7-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Hanover to Cologne, Hamburg, and Berlin and surrounding area

Greet day 2 of your road trip in Germany with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You will return to Hanover for your remaining 1 night in the city later today, but first, it’s time for some exploring! On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Hanover and Laatzen.

Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Hanover, featuring family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and breathtaking views. Start at Herrenhausen Gardens, a notable botanical garden in the city. Then, head to Berggarten and soak in the ambiance of this instagrammable botanical garden.

There are many interesting places to see in Hanover and when you are ready for more, go to Hanover Zoo. This is one of the city’s most well-known spots. After exploring the zoo, visit the curiosity-inducing Hanover Park.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Hanover.

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

Dine in style at Guru, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Dublin Inn boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Resso’s Café | Restaurant | Lebenskultur. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Hanover.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Altstadt-treff. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to My Way Cocktailbar, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Germany!

On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, Hamm, Essen, and Bonn. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Cologne, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Hamm, 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 Hanover to Hamm may take around 1 hour 57 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Hamm, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Spend your afternoon discovering Maximilianpark Hamm, an interesting park known for its picture-perfect features.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Essen, 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 Hamm to Essen may take around 1 hour 6 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Essen, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Make your way to Unesco-welterbe Zollverein, a well-known museum that draws attention for its breathtaking features.

Set your GPS to Bonn and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 18 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Bonn beckons with new experiences!

Make your way to Rheinaue, a locally renowned park that draws attention for its mesmerizing features.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Cologne. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

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 and reflect on the day's adventures.

Have a memorable dining experience in Cologne by booking a table at Le Moissonnier Bistro, renowned as a 1-star Michelin restaurant presenting an exceptional french and seafood menu. For a different culinary experience in Cologne, Ox & Klee shines as one of the top destinations, known for its delicious modern and creative cuisine. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from previous guests, making it a must-visit addition to your holiday experience. If you're looking for an alternative, La Cuisine Rademacher is known as a top local spot for its delicious modern french cuisine in Cologne. This 1-star Michelin awardee is a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable meal.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at The Grid Bar, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Toddy Tapper, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Legends Bar & Terrasse provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 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 Duisburg. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Hamburg. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Cologne is home to plenty of attractions that offer family-friendly attractions, scenic views, and photo-friendly spots! Start at Cologne Cathedral, a widely recognized church that is worthwhile a visit in the city. Nearby, you’ll find Cologne Zoological Garden, enchanting visitors with its mesmerizing appeal.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Duisburg. This car ride takes around 57 min.

Take your self-guided tour to Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord, a popular park that everyone visiting Duisburg should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings.

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 Hamburg. Hamburg 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 explore more of Hamburg, 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.

Discover the culinary delights of Hamburg by securing a reservation at The Table Kevin Fehling. Esteemed for its 3-star Guide Michelin recognition, this restaurant offers a remarkable selection of creative and international cuisine. For an alternative dining experience, try Haerlin, renowned for its delicious creative french and classic dishes. This esteemed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently impresses guests, making it a must-visit spot during your holiday. Craving more culinary excitement? Head to 100/200 Kitchen, a highly recommended local eatery celebrated for its mouthwatering creative and modern menu. With its 2-star Michelin recognition, it offers an unforgettable dining adventure.

Keep the evening going at The Boilerman Bar Hafenamt, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Scandic Hamburg Emporio, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Heritage Hamburg Rooftop Bar, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

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

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you will explore Hamburg, 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 Berlin. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Savor the day by visiting some of the best places to see in Hamburg, including a historical landmark, a concert hall, a museum, a botanical garden, a park and much more! Start your adventure at Elbe Tunnel. This interesting historical landmark is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Elbe Philharmonic Hall located in Hamburg for an enchanting atmosphere.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Miniatur Wunderland. Its photogenic features will captivate you. After the museum, continue your tour of the city with a visit to Planten Un Blomen. This botanical garden has a mesmerizing appeal. For a change of pace, head to Stadtpark. As one of the most interesting attractions in Hamburg, this park is an excellent place to end your self-guided tour.

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

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

Experience a symphony of flavors at Rutz in Berlin by securing a reservation in advance. Renowned for its 3-star Michelin distinction, Rutz delights its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious modern and creative cuisine. For a palate-pleasing alternative, make sure to dine at Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer, acclaimed for its delectable creative specialties. This local 2-star Michelin establishment consistently satisfies guests, ensuring an unforgettable holiday experience. Want to go on another culinary journey? Delight your senses at FACIL, a top-rated restaurant known for its outstanding menu. Known as a top-rated 2-star Michelin establishment, it's a top choice for creative and contemporary cuisine in the city.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Monkey Bar, known for its inviting atmosphere. Bar Saint Jean is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Green Door Bar provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

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

On day 6 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 Berlin. In the evening, you’ll end up in Hanover, where you will stay for 1 night.

Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Berlin, featuring fun adventures, picturesque spots, and historic treasures. Start at Alexanderplatz, a wondrous public square in the city. Then, head to Memorial To The Murdered Jews Of Europe and soak in the ambiance of this symbolic monument.

There are many interesting places to see in Berlin and when you are ready for more, go to Brandenburg Gate. This is one of the city’s most wondrous spots. After exploring the monument, visit the astonishing Potsdamer Platz. Before wrapping up your self-guided sightseeing tour, head to the top-rated Berlin Zoological Garden, a top-rated zoo in the city.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Hanover. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Hanover. 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 a delicious meal at Masa Restaurant, a top-rated dining destination in Hanover. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider BLOCK HOUSE Am Thielenplatz, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Cafe Extrablatt, Hannover Friesenstraße. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Hanover this evening.

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