One-Week Relaxed Germany Road Trip from Cologne to Hamburg

Your slow-paced and relaxed road trip through Germany begins when you reach Cologne, where you’ll stay for a total of 3 nights.

Cologne is an outstanding hub for culture, comfort, and exploration. The city offers travelers plenty of experiences to look forward to, including the magnificent Old Market. Around 12,654 visitors have rated this fascinating must-see tourist destination and travel destination an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Take your pick and make it your home during your leisurely tour of the city.

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.

An excellent example is Craftbeer Corner Coeln. This restaurant offers a menu of comforting meals and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,165 customers.

Gruber's serves great food and is a favorite among hungry travelers and locals. This popular restaurant in Cologne has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 625 reviews.

If you’re curious about what Cologne looks like at night, a trip to some of the best bars near your accommodation is what you need next. Experience the local nightlife at Toddy Tapper, our top recommendation in the city. Customers have rated this bar an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars in 590 reviews.

Gaffel am Dom I Kölsches Brauhaus und Wirtshaus I Brauhaus Köln offers a variety of refreshing drinks and is one of the best places to relax in Cologne. This well-known city bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 6,484 customers.

Locals like unwinding at Gilden im Zims. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 5,823 customers and is a perfect place for socializing.

Free your mind of worries and enjoy your first taste of relaxation in Germany! Expect more to come as you continue this laid-back and relaxed road trip in Germany!

On day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Germany, you'll explore the best attractions in Cologne at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Cologne, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 2 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Media Park Köln mbH. This incredible best-rated sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 3,883 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Germany by seeing another popular site in Cologne, the wonderful Cologne Cathedral. This catholic cathedral is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,883 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Cologne Chocolate Museum. This museum has received an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 36,145 visitors.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 2 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Germany. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Cologne itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Germany extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Cologne. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Servus Colonia Alpina. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,757 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at The Little Steakhouse, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. The Little Steakhouse is rated 4.3 stars out of 5 by 2,631 customers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Cologne and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular Gaststätte Lommerzheim. This vibrant bar is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,487 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular Jameson Pub Cologne. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,308 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks.

Enjoy the rest of day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Germany, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 3 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Germany gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Hanover. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Hamburg, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 4 nights.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Herrenhausen Gardens is waiting for you. This park has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 15,891 visitors.

The next stop on your road trip vacation is Markthalle Hannover. This unique best-rated sightseeing destination is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 8,854 visitors.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Hanover has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in Germany. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Hamburg. In Hamburg, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in Germany.

With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,416 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing estancia steaks.

Locals also recommend Hanoi Deli Rathaus as one of the top restaurants in the area. So if you’re feeling hungry, don’t forget to check out the menu at Hanoi Deli Rathaus as well. This local-favorite restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,380 customers.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like Le Lion • Bar de Paris. Le Lion • Bar de Paris is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,224 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

Another lively bar worth checking out tonight is The Chug Club. This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations. The average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 734 customers gives you an idea of what to expect from this bar.

Alternatively, head to Skyline Bar 20up. This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night. Skyline Bar 20up is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,995 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through Germany!

Day 4 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip through Germany serves as your introduction to Hamburg. This is your chance to experience the very best of the city and appreciate Germany and its distinct culture and people.

Upon arriving in Hamburg, you can check in at the accommodation of your choice for a quick break. This 4-star hotel has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars from 10,801 former guests.

You’ll enjoy restful days and nights at the 5-star HYPERION Hotel Hamburg. With an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 12,777 guests, HYPERION Hotel Hamburg is the best luxury hotel option we recommend while in the city.

The 3-star Prizeotel Hamburg St Pauli offers comfort at an affordable price, perfect for practical travelers. Prizeotel Hamburg St Pauli is a top-rated budget hotel in Hamburg with an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars from 14,737 guests.

These recommendations are among the most popular places to stay in Hamburg. If any of these options are not available during your stay in the city, we’ll provide you with the best alternatives. Our flexible booking system will automatically offer you a selection of accommodations that fit your budget and needs.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Hamburg, allowing you to explore the city at a relaxed pace. For example, you can take in the unique atmosphere of the city from the outstanding Elbe Philharmonic Hall. This concert hall and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in Hamburg. The fascinating Elbe Philharmonic Hall has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 76,719 travelers.

Hamburg is also home to the captivating Miniatur Wunderland, a local museum and another popular attraction in the city. About 86,083 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.8 out of 5 stars.

The extraordinary Hamburg Dungeon is another unforgettable place you can visit on your easy and relaxed road trip across Germany. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 12,471 travelers, Hamburg Dungeon proves to be one of the top sights in the area.

You’ll enjoy the time you’ll spend at the incredible Hamburger Kunsthalle. A trip to this wonderful site will inspire you. Visitors have rated their experience at this amazing art museum and attraction an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 9,587 reviews.

