One-Week Germany Road Trip from Cologne to Trier and Aachen and surrounding area

Say hello to Cologne! 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 Cologne for 3 nights before you continue your adventure!

Cologne 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 Old Market 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 Cologne. 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 Cologne. 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.

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

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Toddy Tapper offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Soul Bar Cologne is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Dorint Hotel am Heumarkt Köln is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

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 Cologne has to offer. Cherish the 2 nights you have left in Cologne by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Rheinpark. This extraordinary park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,361 visitors.

Next, make your way to Cologne Zoological Garden. This top attraction is a zoo with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 30,118 visitors.

We also recommend a visit to Cologne Cathedral. Hosting 5,000,000 visitors every year, Cologne Cathedral is one of the most popular places to visit in Cologne. This catholic cathedral is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 69,905 travelers.

If you’re keen to keep exploring, visit Cologne Chocolate Museum. This highly recommended sightseeing destination has received an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 36,704 travelers.

One of the most unique ways of discovering what else Cologne has to offer is by going on a top-rated tour. Be sure to check out all the experiences Cologne offers and add your favorites to your Germany travel package below.

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

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.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Germany!

On day 3 of your road trip in Germany, you’ll start and end your day in Erftstadt, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the town. Since you will return to Cologne for 1 night more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Erftstadt and Brühl to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!

After soaking in Brühl’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Erftstadt. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 9 min. When you arrive in Erftstadt, it's time to take a break from the road.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Schloßpark Gracht. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 850 visitors.

When you’re finished at Schloßpark Gracht, head to Ober-, Mittel-und Untersee in der Ville-Seenkette. This one-of-a-kind park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 392 reviews.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Cologne and set your GPS to Brühl. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 29 min. Upon reaching Brühl, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

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.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Cologne and your accommodation.

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.

Dine in style at Jameson Pub Cologne, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Barney Vallely's boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Gruber's. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Cologne.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Germany!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 4 of your road trip in Germany. Today, you will make 3 stops and experience some of the highlights of Keldung, Koblenz, and Sosberg. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Trier, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Keldung. This drive usually takes around 46 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Eltz Castle. This much-appreciated castle is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in 25,041 reviews.

Set your GPS to Koblenz and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 19 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Koblenz beckons with new experiences!

Drop by the renowned Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. This popular fortress has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 18,199 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Deutsches Eck. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 33,856 visitors, this headland deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Trier, 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 Trier. 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.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Restaurant Kartoffel Kiste, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Restaurant Brasserie offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Restaurant Monte Petris is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Trier.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Chrome! This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Studio 11 GBR offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Simplicissimus, another top-rated bar in the area.

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 Nürburg, Trier, and Glees, 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 Aachen. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Trier and set your GPS to Nürburg. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 1 hour 8 min. Upon reaching Nürburg, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Journey into the unknown at Nürburgring, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable point of interest has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 35,289 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Nürburg Castle is a recommended place to visit. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 2,995 reviews.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Trier and set your GPS to Nürburg. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 1 hour 8 min. Upon reaching Nürburg, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Make Porta Nigra your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this city gate an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 33,367 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Trier Amphitheater. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,829 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this sightseeing destination every year.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Aachen. Aachen 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 Aachen.

Make sure to book a table at Café Middelberg, a popular restaurant in Aachen. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Aachen at Kanpai Sushi, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is Cafe Extrablatt Aachen. As a dining spot that gains consistently high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Aachen tonight.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Die WG, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, The Gin Library offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Aachen. Domkeller 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!

Day 6 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Düsseldorf for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

If you have an appetite for more adventure, check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Düsseldorf on this day of your trip. You'll find the most recommended ones below.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Aachen. 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 The ASH Aachen, a top-rated dining destination in Aachen. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Guinness House, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at essBar - Aachen. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Aachen this evening.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Grotesque Absinthe Bar Aachen, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Last Exit provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Die Kiste offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

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.

On day 7 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Aachen and Duisburg. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Cologne, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Set your GPS to Duisburg and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 26 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Duisburg beckons with new experiences!

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Aachen Cathedral. Previous visitors have rated this imperial cathedral an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 15,155 reviews.

Carolus Thermen is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This spa is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 8,303 reviews.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Aachen, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Duisburg. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 26 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

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

Duisburg Zoo is another popular attraction you could visit today. This zoo has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 21,129 visitors.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Cologne, 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 Cologne's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Peters Brauhaus, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Gaststätte Lommerzheim offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Craftbeer Corner Coeln. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Cologne.

Head back to your accommodation in Cologne 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 Cologne before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

As you approach the end of your journey in Germany, take a moment for some retail therapy in Cologne’s celebrated shopping district. Thanks to your stay’s premier location, you can easily visit the city’s commercial hubs and wander through its diverse range of local shops without rushing.

Whether you’re on a hunt for an ideal present to give to your friends or family or looking for a personal memento to remind you of Germany, a variety of items are waiting for you. Hold onto the magic of Germany with these wonderful souvenirs, ensuring your memories never fade.

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

Dine in style at Max Stark, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, The Little Steakhouse boasts a menu that's sure to impress.

You’ll then say farewell to Cologne. 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!