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

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

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several family-friendly attractions, photo-friendly spots, and history-rich sites. Whether you decide to explore Dortmund on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. German Football Museum is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this eye-catching museum before continuing your journey. Museum Ostwall is your next stop. This locally appreciated museum is one of the best-rated sights in Dortmund.

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 Dortmund U-tower. This eye-catching art installation is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Westfalenpark.

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 you explore more of Dortmund, 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.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Strobels Dortmund, a popular restaurant in Dortmund. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Dortmund at Cafe Extrablatt Dortmund, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Lord. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Dortmund tonight.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Gaststätte Lütge-eck. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes.

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your road trip in Germany. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Cologne. 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 2 nights.

Dortmund is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a church, a museum, a park, a public square and much more! Begin your sightseeing adventure at the impressive Cologne Cathedral and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Museum Ludwig, a visually striking museum that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Rhine Garden Sculpture, one of the city’s most beloved spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the popular Old Market.

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 dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Cologne. 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 wonderful meal at SAVOY Hotel, a top-rated dining spot in Cologne. If you're in the mood for something new, try Radisson Blu Hotel, Cologne, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Café Reichard. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Cologne.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at The Grid Bar, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Toddy Tapper offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Legends Bar & Terrasse provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Germany!

Day 4 of your road trip across Germany promises a magnificent time exploring Cologne. You have 1 night left in Cologne. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Savor the day by visiting some of the best places to see in Cologne, including a museum, a monument, and a zoo. Start your adventure at Deutsches Sport & Olympia Museum. This curiosity-inducing museum is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Lindt Chocolate Museum located in Cologne for another exciting encounter.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Malakoffturm. Its culturally significant features will captivate you. After the monument, continue your tour of the city with a visit to Cologne Zoological Garden. Visitors usually appreciate the gorgeous features of this zoo.

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.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Mongo's Restaurant Köln, a top-rated dining spot in Cologne. If you're in the mood for something new, try Vietnamski restorant "Kuchi Mami", another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at RheinZeit. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Cologne.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Soul Bar Cologne, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

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

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.

Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in Cologne allows for both. Start by heading to Städel Museum. This intriguing art museum provides an insightful glimpse into the city's identity. Next, discover Iron Footbridge, a history-steeped monument, promising a delightful encounter.

Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Römerberg, a popular public square. When you’re done, don’t forget to make a stop at the worthwhile Caricatura - Museum For Comic Art. Round off your day at Frankfurt Cathedral, another gem in Cologne with stunning features to discover.

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 dining experience at Berliner Keller Frankfurt, a popular restaurant in Frankfurt. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Frankfurt at Im Herzen Afrikas, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated 25hours Hotel Frankfurt The Trip. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Frankfurt tonight.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Gute Stute, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Flemings Hotel Frankfurt-central (former Flemings Express Frankfurt) provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Gleis 25 offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

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

Dive into day 7 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you will explore Würzburg, 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 Dortmund. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Today’s itinerary in Frankfurt covers several incredible sights, including a castle, a historical landmark, a monument, a palace and much more! Start your adventure at Marienberg Fortress. This well-known castle is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the history-steeped wonders of Old Main Bridge, a must-see historical landmark 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 Four Tubes Fountain. This worthwhile monument offers an enriching experience. For a change of pace, head to Würzburg Residence, where you can take in UNESCO world heritage-designated features. These sights offer a fulfilling end to a perfect day.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Dortmund. Dortmund 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 Dortmund's best restaurants.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Café Brasserie Lotte, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? ALEX Dortmund offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Kara's Restaurant - Dortmund. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Dortmund.

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