12-Day Germany Road Trip from Cologne traveling north to Bielefeld, Hamburg, and Hanover

Dive into day 2 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you will explore Cologne, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Bielefeld. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Lindt Chocolate Museum. This museum is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 37,446 visitors.

When you’re finished at Lindt Chocolate Museum, head to Cologne Cathedral. This one-of-a-kind catholic cathedral is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 70,814 reviews. Every year, approximately 5,000,000 travelers come here to experience the catholic cathedral for themselves.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Cologne Zoological Garden. This zoo is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 30,676 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, then consider a visit to Japanese Garden Leverkusen. This park is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,239 visitors.

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

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

Don’t miss out on dining at GlückundSeligkeit, a top-rated dining destination in Bielefeld. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider New Orleans, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Café Knigge. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Bielefeld this evening.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Die Villa is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Three Sixty Bielefeld, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Cutie. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

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

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

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Heimat-tierpark Olderdissen. This zoo is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 13,778 reviews.

Continue your journey at Botanical Garden. This park is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,374 travelers from near and far.

Bielefeld is also the home of Sparrenberg Castle. This park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 8,084 visitors.

You can continue your self-guided sightseeing tour at Laserzone Lasertag Bielefeld. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 5,539 visitors, a visit to this top sight is time well spent.

Lastly, don't miss out on Obersee. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,315 reviews, it’s hard to refuse the opportunity to see this park.

There are plenty of experiences you can choose from in Germany that will add excitement to your vacation. When you’re keen to discover what else Bielefeld has in store for you, use this day to go on a tour. Scroll down and select tours and activities to include on your itinerary for the day.

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

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Nichtschwimmer, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try BRASSERIE Bielefeld? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at L'Osteria Bielefeld as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Bielefeld.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Extra Blues Bar, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Café Wunderbar provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Faces Lounge & Bar offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

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

On day 5 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Hamburg. You’ll stay in Hamburg for 3 nights and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at St. Pauli Piers. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 19,508 visitors.

When you’re finished at St. Pauli Piers, head to Elbe Tunnel. This one-of-a-kind road tunnel is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 34,850 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Panoptikum. This museum is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 11,133 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, then consider a visit to St. Michael's Church. This church is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 20,524 visitors.

To round off your sightseeing experience, make your way to Elbe Philharmonic Hall. This famous concert hall is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 79,037 travelers.

To do something one-of-a-kind on this day of your trip, you can join a tour. You can discover all of the most fun and eye-opening experiences in your destination below and secure your spot here.

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

Enjoy a lovely meal at Restaurant Brodersen Hamburg, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Irish Pub in the Fleetenkieker is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at NOM vietnamese fusion food. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Hamburg tonight.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Cafe Miller. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Copa Cabana Bar, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Fontenay Bar provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Germany.

Day 6 of your road trip across Germany promises a magnificent time exploring Hamburg. You have 2 nights left in Hamburg. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Drop by the renowned Chocoversum - Hamburgs Schokoladenmuseum. This popular museum has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 11,487 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Hamburg Dungeon. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 12,768 visitors, this museum deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

We also recommend a visit to Miniatur Wunderland. This museum has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 89,283 reviews.

Another favorite attraction in the area is Hagenbeck Zoo. This zoo and popular place of interest enjoys a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 37,852 local and international travelers.

You can learn more about Hamburg today by going on a tour. Hamburg offers many top-rated tours and unique experiences that will inspire you. You can browse and select your favorites below.

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

Make sure to book a table at Edelcurry, a popular restaurant in Hamburg. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Hamburg at Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is Deichgraf Restaurant. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Hamburg tonight.

Keep the evening going at Tower Bar, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Black Forest Bar - By Henn, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Ciu` Die Bar, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Germany.

Day 7 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Hamburg for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at St. Nikolai Memorial, a remarkable church where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 9,254 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Hamburg Townhall. This city hall has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 5,325 travelers.

Hamburger Kunsthalle is another must-visit attraction. This renowned art museum offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 9,902 travelers, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

Beyond the above-mentioned sites, you also have the opportunity to visit Planten Un Blomen. This well-loved park boasts a 4.8 out of 5-star rating from 22,471 reviews.

When there’s still energy left for exploring, Stadtpark awaits. If you’ve been interested in experiencing a park, this is a top pick rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 20,877 previous visitors.

Your discoveries in Hamburg do not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Hamburg on this day of your trip. You can select your tours below.

As you explore more of Hamburg, 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.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Brücke 10, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Shiso Burger Hamburg offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Restaurant Im Sprinkenhof is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Hamburg.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Meyer Lansky's after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to The Chug Club, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Tipsy Baker Bar Hamburg also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Germany!

Day 9 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Hanover has to offer. Cherish the 2 nights you have left in Hanover by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

Journey into the unknown at Hanover Zoo, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable zoo has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 27,161 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Eilenriede is a recommended place to visit. This urban forest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 2,359 reviews.

Another must-see attraction in Hanover is Markthalle Hannover. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 9,074 travelers, this popular tourist destination in Hanover offers an experience you will remember.

Market Church is another popular stop on travelers' itineraries in Hanover. This church building promises memorable moments of exploring. Other travelers have rated this attraction 4.5 out of 5 stars in 3,658 reviews.

To immerse yourself in more memorable moments in Hanover, check out the best-rated tours the region offers. You can discover and choose from all of the top-rated activities you can do on this day in Hanover below.

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

Make sure to reserve a table at Guru, an iconic dining spot in Hanover. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Dublin Inn, a popular restaurant in Hanover. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Finca Hannover Finca & Bar Celona Hannover Marienwerder, a hidden gem nestled in Hanover. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Altstadt-treff, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, My Way Cocktailbar offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife.

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

Wake up to day 10 of your extraordinary road trip in Germany. With 1 night left in Hanover, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Make Herrenhausen Gardens your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 19,178 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Berggarten. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,252 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this botanical garden every year.

Sea Life Hannover is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This aquarium has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars by 8,630 visitors.

When you’re finished at Sea Life Hannover, the perfect next stop is Masch Park. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 3,391 reviews.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Hanover and set your GPS to Laatzen. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 16 min. Upon reaching Laatzen, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Hanover Fairground. This performing arts center is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 6,951 visitors.

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

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

Make sure to book a table at Resso’s Café | Restaurant | Lebenskultur, a popular restaurant in Hanover. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Hanover at Masa Restaurant, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is BLOCK HOUSE Am Thielenplatz. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Hanover tonight.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Germany!