One-Week Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Cologne traveling north to Hanover, Hamburg, and Bremen

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Cologne has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in the city and use the provided itinerary to discover what to see in Cologne.

Cologne is brimming with adventures.

To truly experience Cologne, make sure to drop by Lindt Chocolate Museum. This notable museum is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Cologne Cathedral, one of the city’s best highlights.

Next, check out Cologne Zoological Garden, one of the most popular places to see in Cologne. This zoo is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Enjoy some downtime and refreshments before continuing to your next stop, Rheinpark. Wander around and soak in the eye-catching atmosphere this park offers.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Germany. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

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

Discover the culinary delights of Cologne by securing a reservation at Le Moissonnier Bistro. Esteemed for its 1-star Guide Michelin recognition, this restaurant offers a remarkable selection of french and seafood cuisine. For an alternative dining experience, try Ox & Klee, renowned for its delicious modern and creative 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 La Cuisine Rademacher, a highly recommended local eatery celebrated for its mouthwatering modern french menu. With its 1-star Michelin recognition, it offers an unforgettable dining adventure.

Keep the evening going at Soul Bar Cologne, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

Head back to your accommodation in Cologne and get some rest to prepare for another magical day of your road trip in Germany.

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you'll explore 2 destinations, including Oberhausen and Hamm. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Hanover, where you'll spend 1 night.

Let Gasometer Oberhausen set the tone for the day. Spend some time admiring this picture-perfect museum before continuing your journey. Sea Life Oberhausen is your next stop. This well-known aquarium is one of the best-rated sights in Cologne.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Maximilianpark Hamm. This awe-inspiring park is a sight to behold.

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

Hanover is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Hanover.

Dine in style at Meteora, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Bar Añejo boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Quarks Bar Hannover. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Hanover.

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

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

Day 5 of your road trip across Germany promises a magnificent time exploring what to see in Hamburg. You have 1 night left in Hamburg. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Experience Hamburg Dungeon, a popular haunted house in the city. Then, head to Miniatur Wunderland and soak in the ambiance of this photogenic museum.

There are many interesting places to see in Hamburg, and when you are ready for more, go to St. Michael's Church. This is one of the city’s most captivating majestic spots of interest. After exploring the church, visit the well-known Elbe Tunnel. Not far away, you'll also find St. Pauli Piers. This pier is an enchanting highlight in Hamburg.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Germany. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Hamburg. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Restaurant Brodersen Hamburg, a top-rated dining destination in Hamburg. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Irish Pub in the Fleetenkieker, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at NOM vietnamese fusion food. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Hamburg this evening.

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

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 6 of your road trip in Germany. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 place, which are Hamburg. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Bremen, where will spend 1 night.

Hamburg Townhall leaves a lasting impression. This city hall is one of the most increasingly popular places to visit in Hamburg. Next, head to Elbe Philharmonic Hall, an astonishing concert hall, known for its gorgeous features.

In between the sights, don’t hesitate to take small detours to explore local stores and eateries. When you’re ready to continue your adventure, head to Planten Un Blomen. This romantic botanical garden is a highly recommended experience. Nearby, you'll also find Stadtpark and Hagenbeck Zoo Visit these for an interesting touch to your journey.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Bremen. Bremen offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Bremen. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Hotel Robben, a top-rated dining spot in Bremen. If you're in the mood for something new, try Dorint City-Hotel Bremen, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Market Hall Eight Bremen. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Bremen.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Rosso Bar, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Red Rock is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Sammy`s Bar also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

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

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

Visiting Unesco-welterbe Zollverein is always a good idea. This notable museum is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring wonders of Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord, a must-see park in the city.

Consider stopping for a small bite to eat or a drink at a local eatery to keep your energy going. When you’re ready, continue your discovery with a visit to Duisburg Zoo. This notable zoo offers an enriching experience.

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.

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

Enjoy a delicious meal at Limani, a top-rated dining destination in Cologne. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Funkhaus Cafe-Bar-Restaurant, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at The hanging gardens of Ehrenfeld. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Cologne this evening.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Suderman offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink.

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