9-Day Germany Road Trip from Berlin traveling south to Cottbus and Dresden

Your road trip adventure in Germany begins as soon as you reach Berlin and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Berlin for 4 nights and explore the best things to see and do, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.

Berlin is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Brandenburg Gate or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Berlin. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Germany. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Berlin. 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.

Discover the culinary delights of Berlin by securing a reservation at Rutz. Esteemed for its , this restaurant offers a remarkable selection of modern and creative cuisine. For an alternative dining experience, try Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer, renowned for its delicious creative dishes. This esteemed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently impresses guests, making it a must-visit spot during your holiday. Craving more culinary excitement? Head to FACIL, a highly recommended local eatery celebrated for its mouthwatering creative and contemporary menu. With its 2-star Michelin recognition, it offers an unforgettable dining adventure.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Green Door Bar, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Sharlie Cheen Bar offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Berlin Icebar provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Raise a toast to the start of your 9-day road trip in Germany!

On day 2 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Berlin. You’ll stay in Berlin for 3 nights and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Kick off the day at Treptower Park, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 21,916 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit East Side Gallery. East Side Gallery is an art museum with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 53,795 reviews.

Alexanderplatz is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This square is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 212,589 visitors.

Beyond the attractions mentioned above, you also have the opportunity to visit Berlin Cathedral. This lutheran cathedral is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 36,300 visitors.

Lastly, don’t miss out on Pergamon Museum, a famous art museum in Berlin. This attraction welcomes 1,298,000 visitors annually and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 29,287 travelers.

One of the most unique ways of discovering what else Berlin has to offer is by going on a top-rated tour. Be sure to check out all the experiences Berlin offers and add your favorites to your Germany travel package below.

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

Esteemed as a restaurant, it features an exceptional menu. Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Berliner Fernsehturm, a top-rated dining spot in Berlin. If you're in the mood for something new, try BrewDog Berlin Mitte, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Gasthaus Krombach. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Berlin.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at booze bar berlin, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Victoria Bar. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Scandic Berlin Potsdamer Platz, another top-rated place in the area.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Germany!

Day 3 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Berlin has to offer. Cherish the 2 nights you have left in Berlin by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

Drop by the renowned Siegessäule. This popular victory column has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 26,275 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Großer Tiergarten. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 23,328 visitors, this park deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

We also recommend a visit to Potsdamer Platz. This square has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 60,213 reviews.

Another favorite attraction in the area is Topography of Terror. This military museum and popular place of interest enjoys a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 36,438 local and international travelers.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Checkpoint Charlie. With an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 82,690 travelers, this point of interest is an attraction many avid travelers highly recommend visiting while in Berlin.

To do something one-of-a-kind on this day of your trip, you can join a tour. You can discover all of the most fun and eye-opening experiences in your destination below and secure your spot here.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Berlin. 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.

As a top-rated it is an ideal choice in the city. Enjoy a lovely meal at SOY, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, YOSOY TAPAS BERLIN is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Restaurant Trattoria Portofino. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Berlin tonight.

Continue your lively evening at Mikkeller Berlin, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. LIMONADIER Cocktailbar is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, KASCHK by BRLO ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Germany.

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

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Berlin Wall Memorial. This museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 40,977 visitors.

Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche is another popular attraction you could visit today. This church building has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 21,457 visitors.

Berlin Zoological Garden is also highly recommended by travelers. This zoo has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 63,157 visitors.

Charlottenburg Palace is an attraction you won’t want to miss. This château is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 25,697 reviews.

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

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

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Café Anna Blume, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Byblos Restaurant Berlin offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Alt-Berliner Gasthaus Julchen Hoppe. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Berlin.

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 of your road trip in Germany. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Potsdam. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Cottbus. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Set your GPS to Potsdam and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 50 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Potsdam beckons with new experiences!

When you're ready to see some sights, Neues Palais in Potsdam is a great place to start. This palace is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 9,067 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Sanssouci Park. This park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 32,849 travelers.

We also recommend a stop at Sanssouci. The palace has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 24,925 visitors.

