyLounge Amsterdam, where locals and fellow explorers gather for good times and good chats. SkyLounge Amsterdam captures hearts with its 4.3 out of 5-star rating, drawing acclaim from 6,266 merry-makers.

And don't miss out on Excalibur Café, another local party gem in Amsterdam. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,047 reviews, highlighting its charm and popularity in the area.

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!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 of your multi-country journey across Belgium and the Netherlands. This exciting part of your road trip invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Amsterdam in the Netherlands. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to Hoorn where you'll spend 1 night of well-deserved relaxation.

One place travelers keep coming back to in Amsterdam is the magnificent Madame Tussauds Amsterdam. Around 25,927 visitors have rated this excellent wax museum and travel destination an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Dam Square on this leg of your adventure in the Netherlands. This attraction is a well-known square that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from around 42,263 travelers.

The remarkable Artis is known to be one of the best places to visit in Amsterdam, and its average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 31,524 traveler reviews is proof. Attracting more than 1,400,000 visitors in a single year, it's clear that the wonderful Artis is a perfect add-on to your itinerary.

Dive deeper into Amsterdam by exploring the captivating NEMO Science Center, which draws the attention of nearly 502,990 visitors annually. With a stellar average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 30,969 travelers, make sure this wonderful site is on your Amsterdam exploration list!

When you’ve had your share of Amsterdam, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Hoorn. Your travel time is around 32 min.

After an exciting day of sightseeing, it’s time to check in at your accommodation in Hoorn. 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 Hoorn. After a delicious dinner, experience the local nightlife or unwind at one of the city’s most popular bars.

Treat yourself to a delightful dining experience at Brasserie/Restaurant De Tuynkamer while you’re in Hoorn. Famous for its lovely menu and mouthwatering dishes, it has captivated around 906 diners, earning it an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Another favorite dining locale in Hoorn is Zorba De Griek. Have a satisfying meal from the menu that has charmed its way to the hearts of around 619 happy customers, who gave it an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

While in Hoorn, enjoy Bij Meta eten&drinken’s appetizing dishes. This dining establishment has earned a positive reputation and a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, thanks to the endorsements and reviews of around 653 satisfied guests.

After your meal, continue your getaway at one of the hottest bars in the city, Eet- en speciaalbierencafé De Klinker. This bar has an impressive average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 424 customers.

Alternatively, you can grab a few shots of your favorite drink and have an amazing night at the famous Café 't Kroegie. This incredible bar has a vibrant atmosphere and plays great music, worthy of its average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 242 customers.

Het Wapen Van Hoorn cannot be missed with its wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Around 259 bar lovers have given this place a seal of approval with their 4.3 out of 5 stars average rating.

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 6 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in Belgium and the Netherlands, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Amsterdam in the Netherlands. When you’re not exploring the city and its surrounding areas, take time to relax at your selected hotel in The Hague, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Amsterdam’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Hoorn behind. This drive usually takes around 43 min. Amsterdam welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

One place travelers keep coming back to in Amsterdam is the magnificent Anne Frank House. Each year, this popular place of interest welcomes over 1,195,456 travelers from across the world. Around 65,604 visitors have rated this excellent museum and travel destination an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Rijksmuseum on this leg of your adventure in the Netherlands. This attraction is a well-known national museum that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from around 92,707 travelers. Given this incredible site's popularity, it’s easy to understand why more than 2,700,000 people visit it every year.

The remarkable Van Gogh Museum is known to be one of the best places to visit in Amsterdam, and its average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 85,859 traveler reviews is proof. Attracting more than 2,161,160 visitors in a single year, it's clear that the wonderful Van Gogh Museum is a perfect add-on to your itinerary.

Dive deeper into Amsterdam by exploring the captivating Vondelpark. With a stellar average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 51,399 travelers, make sure this wonderful site is on your Amsterdam exploration list!

The Hague’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Amsterdam behind. This drive usually takes around 51 min. The Hague welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

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

In the evening, prepare to be amazed by The Hague’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 Belgium and the Netherlands.

Take your The Hague getaway to new heights by dining at Publique, a luxury restaurant. Renowned for its world-famous rating and a variety of creative and refined dishes, Publique consistently impresses foreign and local diners, garnering praise for its exceptional modern cuisine.

A renowned dining spot in The Hague is Calla's, which holds a rating of 1 Michelin stars. This Bib Gourmand establishment’s inviting ambiance and menu leave a lasting impression on everyone who dines here. Its creative french menu, characterized by its exquisite flavors, is a true testament to the Calla's’s culinary mastery.

Experience a taste of local culinary excellence while in The Hague and reserve a table at De Basiliek. Its delectable modern menu has contributed to impressive reviews from many previous guests. At this lavish dining spot, expect a perfect blend of sumptuous cuisine and exceptional service.

Spend the night with your favorite cocktail in hand at Huppel The Pub. This bar is among the most recommended in the city, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 979 customers.

Embrace relaxation as you toast to a fantastic night at Coffeeshop Dizzy Duck. This popular bar in The Hague is a local favorite with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,312 customers.

If you want to check out another bar in the area, you’ll love O'Casey's Irish Pub & Restaurant. This bar is known for its many choices of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. O'Casey's Irish Pub & Restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,768 reviews.

