5-Day Road Trip in the Netherlands and Belgium from Amsterdam to 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 2 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.

One of today’s main highlights is the unforgettable Dam Square. This outstanding square and travel destination inspires so many travelers each year. Garnering an average rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 from 42,081 travelers, a visit to the remarkable Dam Square is worth pages in your travel diary.

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.

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.

Book a table at Box Sociaal, a famous dining establishment in Amsterdam. This culinary hotspot and its delectable cuisine have captured the hearts of food enthusiasts. Its reputation for food excellence is reflected in its 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 2,162 satisfied diners.

Another dining place you should visit in Amsterdam is Gartine, which boasts a variety of tasteful dishes that cater to different palates. It has earned a commendable 4.8 out of 5 stars, demonstrating the positive feedback from 678 satisfied customers.

Locals and visitors alike recommend Amsterdam’s Winkel 43 for the delightful dining experience it gives. The establishment has garnered positive reviews for its tasty dishes, holding an admirable score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 10,504 satisfied diners.

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 The Cottage, where locals and fellow explorers gather for good times and good chats. The Cottage captures hearts with its 4.8 out of 5-star rating, drawing acclaim from 1,252 merry-makers.

And don't miss out on Restaurant Ambassade, another local party gem in Amsterdam. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 769 reviews, highlighting its charm and popularity in the area.

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.

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 and Belgium.

Rijksmuseum is a travelers’ favorite in Amsterdam, 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 91,223 visitors. More than 2,700,000 people visit this extraordinary national museum and local gem every year to experience its uniqueness.

In Amsterdam, don’t miss Van Gogh Museum, a great art museum and place to see in the city. This outstanding attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 84,751 reviews. Going here means you’ll be in the great company of 2,161,160 other travelers who visit this attraction every year.

Check other top attractions in Amsterdam off your list when you visit the wonderful Vondelpark. This popular sight is an outstanding park, rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 50,897 travelers.

Beyond the above-mentioned top sights, take the opportunity to visit the outstanding Anne Frank House. This museum and place of interest has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 64,974 reviews. It’s estimated that around 1,195,456 people come to admire it every year.

To make your day special, check out all the available tours and tickets in the city!

Amsterdam has something for every interest and travel budget.

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.

Reserve a table at Brouwerij 't IJ, a renowned restaurant in Amsterdam. This culinary gem and its delectable cuisine have captured the hearts of food enthusiasts. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 7,092 guests.

Ensure you experience culinary excellence at The Pantry while in Amsterdam. This dining establishment presents an exquisite menu that has received a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, acclaimed by 3,646 discerning diners.

Many previous guests have raved about this restaurant.

Experience a taste of Amsterdam at Restaurant Moeders, 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 3,647 customers.

If you’re looking for a bar to end the evening at, many locals recommend SkyLounge Amsterdam, claiming it’s one of the best in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 6,266 customers.

Another popular place to go for a drink is Excalibur Café. It is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,047 customers.

Lost in Amsterdam Lounge Cafe & Cocktail Bar is a place where you can easily spend an hour or two of fun or relaxation. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,918 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 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 Lisse in the Netherlands and Brussels in Belgium. In the evening, you’ll end up in Brussels, where you will stay for 1 night.

Fasten your seatbelt and journey to your next stop in Belgium. Turn on the radio and notice the scenic views transition from the Netherlands’s Amsterdam to the enchanting landscapes of Brussels. Keep in mind that your travel time may take around 2 hours 36 min without traffic disruptions.

When you start to long for the next destination, jump into the car and continue your journey. When you reach Lisse, that’s your cue to take a breather from the road. Check out some of the top attractions in the town.

Something that makes Lisse the perfect holiday destination is that the town offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding garden, Keukenhof. This local gem has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 53,601 visitors.

When you're ready for a new adventure, get into the car and drive to your next destination. Upon reaching Rotterdam, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Rotterdam, including the outstanding Diergaarde Blijdorp. Having an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 34,715 reviews, this fascinating zoo and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the town.

Rotterdam is also home to the captivating Erasmusbrug, a local bascule bridge considered one of the highlights of the town. About 13,637 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.6 out of 5 stars, proving its popularity.

The extraordinary Cube House is another unforgettable place you can visit on this leg of your journey in Rotterdam. This extraordinary house and tourist hot spot boasts a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 17,627 travelers.

To make your fun escapade in Lisse, the Netherlands even more exciting, we recommend you check out all the tours and activities you can add to your itinerary. Joining tours is an incredible way to visit wonderful places and meet new friends.

After an exciting day of sightseeing, it’s time to check in at your accommodation in Brussels. 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 sun sets on day 3 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, prepare for a culinary journey. Navigate through Brussels's top restaurants and eateries, each offering a local taste of Belgium 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, Brussels has them.

