12-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Hanover to Leipzig, Berlin, Hamburg, Dortmund, and Cologne and surrounding area

On day 2 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 Hanover and Laatzen. In the evening, you’ll end up in Leipzig, where you will stay for 1 night.

Get ready for a day filled with a visually striking, a romantic, a stunning, a historic, and a masterful in the charming city of Hanover. Your adventure starts at Markthalle Hannover, an underrated local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Herrenhausen Gardens. This notable botanical garden is known for its picture-perfect appeal.

After soaking in the highlights of these sights, take some time to wander Hanover's streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. When you're ready to continue your sightseeing adventure, head to Hanover Zoo. This instagrammable zoo offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Laatzen. This car ride takes around 14 min.

Your self-guided tour starts at Hanover Fairground, a curiosity-inducing exposition center that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Leipzig. Leipzig offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

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

Prepare for an extraordinary culinary adventure in Leipzig by booking a table at Kuultivo, a 1-star Michelin restaurant that boasts an exceptional modern and creative menu. For a different flavor experience, head to Stadtpfeiffer, renowned for its delectable creative and modern french dishes. This 1-star Michelin restaurant consistently wows guests, making it a memorable stop during your holiday. Looking for another option? Visit Frieda, a local gem known for its delightful creative cuisine in Leipzig. Nestled in the city's heart, this 1-star Michelin restaurant is a perfect choice for discerning restaurant-goers seeking a new experience.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Mephisto, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Brick's Der Cocktail is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Skala is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Germany!

Day 4 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Berlin for 3 nights more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

A blend of a visually striking, a historic, a culturally significant, a masterful, a stunning, and a stunning await you in Berlin on today’s itinerary. First up is the popular monument, Memorial To The Murdered Jews Of Europe. It's a standout spot that offers a memorable visit. Afterward, continue to Berlin Cathedral. A visit to this church is an enriching experience for all.

As you explore Berlin’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the city. Next, make your way to Brandenburg Gate. This timeless monument is an essential stop that should not be missed.

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 Berlin. 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 Park Inn by Radisson Berlin Alexanderplatz, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Nante-Eck | Restaurant Berlin Mitte boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Berlin TV Tower. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Berlin.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Sharlie Cheen Bar. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Berlin Icebar, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, The Curtain Club provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

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

On day 5 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Berlin. You’ll stay in Berlin for 2 nights and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Discover a day packed with a photogenic, a respected, a culturally significant, and a breathtaking in Berlin. Begin your sightseeing with Topography Of Terror. This interesting museum is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Checkpoint Charlie, another must-visit attraction that enhances the city’s allure.

As you wander through the inviting streets of Berlin, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Berlin Wall Memorial. This interesting war memorial is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find East Side Gallery, 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 you explore more of Berlin, 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 BrewDog Berlin Mitte, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Restaurant Marjellchen offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Leonardo Royal Hotel Berlin Alexanderplatz is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Berlin.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Booze Bar Berlin, known for its lively atmosphere. Victoria Bar is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Scandic Berlin Potsdamer Platz offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Germany!

Day 6 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Berlin has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Berlin by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

Set out on a day brimming with a gorgeous, a picture-perfect, a heritage-rich, a grand, a charming, a peaceful, and a masterful. Start at the extraordinary Potsdamer Platz, a historic public square in Berlin. Next, go to Großer Tiergarten.

After visiting Potsdamer Platz and Großer Tiergarten, take time to explore Berlin's streets and absorb its charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Siegessäule. This breathtaking monument offers a unique experience. Berlin Zoological Garden is another noteworthy stop.

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 Berlin's best restaurants.

Make sure to book a table at Curry 61, a popular restaurant in Berlin. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Berlin at Gasthaus Krombach, 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 SOY. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Berlin tonight.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Franken Bar. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Mikkeller Berlin offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Limonadier Cocktailbar, another top-rated bar in the area.

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

Dive into day 7 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you will explore Berlin and Potsdam, 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 Hamburg. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.

