10-Day Relaxed Germany Road Trip from Cologne to Hanover and Hamburg

Your slow-paced and relaxed road trip through Germany begins when you reach Cologne, where you’ll stay for a total of 2 nights.

Cologne is an outstanding hub for culture, comfort, and exploration. The city offers travelers plenty of experiences to look forward to, including the magnificent Old Market. Around 10,413 visitors have rated this fascinating top-tier point of interest and travel destination an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Take your pick and make it your home during your leisurely tour of the city.

Exploring the food culture in Cologne offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

An excellent example is Craftbeer Corner Coeln. This restaurant offers a menu of comforting meals and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,165 customers.

Gruber's serves great food and is a favorite among hungry travelers and locals. This popular restaurant in Cologne has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 625 reviews.

Gaffel am Dom I Kölsches Brauhaus und Wirtshaus I Brauhaus Köln is another one of the city’s best restaurants. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 6,484 customers, Gaffel am Dom I Kölsches Brauhaus und Wirtshaus I Brauhaus Köln is sure to provide you with an unforgettable dining experience.

If you’re curious about what Cologne looks like at night, a trip to some of the best bars near your accommodation is what you need next. Experience the local nightlife at Toddy Tapper, our top recommendation in the city. Customers have rated this bar an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars in 590 reviews.

ONA MOR Bar offers a variety of refreshing drinks and is one of the best places to relax in Cologne. This well-known city bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 548 customers.

Free your mind of worries and enjoy your first taste of relaxation in Germany! Expect more to come as you continue this laid-back and relaxed road trip in Germany!

Day 2 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Germany gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Cologne. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Hanover, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 3 nights.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Cologne Cathedral is waiting for you. This catholic cathedral has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 57,506 visitors. It’s estimated that around 5,000,000 people visit this attraction every year.

The next stop on your road trip vacation is Cologne Chocolate Museum. This unique museum is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 28,752 visitors.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Cologne has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in Germany. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Hanover. In Hanover, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in Germany.

With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,028 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing 6 Sinne Sky Bar and Restaurant.

Locals also recommend BLOCK HOUSE Am Thielenplatz as one of the top restaurants in the area. So if you’re feeling hungry, don’t forget to check out the menu at BLOCK HOUSE Am Thielenplatz as well. This local-favorite restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,505 customers.

If you feel like having something else, you could also book a table at The Irish Pub. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 929 customers.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like Craft Bier Bar Hannover. Craft Bier Bar Hannover is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 678 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations.

This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through Germany!

Day 3 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip through Germany serves as your introduction to Cologne. This is your chance to experience the very best of the city and appreciate Germany and its distinct culture and people.

Upon arriving in Cologne, you can check in at the accommodation of your choice for a quick break. This 4-star hotel has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 1,190 former guests.

You’ll enjoy restful days and nights at the 4-star Fora Hotel Hannover. With an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 784 guests, Fora Hotel Hannover is the best luxury hotel option we recommend while in the city.

The 3-star Haus Sparkuhl offers comfort at an affordable price, perfect for practical travelers. Haus Sparkuhl is a top-rated budget hotel in Cologne with an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars from 385 guests.

These recommendations are among the most popular places to stay in Cologne. If any of these options are not available during your stay in the city, we’ll provide you with the best alternatives. Our flexible booking system will automatically offer you a selection of accommodations that fit your budget and needs.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Cologne, allowing you to explore the city at a relaxed pace. For example, you can take in the unique atmosphere of the city from the outstanding Eilenriede. This urban forest and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in Cologne. The fascinating Eilenriede has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,991 travelers.

Cologne is also home to the captivating Berggarten, a local botanical garden and another popular attraction in the city. About 4,033 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.6 out of 5 stars.

The extraordinary Herrenhausen Gardens is another unforgettable place you can visit on your easy and relaxed road trip across Germany. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 14,479 travelers, Herrenhausen Gardens proves to be one of the top sights in the area.

A trip to this wonderful site will inspire you.

Every year, travelers gather around this fascinating sightseeing spot to appreciate its unique features.

Tours often allow you to see beyond what books and social media feature about Cologne, its culture, and people. So for a more meaningful travel experience in the city, we recommend you join one of the most popular tours available on this day of your relaxed road trip across Germany.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Germany. After a day of appreciating the best places to visit in Cologne, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Ranking high on our list of the best restaurants in Cologne is Masa Restaurant. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 929 customers, you really have to try the savory dishes of this excellent restaurant.

Locals love Guru for its delicious meals, and we recommend you visit the restaurant at least once during your stay in Cologne. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 848 customers.

Another alternative is Ruenthai Restaurant Hannover. This restaurant serves a variety of comforting food and drinks and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 689 customers.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Cologne. At Oscar's Bar, you can enjoy a mix of fun and relaxation. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 674 customers.

Alternatively, unwind and relive your best memories of this day of your relaxed road trip at Bar Añejo, another popular bar in the city. Customers have rated this fantastic bar an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 313 reviews.

