5-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Dortmund traveling west to Cologne

Dive into day 2 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you will explore Dortmund, 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 Cologne. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.

Start your day with a visit to German Football Museum. This underrated museum is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Steinwache, which may be one of the most historically significant places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Dortmund on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to Dortmund Zoo, a locally renowned zoo in the city. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Lwl Industrial Museum Zollern.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Cologne. Cologne offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

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.

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Le Moissonnier Bistro, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible french and seafood menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Ox & Klee is one of the best restaurants for modern and creative cuisine in Cologne. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at La Cuisine Rademacher. As a top-rated establishment with 1 Michelin star, it is an ideal choice for modern french cuisine in the city.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at The Grid Bar, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Toddy Tapper provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Legends Bar & Terrasse offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

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

Schildergasse is a fantastic place you can explore today in Cologne. This street is a testament to the city’s character, and it's easy to spend hours just walking around and admiring the surroundings. Soak in the Cologne-way-of-life and visit all the nearby sights. You should also check out Belgisches Viertel, a neighborhood offering more opportunities to enjoy the city’s vibrant atmosphere and landmarks.

Prepare for a day full of family-friendly attractions, scenic views, and photo-friendly spots. When you’re ready, kick off your sightseeing adventure at Cologne Cathedral. This impressive church is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Old Market, one of the city’s best highlights.

Next, check out Lindt Chocolate Museum, one of the most captivating places to see in Cologne. This museum is a favorite among locals and travelers alike.

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

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Mongo's Restaurant Köln, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Vietnamski restorant "Kuchi Mami" offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss RheinZeit. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Cologne.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Soul Bar Cologne, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

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

On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, Brühl, Königswinter, and Duisburg. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Dortmund, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several fun adventures, photo-friendly spots, and romantic experiences. Whether you decide to explore Cologne on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Phantasialand is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this visually striking amusement park before continuing your journey. Schloss Drachenburg is your next stop. This captivating castle is one of the best-rated sights in Cologne.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Duisburg Zoo. This picture-perfect zoo is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord.

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

Experience a harmony of flavors at The Stage in Dortmund by securing a reservation in advance. Known for its 1-star Michelin status, The Stage offers a delightful variety of dishes highlighting its delicious modern and creative menu. If you're seeking an alternative culinary experience, be sure to explore Grammons Restaurant, a highly recommended restaurant known for its enticing contemporary and classic french cuisine. This popular 1-star Michelin-awarded venue consistently exceeds expectations, ensuring a memorable holiday experience.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Gaststätte Lütge-eck, a prime location for a drink.

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