5-Day Germany Road Trip from Dortmund to Hamburg, and Düsseldorf and surrounding area

Your road trip adventure in Germany begins as soon as you reach Dortmund and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Dortmund 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.

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.

Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Dortmund. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.

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.

Make sure to reserve a table at Meeting, die Café-Bar, an iconic dining spot in Dortmund. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Zum Alten Markt, a popular restaurant in Dortmund. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Ringhotel Drees, a hidden gem nestled in Dortmund. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Vater&sohn. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Loka Lounge Dortmund, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Central Bar & More Dortmund provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

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

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

Journey into the unknown at German Football Museum, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable sports museum has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 6,503 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Rombergpark Botanical Garden is a recommended place to visit. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 6,572 reviews.

Another must-see attraction in Dortmund is Dortmund Zoo. Rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 15,732 travelers, this popular tourist destination in Dortmund offers an experience you will remember.

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

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.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like The Boilerman Bar Hafenamt, known for its lively atmosphere. Scandic Hamburg Emporio is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Heritage Hamburg Rooftop Bar offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

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

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

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Elbe Tunnel. This road tunnel is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 34,850 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Miniatur Wunderland. This museum has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 89,283 reviews.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Elbe Philharmonic Hall. This concert hall has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 79,037 visitors.

After soaking in Hamburg’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 3 hours 59 min. When you arrive in Duisburg, it's time to take a break from the road.

Kick off the day at Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 27,144 reviews.

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.

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

Have a memorable dining experience in Düsseldorf by booking a table at Pink Pepper, renowned as a 1-star Michelin restaurant presenting an exceptional modern menu. For a different culinary experience in Düsseldorf, Yoshi by Nagaya shines as one of the top destinations, known for its delicious japanese, and sushi cuisine. This 1-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, Le Flair is known as a top local spot for its delicious french, and contemporary cuisine in Düsseldorf. This 1-star Michelin awardee is a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable meal.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Engelchen, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Bar Cherie. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Auberge Rock Pub, another top-rated place in the area.

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

On day 4 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 Dortmund, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Cologne. This car ride takes around 39 min.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Cologne Cathedral. This catholic cathedral is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Cologne, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 70,814 visitors. Around 5,000,000 people visit this attraction every year.

Old Market is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 12,935 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Lindt Chocolate Museum. Visitors have rated this museum an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 37,446 reviews.

Cologne Zoological Garden is another unique site you can experience today. This attraction is a zoo rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 30,676 reviews.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Dortmund, 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 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 your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Gaststätte Lütge-eck, a prime destination for a thrilling night out.

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

Day 5 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.

Make the most of your final day in Germany by visiting Dortmund’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.

Make Hörde your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this ortsteil an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 709 reviews.

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

If you're in the mood to try something new, consider ALEX Dortmund, another top spot with a mouthwatering 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!