7-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Cologne to Düsseldorf and Dortmund and surrounding area

Day 2 offers an itinerary packed with the best things to see in Cologne. You’ll stay in Cologne for 2 nights more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Make time for Rheinpark, a locally appreciated park that is worthwhile a visit in the city. Nearby, you’ll find Cologne Zoological Garden, enchanting visitors with its picture-perfect appeal. Continue your exploration at Cologne Cathedral. This church is one of the city’s most astonishing spots.

Enjoy the freedom of exploring Cologne at your own pace and find hidden gems along the way. If you want to see more picture-perfect spots, make sure to visit Lindt Chocolate Museum.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Germany. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

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.

Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in Cologne by booking a table at Le Moissonnier Bistro. This popular restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of french and seafood cuisine. For another dining option, venture to Ox & Klee, celebrated for its delectable modern 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 La Cuisine Rademacher, a top local restaurant known for its tantalizing modern french menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it promises an exceptional dining experience not to be missed.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Soul Bar Cologne, known for its inviting atmosphere. Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

Head back to your accommodation in Cologne and get some rest to prepare for another magical day of your road trip in Germany.

On day 3 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Cologne, where you have 1 night left to stay.

Catch Aachener Tierpark Euregiozoo before the crowds roll in. This eye-catching zoo is sure to ignite your curiosity. Next, dive into the breathtaking features of Aachen Cathedral, a must-visit church in the city.

In between sights, stop by local stores, picturesque photo spots, and small eateries. When you’re ready for your next attraction, proceed to Elisenbrunnen, an up-and-coming monument. For a change of scene, check out Marktplatz Am Rathaus, known for its visually striking features.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Cologne and your accommodation.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Cologne's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Limani, a highly-rated dining destination in Cologne. If you're eager to try something different, consider Funkhaus Cafe-Bar-Restaurant, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at The hanging gardens of Ehrenfeld. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Cologne this evening.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Suderman, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand.

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

Dive into day 4 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you'll explore 1 destination, including Duisburg. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Düsseldorf, where you'll spend 1 night.

Duisburg Zoo is perfect for a self-paced visit during the day. This eye-catching zoo is sure to impress. Next on your list is Kaiserberg, another must-visit landmark and often recommended park renowned for its visually striking features.

While exploring and sightseeing, take time to savor the culture of Cologne by sampling some local delicacies. When you’re ready for more sightseeing, head to Duisburg Inner Harbour. This history-steeped marina is an essential place to visit for anyone looking for the full Cologne experience. We also recommend visiting Rheinpark Duisburg, a curiosity-inducing park. Nearby, you'll also find Tiger & Turtle, ready to add charm to your journey.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Düsseldorf. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Düsseldorf, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Experience a taste of local culinary excellence while in Düsseldorf by securing a table at Pink Pepper. An esteemed 1-star Michelin restaurant, it features an exceptional modern menu. For an alternative taste experience, visit Yoshi by Nagaya, famous for its scrumptious japanese and sushi dishes. This 1-star Michelin venue consistently impresses guests, making it a standout addition to your holiday plans. Looking for another choice? Discover Le Flair, a local favorite celebrated for its exquisite french and contemporary cuisine in Düsseldorf. Located in the heart of the city, this 1-star Michelin restaurant is an ideal pick for french and contemporary cuisine lovers seeking top-notch culinary experiences.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Engelchen is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Bar Cherie, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Auberge Rock Pub. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 of your road trip in Germany. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 place, which are Duisburg. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Dortmund, where will spend 1 night.

Make time for Sechs-seen-platte, a beloved lake that is worthwhile a visit in the city. Nearby, you’ll find German Inland Waterways Museum, enchanting visitors with its heritage-rich appeal. Continue your exploration at Museum Küppersmühle. This museum is one of the city’s most beloved spots.

Enjoy the freedom of exploring Düsseldorf at your own pace and find hidden gems along the way. If you want to see more picture-perfect spots, make sure to visit Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord. After exploring the park, head to the beloved Hochofen 5.

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

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

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at The Stage, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible modern and creative menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Grammons Restaurant is one of the best restaurants for contemporary and classic french cuisine in Dortmund. This 1-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Vater&sohn, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Loka Lounge Dortmund provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Central Bar & More Dortmund offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

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

Your itinerary for day 6 of your road trip in Germany includes 3 stops and features some of the highlights of Dortmund, Koblenz, and Keldung. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Cologne, where you'll spend 1 night.

Westfalenpark is an ideal stop early in the day. This notable park is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, which may be one of the most breathtaking 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 Deutsches Eck, a locally renowned monument in the city. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Eltz Castle.

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

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.

Make sure to reserve a table at Cafe Riese Köln, an iconic dining spot in Cologne. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Bangkok Thai Restaurant, a popular restaurant in Cologne. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Servus Colonia Alpina, a hidden gem nestled in Cologne. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Germany!