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

Day 2 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Cologne for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Immerse yourself in Cologne’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary. Start your journey at Lindt Chocolate Museum. This photogenic museum is sure to ignite your curiosity. Next, dive into the stunning features of Cologne Cathedral, a must-visit church in the city.

In between sights, stop by local stores, picturesque photo spots, and small eateries. When you’re ready for your next attraction, proceed to Cologne Zoological Garden, a locally renowned zoo. For a change of scene, check out Rheinpark, known for its romantic features.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Germany is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

Visit Hohe Straße in Cologne for an unforgettable shopping experience. Browse unique and luxurious stores, each offering delightful surprises. Find unique souvenirs or items to take home. After shopping, explore what Hohe Straße has to offer, including attractions, essential services, and vibrant community activities.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Cologne's best restaurants.

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.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Soul Bar Cologne, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

Relax and reminisce about your day in Germany and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Oberhausen and Hamm. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Hanover, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several fun adventures, breathtaking views, and photo-friendly spots. Whether you decide to explore Cologne on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Gasometer Oberhausen is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this stunning museum before continuing your journey. Sea Life Oberhausen is your next stop. This popular 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 instagrammable park is a sight to behold.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Hanover. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

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

Have a fantastic dining experience at Meteora, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Bar Añejo offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Quarks Bar Hannover is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Hanover.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Bar Seña after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Sternwarte for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Dormero Hotel Hannover is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

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

On day 5 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Hamburg. You’ll stay in Hamburg for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Today’s route brings fun adventures, photo-friendly spots, and breathtaking views. The first attraction of today is Hamburg Dungeon. This interesting haunted house is a photogenic place to see in Hamburg. Continue your discovery at Miniatur Wunderland, an eye-catching museum with stories to tell.

As you stroll around Hamburg, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this city so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to St. Michael's Church. This well-known church offers a breathtaking encounter with Hamburg. Next, make your way to Elbe Tunnel to add another highlight to your day. After that, visit St. Pauli Piers, a locally renowned pier that’s sure to impress. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Hamburg.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Germany is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

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

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.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Cafe Miller, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Copa Cabana Bar offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Fontenay Bar. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day 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 vibrant destinations - Hamburg. 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.

Immerse yourself in Hamburg’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary. Start your journey at Hamburg Townhall. This historic city hall is sure to ignite your curiosity. Next, dive into the romantic features of Elbe Philharmonic Hall, a must-visit concert hall in the city.

In between sights, stop by local stores, picturesque photo spots, and small eateries. When you’re ready for your next attraction, proceed to Planten Un Blomen, an interesting botanical garden. For a change of scene, check out Stadtpark, known for its instagrammable features. We also recommend visiting Hagenbeck Zoo. This zoo is a must for anyone looking to experience the city to the fullest.

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.

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.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Hotel Robben, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Dorint City-Hotel Bremen? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Market Hall Eight Bremen as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Bremen.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Rosso Bar, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Red Rock provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Sammy`s Bar offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Germany!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 7 of your road trip in Germany. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Essen and Duisburg. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Cologne, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Savor the day by visiting some of the best places to see in Bremen, including a museum, a park, and a zoo. Start your adventure at Unesco-welterbe Zollverein. This notable museum is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord located in Bremen for another exciting encounter.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Duisburg Zoo. Its instagrammable features will captivate you.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Cologne. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

As you explore more of Cologne, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Limani, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Funkhaus Cafe-Bar-Restaurant offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss The hanging gardens of Ehrenfeld. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Cologne.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Suderman, where the evening is just getting started.

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Germany.