One-Week Germany Road Trip from Dortmund traveling west to Essen, Düsseldorf, and Cologne

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.

Take the opportunity to see Dasa Working World Exhibition. This attraction has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 4,040 visitors.

German Football Museum is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This sports museum has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,503 travelers.

Dortmund is also the home of Dortmund Zoo. Around 15,732 people have rated this zoo an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars.

Another place you’ll want to visit is Casino Hohensyburg. With an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from a total of 2,302 reviews, a visit to this casino is a great idea.

Your discoveries in Dortmund do not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Dortmund on this day of your trip. You can select your tours below.

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

Set out on a gastronomic journey in Dortmund by reserving a table at The Stage. Renowned for its 1-star Michelin recognition, this restaurant presents an outstanding menu of modern, and creative cuisine. For a different taste, head over to Grammons Restaurant, renowned for its delectable contemporary, and classic french dishes. This distinguished 1-star Michelin-recipient is a favorite among guests, making it a worthy addition to your holiday plans. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Dortmund.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Gaststätte Lütge-eck, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out.

Head back to your accommodation in Dortmund and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Germany!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 of your road trip in Germany. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Essen, and Duisburg. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Düsseldorf. You will spend 2 nights here for some well-deserved relaxation.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Unesco-welterbe Zollverein. This museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 21,243 reviews.

Continue your journey at Laserzone Lasertag Essen West - Borbeck. This sightseeing destination is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 8,211 travelers from near and far.

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 Essen to Duisburg may take around 18 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Duisburg, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Drop by the renowned Duisburg Zoo. This popular zoo has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 21,434 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 27,144 visitors, this park deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Düsseldorf. Düsseldorf offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

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

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at Pink Pepper, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an exceptional modern menu. If you are in the mood for trying an alternative dining experience, consider visiting the nearby 1-star Michelin-awardee, Yoshi by Nagaya, known for its delicious japanese, and sushi cuisine. Another highly-recommended restaurant in Düsseldorf is Le Flair, a renowned restaurant with a 1-star Guide Michelin recognition, known for its delicious french, and contemporary menu.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Engelchen, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Bar Cherie, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Auberge Rock Pub provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

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

Day 5 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Düsseldorf for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum Dusseldorf. This aquarium is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Düsseldorf, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 12,358 visitors.

Nord Park is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 6,034 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Burgplatz. Visitors have rated this square an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 5,559 reviews.

Rheinpromenade is another unique site you can experience today. This attraction is a park rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 5,033 reviews.

Make your way to the fantastic Schloss Benrath, perhaps the most famous park in Düsseldorf. This attraction is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 10,705 travelers.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your travel plan. 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 Düsseldorf. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Radisson Blu Media Harbour Hotel, Düsseldorf, a top-rated dining destination in Düsseldorf. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Cafe Extrablatt Düsseldorf, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Coffee Fellows. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Düsseldorf this evening.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Bar Studio 1 is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Sakura Bar, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Engel Rockbar. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Germany!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 6 of your road trip in Germany. Today, you will make 3 stops and experience some of the highlights of Brühl, Königswinter, and Bonn. 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 1 night.

When you’ve had your share of Düsseldorf, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Brühl. Your travel time is around 49 min.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Phantasialand. This amusement park gets 1,750,000 visitors each year and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 91,824 reviews.

When you’ve had your share of Brühl, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Königswinter. Your travel time is around 39 min.

Make Schloss Drachenburg one of your first sightseeing stops in Königswinter. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 17,667 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Cologne, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

As you explore more of Cologne, 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.

Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in Cologne by booking a table at Le Moissonnier Bistro. This popular restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of french, and seafood cuisine. For another culinary dining option, venture to Ox & Klee, celebrated for its delectable modern, and creative menu. This acclaimed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, ensuring an essential addition to your holiday itinerary. Seeking an alternative? Discover La Cuisine Rademacher, a top local restaurant known for its tantalizing modern french menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it promises an exceptional dining experience not to be missed.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting The Grid Bar after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Toddy Tapper, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Legends Bar & Terrasse also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

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

On day 7 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Cologne. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Dortmund, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Cologne Cathedral. Over 5,000,000 travelers visit this attraction every year. Previous visitors have rated this catholic cathedral an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 70,814 reviews.

Old Market is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 12,935 reviews.

Another attraction you won't want to miss is Lindt Chocolate Museum. This museum is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 37,446 reviews.

Cologne Zoological Garden is another outstanding experience in Cologne. Around 30,676 travelers have rated this zoo an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

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

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

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.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Germany!