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

Day 3 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Cologne has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Cologne by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

Discover a day packed with fun adventures, scenic views, and picturesque spots in Cologne. Begin your sightseeing with Cologne Zoological Garden. This interesting zoo is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Cologne Cathedral, another must-visit attraction that enhances the city’s allure.

As you wander through the inviting streets of Cologne, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Old Market. This interesting public square is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Lindt Chocolate Museum, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary.

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 dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Cologne. 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.

Dine in style at Mongo's Restaurant Köln, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Vietnamski restorant "Kuchi Mami" boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out RheinZeit. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Cologne.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Soul Bar Cologne is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day 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.

Get ready for an exciting day in Cologne. Today’s sightseeing agenda includes a museum, a performing arts theater, a park, a castle, an amusement park and much more! Begin your adventure at House Of The History Of The Federal Republic Of Germany. This is an interesting museum you should not miss. Another must-see is Gop Varieté-theater Bonn, a worthwhile performing arts theater in Cologne.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Rheinaue. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Schloss Drachenburg, another of the city’s locally renowned attractions. We recommend continuing your self-guided tour at Phantasialand, a photogenic place of interest in the city.

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

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Düsseldorf. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

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

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.

Relax and reminisce about your day in Germany and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

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.

Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Düsseldorf, featuring family-friendly attractions, photo-friendly spots, and romantic experiences. Start at Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum Dusseldorf, a well-known aquarium in the city. Then, head to Nord Park and soak in the ambiance of this eye-catching park.

There are many interesting places to see in Düsseldorf and when you are ready for more, go to Japanese Garden. This is one of the city’s most often recommended spots. After exploring the botanical garden, visit the worthwhile Rheinuferpromenade Düsseldorf. Before wrapping up your self-guided sightseeing tour, head to the locally renowned Schloss Benrath, a locally renowned palace in the city.

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 long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Düsseldorf. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Savor the flavors at Radisson Blu Media Harbour Hotel, Düsseldorf, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Cafe Extrablatt Düsseldorf beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Coffee Fellows. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Düsseldorf tonight.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Bar Studio 1, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Sakura Bar, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Engel Rockbar likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Germany.

On day 6 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Düsseldorf, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. On today's itinerary, you'll find attractions in Düsseldorf and Duisburg. You still have 1 night left in Düsseldorf.

Today’s agenda in Düsseldorf includes a boardwalk, a public square, a park, a zoo and much more! Rheinpromenade is must-visit boardwalk and a great starting point for the day. Next, continue your journey to Burgplatz, an often recommended public square, located just a leisurely stroll away. Next, head to Hofgarten, a visually striking park, also available for your discovery today.

Each stop on today’s itinerary promises to leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for Düsseldorf. If you’re looking for more, Duisburg Zoo is also a well-known attraction that is worthwhile a visit. Lastly, don’t miss Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord, a captivating gem to see in the city.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Düsseldorf.

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.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Im Goldenen Kessel, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, DORMERO Hotel Düsseldorf offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Konditorei Heinemann is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Düsseldorf.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Germany!

On day 7 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 4 destinations, Rubbelrath, Solingen, Wuppertal, and Oberhausen. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Essen, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

Discover a day packed with family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and scenic views in Düsseldorf. Begin your sightseeing with Hotel Schloss Dyck. This locally appreciated castle is one of the top attractions in the hamlet. Proceed to Burg Castle, another must-visit attraction that enhances the hamlet’s allure.

As you wander through the inviting streets of Düsseldorf, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Der Grüne Zoo Wuppertal. This notable zoo is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Gasometer Oberhausen, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Essen, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

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

Experience a symphony of flavors at Hannappel in Essen by securing a reservation in advance. Renowned for its 1-star Michelin distinction, Hannappel delights its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious modern and classic cuisine. For a palate-pleasing alternative, make sure to dine at Schote, acclaimed for its delectable modern specialties. This local 1-star Michelin establishment consistently satisfies guests, ensuring an unforgettable holiday experience. Want to go on another culinary journey? Delight your senses at Kettner's Kamota, a top-rated restaurant known for its outstanding menu. Known as a top-rated 1-star Michelin establishment, it's a top choice for austrian and french contemporary cuisine in the city.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Südrock Rock Pub, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Gentlem is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Diamond Cocktail Lounge 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!

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, you'll explore some of the most beautiful places in Essen, including a museum, a park, and a laser tag arena. Start your day with a visit to Villa Hügel. This intriguing museum is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Hügel Park, which may be one of the most serene places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Essen on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to Laserzone Lasertag Essen West - Borbeck, an up-and-coming laser tag arena in the city. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for 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.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Essen. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Mezzo Mezzo am Zollverein, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Banana Leaf is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Restaurant Artemis. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Essen tonight.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Metropol Café-bar Essen, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Temple Bar, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Zum Pümpchen provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

Relax and reminisce about your day in Germany and look forward to more memorable moments to come!