9-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Dortmund to Hamburg, Essen, Düsseldorf, and Cologne and surrounding area

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 2 of your road trip in Germany. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Dortmund. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Hamburg. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Today’s itinerary in Dortmund covers several incredible sights, including a botanical garden, a park, an art installation, a museum and much more! Start your adventure at Rombergpark Botanical Garden. This often recommended botanical garden is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the masterful wonders of Westfalenpark, 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 Dortmund U-tower. This intriguing art installation offers an enriching experience. For a change of pace, head to German Football Museum, where you can take in instagrammable features. These sights offer a fulfilling end to a perfect day.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Hamburg. Hamburg offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

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

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at The Table Kevin Fehling, a 3-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible creative and international menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Haerlin is one of the best restaurants for creative french and classic cuisine in Hamburg. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at 100/200 Kitchen. As a top-rated establishment with 2 Michelin star, it is an ideal choice for creative and modern cuisine in the city.

Cap off your dinner by heading to The Boilerman Bar Hafenamt, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Scandic Hamburg Emporio is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Heritage Hamburg Rooftop Bar is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

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

On day 3 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. In the evening, you’ll end up in Essen, where you will stay for 1 night.

Hamburg is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a botanical garden, a historical landmark, a concert hall, a museum and much more! Begin your sightseeing adventure at the popular Planten Un Blomen and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Elbe Tunnel, a culturally significant historical landmark that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Elbe Philharmonic Hall, one of the city’s most famous spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the famous Miniatur Wunderland.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Essen. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

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

Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in Essen by reserving a table at Hannappel. Renowned as a 1-star Michelin restaurant, it offers an exceptional modern and classic menu. For a different taste experience, head to Schote, recognized for its delicious modern dishes. This 1-star Michelin restaurant consistently impresses guests, ensuring a memorable addition to your holiday. Looking for another option? Make sure to visit Kettner's Kamota, a local favorite known for its delightful austrian and french contemporary cuisine in Essen. Nestled in the heart of the city, this restaurant with 1 Michelin star is an ideal choice for discerning austrian and french contemporary foodies seeking culinary excellence.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Südrock Rock Pub offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Gentlem is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Diamond Cocktail Lounge is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Germany.

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 4 of your road trip in Germany. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Duisburg. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Düsseldorf, which will be your home away from home for 2 nights.

Get ready for an exciting day in Essen. Today’s sightseeing agenda includes a park, a zoo, a marina, a lake, an art installation and much more! Begin your adventure at Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord. This is a captivating park you should not miss. Another must-see is Duisburg Zoo, a popular zoo in Essen.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Duisburg Inner Harbour. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Sechs-seen-platte, another of the city’s underrated attractions. We recommend continuing your self-guided tour at Tiger & Turtle, a gorgeous place of interest in the city.

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

As you explore more of Düsseldorf, 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 Düsseldorf by booking a table at Pink Pepper. This popular restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of modern cuisine. For another culinary dining option, venture to Yoshi by Nagaya, celebrated for its delectable japanese and sushi menu. This acclaimed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, ensuring an essential addition to your holiday itinerary. Seeking an alternative? Discover Le Flair, a top local restaurant known for its tantalizing french and contemporary menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it promises an exceptional dining experience not to be missed.

Keep the evening going at Engelchen, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Bar Cherie, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Auberge Rock Pub, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

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.

Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Düsseldorf today. One of the most underrated attractions included on the itinerary is Wildpark Im Grafenberger Wald. This peaceful wildlife reserve will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Hofgarten and learn what makes this standout park unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the curiosity-inducing Burgplatz. After exploring the public square, head to Rheinpromenade. This intriguing boardwalk is a highlight in Düsseldorf. As your day continues, stop by Rheinturm, known for its culturally significant features.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. 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 you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Düsseldorf. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Radisson Blu Media Harbour Hotel, Düsseldorf, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Cafe Extrablatt Düsseldorf offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Coffee Fellows. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Düsseldorf.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Bar Studio 1 stand out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Sakura Bar offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Engel Rockbar is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Germany.

Dive into day 6 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you will explore Aachen, Keldung, and Koblenz, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Cologne. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several family-friendly attractions, scenic views, and photo-friendly spots. Whether you decide to explore Düsseldorf on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Aachen Cathedral is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this stunning church before continuing your journey. Eltz Castle is your next stop. This interesting castle is one of the best-rated sights in Düsseldorf.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Deutsches Eck. This respected monument is a sight to behold.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Cologne. Cologne offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

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

Start your culinary exploration in Cologne by securing a reservation at Le Moissonnier Bistro. This renowned restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of french and seafood cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Ox & Klee, celebrated for its delectable modern and creative menu. This acclaimed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover La Cuisine Rademacher, a top local spot known for its tantalizing modern french menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at The Grid Bar, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Toddy Tapper provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Legends Bar & Terrasse offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

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, you will have an entire day to explore Cologne. You’ll stay in Cologne for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Today’s agenda in Cologne includes a zoo, a church, a public square, a museum and much more! Cologne Zoological Garden is must-visit zoo and a great starting point for the day. Next, continue your journey to Cologne Cathedral, a spectacular church, located just a leisurely stroll away. Next, head to Old Market, a romantic public square, also available for your discovery today.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. 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 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.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Mongo's Restaurant Köln, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Vietnamski restorant "Kuchi Mami"? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at RheinZeit as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Cologne.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Soul Bar Cologne offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Germany!