One-Week Relaxed Germany Road Trip from Dortmund to Cologne

On day 2 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Germany, you’ll go deep into Dortmund, 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 Dortmund, and meet locals along the way!

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Westfalenpark. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 18,451 visitors.

When you’re finished at Westfalenpark, head to Rombergpark Botanical Garden. This one-of-a-kind park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 6,572 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Phoenix-see. This lake is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,623 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, then consider a visit to Dortmund U-tower. This office building is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,626 visitors.

To round off your sightseeing experience, make your way to German Football Museum. This famous sports museum is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,503 travelers.

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

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

Discover the culinary delights of Dortmund by securing a reservation at The Stage. Esteemed for its 1-star Guide Michelin recognition, this restaurant offers a remarkable selection of modern, and creative cuisine. For an alternative dining experience, try Grammons Restaurant, renowned for its delicious contemporary, and classic french dishes. This esteemed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently impresses guests, making it a must-visit spot during your holiday.

Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars 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.

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

On day 3 of your relaxed road trip across Germany, you’ll explore the area around Bochum, where you’ll be staying for another 1 night. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of Bochum will make you fall even more in love with the city and uniqueness of Germany.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Dortmund and set your GPS to Bochum. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 28 min. Upon reaching Bochum, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Drop by the renowned Botanischer Garten Der Ruhr-universität Bochum. This popular botanical garden has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,848 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is + Fossilium Bochum Zoo. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 9,697 visitors, this zoo deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

We also recommend a visit to Bochum Park. This park has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 4,787 reviews.

Another favorite attraction in the area is German Mining Museum. This museum and popular place of interest enjoys a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 7,193 local and international travelers.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Dortmund.

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

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Café Brasserie Lotte, a top-rated dining spot in Dortmund. If you're in the mood for something new, try ALEX Dortmund, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Kara's Restaurant - Dortmund. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Dortmund.

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.

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

Day 4 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 Duisburg and continue your laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure in the city of Düsseldorf and the city of Cologne. You’ll stay in Cologne for 3 nights.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Duisburg, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Dortmund to Duisburg may take around 48 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Duisburg, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord. This extraordinary park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 27,144 visitors.

Next, make your way to Duisburg Zoo. This zoo is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 21,434 reviews.

While in Duisburg, we also recommend a visit to Tiger & Turtle. This sightseeing destination has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 7,871 reviews.

When you’ve had your share of Duisburg, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Düsseldorf. Your travel time is around 25 min.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Hofgarten, a remarkable english garden where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 6,488 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Rheinturm. This communication tower has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 13,916 travelers.

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

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.

Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in Cologne by reserving a table at Le Moissonnier Bistro. Renowned as a 1-star Michelin restaurant, it offers an exceptional french, and seafood menu. For a different taste experience, head to Ox & Klee, recognized for its delicious modern, and creative dishes. This 2-star Michelin restaurant consistently impresses guests, ensuring a memorable addition to your holiday. Looking for another option? Make sure to visit La Cuisine Rademacher, a local favorite known for its delightful modern french cuisine in Cologne. Nestled in the heart of the city, this restaurant with 1 Michelin star is an ideal choice for discerning modern french foodies seeking culinary excellence.

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

Keep the evening going at The Grid Bar, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Toddy Tapper, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Legends Bar & Terrasse, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

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

Your laid-back and relaxed road trip in Germany continues on day 5, allowing you to create more unforgettable memories. Today’s travel plan offers you the chance to have a more in-depth understanding of Germany and its people by visiting the offerings and top attractions of Keldung and beyond. With 2 nights left in Cologne, you’ll have enough time to eat and unwind at popular restaurants and bars in the village.

Set your GPS to Keldung and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 40 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Keldung beckons with new experiences!

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Eltz Castle. This extraordinary castle is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 25,367 visitors.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Keldung and set your GPS to Koblenz. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 48 min. Upon reaching Koblenz, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Deutsches Eck. Previous visitors have rated this headland an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 34,555 reviews.

Ehrenbreitstein Fortress is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This fortress is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 18,566 reviews.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Braubach. This car ride takes around 18 min.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Marksburg. This rocca is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,037 visitors.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Cologne and your accommodation.

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 Cologne.

Make sure to book a table at Mongo's Restaurant Köln, a popular restaurant in Cologne. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Cologne at Виетнамски ресторант "Кучи Мами", a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is RheinZeit. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Cologne tonight.

Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in Cologne.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Soul Bar Cologne, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Grab yourself a drink and savor every moment of your relaxed road trip experience in Germany!

Day 6 of your relaxed road trip through Germany means 24 hours of making the best memories in Cologne. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Cologne. 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 Cologne!

Take the opportunity to see Cologne Zoological Garden. This attraction has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 30,676 visitors.

Cologne Cathedral is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This catholic cathedral has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 70,814 travelers. Up to 5,000,000 people visit Cologne Cathedral every year.

Cologne is also the home of Old Market. Around 12,935 people have rated this point of interest an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Another place you’ll want to visit is Lindt Chocolate Museum. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from a total of 37,446 reviews, a visit to this museum is a great idea.

Tours often allow you to see beyond what books and social media feature about Cologne, its culture, and people. So for a more meaningful travel experience in the city, we recommend you join one of the most popular tours available for your relaxed road trip across Germany.

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.

Dine in style at Limani, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Funkhaus Cafe-Bar-Restaurant boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out The hanging gardens of Ehrenfeld. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Cologne.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Cologne and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Suderman after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments.

A leisurely self-drive holiday in Cologne can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in Germany!