Sternwarte is also one of the best places in Cologne where you can let loose and enjoy some celebratory drinks. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 273 customers.

Sleep comfortably and prepare for another day of your laid-back adventure in Germany!

On day 4 of your relaxed road trip across Germany, you'll explore the best attractions in Cologne at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Cologne, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 1 night will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Market Church. This incredible church building has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,444 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Germany by seeing another popular site in Cologne, the wonderful Maschpark. This top-tier point of interest is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,444 travelers.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 4 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Germany. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Cologne itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Germany extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Cologne. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Reimanns Eck. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 828 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Bar Añejo, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Bar Añejo is rated 4.7 stars out of 5 by 313 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended Quarks Bar Hannover. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 107 food lovers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Cologne and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular Bar Seña. This vibrant bar is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 359 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular Bukowski's. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 213 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks.

Enjoy the rest of day 4 of your relaxed road trip across Germany, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 5 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Germany gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Cologne. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Hamburg, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 4 nights.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Hanover Fairground is waiting for you. This performing arts center has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 5,545 visitors.

The next stop on your road trip vacation is Altwarmbüchener See. This unique lake is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,927 visitors.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Cologne has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in Germany. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Hamburg. In Hamburg, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in Germany.

With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,416 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing estancia steaks.

Locals also recommend Hanoi Deli Rathaus as one of the top restaurants in the area. So if you’re feeling hungry, don’t forget to check out the menu at Hanoi Deli Rathaus as well. This local-favorite restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,380 customers.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like Le Lion • Bar de Paris. Le Lion • Bar de Paris is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,224 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

Another lively bar worth checking out tonight is The Chug Club. This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations. The average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 734 customers gives you an idea of what to expect from this bar.

Alternatively, head to Skyline Bar 20up. This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night. Skyline Bar 20up is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,995 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through Germany!

Day 6 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip through Germany serves as your introduction to Cologne. This is your chance to experience the very best of the city and appreciate Germany and its distinct culture and people.

Upon arriving in Cologne, you can check in at the accommodation of your choice for a quick break. This 4-star hotel has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 4,532 former guests.

You’ll enjoy restful days and nights at the 5-star Privathotel Lindtner Hamburg. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,083 guests, Privathotel Lindtner Hamburg is the best luxury hotel option we recommend while in the city.

The 3-star Select Hotel Tiefenthal Hamburg offers comfort at an affordable price, perfect for practical travelers. Select Hotel Tiefenthal Hamburg is a top-rated budget hotel in Cologne with an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars from 1,295 guests.

These recommendations are among the most popular places to stay in Cologne. If any of these options are not available during your stay in the city, we’ll provide you with the best alternatives. Our flexible booking system will automatically offer you a selection of accommodations that fit your budget and needs.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Cologne, allowing you to explore the city at a relaxed pace. For example, you can take in the unique atmosphere of the city from the outstanding Townhall. This city hall and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in Cologne. The fascinating Townhall has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,780 travelers.

Cologne is also home to the captivating St. Nikolai Memorial, a local church and another popular attraction in the city. About 7,367 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.6 out of 5 stars.

The extraordinary Miniatur Wunderland is another unforgettable place you can visit on your easy and relaxed road trip across Germany. Rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 69,222 travelers, Miniatur Wunderland proves to be one of the top sights in the area.

You’ll enjoy the time you’ll spend at the incredible Hamburg Dungeon. A trip to this wonderful site will inspire you. Visitors have rated their experience at this amazing museum and attraction an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 10,240 reviews.

When you’re in the mood to experience something amazing, we recommend you visit the fantastic Elbe Philharmonic Hall. Every year, travelers gather around this fascinating concert hall and sightseeing spot to appreciate its unique features. Around 63,498 visitors have rated the famous Elbe Philharmonic Hall an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Tours often allow you to see beyond what books and social media feature about Cologne, its culture, and people. So for a more meaningful travel experience in the city, we recommend you join one of the most popular tours available on this day of your relaxed road trip across Germany.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Germany. After a day of appreciating the best places to visit in Cologne, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Ranking high on our list of the best restaurants in Cologne is Heimathafen. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 3,912 customers, you really have to try the savory dishes of this excellent restaurant.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Cologne. At NAGEL Restaurant und Kneipe, you can enjoy a mix of fun and relaxation. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,360 customers.

Alternatively, unwind and relive your best memories of this day of your relaxed road trip at Brooklyn Burger Bar, another popular bar in the city. Customers have rated this fantastic bar an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 2,481 reviews.

Irish Pub in the Fleetenkieker is also one of the best places in Cologne where you can let loose and enjoy some celebratory drinks. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,537 customers.

Sleep comfortably and prepare for another day of your laid-back adventure in Germany!

