7-Day Relaxed Germany Road Trip from Dusseldorf to Essen

Your slow-paced and relaxed road trip through Germany begins when you reach Düsseldorf, where you’ll stay for a total of 3 nights.

Düsseldorf is an outstanding hub for culture, comfort, and exploration. The city offers travelers plenty of experiences to look forward to, including the magnificent Hofgarten. Around 6,357 visitors have rated this fascinating english garden and travel destination an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Take your pick and make it your home during your leisurely tour of the city.

Exploring the food culture in Düsseldorf 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.

An excellent example is Takumi. This restaurant offers a menu of comforting meals and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,216 customers.

BLOCK HOUSE Düsseldorf serves great food and is a favorite among hungry travelers and locals. This popular restaurant in Düsseldorf has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,673 reviews.

HeimWerk Altstadt is another one of the city’s best restaurants. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,167 customers, HeimWerk Altstadt is sure to provide you with an unforgettable dining experience.

If you’re curious about what Düsseldorf looks like at night, a trip to some of the best bars near your accommodation is what you need next. Experience the local nightlife at Uerige, our top recommendation in the city. Customers have rated this bar an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 10,926 reviews.

Palito Restaurant Düsseldorf offers a variety of refreshing drinks and is one of the best places to relax in Düsseldorf. This well-known city bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,493 customers.

Locals like unwinding at Im Goldenen Kessel. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,336 customers and is a perfect place for socializing.

Free your mind of worries and enjoy your first taste of relaxation in Germany! Expect more to come as you continue this laid-back and relaxed road trip in Germany!

On day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Germany, you'll explore the best attractions in Düsseldorf at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Düsseldorf, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 2 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum Dusseldorf. This incredible aquarium has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 11,994 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Germany by seeing another popular site in Düsseldorf, the wonderful Nord Park. This park is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 11,994 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Japanese Garden. This park has received an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,866 visitors.

Another stop you might want to add to your self-drive itinerary is the remarkable Rheinuferpromenade Düsseldorf. This best-rated sightseeing destination is sought after by many travelers from around the world. The popular attraction has received 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,645 visitors.

If you want to discover more, consider stopping by the famous Schloss Benrath. This amazing site is a wonderful park with more than 10,447 wanderlust-filled travelers rating it an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

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 Düsseldorf itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Germany extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Düsseldorf. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, El Lazo. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,155 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Konditorei Heinemann, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Konditorei Heinemann is rated 4.5 stars out of 5 by 2,103 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended Dritan Alsela Coffee. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,093 food lovers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Düsseldorf and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular o’reilly’s Irish Pub & Restaurant. This vibrant bar is rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,111 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular The Irish Pub Bei Fatty - Fatty's. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,604 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is Sausalitos Dusseldorf. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. Sausalitos Dusseldorf has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,447 bar goers.

Enjoy the rest of day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Germany, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 3 of your relaxed road trip across the beautiful country of Germany will take you on a self-paced journey to two incredible places 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!

You’ll begin your day and sightseeing in Cologne, and continue your explorations in the city of Bonn. The charming Essen is where you’ll be staying for 3 nights.

Your first stop is the great city of Cologne, where you will see the amazing Cologne Zoological Garden. This famous zoo has an impressive 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 29,743 people.

While leisurely driving around the city, you can also spend some of your precious time at the incredible Cologne Cathedral. This magnificent catholic cathedral gets around 5,000,000 annual visits. The amazing Cologne Cathedral is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 68,667 travelers.

You can also go sightseeing at the popular Cologne Chocolate Museum. This museum that receives 4.3 visitors every year is a spectacular travel destination rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 36,145 travelers.

Give yourself the opportunity to see more of Cologne than meets the eye by joining a top-rated tour. Put your relaxed road trip to a halt in favor of an in-depth exploration of the city’s best sights and hidden gems while connecting with locals and fellow travelers.

After exploring the city of Cologne, it’s time to hit the road again and continue your relaxed road trip to another city in Germany, the lovely Bonn!

In Bonn, you’ll find the magnificent Rheinaue. This popular park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 14,075 visitors.

After exploring all these beautiful places, drive leisurely to the beautiful city of Essen for some much-needed rest and relaxation. Here you can choose from the best selection of hotels and places to stay as you get to know more about this spectacular city.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best places to visit in Germany, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Essen.

We highly recommend going to sattgrün theaterpassage. This place is a popular restaurant with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,011 customers.

Another great restaurant option is Restaurant Artemis. This food place is often recommended by travelers and has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,233 customers.

You can also eat at the top-rated BLOCK HOUSE Essen. Offering great food and amazing service, this restaurant has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,330 customers.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Essen and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.

Check out Fritzpatrick's Irish Pub for a great selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. This incredible bar is highly recommended and has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,779 customers.

Another amazing bar that serves many kinds of beverages and cocktails is HANS IM GLÜCK - ESSEN Rüttenscheid. This bar has a wonderful rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,619 customers.

You may also try Restaurant Hülsmannshof, another top-rated bar in the city. About 1,570 bargoers have given this place a thumb up, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Let’s toast to day 3 of your laid-back self-drive in Bonn! Celebrate this unique opportunity to enjoy a memorable road trip adventure across Germany!

Day 4 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip through Germany serves as your introduction to Essen. This is your chance to experience the very best of the city and appreciate Germany and its distinct culture and people.