Take in the ambiance of The Hague 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 7 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, where you’ll be making 4 stops. The highlights of today include the wonderful destinations of The Hague in the Netherlands and Ghent in Belgium. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Ghent, your home for 1 night.

Mauritshuis is a travelers’ favorite in The Hague, 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 14,797 visitors. More than 500,000 people visit this extraordinary art museum and local gem every year to experience its uniqueness.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to The Hague and set your GPS to Lisse. 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 31 min. Upon reaching Lisse, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in The Hague today.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Lisse, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Rotterdam. This drive usually takes around 44 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

When you’ve had your share of Rotterdam, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Ghent, Belgium. Your travel time is around 1 hour 50 min.

An exhilarating day of exploring and driving will have you longing for a comfortable bed at the end of the day. Fortunately, Ghent’s top hotels offer a lovely retreat at day’s end. Choose from options ranging from budget to luxury.

As the sun dips under the horizon, freshen up and head out to discover the best dining spots in Ghent. 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.

Make your stay in Ghent one for the books by indulging in an unforgettable culinary experience at Publiek, a 1 Michelin star-rated gem acclaimed by food experts. Its delightful modern cuisine and the praise from satisfied patrons speak of its outstanding quality. Publiek ensures your dining experience will be nothing short of extraordinary.

Another Michelin restaurant in Ghent you shouldn’t miss is the Bib-Gourmand awardee Vrijmoed. With 2 Michelin star rating, it’s a haven for food lovers and enthusiasts. Vrijmoed proudly maintains an outstanding reputation, attracting diners from near and far, all delighted by its creative and modern culinary offerings.

OAK is not just another restaurant in Ghent. Its 1-Michelin star menu promises to tantalize your taste buds and take you on a gastronomic adventure. This Bib-Gourmand awarded restaurant’s world and creative french dishes and numerous glowing reviews from satisfied patrons have solidified its reputation as a culinary gem in Ghent.

If you’re in the mood for a drink, visit Trollekelder, one of the top bars in the city. An excellent place to unwind and enjoy a refreshing evening drink, Trollekelder has earned an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,614 customers.

Alternatively, you could enjoy a toast with locals and other travelers at Het Waterhuis aan de Bierkant, a crowd-favorite. Around 1,971 customers have rated their experience at Het Waterhuis aan de Bierkant an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Hot Club Gent belongs to the list of the best bars in Ghent, and its ratings and reviews are proof of this claim. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,741 bar-goers.

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

On day 8 of your multi-country road trip across Belgium and the Netherlands, 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.

Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated point of interest and attraction in Ghent — Belfry of Ghent. About 7,404 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

The popular Saint Bavo's Cathedral is another top sight in Ghent that locals and travelers often enjoy spending time at. This attraction is a well-loved church in the area, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 10,232 visitors.

Gravensteen is a spectacular museum and highlight on travelers’ itineraries in Ghent, earning an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 28,715 enchanted visitors.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Cambron-Casteau. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 20 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Pairi Daiza is a travelers’ favorite in Cambron-Casteau, 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 69,456 visitors. More than 2,000,000 people visit this extraordinary zoo and local gem every year to experience its uniqueness.

After soaking in Cambron-Casteau’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Brussels. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 4 min. When you arrive in Brussels, it's time to take a break from the road.

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Ghent today.

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Ghent today.

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

If you're eager to sample culinary delights during your multi-country road trip in Belgium and the Netherlands, you'll be excited to head out for dinner and get a taste of the local cuisine in Brussels. After dinner, head out to a bar to reminisce about your day and raise a toast to this stop on your road trip.

For a memorable dining experience, be sure to visit Le Pêcheur. Known for its excellent cuisine and commitment to quality dishes, this restaurant in Brussels has received a 4.4 out of 5-star rating from around 852 happy diners.

If you’re looking for a bar to end the evening at, many locals recommend BrewDog Brussels, claiming it’s one of the best in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 3,971 customers.

Another popular place to go for a drink is o'reilly's Irish Pub Brussels. It is rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 3,657 customers.

The Dominican is a place where you can easily spend an hour or two of fun or relaxation. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,834 customers.

As the night falls in Brussels, take a moment to savor the experiences of the day. Wash away your fatigue with a drink, or lay back and relax at your hotel, and look forward to another thrilling day of your multi-country journey across Europe.

On day 9 you have reached the last destination of your European road trip. Catch one last glimpse of Brussels 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 Belgium and the Netherlands. If shopping isn’t your thing, visit some of the lesser-known attractions you have yet to discover.

As you approach the end of your journey in Belgium, take a moment for some retail therapy in Brussels’s celebrated shopping district. Thanks to your stay’s premier location, you can easily visit the city’s commercial hubs and wander through its diverse range of local shops without rushing.

Whether you’re on a hunt for an ideal present to give to your friends or family, or looking for a personal memento to remind you of Belgium, a variety of items are waiting for you.

Get a last taste of Belgium’s tasty traditional food. Choose from a curated list of the best local food and drink spots in Brussels 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 Belgium and the Netherlands.

The time has come to say farewell to Brussels for now. You will realize that you’re traveling home with more than you came with as you look back at your 9-day European road trip in Belgium and the Netherlands with fond memories. Safe travels!