Relaxed 7-Day Germany Road Trip Starting from Cologne to Essen

Your relaxed road trip through Germany starts when you reach the incredible city of Cologne, where you'll stay for 2 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Cologne and begin your adventure in Germany.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Old Market. This point of interest is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Cologne, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 12,740 visitors.

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

When you're hungry and ready to take a break from your laid-back adventure, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in Cologne.

Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in Cologne by booking a table at Le Moissonnier Bistro. This popular restaurant holds , and offers an exceptional menu of french and seafood cuisine. For another culinary 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.

If you’re not yet ready to call it a night, head back out to celebrate your vacation with a drink. This is a great time to slow down, look back at your day, and raise a toast to your wonderful holiday in Germany.

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

Raise a toast as you look back into the highlights of today’s laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure in Germany. Enjoy your first taste of Cologne as you soak in the city’s unique vibe.

Day 2 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Cologne, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Germany are extraordinary.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Rheinpark. This much-appreciated park is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in 6,361 reviews.

Next up is Cologne Zoological Garden. This zoo has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 30,118 visitors.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is Cologne Cathedral. This catholic cathedral has been rated 4.8 out of 5 stars in 69,905 reviews. Every year, 5,000,000 travelers include this attraction on their travel itinerary.

Cologne Chocolate Museum is another attraction you have the opportunity to visit today. This museum has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 36,704 reviews.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 2 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Germany. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Cologne itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Germany. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Cologne, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Bangkok Thai Restaurant, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Servus Colonia Alpina offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Little Link is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Cologne.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Cologne’s best bars to celebrate this day of your slow-paced adventure in Germany.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Germany!

Day 3 of your relaxed road trip across the beautiful country of Germany will take you on a self-paced journey to more than one incredible place in one day. See some of the best attractions in Germany, taste the most delectable foods and exquisite drinks, and make incredible memories as you go!

Brühl’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Cologne behind. This drive usually takes around 29 min. Brühl welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

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 89,377 visitors. Around 1,750,000 people visit this attraction every year.

Bonn’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Brühl behind. This drive usually takes around 25 min. Bonn welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at House of the History of the Federal Republic of Germany. This museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,523 visitors.

When you’re finished at House of the History of the Federal Republic of Germany, head to Rheinaue. This one-of-a-kind park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 14,226 reviews.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Bonn, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Königswinter. This drive usually takes around 16 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Make Schloss Drachenburg your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this château an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 17,280 reviews.

In the city of Essen, you’ll find plenty of stay options that will accommodate your need for rest and relaxation after spending your day on the road. Our top recommendations perfectly complement your relaxed road trip vacation in Germany.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Essen, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Set out on a gastronomic journey in Essen by reserving a table at Hannappel. Renowned for its , this restaurant presents an outstanding menu of modern and classic cuisine. For a different taste, head over to Schote, renowned for its delectable modern dishes. This distinguished 1-star Michelin-recipient is a favorite among guests, making it a worthy addition to your holiday plans. And don’t miss Mezzo Mezzo am Zollverein. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Essen.

If you’re not yet ready to call it a night, head back out to celebrate your vacation with a drink. This is a great time to slow down, look back at your day, and raise a toast to your wonderful holiday in Germany.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Südrock rock pub after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to gentleM for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Diamond Cocktail Lounge is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

Raise your glass and toast to another unforgettable, laid-back road trip adventure in Germany!

On day 4 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Germany, you’ll go deep into Essen, where you'll stay for 2 nights, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Essen, and meet locals along the way!

Kick off the day at Museum Folkwang, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. Attracting approximately 800,000 visits every year, this attraction is a must-see. This art museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 4,007 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Stadtgarten. Stadtgarten is a park with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,734 reviews.

Shaft XII is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,311 visitors.

Beyond the attractions mentioned above, you also have the opportunity to visit UNESCO-Welterbe Zollverein. This museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 20,866 visitors.

Lastly, don’t miss out on kokerei zollverein, a famous coke plant in Essen. This attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,081 travelers.

Exploring one unique site after another provides you the much-needed variety during your leisurely self-drive tour across Germany. But to satisfy your curiosity or need for adventure, we recommend you add excursions in today’s agenda. You have a great selection of popular activities to choose from in Germany.

Exploring the food culture in Essen offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

Don’t miss out on dining at Restaurant Artemis, a top-rated dining destination in Essen. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider SAUSALITOS, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Restaurant tablo. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Essen this evening.

Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in Essen.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Temple Bar, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Café Goldbar is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Cafe Nord also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Cherish every minute of your relaxed road trip vacation across Germany.

Day 5 of your relaxed road trip through Germany means 24 hours of making the best memories in Werden. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by the town of Werden!

Take the opportunity to see Botanischer Garten Grugapark. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 17,048 visitors.

LaserZone LaserTag Essen West - Borbeck is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This sightseeing destination has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 7,908 travelers.

Tours often allow you to see beyond what books and social media feature about Werden, its culture, and people. So for a more meaningful travel experience in the town, we recommend you join one of the most popular tours available for your relaxed road trip across Germany.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Essen has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Café LIVRES, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? DER LÖWE Becker Gastro GmbH offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Restaurant Hülsmannshof. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Essen.

Experience the amazing nightlife in Essen and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at LouiS Café & Bar, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere.

Toast to another unforgettable and relaxing road trip adventure in Germany!

On day 6 of your laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure, you’ll have the chance to visit more than one remarkable area in Germany. Since this self-drive tour offers freedom and flexibility, you can decide how much time you want to spend in each place to enjoy the memorable travel destinations in Germany.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Duisburg. This car ride takes around 27 min.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord. This extraordinary park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 26,756 visitors.

Next, make your way to Duisburg Zoo. This top attraction is a zoo with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 21,129 visitors.

We also recommend a visit to Duisburg Inner Harbour. This inland port is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 5,467 travelers.

If you’re keen to keep exploring, visit Tiger & Turtle. This highly recommended sightseeing destination has received an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,699 travelers.

Today is also your chance to spend some time at Sechs-Seen-Platte. This group of lakes is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,089 travelers.

Continue your laid-back road trip exploration of the best attractions in Germany at Cologne. Select from top hotels and accommodations in the city to recharge and rejuvenate.

Exploring the food culture in Cologne offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

As a top-rated it is an ideal choice in the city. Enjoy a lovely meal at Jameson Pub Cologne, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Barney Vallely's is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Gruber's. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Cologne tonight.

Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in Cologne.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Germany!

Day 7 of your relaxed road trip in Germany is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Cologne.

As your final day in Germany unfolds, don’t miss the chance for a last-minute shopping spree in Cologne’s best shopping location. Your accommodation’s convenient location near the city’s shopping area offers the luxury of time, so you don’t have to limit yourself from leisurely strolling its streets amidst a collection of establishments.

Look for the perfect gift for your loved ones back home, or buy yourself a little keepsake to remind you of Germany. Keep the spirit of your trip to Germany alive with these special souvenirs.

If you'd rather pass the time visiting some attractions, this is your chance to go to places you may not have had the chance to explore yet.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Cologne is the remarkable Media Park Köln mbH. This sightseeing destination and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 3,953 visitors.

Unwind and look back at the past 7 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Cologne or just grab something light to keep you going.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Cologne and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 7-day relaxed road trip in Germany is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.