Upon arriving in Essen, you can check in at the accommodation of your choice for a quick break. This 4-star hotel has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,061 former guests.

You’ll enjoy restful days and nights at the 4-star Hotel Essener Hof, Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 4,012 guests, Hotel Essener Hof, Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western is the best luxury hotel option we recommend while in the city.

The 3-star Atelier Garni offers comfort at an affordable price, perfect for practical travelers. Atelier Garni is a top-rated budget hotel in Essen with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 1,587 guests.

These recommendations are among the most popular places to stay in Essen. If any of these options are not available during your stay in the city, we’ll provide you with the best alternatives. Our flexible booking system will automatically offer you a selection of accommodations that fit your budget and needs.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Essen, allowing you to explore the city at a relaxed pace. For example, you can take in the unique atmosphere of the city from the outstanding Museum Folkwang. This art museum and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in Essen, as it welcomes more than 800,000 visitors each year. The fascinating Museum Folkwang has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,003 travelers.

Essen is also home to the captivating Stadtgarten, a local park and another popular attraction in the city. About 2,707 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.3 out of 5 stars.

The extraordinary Shaft XII is another unforgettable place you can visit on your easy and relaxed road trip across Germany. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,299 travelers, Shaft XII proves to be one of the top sights in the area.

You’ll enjoy the time you’ll spend at the incredible UNESCO-Welterbe Zollverein. A trip to this wonderful site will inspire you. Visitors have rated their experience at this amazing museum and attraction an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 20,630 reviews.

When you’re in the mood to experience something amazing, we recommend you visit the fantastic kokerei zollverein. Every year, travelers gather around this fascinating coke plant and sightseeing spot to appreciate its unique features. Around 2,062 visitors have rated the famous kokerei zollverein an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

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

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Germany. After a day of appreciating the best places to visit in Essen, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Ranking high on our list of the best restaurants in Essen is Traumkuh - Burger & Poutine. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,460 customers, you really have to try the savory dishes of this excellent restaurant.

Locals love Leo's Casa for its delicious meals, and we recommend you visit the restaurant at least once during your stay in Essen. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,589 customers.

Another alternative is Mongo's Restaurant Essen. This restaurant serves a variety of comforting food and drinks and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,432 customers.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Essen. At Café Goldbar, you can enjoy a mix of fun and relaxation. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 526 customers.

Alternatively, unwind and relive your best memories of this day of your relaxed road trip at Temple Bar, another popular bar in the city. Customers have rated this fantastic bar an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 502 reviews.

D. Bar is also one of the best places in Essen where you can let loose and enjoy some celebratory drinks. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 315 customers.

Sleep comfortably and prepare for another day of your laid-back adventure in Germany!

On day 5 of your relaxed road trip across Germany, you'll explore the best attractions in Essen at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Essen, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 1 night will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Hügel Park. This incredible park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,519 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Germany by seeing another popular site in Essen, the wonderful Botanischer Garten Grugapark. This botanical garden is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,519 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible LaserZone LaserTag Essen West - Borbeck. This best-rated sightseeing destination has received an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 7,674 visitors.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 5 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Germany. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Essen itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Germany extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Essen. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Pfefferkorn Essen. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,430 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Burger Brothers Essen, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Burger Brothers Essen is rated 4.5 stars out of 5 by 1,132 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended Mezzo Mezzo am Zollverein. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,013 food lovers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Essen and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular Cafe Nord. This vibrant bar is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,856 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular Cafe & Bar Celona Essen. Rated 4.2 out of 5 stars by 2,658 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is SAUSALITOS. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. SAUSALITOS has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 2,214 bar goers.

Enjoy the rest of day 5 of your relaxed road trip across Germany, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 6 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Germany gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Duisburg. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Düsseldorf, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 1 night.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord is waiting for you. This park has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 26,545 visitors.

The next stop on your road trip vacation is Duisburg Zoo. This unique zoo is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 20,891 visitors.

Don’t forget to make a stop at the incredible Duisburg Inner Harbour. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 5,446 visitors, this inland port is one of the top sights to visit in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination is the outstanding Sechs-Seen-Platte. This popular group of lakes and attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,078 people.

If you’re keen to continue your discovery, make your way to Tiger & Turtle. This attraction is a valued best-rated sightseeing destination in the area that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,589 visitors.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Duisburg has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in Germany. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Düsseldorf. In Düsseldorf, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in Germany.

With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,283 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing Breidenbacher Hof Düsseldorf.

Locals also recommend bona'me Düsseldorf as one of the top restaurants in the area. So if you’re feeling hungry, don’t forget to check out the menu at bona'me Düsseldorf as well. This local-favorite restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,723 customers.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like Muggel. Muggel is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,244 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

Another lively bar worth checking out tonight is Sutton's Irish Pub. This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations. The average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 950 customers gives you an idea of what to expect from this bar.

Alternatively, head to Engel Rockbar. This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night. Engel Rockbar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 810 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through 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 Düsseldorf.

Depending on when you need to leave, you might be able to fit in some sightseeing or shopping. Embrace the beauty of Düsseldorf once more and find some souvenirs to help you remember your time in the city. To end your relaxing road trip in Germany on top, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Burgplatz is an extraordinary attraction that is perfect for your last day in Düsseldorf. This top sight is a popular square, rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,458 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 Düsseldorf or just grab something light to keep you going.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Düsseldorf 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.