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

Your relaxed road trip through Germany starts when you reach the incredible city of Cologne, where you'll stay for 1 night. You'll pick up your rental car in Cologne and begin your adventure in Germany.

Drop by the renowned Old Market. This popular sightseeing destination has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 12,935 visitors.

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

When you're hungry and ready to take a break from your laid-back adventure, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in Cologne.

Experience a harmony of flavors at Le Moissonnier Bistro in Cologne by securing a reservation in advance. Known for its 1-star Michelin status, Le Moissonnier Bistro offers a delightful variety of dishes highlighting its delicious french, and seafood menu. If you're seeking an alternative culinary experience, be sure to explore Ox & Klee, a highly recommended restaurant known for its enticing modern, and creative cuisine. This popular 2-star Michelin-awarded venue consistently exceeds expectations, ensuring a memorable holiday experience. Ready for another culinary adventure? Indulge your senses at La Cuisine Rademacher, a highly acclaimed restaurant celebrated for its exceptional modern french menu.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Cologne and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at The Grid Bar. Alternatively, go to Toddy Tapper, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Legends Bar & Terrasse provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

Raise a toast as you look back into the highlights of today’s laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure in Germany. Enjoy your first taste of Cologne as you soak in the city’s unique vibe.

Day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Germany promises an exciting agenda full of discovery. You’ll start your day in the city of Cologne and drive in the direction of the city of Hanover for some laid-back sightseeing.

Take the opportunity to see Lindt Chocolate Museum. This attraction has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 37,446 visitors.

Cologne Cathedral is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This catholic cathedral has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 70,814 travelers. Up to 5,000,000 people visit Cologne Cathedral every year.

Cologne is also the home of Cologne Zoological Garden. Around 30,676 people have rated this zoo an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

You’ll be staying at the incredible city of Hanover in this laid-back road trip in Germany. You'll stay here for 2 nights.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Germany. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Hanover, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Meteora, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Bar Añejo offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Quarks Bar Hannover is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Hanover.

Experience the amazing nightlife in Hanover and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Bar Seña, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Sternwarte is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, DORMERO Hotel Hannover also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Grab yourself a drink and savor every moment of your relaxed road trip experience in Germany!

On day 3 of your relaxed road trip, you’ll start your self-paced adventure in Hanover and visit amazing attractions in Hanover, and Laatzen destinations, just outside of the city. You still have 1 night left in Hanover. This means today is also another excellent opportunity to dine at some of the top-rated restaurants and bars in the area.

Kick off the day at Herrenhausen Gardens, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 19,178 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Berggarten. Berggarten is a botanical garden with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,252 reviews.

SEA LIFE Hannover is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This aquarium is rated an average of 4 out of 5 stars by 8,630 visitors.

Beyond the attractions mentioned above, you also have the opportunity to visit Masch Park. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,391 visitors.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Hanover, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Laatzen may take around 16 min. Upon your arrival in Laatzen, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Hanover Fairground. This performing arts center is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 6,951 reviews.

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

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Hanover has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Guru, a top-rated dining destination in Hanover. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Dublin Inn, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Finca Hannover Finca & Bar Celona Hannover Marienwerder. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Hanover this evening.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Hanover.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Altstadt-Treff after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to My Way Cocktailbar, another bar with an inviting ambiance.

Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back, relaxed road trip adventure across Germany.

Day 4 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Germany gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience more than one place in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Hanover. 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 5 nights.

Journey into the unknown at Market Church, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable church building has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,658 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Markthalle Hannover is a recommended place to visit. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 9,074 reviews.

Another must-see attraction in Hanover is Hanover Zoo. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 27,161 travelers, this popular tourist destination in Hanover offers an experience you will remember.

Eilenriede is another popular stop on travelers' itineraries in Hanover. This urban forest promises memorable moments of exploring. Other travelers have rated this attraction 4.7 out of 5 stars in 2,359 reviews.

In the city of Hamburg, you’ll find plenty of stay options that will accommodate your need for rest and relaxation after spending your day on the road. Our top recommendations perfectly complement your relaxed road trip vacation in Germany.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Hamburg has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at The Table Kevin Fehling, a 3-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible creative, and international menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Haerlin is one of the best restaurants for creative french, and classic cuisine in Hamburg. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at 100/200 Kitchen. As a top-rated establishment with 2 Michelin star, it is an ideal choice for creative, and modern cuisine in the city.

Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in Hamburg.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at The Boilerman Bar Hafenamt, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Scandic Hamburg Emporio offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, HERITAGE Hamburg Rooftop Bar provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Soak in the unique atmosphere of Hamburg as you commemorate this day of your relaxed road trip through Germany with a toast. Cheers to a memorable leisurely self-drive holiday in Germany!

On day 5 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Germany, you’ll go deep into Hamburg, where you'll stay for 4 nights, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Hamburg, and meet locals along the way!

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Elbe Tunnel. This road tunnel is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 34,850 reviews.

Next up, make your way to St. Pauli Piers. This point of interest has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 19,508 reviews.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Elbe Philharmonic Hall. This concert hall has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 79,037 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Miniatur Wunderland. This museum is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 89,283 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Hamburg Dungeon. This museum is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 12,768 visitors.

Germany makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun exploration. Aside from amazing sights, Germany also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.

