5-Day Germany Road Trip from Frankfurt traveling north to Dortmund, and Essen

Say hello to Frankfurt! Your exciting road trip through Germany is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the city. You will stay in Frankfurt for 1 night before you continue your adventure!

Frankfurt 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 Nizza 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 Frankfurt. 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 Frankfurt. 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 Berliner Keller Frankfurt, a top-rated dining destination in Frankfurt. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Im Herzen Afrikas, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at 25hours Hotel Frankfurt The Trip. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Frankfurt this evening.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Gute Stute. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Flemings Hotel Frankfurt-central (former Flemings Express Frankfurt), the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Gleis 25 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!

Dive into day 2 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you will explore Frankfurt, 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.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Römer. This rathaus is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 3,117 reviews.

Continue your journey at Römerberg. This square is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 24,968 travelers from near and far.

Frankfurt is also the home of Iron Footbridge. This sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 23,403 visitors.

You can continue your self-guided sightseeing tour at Zoo Frankfurt. Rated 4.2 out of 5 stars by 22,905 visitors, a visit to this top sight is time well spent.

Lastly, don't miss out on Palmengarten. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 19,461 reviews, it’s hard to refuse the opportunity to see this botanical garden.

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.

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at The Stage, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an exceptional modern, and creative menu. If you are in the mood for trying an alternative dining experience, consider visiting the nearby 1-star Michelin-awardee, Grammons Restaurant, known for its delicious contemporary, and classic french cuisine.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Vater&sohn, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Loka Lounge Dortmund offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Dortmund. Central Bar & More Dortmund 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 Dortmund and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Germany!

On day 3 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 Brühl, and Cologne. In the evening, you’ll end up in Essen, where you will stay 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 Brühl. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 26 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Phantasialand. This amusement park is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Brühl, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 91,824 visitors. Around 1,750,000 people visit this attraction every year.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Brühl, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Cologne. This drive usually takes around 30 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

When you're ready to see some sights, Cologne Zoological Garden is a great place to start. This zoo is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 30,676 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Cologne Cathedral. This catholic cathedral has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 70,814 travelers. Every year, 5,000,000 travelers come to experience this site to make the most of their time in Cologne.

We also recommend a stop at Lindt Chocolate Museum. The museum has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 37,446 visitors.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Essen, 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 Essen, 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.

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

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Südrock Rock Pub, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Gentlem provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Diamond Cocktail Lounge offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Germany!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 4 of your road trip in Germany. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Essen, and Koblenz. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Frankfurt, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Unesco-welterbe Zollverein, a remarkable museum where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 21,243 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Shaft Xii. This point of interest has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,333 travelers.

When you’ve had your share of Essen, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Koblenz. Your travel time is around 2 hours 8 min.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Deutsches Eck. This extraordinary headland has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 34,555 visitors.

Next, make your way to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. This fortress is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 18,566 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 Frankfurt. Frankfurt 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 long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Frankfurt. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in Frankfurt by booking a table at Gustav. This popular restaurant holds 2 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of creative cuisine. For another culinary dining option, venture to Lafleur, celebrated for its delectable modern french, and creative menu. This acclaimed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, ensuring an essential addition to your holiday itinerary. Seeking an alternative? Discover Erno's Bistro, a top local restaurant known for its tantalizing classic french, and modern menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it promises an exceptional dining experience not to be missed.

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

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

Day 5 of your road trip in Germany is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Frankfurt 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.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Alte Oper. This concert hall is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 13,602 visitors.

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

If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Chicago Meatpackers, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu.

You’ll then say farewell to Frankfurt. 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!