Berlin to Amsterdam in 3 days: A Road Trip Guide where you visit 7 cities

Road tripping from Berlin to Amsterdam is a great way to discover many fun cities in two great countries of Europe: Germany and the Netherlands. Both are unique and have so much to offer. Before getting started on your road trip, there is a lot to consider and plan - where to stay, where to eat, what sights to see, and more.

This blog gives you inspiration for a route with the best local tips and necessary stops! Let’s begin with the starting point of this journey: Berlin.

Day 1: Start your journey the right way: Brunch in Berlin!

You’ll need to prepare yourself for the journey ahead with a nourishing breakfast! Thankfully, Berlin has many wonderful brunch options, such as Cafe Einstein. This cafe is located in a historical building and serves traditional breakfasts from around the world. It’s the perfect place to begin your adventure.

Where to park in Berlin

Around the corner from Café Einstein, you can park your car at the Parking Sheraton Grand Esplanade Hotel. This parking facility is safe and affordable, costing only €3 per hour, making it a great alternative to street parking. It's conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from Café Einstein, so you can enjoy your brunch without worrying about your car. Additionally, it is only 3 minutes away from bus stops and public transport, allowing you to easily connect to the rest of Berlin.

Points of Interest Around Sheraton Grand Esplanade Hotel

Kulturforum

Just a 10-minute walk from the parking spot, the Kulturforum is home to several world-renowned museums and galleries, including the Gemäldegalerie, which houses a stunning collection of European paintings from the 13th to the 18th centuries.

Potsdamer Platz

A 15-minute stroll will take you to Potsdamer Platz, a bustling area known for its modern architecture, shopping centres, cinemas, and the famous Sony Center. It's a great spot for some quick sightseeing and shopping.

Tiergarten Park

Adjacent to the parking area, the Großer Tiergarten is Berlin’s largest park. After brunch, you can take a leisurely walk in this historic park, which features picturesque gardens, statues, and the renowned Berlin Victory Column.

With these points of interest nearby, Parking Sheraton Grand Esplanade Hotel not only offers convenience and safety but also places you in the heart of Berlin's vibrant cultural and historical landscape. If you prefer to explore other options, you can search for additional parking in Berlin to find the spot that best suits your needs. So what are you waiting for? Secure your spot at the Parking Sheraton Grand Esplanade Hotel or parking in Berlin and start exploring Berlin now!

Take a walk in Großer Tiergarten

Just up the street is Großer Tiergarten, Berlin’s largest and oldest park. You will be driving for a while after this, so take your time to stretch your legs and walk off your brunch in this 210-hectare park. Originally created in the 16th century as a royal hunting ground, Großer Tiergarten is now a public park full of open lawns, tree-lined paths, and numerous memorials and cultural sights.

Next stop: Make your way to Hamburg

Hamburg is a port city in northern Germany along the Elbe river. It's famous old port, known as HafenCity, is definitely worth seeing for its 19th-century red-brick warehouses that line the multiple canals. Dive deeper into Hamburg’s shipping history by visiting the International Maritime museum. The museum’s exhibits show more than 3,000 years of maritime history!

Where to park in Hamburg

For convenient parking in Hamburg, Parking Garage Altona Hamburg - Moxy & Residence Inn Hamburg Altona is the way to go. Located in Hamburg Altona, this parking facility offers an ideal starting point for exploring the city. Positioned on the north side of Ottensen, this garage provides easy access to Hamburg’s vibrant districts like St. Pauli, Altona-Altstadt, and Karolinen Viertel via the nearby S-Bahn station, connecting you to the wider city. The garage features advanced security with video surveillance and electric vehicle charging stations, ensuring the safety and convenience of your car.

From this parking spot, you can easily explore nearby attractions. Ottensen town offers entertainment options such as cinemas and live music at Monkeys Music Club. For local dining, Altamira provides a taste of Hamburg's rich cuisine. If your car needs a wash, Mr. Wash Hamburg Altona is conveniently located a 2-minute drive away. For refuelling, the Aral gas station is also a quick 2-minute drive from the parking facility. The district also hosts many nightlife venues and theaters such as the First Stage Theater and Gruenspan.

Central Hamburg is accessible via public transport, where you can visit the St. Nikolai Memorial, Miniatur Wunderland, and Hamburger Kunsthalle. For a taste of local history, visit the Altonaer Museum or relax at Elbstrand beach.

