One-Week Relaxed Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Dortmund to Essen

Day 2 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Dortmund, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Germany are extraordinary.

Begin your adventure at Lwl Industrial Museum Zollern. This is a locally appreciated museum you should not miss. Another must-see is German Football Museum, an often recommended museum in Dortmund.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Dortmund Zoo. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Casino Hohensyburg, another of the city’s locally appreciated attractions.

Germany makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun exploration. Aside from amazing sights, Germany also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Germany. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Dortmund, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Experience a harmony of flavors at The Stage in Dortmund by securing a reservation in advance. Known for its 1-star Michelin status, The Stage offers a delightful variety of dishes highlighting its delicious modern and creative menu. If you're seeking an alternative culinary experience, be sure to explore Grammons Restaurant, a highly recommended restaurant known for its enticing contemporary and classic french cuisine. This popular 1-star Michelin-awarded venue consistently exceeds expectations, ensuring a memorable holiday experience.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Dortmund.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Gaststätte Lütge-eck, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists.

Raise your glass to celebrate another day of your laid-back and relaxed road trip experience in Germany!

Day 3 of your relaxed road trip across the beautiful country of Germany will take you on a self-paced journey to more than one incredible place in one day. See some of the best attractions in Germany, taste the most delectable foods and exquisite drinks, and make incredible memories as you go!

Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Dortmund. Some of the city’s most loved attractions await! Botanischer Garten Der Ruhr-universität Bochum is the perfect place to start. This botanical garden is one of the most intriguing places to visit in Dortmund. Next, head to + Fossilium Bochum Zoo, an intriguing zoo, known for its eye-catching features.

Nearby, you'll also find German Mining Museum. Visit these for an interesting touch to your journey.

After a day of exploration, relax at one of the top hotels or accommodations in Essen. Staying in the city enhances your laid-back road trip experience in Germany by offering a comfortable and welcoming environment to recharge in this charming destination.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in Essen by booking a table at Hannappel. This popular restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of modern and classic cuisine. For another culinary dining option, venture to Schote, celebrated for its delectable modern menu. This acclaimed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, ensuring an essential addition to your holiday itinerary. Seeking an alternative? Discover Kettner's Kamota, a top local restaurant known for its tantalizing austrian and french contemporary menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it promises an exceptional dining experience not to be missed.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Essen.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Südrock Rock Pub, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Gentlem is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Diamond Cocktail Lounge is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible relaxed road trip adventure in the magical Essen!

Day 4 of your relaxed road trip through Germany means 24 hours of making the best memories in Essen. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Essen. In the evening, you will experience one of the most popular dining spots in the city. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by Essen!

Set out on a day brimming with family-friendly attractions, breathtaking views, and picturesque spots. Start at the intriguing Villa Hügel, a picture-perfect museum in Essen. Next, go to Hügel Park.

After visiting Villa Hügel and Hügel Park, have a stroll along Essen's streets and take in the local charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Ruine Neue Isenburg. This respected archeological site offers a unique experience. Stadtgarten is another noteworthy attraction worthwhile a visit. End your self-guided sightseeing tour on top with a visit to Museum Folkwang, one of the most visually striking places to visit in Essen.

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Germany. Check out all of the tours you can join this day of your leisurely self-drive holiday in Germany and ensure the experience of a lifetime.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Essen has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Mezzo Mezzo am Zollverein, a popular restaurant in Essen. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Essen at Banana Leaf, 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 Restaurant Artemis. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Essen tonight.

Experience the amazing nightlife in Essen and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Metropol Café-bar Essen is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Temple Bar, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Zum Pümpchen. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Germany!

On day 5 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Germany, you’ll go deep into Essen, where you'll stay for 2 nights, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Essen, and meet locals along the way!

Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Essen. Some of the city’s most loved attractions await! Kokerei Zollverein is the perfect place to start. This museum is one of the most increasingly popular places to visit in Essen. Next, head to Unesco-welterbe Zollverein, a well-known museum, known for its breathtaking 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 Shaft Xii. This heritage-rich museum is a highly recommended experience. Nearby, you'll also find Red Dot Design Museum and Vogelschutzgebiet Heisinger Bogen. Visit these for an interesting touch to your journey.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Germany by joining a traveler-approved tour in Essen. There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Essen that will make your slow-paced self-drive tour in Germany more memorable. Check out all the most recommended and top-rated tour options in the city of Essen to find the best options for you!

When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in Germany, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Essen.

Make sure to reserve a table at SAUSALITOS, an iconic dining spot in Essen. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Restaurant tablo, a popular restaurant in Essen. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Rosemarie Garten & Bar, a hidden gem nestled in Essen. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

After dinner, you can choose between heading back to your hotel to recharge, taking a leisurely stroll, or going out to a bar for a relaxed drink in great company.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Café Goldbar offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Cafe Nord is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Louis Café & Bar is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Raise your glass in celebration of your freedom and relaxed road trip adventure in Germany!

Day 6 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Essen, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Germany are extraordinary.

Today’s itinerary in Essen covers several incredible sights, including a park and a laser tag arena. Start your adventure at Botanischer Garten Grugapark. This captivating park is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the scenic wonders of Krupp-park, 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 Laserzone Lasertag Essen West - Borbeck. This often recommended laser tag arena offers an enriching experience. These sights offer a fulfilling end to a perfect day.

Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in Germany more special is by joining unique tours and activities. Essen offers a wide selection of experiences for every traveler.

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 Essen, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Dine in style at CoCoLÁ - Vietnamesisches Restaurant & Café, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Cafe Extrablatt Essen a der Lichtburg boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Café LIVRES. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Essen.

Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in Essen. There, you can look back on the highlights of today’s pleasant and invigorating travel experiences, have friendly conversations with locals, and unwind.

Soak in the unique atmosphere of Essen as you commemorate this day of your relaxed road trip through Germany with a toast. Cheers to a memorable leisurely self-drive holiday in Germany!

Day 7 of your leisurely self-drive tour in Germany is another opportunity for an in-depth travel experience in the country. On this refreshing new day, you’ll travel from Gelsenkirchen and continue your laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure in the village of Feldhausen and the village of Nordkirchen. You’ll stay in Dortmund for 1 night.

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several fun adventures, scenic views, and picturesque spots. Whether you decide to explore Essen on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Nordstern Park is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this breathtaking park before continuing your journey. Movie Park is your next stop. This top-rated amusement park is one of the best-rated sights in Essen.

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 Schloss Nordkirchen. This awe-inspiring castle is a sight to behold.

In the city of Dortmund, you’ll find plenty of stay options that will accommodate your need for rest and relaxation after spending your day on the road. Our top recommendations perfectly complement your relaxed road trip vacation in Germany.

Exploring the food culture in Dortmund 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.

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.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Dortmund’s best bars to celebrate this day of your slow-paced adventure in Germany.

Look back at an amazing day filled with adventure in Germany. And don’t forget to get some rest so you can continue your relaxed holiday in Germany tomorrow with new energy.