When you’re in the mood to experience something amazing, we recommend you visit the fantastic Stadtpark. Every year, travelers gather around this fascinating top-tier point of interest and sightseeing spot to appreciate its unique features. Around 20,328 visitors have rated the famous Stadtpark an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Tours often allow you to see beyond what books and social media feature about Hamburg, its culture, and people. So for a more meaningful travel experience in the city, we recommend you join one of the most popular tours available on this day of your relaxed road trip across Germany.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Germany. After a day of appreciating the best places to visit in Hamburg, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Ranking high on our list of the best restaurants in Hamburg is Heimathafen. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 3,912 customers, you really have to try the savory dishes of this excellent restaurant.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Hamburg. At NAGEL Restaurant und Kneipe, you can enjoy a mix of fun and relaxation. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,360 customers.

Sleep comfortably and prepare for another day of your laid-back adventure in Germany!

On day 5 of your relaxed road trip across Germany, you'll explore the best attractions in Hamburg at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Hamburg, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 2 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Loki Schmidt Garden Botanical of University Hamburg. This incredible park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,876 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Germany by seeing another popular site in Hamburg, the wonderful St. Pauli Piers. This top-tier point of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,876 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Elbe Tunnel. This road tunnel has received an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 34,402 visitors.

Another stop you might want to add to your self-drive itinerary is the remarkable Panoptikum. This museum is sought after by many travelers from around the world. The popular attraction has received 4.3 out of 5 stars from 10,781 visitors.

If you want to discover more, consider stopping by the famous St. Michael's Church. This amazing site is a wonderful church with more than 19,893 wanderlust-filled travelers rating it an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 5 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Germany. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Hamburg itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Germany extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Hamburg.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Hamburg and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular Brooklyn Burger Bar. This vibrant bar is rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,481 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular Irish Pub in the Fleetenkieker. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,537 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is Krameramtsstuben. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. Krameramtsstuben has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,192 bar goers.

Enjoy the rest of day 5 of your relaxed road trip across Germany, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 6 of your comfortable self-drive tour across Germany gives you another chance to explore the magnificent city of Hamburg and visit more of its attractions.

Hamburg has plenty of activities and sights, so you won’t be short of things to do during your laid-back and relaxed road trip in Germany. Fortunately, your accommodation, where you’ll be staying for 1 night more is conveniently located near several of the city’s best attractions.

One of the best stops on your hassle-free journey is the popular CHOCOVERSUM by HACHEZ - Hamburgs Schokoladenmuseum, one of the top attractions in the city. In fact, the incredible CHOCOVERSUM by HACHEZ - Hamburgs Schokoladenmuseum has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 11,044 visitors.

You could also spend some time relaxing at the amazing St. Nikolai Memorial. This city feature got an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from its 8,998 guests.

Another place of interest in the city of Hamburg is the notable Planten un Blomen. The popular Planten un Blomen is a highlight of many travel packages in Hamburg. As a matter of fact, this remarkable park has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from around 21,777 travelers.

Get a more in-depth understanding of Hamburg by checking out the amazing selection of tours and excursions you can add to your relaxed road trip itinerary. Explore more of the city’s wonders, create memorable experiences, and join laid-back to challenging activities. You’ll be happy to learn that there are plenty of top-rated tours and activities in Hamburg.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Hamburg, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations below and treat yourself to a nice meal.

NOM vietnamese fusion food is one of the top restaurants in the city. This Hamburg-based food place has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,783 guests.

After your meal, consider getting a drink at one of the top bars in Hamburg, Tower Bar. This bar enjoys an average rating of 4.3 over 5 stars given by 1,413 customers.

Another drinking place in the city we recommend you try out is Thämer's. Check out its selection of liquors, and learn why it has been rated 4.4 over 5 stars by 1,245 customers.

This bar offers a variety of drinks you can choose from.

Toast to an amazing time in Hamburg and end day 6 of your slow-paced and relaxed road trip in Germany on a great note!

Day 7 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Germany gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Cologne, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 1 night.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Schloss Nordkirchen is waiting for you. This palace has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 9,447 visitors.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Düsseldorf has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in Germany. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Cologne. In Cologne, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in Germany.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like Max Stark. Max Stark is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,193 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations.

This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through Germany!

Day 8 of your relaxed road trip in Germany is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Cologne.

Depending on when you need to leave, you might be able to fit in some sightseeing or shopping. Embrace the beauty of Cologne once more and find some souvenirs to help you remember your time in the city. To end your relaxing road trip in Germany on top, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Rheinpark is an extraordinary attraction that is perfect for your last day in Cologne. This top sight is a popular park, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,259 visitors.

Unwind and look back at the past 8 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Cologne or just grab something light to keep you going.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Cologne and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 8-day relaxed road trip in Germany is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.