So what are you waiting for? Secure your Parking Garage Altona Hamburg - Moxy & Residence Inn Hamburg Altona and explore Hamburg now!

Exploring and Dining in Hamburg Altona

Altona is a mix of old factory buildings, stylish coffee shops, and organic bakeries near beautiful parks, making it a special place to explore. You can explore the Hamburg Town Hall and City Hall, both architectural marvels showcasing the rich history and grandeur of the city. The Town Hall, with its stunning facade and ornate interiors, is a must-see.

Visit St. Pauli, one of Hamburg’s most vibrant districts. Known for its lively nightlife and the famous Reeperbahn street, St. Pauli offers a unique blend of entertainment, history, and culture. The area is also home to the St. Pauli football club, which has a dedicated and passionate fan base.

Miniatur Wunderland is another highlight, the world’s largest model railway exhibition. This fascinating attraction features detailed miniature landscapes from around the world, complete with moving trains, cars, and even airplanes. It's a perfect spot for visitors of all ages to enjoy.

After a fantastic day of exploring, you’ll want to unwind with some delicious food. For animal lovers, Froindlichst is a cozy all-vegan comfort food joint with locations in Ottensen. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, making it a perfect spot to relax.

If you’re in the mood for traditional Hamburg cuisine, head to Krameramtsstuben. Located in a historic alleyway near the baroque church of St. Michaelis, this restaurant offers a charming escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Originally built as residences for grocers’ widows, Krameramtsstuben now serves delicious German and Hamburgian dishes in a cozy, authentic setting.

From historical landmarks to vibrant districts and delightful dining options, Altona provides a diverse and enriching experience for visitors. Whether you're exploring architectural wonders, immersing yourself in local culture, or savoring tasty meals, Altona has something special to offer.

Next stop: Drive from Hamburg to Bremen

It’s time to get moving for the last stop of the day. An hour-and-a-half drive on the A1 highway will bring you to Bremen, another maritime city in Northwestern Germany.

Where to park in Bremen

When arriving in Bremen, head straight to the Courtyard by Marriott near Bremen’s central station for cheap and secure parking. This parking lot is centrally located, meaning you can easily park here and walk around the city for sightseeing.

What to do in Bremen

A popular site to see in Bremen is the historic marketplace, called the Marktplatz. It is located in the Old Town in the heart of the city. Here, you can see the town hall, built in a beautiful mix of Renaissance and Gothic styles. A statue of Roland, Germany’s most famous knight, is also located in this square. If you visit during the Christmas season, the Marktplatz is temporarily transformed into an authentic German Christmas market.

Where to stay in Bremen

Day 2: Begin with breakfast in Bremen

Rise and shine with breakfast at YellowBird Coffee in Bremen. This quaint and cosy cafe serves speciality coffee and delicious healthy breakfasts. You’ll need to fuel up here for the drive ahead!

Drive from Bremen to Düsseldorf

Via the A1 highway, you can reach Düsseldorf in about 3 and a half hours. If you have time, some nice stops along the way are the cities of Münster, Dortmund, or Essen. If you choose not to stop, you’ll likely be ready to stretch your legs and have a bite to eat when reaching Düsseldorf.

Park at the Dusseldorf South Moxy Hotel for convenient and cheap parking. For only €10 per day, it is possible to park even if you are not a guest of the hotel. Located next to highway A46 and Ubahn stop Holthausen, it is a great location to head into the city centre while skipping the busy traffic.

What to do and where to eat in Düsseldorf

Experience a typical German market in Dusseldorf at the Carlsplatz Markt. This calm and neat market offers plenty of souvenirs as well as flowers, fresh fruits, cheese, bread, and meats. It’s also a great place to visit around lunchtime, as stands in the market serve a delicious variety of sandwiches, falafel, and handmade pasta.

Next stop: Cross the Dutch/German border to Eindhoven

What to eat in Eindhoven

Suppose you want to experience Eindhoven like a local, the best place to eat is Café 't Rozenknopje (The Rosebud). It is known as “the living room” for everyone in the city and is a cafe and live music hall in one. Go here for live music and performances as well as a cozy bar with burgers, fries, and traditional Dutch snacks like "bitterballen" and "frikandalletjes".

Where to stay in Eindhoven

A cool and creative (and better yet, budget-friendly) place to stay in Eindhoven is Hotel The Match. Located in the heart of Eindhoven, this hotel guarantees you all the comfortable amenities you could want with reasonably-priced rooms. They also offer excellent city guides filled with local tips about the city. Plus, the hotel is full of beautiful art and design to enjoy.

