13-Day Germany Road Trip from Cologne to Bielefeld, Hamburg, Berlin, Hanover, and Düsseldorf

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

Kick off the day at Cologne Cathedral, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. Attracting approximately 5,000,000 visits every year, this attraction is a must-see. This catholic cathedral is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 70,814 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Lindt Chocolate Museum. Lindt Chocolate Museum is a museum with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 37,446 reviews.

Malakoffturm is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This tower is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 174 visitors.

Beyond the attractions mentioned above, 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.

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.

As you explore more of Bielefeld, 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.

Savor the flavors at GlückundSeligkeit, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, New Orleans beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Café Knigge. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Bielefeld tonight.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Die Villa. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Three Sixty Bielefeld offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Cutie, another top-rated bar in the area.

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

On day 4 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Hamburg. You’ll stay in Hamburg for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Take the opportunity to see Elbe Philharmonic Hall. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 79,037 visitors.

Miniatur Wunderland is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This museum has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 89,283 travelers.

Hamburg is also the home of Hamburg Dungeon. Around 12,768 people have rated this museum an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Another place you’ll want to visit is St. Michael's Church. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from a total of 20,524 reviews, a visit to this church is a great idea.

This day of your vacation in Hamburg is also your chance to admire Planten Un Blomen. This must-visit park enjoys an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 22,471 reviews.

One of the most unique ways of discovering what else Hamburg has to offer is by going on a top-rated tour. Be sure to check out all the experiences Hamburg offers and add your favorites to your Germany travel package below.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Hamburg. 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 Restaurant Brodersen Hamburg, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Irish Pub in the Fleetenkieker? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at NOM vietnamese fusion food as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Hamburg.

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

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 Berlin, where you'll stay for 4 nights more.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Treptower Park. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 22,355 reviews.

Continue your journey at Volkspark Friedrichshain. This park is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 14,548 travelers from near and far.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Berlin, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Potsdam may take around 46 min. Upon your arrival in Potsdam, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Take the opportunity to see Sanssouci Park. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 33,286 visitors.

Sanssouci is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This palace has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 25,145 travelers.

Potsdam is also the home of Brandenburg Gate. Around 14,966 people have rated this triumphal arch an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

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

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

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Park Inn by Radisson Berlin Alexanderplatz, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Nante-Eck | Restaurant Berlin Mitte? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Berlin TV Tower as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick 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.

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

Day 7 of your road trip across Germany promises a magnificent time exploring Berlin. You have 3 nights left in Berlin. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Checkpoint Charlie. This extraordinary sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 83,167 visitors.

Next, make your way to Topography Of Terror. This military museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 36,601 reviews.

While in Berlin, we also recommend a visit to Berlin Zoological Garden. This zoo has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 63,593 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Kaiser-wilhelm-gedächtniskirche. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 21,717 travelers, this church building is a highly recommended stop on your sightseeing around Berlin.

Immerse yourself in the local scene through top-rated tours and activities. You can choose from a wide variety of easy to challenging tours and easily add them to your travel package below.

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

Enjoy a delicious meal at BrewDog Berlin Mitte, a highly-rated dining destination in Berlin. If you're eager to try something different, consider Restaurant Marjellchen, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Leonardo Royal Hotel Berlin Alexanderplatz. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Berlin this evening.

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

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

Day 8 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Berlin has to offer. Cherish the 2 nights you have left in Berlin by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at German Museum Of Technology. This technology museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 22,609 visitors.

When you’re finished at German Museum Of Technology, head to Potsdamer Platz. This one-of-a-kind square is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 60,557 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Memorial To The Murdered Jews Of Europe. This holocaust memorial is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 45,507 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, then consider a visit to Brandenburg Gate. This triumphal arch is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 162,714 visitors.

To round off your sightseeing experience, make your way to Berlin Wall Memorial. This famous museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 41,126 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 long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Berlin. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Curry 61, a top-rated dining destination in Berlin. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Gasthaus Krombach, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at SOY. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Berlin this evening.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Franken Bar, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Mikkeller Berlin offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Berlin. Limonadier Cocktailbar is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

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

Day 9 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Berlin for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Make Pergamon Museum one of your first sightseeing stops in Berlin. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 29,292 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area. This art museum attracts 1,298,000 visitors every year.

Berlin Cathedral is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This lutheran cathedral is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 36,615 reviews.

Today is also the perfect opportunity to drop by Fernsehturm Berlin. This television tower has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 44,005 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, head to Alexanderplatz. A trip to this popular square is also your opportunity to see if it lives up to the reputable 4.3 out of 5-star rating as given by 213,494 previous visitors.

Another top place to visit is East Side Gallery. This art museum enjoys an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 54,103 local and international travelers.

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

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Misfit Bar Berlin, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Gas holder offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Park Plaza Wallstreet Berlin Mitte. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Berlin.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Thecoven Bar, known for its inviting atmosphere. Möbel Olfe is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Schmitz Katze provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 10 of your road trip in Germany. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Berlin, and Hanover. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Hanover, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Großer Tiergarten. This park is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Berlin, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 23,436 visitors.

Siegessäule is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 26,706 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Charlottenburg Palace. Visitors have rated this château an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 25,831 reviews.

Gardens Of Charlottenburg Palace is another unique site you can experience today. This attraction is a castle park rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 10,193 reviews.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Hanover, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Berlin to Hanover may take around 2 hours 55 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Hanover, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Hanover Zoo. This extraordinary zoo has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 27,161 visitors.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Hanover, 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 Hanover's best restaurants.

Experience a symphony of flavors at Handwerk in Hanover by securing a reservation in advance. Renowned for its 1-star Michelin distinction, Handwerk delights its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious modern, and creative cuisine. For a palate-pleasing alternative, make sure to dine at Jante, acclaimed for its delectable creative, and modern specialties. This local 2-star Michelin establishment consistently satisfies guests, ensuring an unforgettable holiday experience. Want to go on another culinary journey? Delight your senses at Votum, a top-rated restaurant known for its outstanding menu. Known as a top-rated 2-star Michelin establishment, it's a top choice for creative, and modern cuisine in the city.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Bar Seña, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Sternwarte offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road 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 Nordkirchen, and Essen. In the evening, you’ll end up in Düsseldorf, where you will stay for 1 night.

Set your GPS to Nordkirchen and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 2 hours 23 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Nordkirchen beckons with new experiences!

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Schloss Nordkirchen. This extraordinary palace is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 9,745 visitors.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Nordkirchen, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Essen. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 1 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Red Dot Design Museum. This design museum is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,831 visitors.

When you’re finished at Red Dot Design Museum, head to Shaft Xii. This one-of-a-kind point of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 2,333 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Unesco-welterbe Zollverein. This museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 21,243 visitors.

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 Düsseldorf. Düsseldorf 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.

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.

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Pink Pepper, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible modern menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Yoshi by Nagaya is one of the best restaurants for japanese, and sushi cuisine in Düsseldorf. This 1-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at Le Flair. As a top-rated establishment with 1 Michelin star, it is an ideal choice for french, and contemporary cuisine in the city.

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

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

On day 12 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, Duisburg, Königswinter, 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.

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 31 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Kick off the day at Duisburg Zoo, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This zoo is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 21,434 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord. Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord is a park with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 27,144 reviews.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Duisburg and set your GPS to Königswinter. 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 1 hour 20 min. Upon reaching Königswinter, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Kick off the day at Schloss Drachenburg, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This château is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 17,667 reviews.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Cologne, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

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

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.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Soul Bar Cologne after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

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