10-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Dortmund traveling west to Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Essen

On day 3 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Cologne. You’ll stay in Cologne for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Savor the day by visiting some of the best places to see in Cologne, including a zoo, a church, a public square, a museum and much more! Start your adventure at Cologne Zoological Garden. This interesting zoo is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Cologne Cathedral located in Cologne for another exciting encounter.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Old Market. Its enchanting features will captivate you. After the public square, continue your tour of the city with a visit to Lindt Chocolate Museum. Visitors usually appreciate the picture-perfect features of this museum.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Germany is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

As you explore more of Cologne, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Mongo's Restaurant Köln, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Vietnamski restorant "Kuchi Mami" 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.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Soul Bar Cologne offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Head back to your accommodation in Cologne and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Germany!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 4 of your road trip in Germany. Today, you will make 3 stops and experience some of the highlights of Bonn, Königswinter, and Brühl. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Düsseldorf, which will be your home away from home for 3 nights.

Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Cologne. Some of the city’s most loved attractions await! House Of The History Of The Federal Republic Of Germany is the perfect place to start. This museum is one of the most notable places to visit in Cologne. Next, head to Gop Varieté-theater Bonn, an increasingly popular performing arts theater, known for its romantic features.

In between the sights, don’t hesitate to take small detours to explore local stores and eateries. When you’re ready to continue your adventure, head to Rheinaue. This romantic park is a highly recommended experience. Nearby, you'll also find Schloss Drachenburg and Phantasialand. Visit these for an interesting touch to your journey.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Düsseldorf. Düsseldorf offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Düsseldorf. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Set out on a gastronomic journey in Düsseldorf by reserving a table at Pink Pepper. Renowned for its 1-star Michelin recognition, this restaurant presents an outstanding menu of modern cuisine. For a different taste, head over to Yoshi by Nagaya, renowned for its delectable japanese and sushi dishes. This distinguished 1-star Michelin-recipient is a favorite among guests, making it a worthy addition to your holiday plans. Craving more culinary excitement? Explore Le Flair, a highly rated local gem known for its exquisite french and contemporary menu. With a 1-star Michelin acclaim, it promises a dining experience you won't want to miss. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Düsseldorf.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Engelchen after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Bar Cherie, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Auberge Rock Pub also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Say good night to Düsseldorf and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Germany!

Day 5 of your road trip across Germany promises a magnificent time exploring Düsseldorf. You have 2 nights left in Düsseldorf. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Düsseldorf. Some of the city’s most loved attractions await! Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum Dusseldorf is the perfect place to start. This aquarium is one of the most locally renowned places to visit in Düsseldorf. Next, head to Nord Park, an increasingly popular park, known for its eye-catching features.

In between the sights, don’t hesitate to take small detours to explore local stores and eateries. When you’re ready to continue your adventure, head to Japanese Garden. This mesmerizing botanical garden is a highly recommended experience. Nearby, you'll also find Rheinuferpromenade Düsseldorf and Schloss Benrath. Visit these for an interesting touch to your journey.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Germany is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Düsseldorf's best restaurants.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Radisson Blu Media Harbour Hotel, Düsseldorf, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Cafe Extrablatt Düsseldorf? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Coffee Fellows as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Düsseldorf.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Bar Studio 1, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Sakura Bar, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Engel Rockbar provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Germany!

Wake up to day 6 of your extraordinary road trip in Germany. With 1 night left in Düsseldorf, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Get ready to discover some of the most iconic wonders in Düsseldorf, including a boardwalk, a public square, a park, a zoo and much more! Start your day at Rheinpromenade. This visually striking boardwalk is an often recommended place to see in Düsseldorf. Then, wander over to Burgplatz. If instagrammable sites excite you, this public square will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Hofgarten. This mesmerizing park is a favorite among visitors.

Düsseldorf offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, Duisburg Zoo is a notable spot in the city that will captivate you with its unique charm. When you’re done at the zoo, don’t forget to check out the picture-perfect Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord. Take a moment to appreciate the fascinating details of this popular park.

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

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Düsseldorf. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Im Goldenen Kessel, a top-rated dining destination in Düsseldorf. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider DORMERO Hotel Düsseldorf, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Konditorei Heinemann. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Düsseldorf this evening.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Germany!

On day 7 of your road trip in Germany, 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 in Rubbelrath, Solingen, Wuppertal, and Oberhausen. In the evening, you’ll end up in Essen, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Get ready to discover some of the most iconic wonders in Düsseldorf, including a castle, a zoo, and a museum. Start your day at Hotel Schloss Dyck. This visually striking castle is an up-and-coming place to see in Düsseldorf. Then, wander over to Burg Castle. If breathtaking sites excite you, this castle will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Der Grüne Zoo Wuppertal. This picture-perfect zoo is a favorite among visitors.

Düsseldorf offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, Gasometer Oberhausen is a locally renowned spot in the hamlet that will captivate you with its unique charm.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Essen. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Essen's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Experience a taste of local culinary excellence while in Essen by securing a table at Hannappel. An esteemed 1-star Michelin restaurant, it features an exceptional modern and classic menu. For an alternative taste experience, visit Schote, famous for its scrumptious modern dishes. This 1-star Michelin venue consistently impresses guests, making it a standout addition to your holiday plans. Looking for another choice? Discover Kettner's Kamota, a local favorite celebrated for its exquisite austrian and french contemporary cuisine in Essen. Located in the heart of the city, this 1-star Michelin restaurant is an ideal pick for austrian and french contemporary cuisine lovers seeking top-notch culinary experiences.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Südrock Rock Pub, known for its inviting atmosphere. Gentlem is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Diamond Cocktail Lounge provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Germany!

Day 8 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Essen for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several fun adventures, breathtaking views, and picturesque spots. Whether you decide to explore Essen on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Villa Hügel is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this breathtaking museum before continuing your journey. Hügel Park is your next stop. This often recommended park is one of the best-rated sights in Essen.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Laserzone Lasertag Essen West - Borbeck. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Unesco-welterbe Zollverein and Shaft Xii.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Germany is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Essen's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Mezzo Mezzo am Zollverein, a highly-rated dining destination in Essen. If you're eager to try something different, consider Banana Leaf, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Restaurant Artemis. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Essen this evening.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Metropol Café-bar Essen, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Temple Bar is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Zum Pümpchen also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Germany!