Today's adventure in Berlin promises more breathtaking discoveries and enriching experiences! Begin at Fernsehturm Berlin. This visually striking observation deck is a highlight of any visit in the city. Then, enjoy Alexanderplatz, another eye-catching attraction that never fails to captivate visitors.

Set your GPS to Potsdam and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 51 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Potsdam beckons with new experiences!

Begin your journey at Sanssouci and explore the UNESCO world heritage-designated features. Next, make your way to Sanssouci Park, another highlight in the city.

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

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

Begin your culinary exploration in Hamburg by securing a reservation at The Table Kevin Fehling. This renowned restaurant holds 3 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of creative and international cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Haerlin, celebrated for its delectable creative french and classic menu. This acclaimed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover 100/200 Kitchen, a top local spot known for its tantalizing creative and modern menu. With a 2-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

Continue your lively evening at The Boilerman Bar Hafenamt, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Scandic Hamburg Emporio is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Heritage Hamburg Rooftop Bar ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Germany!

Day 8 of your road trip across Germany promises a magnificent time exploring Hamburg. You have 1 night left in Hamburg. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Get ready for an exciting day in Hamburg. Today’s sightseeing agenda includes a concert hall, a museum, a haunted house, a church, a botanical garden and much more! Begin your adventure at Elbe Philharmonic Hall. This is a top-rated concert hall you should not miss. Another must-see is Miniatur Wunderland, an extraordinary museum in Hamburg.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Hamburg Dungeon. From there, take a leisurely stroll to St. Michael's Church, another of the city’s well-known attractions. We recommend ending your self-guided tour of the city with an instagrammable botanical garden. Planten Un Blomen is a truly remarkable place to visit in Hamburg.

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 Hamburg. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Restaurant Brodersen Hamburg, a top-rated dining spot in Hamburg. If you're in the mood for something new, try Irish Pub in the Fleetenkieker, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at NOM vietnamese fusion food. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Hamburg.

Continue your lively evening at Cafe Miller, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Copa Cabana Bar is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Fontenay Bar ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

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

On day 10 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Essen and Brühl. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Cologne, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Dortmund, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Essen may take around 41 min. Upon your arrival in Essen, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Red Dot Design Museum. Spend some time admiring the eye-catching features of the museum before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Shaft Xii. This beloved museum is a traveler-favorite in the city. Not far away, you’ll also find Unesco-welterbe Zollverein. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the museum.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Essen, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Brühl may take around 1 hour 16 min. Upon your arrival in Brühl, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Phantasialand is a famous amusement park we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its photogenic features before continuing your self-guided tour.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Cologne, 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 Cologne's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Start your culinary exploration in Cologne by securing a reservation at Le Moissonnier Bistro. This renowned restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of french and seafood cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Ox & Klee, celebrated for its delectable modern and creative menu. This acclaimed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover La Cuisine Rademacher, a top local spot known for its tantalizing modern french menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, The Grid Bar offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Toddy Tapper is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Legends Bar & Terrasse is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

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

On day 11 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 Cologne and Duisburg. In the evening, you’ll end up in Hanover, where you will stay for 1 night.

Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Cologne. Some of the city’s most loved attractions await. Old Market is the perfect place to start. This public square is one of the most interesting places to visit in Cologne. Next, head to Cologne Cathedral, a top-rated church, known for its breathtaking features.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Duisburg. This drive usually takes around 1 hour, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Head to Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord, an interesting park in Duisburg. Explore its picture-perfect features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

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

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Hanover. 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 memorable dining experience in Hanover by booking a table at Handwerk, renowned as a 1-star Michelin restaurant presenting an exceptional modern and creative menu. For a different culinary experience in Hanover, Jante shines as one of the top destinations, known for its delicious creative and modern cuisine. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from previous guests, making it a must-visit addition to your holiday experience. If you're looking for an alternative, Votum is known as a top local spot for its delicious creative and modern cuisine in Hanover. This 2-star Michelin awardee is a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable meal.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Altstadt-treff, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, My Way Cocktailbar is another popular option for a drink or two.

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