On day 7 of your relaxed road trip across Germany, you'll explore the best attractions in Cologne at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Cologne, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 2 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Elbe Tunnel. This incredible road tunnel has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 28,482 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Germany by seeing another popular site in Cologne, the wonderful St. Michael's Church. This church is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 28,482 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Planten un Blomen. This park has received an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 19,348 visitors.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 7 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Germany. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Cologne itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Germany extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Cologne. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, NAGEL Restaurant und Kneipe. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,360 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Brooklyn Burger Bar, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Brooklyn Burger Bar is rated 4.3 stars out of 5 by 2,481 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended NOM vietnamese fusion food. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,783 food lovers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Cologne and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular Krameramtsstuben. This vibrant bar is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,192 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular Tower Bar. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,413 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is Thämer's. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. Thämer's has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,245 bar goers.

Enjoy the rest of day 7 of your relaxed road trip across Germany, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 8 of your comfortable self-drive tour across Germany gives you another chance to explore the magnificent city of Cologne and visit more of its attractions.

Cologne has plenty of activities and sights, so you won’t be short of things to do during your laid-back and relaxed road trip in Germany. Fortunately, your accommodation, where you’ll be staying for 1 night more is conveniently located near several of the city’s best attractions.

One of the best stops on your hassle-free journey is the popular CHOCOVERSUM by HACHEZ - Hamburgs Schokoladenmuseum, one of the top attractions in the city. In fact, the incredible CHOCOVERSUM by HACHEZ - Hamburgs Schokoladenmuseum has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 8,537 visitors.

You could also spend some time relaxing at the amazing Hamburger Kunsthalle. This city feature got an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from its 7,201 guests.

Another place of interest in the city of Cologne is the notable Stadtpark. The popular Stadtpark is a highlight of many travel packages in Cologne. As a matter of fact, this remarkable must-see tourist destination has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from around 17,747 travelers.

Get a more in-depth understanding of Cologne by checking out the amazing selection of tours and excursions you can add to your relaxed road trip itinerary. Explore more of the city’s wonders, create memorable experiences, and join laid-back to challenging activities. You’ll be happy to learn that there are plenty of top-rated tours and activities in Cologne.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Cologne, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations below and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Shiso Burger Hamburg is one of the top restaurants in the city. This Cologne-based food place has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,495 guests.

If you’re looking for another option near your accommodation, Irish Pub in the Fleetenkieker is also one of the best restaurants you can try in the city. Irish Pub in the Fleetenkieker proved an excellent choice for around 1,537 visitors, who gave the restaurant an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

After your meal, consider getting a drink at one of the top bars in Cologne, Paddy's Bar. This bar enjoys an average rating of 4.4 over 5 stars given by 1,106 customers.

Another drinking place in the city we recommend you try out is The Boilerman Bar Hafenamt. Check out its selection of liquors, and learn why it has been rated 4.6 over 5 stars by 609 customers.

If you prefer another place to unwind, Drip Bar may be a more excellent choice for you. This bar offers a variety of drinks you can choose from. Around 453 customers have rated it an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Toast to an amazing time in Cologne and end day 8 of your slow-paced and relaxed road trip in Germany on a great note!

Day 9 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Germany gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Cologne. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Cologne, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 1 night.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful UNESCO-Welterbe Zollverein is waiting for you. This museum has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 17,439 visitors.

The next stop on your road trip vacation is Museum Folkwang. This unique art museum is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,116 visitors. Approximately 800,000 travelers come to experience this attraction each year.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Cologne has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in Germany. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Cologne. In Cologne, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in Germany.

With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 5,823 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing Gilden im Zims.

Locals also recommend Gaststätte Lommerzheim as one of the top restaurants in the area. So if you’re feeling hungry, don’t forget to check out the menu at Gaststätte Lommerzheim as well. This local-favorite restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,487 customers.

If you feel like having something else, you could also book a table at Jameson Pub Cologne. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,308 customers.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like Gaffel am Dom I Kölsches Brauhaus und Wirtshaus I Brauhaus Köln. Gaffel am Dom I Kölsches Brauhaus und Wirtshaus I Brauhaus Köln is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 6,484 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations.

This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through Germany!

Day 10 of your relaxed road trip in Germany is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Cologne.

Depending on when you need to leave, you might be able to fit in some sightseeing or shopping. Embrace the beauty of Cologne once more and find some souvenirs to help you remember your time in the city. To end your relaxing road trip in Germany on top, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Rheinpark is an extraordinary attraction that is perfect for your last day in Cologne. This top sight is a popular park, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,438 visitors.

Unwind and look back at the past 10 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Cologne or just grab something light to keep you going.

Check out the menu at Servus Colonia Alpina. Dining at Servus Colonia Alpina is one of the best food experiences you can have in Cologne. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,757 customers.

Another top recommendation in Cologne is The Little Steakhouse. If you go to The Little Steakhouse, you can expect delicious food, a nice ambiance, and great service. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,631 customers.

Alternatively, you could also go to a place like Max Stark. If you haven’t yet, a trip to Max Stark is your opportunity to have a lovely meal before leaving the city. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,193 customers.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Cologne and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 10-day relaxed road trip in Germany is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.