Transform your dining experience at Barge, one of the top restaurants in Brussels, holding 1 Michelin stars. Offering a diverse menu focusing on organic cuisine, Barge has earned praise from numerous satisfied guests.

Indulge in culinary masterpieces at La Villa Lorraine by Yves Mattagne in Brussels, renowned as a Bib-Gourmand recipient. With its 2 Michelin star rating, it caters to the most discerning palates. The delectable modern and classic cuisine at La Villa Lorraine by Yves Mattagne is acclaimed far and wide.

Experience a symphony of flavors at Bozar Restaurant in Brussels. Its 2-Michelin star menu is crafted to delight your senses and transport you on a gastronomic journey. This distinguished restaurant, awarded with a Bib-Gourmand honor, offers modern french and creative dishes that have gained widespread acclaim from satisfied guests.

For a sip of relaxation, head over to Delirium Café, a top-notch spot in the city scene. Whether you're unwinding solo or with pals, Delirium Café has charmed many with its 4.5 out of 5-star rating, as attested by 18,478 happy guests.

Or, join the buzz at À La Mort Subite, where locals and fellow explorers gather for good times and good chats. À La Mort Subite captures hearts with its 4.3 out of 5-star rating, drawing acclaim from 4,691 merry-makers.

And don't miss out on Poechenellekelder, another local party gem in Brussels. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,331 reviews, highlighting its charm and popularity in the area.

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!

Dive into day 4 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across the Netherlands and Belgium. Today you will jump into the car and make your way to Brussels in Belgium and Amsterdam 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.

A favorite among locals and travelers alike in Brussels is the fantastic Grand-Place. As an appreciated square and local gem in the area, Grand-Place has earned an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 149,732 reviews.

Next up on your agenda, you will find the extraordinary Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert. This attraction is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 38,005 visitors, so don't miss the opportunity to experience it for yourself!

Join countless others in discovering the allure of Brussels Park, a standout urban park and attraction that's captivated the hearts of many. It has a stellar rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 19,075 reviewers.

Experience the magic that has drawn so many to the doorstep of the outstanding Cinquantenaire. This urban park is a highly recommended attraction in the city boasting an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 34,980 visitor reviews.

Get comfortable in your rental car and blast some good music as you continue your road trip in Europe, and drive to your next destination, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. This car ride takes around 2 hours 33 min.

Hit the road and make your way to the next destination. Brussels, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. We highly recommend checking out its most popular attractions.

Grand-Place is a travelers’ favorite in Brussels, 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 149,732 visitors.

In Brussels, don’t miss Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert, a great shopping mall and place to see in the city. This outstanding attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 38,005 reviews.

Check other top attractions in Brussels off your list when you visit the wonderful Brussels Park. This popular sight is an outstanding urban park, rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 19,075 travelers.

Beyond the above-mentioned top sights, take the opportunity to visit the outstanding Cinquantenaire. This urban park and place of interest has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 34,980 reviews.

Jump into the car and set your direction on Laeken - Laken. Once you arrive, make time to explore the village’s most popular attractions and learn something new today.

One of today’s main highlights is the unforgettable Atomium. This outstanding history museum and travel destination inspires so many travelers each year. Garnering an average rating of 4.4 stars out of 5 from 89,664 travelers, a visit to the remarkable Atomium is worth pages in your travel diary.

Your destination has so much to offer to all kinds of travelers. Discover more about this place and add more excitement to your vacation in Brussels in the Netherlands by embarking on popular tours and excursions. Joining tours will give you a deeper understanding of Amsterdam’s history and culture while meeting other adventurers like 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.

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

Make a reservation at Blue Amsterdam, a popular dining spot in Amsterdam. Its reputation for being a popular dining spot shines through its 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 2,965 satisfied diners.

Make a reservation at Restaurant Olijfje while indulging in the charm of Amsterdam. This restaurant offers a delicious menu reflected with a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, cherished by 2,640 discerning connoisseurs.

Indulge in the flavors of Dabka, a treasured establishment in Amsterdam. Its diverse menu promises to tantalize your palate and elevate your dining experience. Known for its exceptional service, it has earned a 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 2,591 satisfied guests.

If you’re looking for a bar to end the evening at, many locals recommend Red Light Bar, claiming it’s one of the best in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,612 customers.

Another popular place to go for a drink is Bar Botanique. It is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,330 customers.

Bar-B Burgers ‘N’ Beers is a place where you can easily spend an hour or two of fun or relaxation. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,912 customers.

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

On day 5 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.

Optimize your last day in the Netherlands and go on a shopping spree in Amsterdam’s shopping center. This bustling commercial district is conveniently located near your lodging, granting you leisure time to roam and explore its assortment of establishments.

If you love the adrenaline rush of hunting for the best offers and deals in the Netherlands, you’re in for a treat. A variety of goods and gifts await your discovery.

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 11,821 visitors.

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.

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