One-Week Relaxed Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Cologne to Düsseldorf

Day 2 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Cologne, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Germany are extraordinary.

Belgisches Viertel is a fantastic place you can explore today in Cologne. This neighborhood is a testament to the city’s character, and it's easy to spend hours just walking around and admiring the surroundings. Soak in the Cologne-way-of-life and visit all the nearby sights.

Cologne Zoological Garden is an ideal stop early in the day. This well-known zoo is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Cologne Cathedral, which may be one of the most stunning places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Cologne on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to Lindt Chocolate Museum, a popular museum in the city.

Germany makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun road trip experience. Aside from amazing sights, Germany also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.

Exploring the food culture in Cologne 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.

Begin your culinary exploration in Cologne by securing a reservation at Le Moissonnier Bistro. This renowned restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of french and seafood cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Ox & Klee, celebrated for its delectable modern and creative 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 La Cuisine Rademacher, a top local spot known for its tantalizing modern french menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

After dinner, you can choose between heading back to your hotel to recharge, taking a leisurely stroll, or going out to a bar for a relaxed drink in great company.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Soul Bar Cologne, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater, another top-rated place in the area.

Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back road trip adventure across Germany.

Day 3 of your self-drive tour in Germany offers a chance to experience the country’s diversity. You’ll start your day in Bochum and end it in Düsseldorf. You’ll stay in Düsseldorf for 4 nights. Along the way, you’ll glimpse local life and explore some of the most remarkable places in Germany.

After soaking in Cologne’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Bochum. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour. When you arrive in Bochum, it's time to take a break from the road.

Savor the day by heading to Botanischer Garten Der Ruhr-universität Bochum, a worthwhile botanical garden that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue to + Fossilium Bochum Zoo, where you can soak in the instagrammable surroundings.

Next, explore Bochum Park, yet another increasingly popular place to see in the area. After the park, make time to go to German Mining Museum. This instagrammable museum is well worth the visit.

In Düsseldorf, you’ll find plenty of places to unwind after a day on the road. Our top recommendations go perfectly with your laid-back road trip in Germany.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

Start your culinary exploration in Düsseldorf by securing a reservation at Pink Pepper. This renowned restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of modern cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Yoshi by Nagaya, celebrated for its delectable japanese and sushi menu. This acclaimed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover Le Flair, a top local spot known for its tantalizing french and contemporary menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

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

Raise your glass and toast to another unforgettable, laid-back road trip adventure in Germany!

Day 4 of your relaxed road trip through Germany means 24 hours of making the best memories in Düsseldorf. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Düsseldorf. In the evening, you will experience one of the most popular dining spots in the city. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by Düsseldorf!

Experience Burgplatz, a locally appreciated public square in the city. Then, head to Rheinpromenade and soak in the ambiance of this romantic boardwalk.

There are many interesting places to see in Düsseldorf, and when you are ready for more, go to Rheinuferpromenade Düsseldorf. This is one of the city’s most curiosity-inducing visually striking spots of interest. After exploring the boardwalk, visit the often recommended Kunstsammlung. Not far away, you'll also find Schloss Benrath. This palace is a visually striking highlight in Düsseldorf.

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Germany. Check out all of the tours you can join this day of your leisurely self-drive holiday in Germany and ensure the experience of a lifetime.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Germany. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Düsseldorf, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Radisson Blu Media Harbour Hotel, Düsseldorf, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Cafe Extrablatt Düsseldorf offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Coffee Fellows is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Düsseldorf.

As the day is coming to an end, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in Düsseldorf. The bars in Düsseldorf make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Bar Studio 1, known for its inviting atmosphere. Sakura Bar is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Engel Rockbar provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

Raise your glass to celebrate another day of your laid-back and relaxed road trip experience in Germany!

On day 5 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Germany, you’ll go deep into Düsseldorf, where you'll stay for 2 nights, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Düsseldorf, and meet locals along the way!

One of the most frequently visited attractions included on the itinerary is Wildpark Im Grafenberger Wald. This enchanting wildlife reserve will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Japanese Garden and learn what makes this serene botanical garden unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the worthwhile Nord Park. After exploring the park, head to Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum Dusseldorf. This well-known aquarium is a highlight in Düsseldorf.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Germany by joining a traveler-approved tour in Cologne. There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Cologne that will make your slow-paced self-drive tour in Germany more memorable. Check out all the most recommended and top-rated tour options in the city of Düsseldorf to find the best options for you!

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

Don’t miss out on dining at Im Goldenen Kessel, a top-rated dining destination in Düsseldorf. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider DORMERO Hotel Düsseldorf, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Konditorei Heinemann. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Düsseldorf this evening.

If you feel like it, head out to a bar to celebrate another fantastic day in Düsseldorf and take the pulse of the city’s nightlife. Enjoy the night without rushing to fully appreciate it.

Look back at an amazing day filled with adventure in Germany. And don’t forget to get some rest so you can continue your relaxed holiday in Germany tomorrow with new energy.

Day 6 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Düsseldorf, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Germany are extraordinary.

Check out the worthwhile castle, Kaiserpfalz Kaiserswerth. Afterward, continue to Museum Kunstpalast, a museum every traveler should visit. As you explore Düsseldorf’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the city.

Next, make your way to Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-westfalen. This often recommended art gallery is an essential stop. Following that, head to Hofgarten, another must-visit site that will enhance your experience. Don’t forget to stop by Tritonenbrunnen In Düsseldorf, an intriguing well in the city.

Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in Germany more special is by joining unique tours and activities. Düsseldorf offers a wide selection of experiences for every traveler.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Düsseldorf has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Sausalitos Dusseldorf, a top-rated dining destination in Düsseldorf. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Okinii Düsseldorf City, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Julio. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Düsseldorf this evening.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Düsseldorf’s best bars to celebrate this day of your slow-paced adventure in Germany.

Raise your glass in celebration of your freedom and relaxed road trip adventure in Germany!