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 Hamburg, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Don’t miss out on dining at Restaurant Brodersen Hamburg, a top-rated dining destination in Hamburg. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Irish Pub in the Fleetenkieker, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at NOM vietnamese fusion food. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Hamburg this evening.

As the day is coming to an end, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in Hamburg. The bars in Hamburg make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Cafe Miller after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Copa Cabana Bar for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Fontenay Bar is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Germany!

Day 6 of your relaxed road trip through Germany means 24 hours of making the best memories in Hamburg. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by the city of Hamburg!

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Hagenbeck Zoo. This zoo is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 37,852 visitors.

When you’re finished at Hagenbeck Zoo, head to Stadtpark. This one-of-a-kind park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 20,877 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit CHOCOVERSUM - Hamburgs Schokoladenmuseum. This museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 11,487 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, then consider a visit to International Maritime Museum Hamburg. This maritime museum is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 7,372 visitors.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 6 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Germany. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Hamburg itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city.

Exploring the food culture in Hamburg 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.

As a top-rated it is an ideal choice in the city. Enjoy a lovely meal at Edelcurry, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Deichgraf Restaurant. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Hamburg tonight.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Hamburg’s best bars to celebrate this day of your slow-paced adventure in Germany.

Continue your lively evening at Tower Bar, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Black Forest Bar - by henn is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, CIU` DIE BAR ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

A leisurely self-drive holiday in Hamburg can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in Germany!

Day 7 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Hamburg, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Germany are extraordinary.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to St. Michael's Church. This much-appreciated church is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 20,524 reviews.

Next up is Panoptikum. This museum has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 11,133 visitors.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is Planten un Blomen. This park has been rated 4.8 out of 5 stars in 22,471 reviews.

Altonaer Volkspark is another attraction you have the opportunity to visit today. This park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,287 reviews.

To continue your sightseeing, head over to Loki Schmidt Garden Botanical of University Hamburg. This park is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 5,097 reviews.

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Germany. Check out all of the tours you can join this day of your leisurely self-drive holiday in Germany and ensure the experience of a lifetime.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Hamburg has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Brücke 10, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Shiso Burger Hamburg offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Restaurant Im Sprinkenhof. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Hamburg.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Meyer Lansky's, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, The Chug Club provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Tipsy Baker Bar Hamburg offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Toast to another unforgettable and relaxing road trip adventure in Germany!

On day 8 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Germany, you’ll go deep into Hamburg, where you'll stay for 1 night, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Hamburg, and meet locals along the way!

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Hamburger Kunsthalle. This art museum is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Hamburg, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 9,902 visitors.

Hamburg State Opera is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,068 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Alsterarkaden. Visitors have rated this street an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 2,676 reviews.

Hamburg Townhall is another unique site you can experience today. This attraction is a city hall rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 5,325 reviews.

Make your way to the fantastic St. Nikolai Memorial, perhaps the most famous church in Hamburg. This attraction is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 9,254 travelers.

Exploring one unique site after another provides you the much-needed variety during your leisurely self-drive tour across Germany. But to satisfy your curiosity or need for adventure, we recommend you add excursions in today’s agenda. You have a great selection of popular activities to choose from in Germany.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Germany. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Hamburg, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Das Feuerschiff LV 13, a highly-rated dining destination in Hamburg. If you're eager to try something different, consider Radisson Blu Hotel, Hamburg, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Hotel Hafen Hamburg. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Hamburg this evening.

Experience the amazing nightlife in Hamburg and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Bar DaCaio Hamburg, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Café MAY is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Jahreszeiten Bar is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

Raise your glass and toast to another unforgettable, laid-back road trip adventure in Germany!

Day 9 of your relaxed road trip across the beautiful country of Germany will take you on a self-paced journey to more than one incredible place in one day. See some of the best attractions in Germany, taste the most delectable foods and exquisite drinks, and make incredible memories as you go!

When you’ve had your share of Hamburg, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Duisburg. Your travel time is around 3 hours 54 min.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 27,144 visitors.

Duisburg Zoo is another popular attraction you could visit today. This zoo has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 21,434 visitors.

Tiger & Turtle is also highly recommended by travelers. This sightseeing destination has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,871 visitors.

When you’re not exploring beautiful places, you’ll have a relaxed time at Cologne. Here, you can choose from the best selection of hotels and places to stay as you get to know more about this spectacular city.

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 and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Mongo's Restaurant Köln, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Виетнамски ресторант "Кучи Мами" offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss RheinZeit. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Cologne.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Cologne’s best bars to celebrate this day of your slow-paced adventure in Germany.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Soul Bar Cologne, known for its inviting atmosphere. Dorint Hotel am Heumarkt Köln is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, die wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back, relaxed road trip adventure across 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.

As your final day in Germany unfolds, enjoy a last-minute shopping spree in Cologne's best shopping area. Enjoy finding the perfect gift or keepsake to remind you of your wonderful trip to Germany.

If you'd rather pass the time visiting some attractions, this is your chance to go to places you may not have had the chance to explore yet.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Cologne is the remarkable Rheinpark. This park and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,479 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.

Savor the flavors at Limani, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Funkhaus Cafe-Bar-Restaurant beckons with its unique menu offerings.

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.