One-Week Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Dortmund to Cologne and Frankfurt

Day 2 of your road trip across Germany promises a magnificent time exploring Dortmund. You have 1 night left in Dortmund. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

A blend of family-friendly attractions, picturesque spots, and history-rich sites await you in Dortmund on today’s itinerary. First up is the often recommended museum, German Football Museum. Afterward, continue to Museum Ostwall, a museum every traveler should visit.

As you explore Dortmund’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the city. Next, make your way to Dortmund U-tower. This frequently visited art installation is an essential stop. Following that, head to Westfalenpark, another must-visit site that will enhance your experience.

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.

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

Enjoy a delicious meal at Strobels Dortmund, a highly-rated dining destination in Dortmund. If you're eager to try something different, consider Cafe Extrablatt Dortmund, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Lord. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Dortmund this evening.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Gaststätte Lütge-eck, a prime location for a drink.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Germany!

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you will explore Cologne, 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 Cologne. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.

Set out on a day brimming with family-friendly attractions, scenic views, and picturesque spots. Start at the spectacular Cologne Cathedral, a grand church in Dortmund. Next, go to Museum Ludwig.

After visiting Cologne Cathedral and Museum Ludwig, have a stroll along Dortmund's streets and take in the local charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Rhine Garden Sculpture. This noteworthy park offers a unique experience. Old Market is another noteworthy attraction worthwhile a visit.

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

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

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

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to The Grid Bar, known for its inviting atmosphere. Toddy Tapper is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Legends Bar & Terrasse provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

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

On day 4 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Cologne. You’ll stay in Cologne for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Set out on a day brimming with family-friendly attractions, picturesque spots, and history-rich sites. Start at the increasingly popular Deutsches Sport & Olympia Museum, a history-steeped museum in Cologne. Next, go to Lindt Chocolate Museum.

After visiting Deutsches Sport & Olympia Museum and Lindt Chocolate Museum, have a stroll along Cologne's streets and take in the local charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Malakoffturm. This breathtaking monument offers a unique experience. Cologne Zoological Garden is another noteworthy attraction worthwhile a visit.

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.

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

Enjoy a delicious meal at Mongo's Restaurant Köln, a top-rated dining destination in Cologne. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Vietnamski restorant "Kuchi Mami", another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at RheinZeit. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Cologne this evening.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Soul Bar Cologne, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

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

On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Frankfurt. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Frankfurt, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

Today’s route brings family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and breathtaking views. The first attraction of today is Städel Museum. Continue your discovery at Iron Footbridge, an enchanting monument with stories to tell.

As you stroll around Cologne, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this city so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Römerberg. This interesting public square offers a respected encounter with Cologne. Next, make your way to Caricatura - Museum For Comic Art to add another highlight to your day. After that, visit Frankfurt Cathedral, an often recommended church 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 Cologne.

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

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Frankfurt. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Berliner Keller Frankfurt, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Im Herzen Afrikas is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at 25hours Hotel Frankfurt The Trip. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Frankfurt tonight.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Gute Stute, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Flemings Hotel Frankfurt-central (former Flemings Express Frankfurt). This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Gleis 25, another top-rated place in the area.

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

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

Start by visiting Marienberg Fortress, a prime spot to begin your journey. This history-steeped castle is sure to impress. Next on your list is Old Main Bridge, another must-visit landmark and well-known historical landmark renowned for its romantic features.

While exploring and sightseeing, take time to savor the culture of Frankfurt by sampling some local delicacies. When you’re ready for more sightseeing, head to Four Tubes Fountain. This symbolic monument is an essential place to visit for anyone looking for the full Frankfurt experience. We also recommend visiting Würzburg Residence, an underrated palace.

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

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Dortmund. 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 Café Brasserie Lotte, a top-rated dining destination in Dortmund. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider ALEX Dortmund, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Kara's Restaurant - Dortmund. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Dortmund this evening.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Germany.