9-Day Germany Road Trip from Cologne traveling north to Hanover, Hamburg, and Muenster

Day 2 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Cologne for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Lindt Chocolate Museum. This museum is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 37,446 visitors.

Cologne Cathedral is another popular attraction you could visit today. This catholic cathedral has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 70,814 visitors. Cologne Cathedral attracts up to 5,000,000 visitors every year.

Cologne Zoological Garden is also highly recommended by travelers. This zoo has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 30,676 visitors.

Rheinpark is an attraction you won’t want to miss. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 6,479 reviews.

There are plenty of experiences you can choose from in Germany that will add excitement to your vacation. When you’re keen to discover what else Cologne has in store for you, use this day to go on a tour. Scroll down and select tours and activities to include on your itinerary for the day.

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

Experience a symphony of flavors at Le Moissonnier Bistro in Cologne by securing a reservation in advance. Renowned for its 1-star Michelin distinction, Le Moissonnier Bistro delights its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious french, and seafood cuisine. For a palate-pleasing alternative, make sure to dine at Ox & Klee, acclaimed for its delectable modern, and creative specialties. This local 2-star Michelin establishment consistently satisfies guests, ensuring an unforgettable holiday experience. Want to go on another culinary journey? Delight your senses at La Cuisine Rademacher, a top-rated restaurant known for its outstanding menu. Known as a top-rated 1-star Michelin establishment, it's a top choice for modern french cuisine in the city.

Keep the evening going at Soul Bar Cologne, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Germany!

On day 5 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Hamburg. You’ll stay in Hamburg for 2 nights and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Make St. Michael's Church one of your first sightseeing stops in Hamburg. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 20,524 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Planten Un Blomen is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This park is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 22,471 reviews.

Today is also the perfect opportunity to drop by Hagenbeck Zoo. This zoo has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 37,852 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, head to Stadtpark. A trip to this popular park is also your opportunity to see if it lives up to the reputable 4.7 out of 5-star rating as given by 20,877 previous visitors.

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

As you explore more of Hamburg, 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.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Restaurant Brodersen Hamburg, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Irish Pub in the Fleetenkieker is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at NOM vietnamese fusion food. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Hamburg tonight.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Cafe Miller. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Copa Cabana Bar, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Fontenay Bar provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

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

Day 6 of your road trip across Germany promises a magnificent time exploring Hamburg. You have 1 night left in Hamburg. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at St. Pauli Piers, a remarkable sightseeing destination where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 19,508 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Elbe Tunnel. This road tunnel has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 34,850 travelers.

Hamburg Dungeon is another must-visit attraction. This renowned museum offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 12,768 travelers, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

Beyond the above-mentioned sites, you also have the opportunity to visit Miniatur Wunderland. This well-loved museum boasts a 4.8 out of 5-star rating from 89,283 reviews.

When there’s still energy left for exploring, St. Nikolai Memorial awaits. If you’ve been interested in experiencing a church, this is a top pick rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 9,254 previous visitors.

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.

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

Savor the flavors at Edelcurry, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Deichgraf Restaurant. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Hamburg tonight.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Tower Bar, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Black Forest Bar - By Henn. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Ciu` Die Bar, another top-rated place in the area.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Germany!

On day 7 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 Hamburg, and Hanstedt. In the evening, you’ll end up in Muenster, where you will stay for 1 night.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Chocoversum - Hamburgs Schokoladenmuseum. This museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 11,487 reviews.

Continue your journey at Hamburg Townhall. This city hall is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,325 travelers from near and far.

Hamburg is also the home of Elbe Philharmonic Hall. This concert hall has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 79,037 visitors.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Hamburg, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Hanstedt. This drive usually takes around 34 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Make Lüneburg Heath Wildlife Park your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this zoo an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 15,821 reviews.

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

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Muenster. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Experience a harmony of flavors at BOK Restaurant Brust oder Keule in Muenster by securing a reservation in advance. Known for its 1-star Michelin status, BOK Restaurant Brust oder Keule offers a delightful variety of dishes highlighting its delicious creative menu. If you're seeking an alternative culinary experience, be sure to explore Coeur D'Artichaut, a highly recommended restaurant known for its enticing modern french, and creative cuisine. This popular 2-star Michelin-awarded venue consistently exceeds expectations, ensuring a memorable holiday experience. Ready for another culinary adventure? Indulge your senses at Spitzner, a highly acclaimed restaurant celebrated for its exceptional modern french menu.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Cafe Extrablatt Münster Aegidiimarkt, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Atelier. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Spooky's, another top-rated place in the area.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Germany!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 8 of your road trip in Germany. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Essen, and Duisburg. 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’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Muenster, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Essen. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 8 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Journey into the unknown at Unesco-welterbe Zollverein, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 21,243 reviews.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Duisburg. This car ride takes around 28 min.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord, a remarkable park where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 27,144 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Duisburg Inner Harbour. This inland port has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 5,519 travelers.

Duisburg Zoo is another must-visit attraction. This renowned zoo offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 21,434 travelers, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

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 Cologne. Cologne 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.

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

Enjoy a delicious meal at Limani, a top-rated dining destination in Cologne. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Funkhaus Cafe-Bar-Restaurant, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at The hanging gardens of Ehrenfeld. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Cologne this evening.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Suderman after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Germany!