7-Day Germany Road Trip from Düsseldorf traveling east to Hanover, Hamburg, and Dortmund

Say hello to Düsseldorf! 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 Düsseldorf for 1 night before you continue your adventure!

Düsseldorf 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 Hofgarten 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 Düsseldorf. 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 Düsseldorf. 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.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Brewery Schumacher, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Brewery im Füchschen? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at The ASH Düsseldorf as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Düsseldorf.

Keep the evening going at Engelchen, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Bar Cherie, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Auberge Rock Pub, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

Raise a toast to the start of your 7-day road trip in Germany!

On day 2 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Düsseldorf. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Hanover, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Rheinpromenade. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 5,033 reviews.

Continue your journey at Burgplatz. This square is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,559 travelers from near and far.

Düsseldorf is also the home of Nord Park. This park has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 6,034 visitors.

You can continue your self-guided sightseeing tour at Kaiserpfalz Kaiserswerth. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,905 visitors, a visit to this top sight is time well spent.

Lastly, don't miss out on Schloss Benrath. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 10,705 reviews, it’s hard to refuse the opportunity to see this park.

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 Hanover. Hanover 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.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Hanover's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Begin your culinary exploration in Hanover by securing a reservation at Handwerk. This renowned restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of modern, and creative cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Jante, celebrated for its delectable creative, and modern menu. This acclaimed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover Votum, a top local spot known for its tantalizing creative, and modern menu. With a 2-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Bar Seña, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Sternwarte is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Germany.

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your road trip in Germany. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Hanover, and Friedrichseck. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Hamburg, which will be your home away from home for 2 nights.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Markthalle Hannover. This extraordinary point of interest has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 9,074 visitors.

Next, make your way to Herrenhausen Gardens. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 19,178 reviews.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Friedrichseck. This car ride takes around 1 hour 5 min.

Kick off the day at Heide Park, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This amusement park is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 57,821 reviews.

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

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Hamburg. 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.

Experience a taste of local culinary excellence while in Hamburg by securing a table at The Table Kevin Fehling. An esteemed 3-star Michelin restaurant, it features an exceptional creative, and international menu. For an alternative taste experience, visit Haerlin, famous for its scrumptious creative french, and classic dishes. This 2-star Michelin venue consistently impresses guests, making it a standout addition to your holiday plans. Looking for another choice? Discover 100/200 Kitchen, a local favorite celebrated for its exquisite creative, and modern cuisine in Hamburg. Located in the heart of the city, this 2-star Michelin restaurant is an ideal pick for creative, and modern cuisine lovers seeking top-notch culinary experiences.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at The Boilerman Bar Hafenamt, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Scandic Hamburg Emporio offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Heritage Hamburg Rooftop Bar provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Germany.

Day 4 of your road trip across Germany promises a magnificent time exploring Hamburg. You have 1 night left in Hamburg. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Make St. Pauli Piers one of your first sightseeing stops in Hamburg. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 19,508 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Elbe Tunnel is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This road tunnel is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 34,850 reviews.

Today is also the perfect opportunity to drop by Planten Un Blomen. This park has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 22,471 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, head to Hagenbeck Zoo. A trip to this popular zoo is also your opportunity to see if it lives up to the reputable 4.5 out of 5-star rating as given by 37,852 previous visitors.

Another top place to visit is Stadtpark. This park enjoys an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 20,877 local and international travelers.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your travel plan. Germany is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

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

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Restaurant Brodersen Hamburg, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Irish Pub in the Fleetenkieker? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at NOM vietnamese fusion food as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Hamburg.

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

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Germany!

On day 5 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 Hamburg, and Lengerich. In the evening, you’ll end up in Dortmund, where you will stay for 1 night.

Take the opportunity to see St. Michael's Church. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 20,524 visitors.

Miniatur Wunderland is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This museum has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 89,283 travelers.

Hamburg is also the home of Elbe Philharmonic Hall. Around 79,037 people have rated this concert hall an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

After soaking in Hamburg’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Lengerich. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 2 hours 46 min. When you arrive in Lengerich, it's time to take a break from the road.

When you're ready to see some sights, Canyon is a great place to start. This park is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,423 visitors.

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.

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

Discover the culinary delights of Dortmund by securing a reservation at The Stage. Esteemed for its 1-star Guide Michelin recognition, this restaurant offers a remarkable selection of modern, and creative cuisine. For an alternative dining experience, try Grammons Restaurant, renowned for its delicious contemporary, and classic french dishes. This esteemed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently impresses guests, making it a must-visit spot during your holiday.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Vater&sohn stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Loka Lounge Dortmund offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Central Bar & More Dortmund is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 6 of your road trip in Germany. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Cologne, and Brühl. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Düsseldorf. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Cologne, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Dortmund to Cologne may take around 1 hour 11 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Cologne, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Kick off the day at Cologne Zoological Garden, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This zoo is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 30,676 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Cologne Cathedral. Cologne Cathedral is a catholic cathedral with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 70,814 reviews. Attracting more than 5,000,000 yearly visitors, this place of interest is an attraction you don’t want to miss out on.

Lindt Chocolate Museum is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This museum is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 37,446 visitors.

When you’ve had your share of Cologne, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Brühl. Your travel time is around 28 min.

Make Phantasialand one of your first sightseeing stops in Brühl. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 91,824 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area. This amusement park attracts 1,750,000 visitors every year.

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 Düsseldorf. Düsseldorf 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.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Düsseldorf. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at Pink Pepper, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an exceptional modern menu. If you are in the mood for trying an alternative dining experience, consider visiting the nearby 1-star Michelin-awardee, Yoshi by Nagaya, known for its delicious japanese, and sushi cuisine. Another highly-recommended restaurant in Düsseldorf is Le Flair, a renowned restaurant with a 1-star Guide Michelin recognition, known for its delicious french, and contemporary menu.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Bar Studio 1 after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Sakura Bar, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Engel Rockbar also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

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

Day 7 of your road trip in Germany is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Düsseldorf before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

On your last day in Germany, take time to indulge in shopping at Düsseldorf’s popular marketplace. Look for keepsakes or souvenirs to remind you of your trip.

When you're ready to see some sights, Rheinuferpromenade Düsseldorf is a great place to start. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,015 visitors.

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

If you're eager to try something different, consider Konditorei Heinemann, another top spot with a tantalizing menu.

You’ll then say farewell to Düsseldorf. 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!