5-Day Germany Road Trip from Bremen traveling south to Hamburg, and Cologne

Your road trip adventure in Germany begins as soon as you reach Bremen and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Bremen for 1 night and explore the best things to see and do, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.

Bremen 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 Town Musicians Of Bremen or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Bremen. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Germany. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Bremen. 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 Hotel Robben, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Dorint City-Hotel Bremen boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Market Hall Eight Bremen. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Bremen.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Rosso Bar after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Red Rock, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Sammy`s Bar also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Raise a toast to the start of your 5-day road trip in Germany!

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

Journey into the unknown at Bremen, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable college town has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,746 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Schnoor is a recommended place to visit. This street is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 16,546 reviews.

Another must-see attraction in Bremen is Bremen Cathedral. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,226 travelers, this popular tourist destination in Bremen offers an experience you will remember.

Universum Science Center is another popular stop on travelers' itineraries in Bremen. This science center promises memorable moments of exploring. Other travelers have rated this attraction 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,274 reviews.

Lastly, don't miss out on Rhododendron-park Bremen. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 6,244 local and international travelers, it's a popular place to visit.

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 Hamburg. Hamburg 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 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.

Have a memorable dining experience in Hamburg by booking a table at The Table Kevin Fehling, renowned as a 3-star Michelin restaurant presenting an exceptional creative, and international menu. For a different culinary experience in Hamburg, Haerlin shines as one of the top destinations, known for its delicious creative french, and classic 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, 100/200 Kitchen is known as a top local spot for its delicious creative, and modern cuisine in Hamburg. This 2-star Michelin awardee is a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable meal.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting The Boilerman Bar Hafenamt, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Scandic Hamburg Emporio is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Heritage Hamburg Rooftop Bar also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your road trip in Germany. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Hamburg, and Essen. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Cologne. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Elbe Tunnel. This road tunnel is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 34,850 visitors.

When you’re finished at Elbe Tunnel, head to Miniatur Wunderland. This one-of-a-kind museum is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 89,283 reviews.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Hamburg, 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 3 hours 51 min. Upon your arrival in Essen, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Unesco-welterbe Zollverein. This much-appreciated museum is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 21,243 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.

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

Experience a symphony of flavors at Le Moissonnier Bistro in Cologne by securing a reservation in advance. Renowned for its 1-star Michelin distinction, Le Moissonnier Bistro delights its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious french, and seafood cuisine. For a palate-pleasing alternative, make sure to dine at Ox & Klee, acclaimed for its delectable modern, and creative 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 La Cuisine Rademacher, a top-rated restaurant known for its outstanding menu. Known as a top-rated 1-star Michelin establishment, it's a top choice for modern french cuisine in the city.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at The Grid Bar, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Toddy Tapper offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Legends Bar & Terrasse. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

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

On day 4 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 Düsseldorf, and Duisburg. In the evening, you’ll end up in Bremen, where you will stay for 1 night.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Cologne and set your GPS to Düsseldorf. 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 49 min. Upon reaching Düsseldorf, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Nord Park. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 6,034 reviews.

Continue your journey at Rheinturm. This communication tower is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 13,916 travelers from near and far.

After soaking in Düsseldorf’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Duisburg. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 28 min. When you arrive in Duisburg, it's time to take a break from the road.

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.

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

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Bremen. 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 delicious dinner at Gaststätte Kleiner Olymp, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Restaurant Jürgenshof offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Q1 - Metropolitan Kitchen & Bar. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Bremen.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Wohnzimmer Bremen offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, König Lounge is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Cottons Pub is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

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

Make the most of your final day in Germany by visiting Bremen’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Germany.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Bremen Roland, a remarkable roland statue where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 3,405 reviews.

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

You’ll then say farewell to Bremen. 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!