Day 3: Start your day with brunch in Eindhoven

After a restful night, start with a delicious breakfast to give you energy for the last leg of your journey. DENF Coffee is the perfect place! This industrial cafe roasts all their beans in-house and has a wide assortment of coffees to choose from. They also have a delicious breakfast menu including overnight oats and chai pancakes, for example.

Drive from Eindhoven to Rotterdam

It’s time to explore more of The Netherlands! Via the A58 and A16 highway, you can reach Rotterdam in 1 hour and 25 minutes. Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands and has the largest port in Europe. It is also known for its modern, impressive architecture.

Where to park in Rotterdam

The Holiday Inn Express Hotel at Rotterdam central station offers an easy parking solution in the centre of the city. You can park there for just €3 per hour and explore the entire centre of Rotterdam by foot or with public transportation. This location is ideal for easy access to the rest of the city.

Another great parking option in the city is StartDock Rotterdam, where you can easily and securely park your car in the heart of Rotterdam, just by Erasmusbridge!

What to do in Rotterdam

Rotterdam is situated on the Nieuwe Maas river and has beautiful harbours and ports. A boat tour is an excellent way to see the city from the water. There are many different boat tours available, as well as a water taxi that will take you from one side of the river to the other.

Rotterdam is also full of interesting architecture, so make sure to keep your eye out for unique buildings. The Cube Houses are an extraordinary sight and popular amongst tourists. They are a set of houses in a cuboid structure, tilted at a 45-degree angle. People actually live in these apartments, and one is even open for public viewing.

If the weather isn’t ideal, another idea is to visit the Kunsthal museum. This museum is located in the Museumpark of Rotterdam and showcases art, from 20th-century pieces to contemporary art. Some interesting exhibitions that have been displayed at the Kunsthal are Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Drawn: Rotterdam! The City in Lockdown.

If you want more ideas on things to do and see in the city, check out this guide on what to do in Rotterdam for a day.

What to eat in Rotterdam

The Markthal in Rotterdam is a modern indoor food market with a lot of dining options. It is built in an iconic arch with the largest piece of art in the world, The Horn of Plenty by Arno Coenen, displayed on the ceiling. There are a large number of stalls and restaurants offering all kinds of food. Here, everyone can find something they like!

Last stop: Drive from Rotterdam to Amsterdam

It’s time for the last stop of the trip: Amsterdam, the capital city of The Netherlands. The drive from Rotterdam is only 1 hour on the A4 highway. Amsterdam is a picturesque and cozy city filled with bikes, canals, and narrow, crooked houses, so get your camera ready for some beautiful sights!

Where to park in Amsterdam

Amsterdam has very expensive street parking. Thankfully, there are much cheaper alternatives. Mobypark has many available parking spots in Amsterdam for a great price. Visit the website and search for the location where you want to park to find your ideal spot.

What to do in Amsterdam:

Amsterdam is famous for being an extremely bike-friendly city. So what better way to explore than by bike? BikeRent is a great bike rental shop in central Amsterdam with reasonable prices. Rent a bike for the day and explore Amsterdam’s winding canals and hidden streets. Ride to the famous Vondelpark to enjoy some nature in one of Amsterdam’s most beautiful districts.

Riding a bike amongst the locals can feel a bit intimidating at first. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll be speeding along the canals like you’re one of them! If you need some extra convincing, read this article on why you should rent a bike in Amsterdam.

Where to eat in Amsterdam

If you're a beer enthusiast, then Amsterdam is the place to be. This city has many authentic and historical breweries that are worth a visit. Check out this blog on the top 5 breweries in Amsterdam to go to while you’re in the city.

Where to stay in Amsterdam

After a long road trip, you’ll be ready to rest your eyes. Do it the Amsterdam way in a traditional houseboat! These floating dwellings are located all over the city’s canals. Airbnb offers a variety of Amsterdam houseboats to stay in. There are places available for any budget in each neighborhood of the city. It’s a great way to experience the city like a local!

This brings us to the end of the road trip! This journey included seven cities in two beautiful countries, Germany and The Netherlands, and highlighted several sights and activities in each. From this guide, you hopefully can make the most of each place you visit.

But why stop there? There is so much yet to discover in Europe, so get in the car and go! Want to continue from Amsterdam? Here is another road trip guide from Amsterdam to Marseille