If you're keen to explore more, consider visiting Sanssouci. This palace is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,660 reviews.

Brandenburg Gate is another easily accessible place to visit on this day of your trip. Stop by this triumphal arch, rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in 14,759 reviews, to discover more of what makes it unique.

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

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

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

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Der Käfig, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Hemingway Cocktailbar, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, El Chico Cocktailbar - Cocktails & Longdrinks provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Germany!

On day 6 of your road trip in Germany, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Bad Muskau - Mužakow, Kromlau - Kromola, Hütten, and Müglitztal. In the evening, you’ll end up in Dresden, where you will stay for 2 nights.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Cottbus, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Bad Muskau - Mužakow. This drive usually takes around 43 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Muskau Park. This english garden is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 9,334 visitors.

When you’ve had your share of Bad Muskau - Mužakow, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Kromlau - Kromola. Your travel time is around 6 min.

When you're ready to see some sights, Azalea and Rhododendron Park Kromlau is a great place to start. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,279 visitors.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Dresden, 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 Dresden, 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.

Experience a symphony of flavors at ElbUferei in Dresden by securing a reservation in advance. Renowned for its Bib Gourmand distinction, ElbUferei delights its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious mediterranean and international cuisine. For a palate-pleasing alternative, make sure to dine at Genuss-Atelier, acclaimed for its delectable modern and creative specialties. This local 1-star Michelin establishment consistently satisfies guests, ensuring an unforgettable holiday experience. Want to go on another culinary journey? Delight your senses at Elements, a top-rated restaurant known for its outstanding menu. Known as a top-rated , it's a top choice for modern and international cuisine in the city.

Continue your lively evening at Gin House Dresden, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Nightfly shisha and cocktail is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, SonderBar ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Germany.

Day 7 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Dresden for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to The Grand Garden of Dresden. This much-appreciated park is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 14,790 reviews.

Next up is Zwinger. This palace has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 49,362 visitors.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is Old Masters Picture Gallery. This art gallery has been rated 4.8 out of 5 stars in 7,573 reviews.

Semperoper is another attraction you have the opportunity to visit today. This opera house has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 13,687 reviews.

To continue your sightseeing, head over to Golden Rider. This monument is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 11,091 reviews.

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 Dresden.

Savor the flavors at Restaurant brennNessel Dresden, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Watzke am Goldenen Reiter beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Restaurant Carolaschlösschen Dresden. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Dresden tonight.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Newtown Bar, known for its lively atmosphere. Wohnzimmer Dresden is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance.

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

On day 8 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Dresden. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Berlin, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Make Church of Our Lady one of your first sightseeing stops in Dresden. Rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 30,160 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Brühl's Terrace is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This tourist attraction is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 12,650 reviews.

Today is also the perfect opportunity to drop by Pillnitz Castle. This château has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 11,565 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, head to Dresden Zoo and find out why 850,000 people visit this spot every year. A trip to this popular zoo is also your opportunity to see if it lives up to the reputable 4.4 out of 5-star rating as given by 16,252 previous visitors.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Berlin, 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 Berlin's best restaurants.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Zur Gerichtslaube, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Gaffel Haus Berlin - Kölsches Konsulat offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Hauptstadtrestaurant Gendarmerie. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Berlin.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Germany!

Day 9 of your road trip in Germany is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Berlin before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

On your last day in Germany, take time to indulge in shopping at Berlin’s popular marketplace. Thanks to your accommodation’s strategic location, the city’s bustling commercial district is only a stone’s throw away, giving you ample time to leisurely explore the area, filled with local shops.

Take time to find the perfect present, reminding you of the charms of Germany. Each store here is brimming with unique finds. These souvenirs will help you treasure your memories of Germany forever.

Journey into the unknown at Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable holocaust memorial has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 45,332 reviews.

Before you conclude your road trip in Germany, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Berlin.

As a top-rated it is an ideal choice in the city. Enjoy a lovely meal at Berliner Republik, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Train Cocktailbar is another top choice with a popular menu.

You’ll then say farewell to Berlin. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Germany!