One-Week Germany Road Trip from Bremen traveling west to Cologne, Frankfurt, and Essen

Your road trip adventure in Germany begins as soon as you reach Bremen and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Bremen for 2 nights and explore the best things to see and do, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.

Bremen 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 Weserwehr or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Find your way to your hotel in Bremen. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Germany. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

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

Don’t miss out on dining at Gaststätte Kleiner Olymp, a top-rated dining destination in Bremen. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Q1 - Metropolitan Kitchen & Bar, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Paulaner's a der Schlachte. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Bremen this evening.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Red Rock, known for its inviting atmosphere. Wohnzimmer Bremen is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Eisen provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

Raise a toast to the start of your 8-day road trip in Germany!

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Bremen has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Bremen by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Town Musicians of Bremen. This literary work is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 9,811 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Bremen. This college town has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,602 reviews.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Bremen Roland. This roland statue has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,325 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Schnoor. This street is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 16,197 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Rhododendron-Park Bremen. This botanical garden is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 6,069 visitors.

Your discoveries in Bremen do not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Bremen on this day of your trip. You can select your tours below.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Bremen.

Savor the flavors at Vengo die Gemüseküche, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Cafe and Bar Celona beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Restaurant Luv. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Bremen tonight.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Germany.

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you will explore Gelsenkirchen and Sterkrade, 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 Cologne. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.

When you’ve had your share of Bremen, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Gelsenkirchen. Your travel time is around 2 hours 45 min.

Take the opportunity to see Nordstern Park. This attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 6,324 visitors.

After soaking in Gelsenkirchen’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Sterkrade. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 13 min. When you arrive in Sterkrade, it's time to take a break from the road.

Take the opportunity to see SEA LIFE Oberhausen. This attraction has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars from 12,643 visitors.

Gasometer Oberhausen is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This gas holder has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 13,121 travelers.

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 and reflect on the day's adventures.

Prepare for an extraordinary culinary adventure in Cologne by booking a table at Le Moissonnier Bistro, a 1-star Michelin restaurant that boasts an exceptional french and seafood menu. For a different flavor experience, head to Ox & Klee, renowned for its delectable modern and creative dishes. This 2-star Michelin restaurant consistently wows guests, making it a memorable stop during your holiday. Looking for another option? Visit La Cuisine Rademacher, a local gem known for its delightful modern french cuisine in Cologne. Nestled in the city's heart, this 1-star Michelin restaurant is a perfect choice for discerning restaurant-goers seeking a new experience.

Continue your lively evening at Toddy Tapper, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Soul Bar Cologne is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Dorint Hotel am Heumarkt Köln ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

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

Greet day 4 of your road trip in Germany with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You will return to Cologne 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 Brühl and Cologne.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Cologne Chocolate Museum. This museum is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 36,704 reviews.

Continue your journey at Cologne Cathedral. This catholic cathedral is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 69,905 travelers from near and far. Approximately 5,000,000 people come to this place of interest every year to enjoy a unique experience in Cologne.

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

Set your GPS to Brühl and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 29 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Brühl beckons with new experiences!

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Phantasialand. This amusement park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 89,377 visitors. Phantasialand welcomes around 1,750,000 visitors every year.

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 an authentic adventure.

Savor the flavors at Bangkok Thai Restaurant, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Servus Colonia Alpina beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Little Link. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Cologne tonight.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Germany!

On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Nürburg and Koblenz. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Frankfurt, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Nürburg’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Cologne behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 20 min. Nürburg welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Nürburgring. This point of interest is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Nürburg, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 35,289 visitors.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Nürburg, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Koblenz. This drive usually takes around 50 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Drop by the renowned Deutsches Eck. This popular headland has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 33,856 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 18,199 visitors, this fortress deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Frankfurt, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

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

Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in Frankfurt by booking a table at Gustav. This popular restaurant holds , and offers an exceptional menu of creative cuisine. For another culinary dining option, venture to Lafleur, celebrated for its delectable modern french 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 Erno's Bistro, a top local restaurant known for its tantalizing classic french and modern menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it promises an exceptional dining experience not to be missed.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Flemings Hotel Frankfurt-Central (former Flemings Express Frankfurt), where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Gleis 25 offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Frankfurt. Bar Helium Frankfurt am Main is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Germany!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 6 of your road trip in Germany. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Frankfurt. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Essen, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Make Römerberg your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this square an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 24,391 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Iron Footbridge. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 23,044 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this sightseeing destination every year.

Zoo Frankfurt is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This zoo has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 22,563 visitors.

When you’re finished at Zoo Frankfurt, the perfect next stop is Alte Oper. This concert hall is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 13,371 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Palmengarten. This botanical garden is a top place to visit, with a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 19,050 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Essen. Essen offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Essen.

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at Hannappel, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an exceptional modern and classic menu. If you are in the mood for trying an alternative dining experience, consider visiting the nearby 1-star Michelin-awardee, Schote, known for its delicious modern cuisine. Another top-rated restaurant to try is Mezzo Mezzo am Zollverein. As a dining spot that gains consistently high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Essen tonight.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Südrock rock pub, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, gentleM is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Diamond Cocktail Lounge also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Germany!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 7 of your road trip in Germany. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Essen and Duisburg. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Bremen. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to UNESCO-Welterbe Zollverein. This museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 20,866 visitors.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Duisburg. This drive usually takes around 28 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord. This extraordinary park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 26,756 visitors.

Next, make your way to Duisburg Zoo. This zoo is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 21,129 reviews.

While in Duisburg, we also recommend a visit to Tiger & Turtle. This point of interest has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 7,699 reviews.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Bremen, 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 Bremen's best restaurants.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Restaurant ELISA, a top-rated dining destination in Bremen. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Paddy's Pit Irish Pub Bremen, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at feldmann's Bierhaus. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Bremen this evening.

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

Day 8 of your road trip in Germany is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Bremen 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 Bremen’s popular marketplace. Thanks to your accommodation’s strategic location, the city’s bustling commercial district is only a stone’s throw away, giving you ample time to leisurely explore the area, filled with local shops.

Take time to find the perfect present, reminding you of the charms of Germany. Each store here is brimming with unique finds. These souvenirs will help you treasure your memories of Germany forever.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Martinianleger. This extraordinary sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,707 visitors.

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

Have a fantastic dining experience at El Mundo Bremen, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Zum Platzhirsch offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu.

You’ll then say farewell to Bremen. 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!