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

Day 2 of your relaxed road trip through Germany means 24 hours of making the best memories in Dortmund. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Dortmund. 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 Dortmund!

Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in Dortmund allows for both. Start by heading to Lwl Industrial Museum Zollern. This beloved museum provides an insightful glimpse into the city's identity. Next, discover German Football Museum, a heritage-rich museum, promising a delightful encounter.

Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Dortmund Zoo, a well-known zoo. When you’re done, don’t forget to make a stop at the curiosity-inducing Casino Hohensyburg.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Germany by joining a traveler-approved tour in Dortmund. There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Dortmund 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 Dortmund to find the best options for you!

Bring home unique finds from Dortmund's bustling shopping hub, Thier-Galerie Dortmund. Enjoy a leisurely exploration of unique stores where locals shop. Don’t forget to browse souvenirs and local specialties that make perfect gifts for your loved ones. Beyond shopping, Thier-Galerie Dortmund offers plenty of options, including restaurants, cafes, primary services, unique landmarks, and community events.

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.

Have a memorable dining experience in Dortmund by booking a table at The Stage, renowned as a 1-star Michelin restaurant presenting an exceptional modern and creative menu. For a different culinary experience in Dortmund, Grammons Restaurant shines as one of the top destinations, known for its delicious contemporary and classic french cuisine. This 1-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from previous guests, making it a must-visit addition to your 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.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Gaststätte Lütge-eck, a top-rated bar in the area.

Raise your glass and toast to another unforgettable, laid-back road trip adventure in Germany!

Day 3 of your leisurely self-drive tour in Germany is another opportunity for an in-depth travel experience in the country. You’ll stay in Essen for 4 nights.

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 curiosity-inducing places to visit in Dortmund. Next, head to + Fossilium Bochum Zoo, an underrated zoo, known for its photogenic features.

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

When you’re not exploring beautiful places, you’ll have a relaxed time at Essen. Here, you can choose from the best selection of hotels and places to stay as you get to know more about this spectacular city.

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 Essen, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at Hannappel, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an exceptional modern and classic menu. Alternatively, if you're in the mood for something different, consider the nearby 1-star Michelin-awardee, Schote, known for its delicious modern cuisine. Another highly-recommended place to eat in Essen is Kettner's Kamota, a renowned restaurant with a 1-star Guide Michelin recognition and a delicious austrian and french contemporary menu.

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

Continue your lively evening at Südrock Rock Pub, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Gentlem is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Diamond Cocktail Lounge ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

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

Day 4 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Essen, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Germany are extraordinary.

Today, you'll explore some of the most beautiful places in Essen, including a museum, a park, and an archeological site. Start your day with a visit to Villa Hügel. This locally appreciated museum is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Hügel Park, which may be one of the most eye-catching places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Essen on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to Ruine Neue Isenburg, an intriguing archeological site in the city. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Stadtgarten and Museum Folkwang.

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.

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 Essen, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

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.

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.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Metropol Café-bar Essen, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Temple Bar offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Zum Pümpchen provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Grab yourself a drink and savor every moment 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!

Set out on a day brimming with family-friendly attractions, scenic views, and picturesque spots. Start at the worthwhile Kokerei Zollverein, a stunning museum in Essen. Next, go to Unesco-welterbe Zollverein.

After visiting Kokerei Zollverein and Unesco-welterbe Zollverein, have a stroll along Essen's streets and take in the local charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Shaft Xii. This photogenic museum offers a unique experience. Red Dot Design Museum is another noteworthy attraction worthwhile a visit. End your self-guided sightseeing tour on top with a visit to Vogelschutzgebiet Heisinger Bogen, one of the most enchanting places to visit in Essen.

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.

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.

Have a fantastic dining experience at SAUSALITOS, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Restaurant tablo offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Rosemarie Garten & Bar is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Essen.

As the day is coming to an end, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in Essen. The bars in Essen make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Café Goldbar, known for its lively atmosphere. Cafe Nord is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Louis Café & Bar offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your leisurely paced road trip in Germany!

Day 6 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!

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 locally renowned park is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the eye-catching 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 up-and-coming 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.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at CoCoLÁ - Vietnamesisches Restaurant & Café, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Cafe Extrablatt Essen a der Lichtburg? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Café LIVRES as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Essen.

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

Toast to another unforgettable and relaxing road trip adventure in Germany!

Day 7 of your self-drive tour in Germany is your opportunity to see and experience the diversity of the country. You’ll start your day in the city of Gelsenkirchen and end it in the city of Dortmund. You’ll stay in Dortmund for 1 night. Along the route of your relaxed road trip, you can get a glimpse of the locals’ way of life and visit some of the most amazing locations in Germany.

Today’s itinerary in Essen covers several incredible sights, including a park, an amusement park, and a castle. Start your adventure at Nordstern Park. This locally appreciated park is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the instagrammable wonders of Movie Park, a must-see amusement 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 Schloss Nordkirchen. This beloved castle offers an enriching experience. These sights offer a fulfilling end to a perfect day.

Continue your laid-back road trip exploration of the best attractions in Germany at Dortmund. Select from top hotels and accommodations in the city to recharge and rejuvenate.

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 Dortmund.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Café Brasserie Lotte, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, ALEX Dortmund offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Kara's Restaurant - Dortmund is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Dortmund.

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

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.