4-Day Germany Road Trip from Dortmund to Düsseldorf and surrounding area

Welcome to Dortmund, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Germany! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 1 night immersing yourself in Dortmund's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Dortmund is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Westfalenpark or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Find your way to your hotel in Dortmund. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Germany. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

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

Don’t miss out on dining at Meeting, die Café-Bar, a top-rated dining destination in Dortmund. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Zum Alten Markt, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Ringhotel Drees. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Dortmund this evening.

Continue your lively evening at Vater&sohn, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Loka Lounge Dortmund is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Central Bar & More Dortmund ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

Raise a toast to the start of your 4-day road trip in Germany!

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 Dortmund. In the evening, you’ll end up in Düsseldorf, where you will stay for 1 night.

Drop by the renowned German Football Museum. This popular sports museum has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,503 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Dortmund Zoo. Rated 4.1 out of 5 stars by 15,732 visitors, this zoo deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

We also recommend a visit to Casino Hohensyburg. This casino has been rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars in 2,302 reviews.

Another favorite attraction in the area is Lwl Industrial Museum Zollern. This museum and popular place of interest enjoys a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,363 local and international travelers.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Düsseldorf, 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 Düsseldorf. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at Pink Pepper, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an exceptional modern menu. If you are in the mood for trying an alternative dining experience, consider visiting the nearby 1-star Michelin-awardee, Yoshi by Nagaya, known for its delicious japanese, and sushi cuisine. Another highly-recommended restaurant in Düsseldorf is Le Flair, a renowned restaurant with a 1-star Guide Michelin recognition, known for its delicious french, and contemporary menu.

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.

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

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you will explore Duisburg, and Essen, 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 Dortmund. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Düsseldorf, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Duisburg. This drive usually takes around 31 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Duisburg Zoo. This zoo is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 21,434 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord. This park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 27,144 reviews.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Duisburg, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Essen. This drive usually takes around 22 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Make Laserzone Lasertag Essen West - Borbeck your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this sightseeing destination an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 8,211 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Unesco-welterbe Zollverein. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 21,243 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this museum every year.

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 Dortmund. Dortmund 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 Dortmund. 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.

Prepare for an extraordinary culinary adventure in Dortmund by booking a table at The Stage, a 1-star Michelin restaurant that boasts an exceptional modern, and creative menu. For a different flavor experience, head to Grammons Restaurant, renowned for its delectable contemporary, and classic french dishes. This 1-star Michelin restaurant consistently wows guests, making it a memorable stop during your holiday.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Gaststätte Lütge-eck, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere.

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

Day 4 of your road trip in Germany is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Dortmund before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

Explore local shops for souvenirs to remember your trip or find unique gifts for loved ones.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Rombergpark Botanical Garden. This much-appreciated park is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 6,572 reviews.

Before you conclude your road trip in Germany, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Dortmund.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Café Brasserie Lotte, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try ALEX Dortmund? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu.

You’ll then say farewell to Dortmund. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Germany!