Cheap 10-Day Germany Road Trip from Cologne to Hanover, Berlin, Hamburg, and Dortmund

Your exciting road trip through Germany starts when you reach the incredible city of Cologne, where you'll stay for 1 night. You'll pick up your rental car in Cologne and begin your adventure in Germany.

Cologne is a popular cheap holiday destination in Germany with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in Germany, Cologne is also a great place to find top-rated budget accommodations. You'll find many of these accommodations close to bustling markets and cultural attractions.

As this day progresses, satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst at one of the city's best restaurants and bars. Many restaurants in Cologne offer good food and drink options at even better prices; the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Germany.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Cologne is Bei Oma Kleinmann. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,597 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Cologne, Craftbeer Corner Coeln is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,165 diners.

Enjoy a drink or two at Toddy Tapper. Around 590 customers have given this incredible bar an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars.

Locals also enjoy the cocktails at Gaffel am Dom I Kölsches Brauhaus und Wirtshaus I Brauhaus Köln, where you can relax and have some fun. Gaffel am Dom I Kölsches Brauhaus und Wirtshaus I Brauhaus Köln is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 6,484 customers.

Another top-rated bar option is Gilden im Zims, averaging 4.3 out of 5 stars in 5,823 reviews. This bar is known for offering a variety of snacks and drinks at affordable prices.

Enjoy toasting the start of a terrific road trip vacation and a cheap holiday experience in Germany!

Day 2 of your road trip across Germany is another proof that cheap holidays in Germany can indeed provide you an extraordinary travel experience. Today's agenda includes exploring 2 wonderful destinations — Cologne and Hanover.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Cologne Chocolate Museum. This much-appreciated museum is rated 4.3 out of 5 stars in 36,704 reviews.

Next up is Cologne Cathedral. This catholic cathedral has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 69,905 visitors. As one of the top places to visit in the city, Cologne Cathedral welcomes 5,000,000 visitors annually.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is Cologne Zoological Garden. This zoo has been rated 4.4 out of 5 stars in 30,118 reviews.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Hanover, 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 Cologne to Hanover may take around 3 hours 5 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the city of Hanover. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Hanover, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

Savor the culinary delights of Hanover, where affordability meets excellence in dining and drinking. From inviting bars crafting signature cocktails to cozy eateries serving up local favorites, the city offers an unforgettable experience for every taste bud.

We recommend a local favorite like Meteora. This restaurant serves delicious dishes at surprisingly cheap prices and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,756 customers.

Beef and Reef is another excellent restaurant we recommend for budget travelers in Hanover. This restaurant offers good food at even better prices and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 816 customers.

Another popular restaurant in Hanover you might want to check out is Bavarium Hannover. Bavarium Hannover is a local favorite with a variety of value-for-money dishes on their menu. Customers have rated this fantastic restaurant an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 4,434 reviews.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at a bar. Dublin Inn is a great place to continue your night. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,742 customers.

If you want to know where locals go, check out Teestübchen Café & Teehandel. This bar has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,361 customers.

Another popular bar in the city is 6 Sinne Sky Bar and Restaurant. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,028 customers.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through Germany with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in Germany!

Day 3 of your self-drive vacation in Germany will take you to the city of Berlin, where you'll be staying for 3 nights. On your way to Berlin, you'll explore 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in Germany, including Hanover, Potsdam, and Berlin.

Start your day with a visit to Hanover Zoo. This extraordinary zoo is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 26,767 visitors.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Potsdam. This car ride takes around 2 hours 43 min.

When you’ve had your share of Potsdam, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Berlin. Your travel time is around 46 min.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

While exploring Germany is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Berlin has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Berlin on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the city.

Going on cheap, budget vacations in Germany shouldn’t stop anyone from dining at top-rated restaurants and bars. More than just an affordable travel destination, Berlin is also home to a variety of excellent dining spots. When it’s time for a meal, we recommend you try some of the city's best places to eat and drink.

Eat at Restaurant Maximilians Berlin. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 6,853 reviews.

You can also check out A Mano. Offering appetizing foods and refreshing beverages at reasonable prices, this restaurant is an excellent choice for budget travelers. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,451 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your activities is Dreh-Restaurant Sphere im Berliner Fernsehturm. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 4,375 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you with a memorable dining experience.

When you’ve finished your meal and an after-dinner drink sounds enticing, visit BrewDog Berlin Mitte, one of the best bars in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 3,557 customers, and is the perfect complement to your refreshing weekend getaway experience in Germany.

If you would like to try another place, Zur Gerichtslaube is another great option that serves a variety of drinks. Considered one of the most popular bars in Berlin, this bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,868 customers.

Berlin Icebar is also a great bar where you can have nice chats with locals and fellow travelers in the area. Berlin Icebar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,292 customers.

Cheers for an adventure-filled road trip vacation in Germany! Celebrate this incredible opportunity for an affordable travel experience in the city of Berlin!

On day 4 of your budget-friendly road trip adventures in Germany, you’ll go deep into Berlin, making the most of your 2 nights in the city. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Berlin, and meet locals along the way!

Beyond the above-mentioned locations, today is the perfect opportunity to join a popular activity in Berlin. Plenty of budget-friendly tours in Berlin offer enriching experiences that will make your cheap holiday in Germany worth remembering for a lifetime.

After a long day of exploring and making the most of your budget vacation in Germany, treat yourself to a hearty meal and a refreshing drink. You’ll find many great restaurants and bars in Berlin that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

One place locals and cheap holiday-goers recommend is YOSOY TAPAS BERLIN. This restaurant is known for its delicious and comforting foods and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,116 customers.

Delhi 6 Restaurant - Berlin is another popular restaurant you can eat at to ensure an affordable and pleasant vacation. This restaurant serves good food at low prices and has an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,923 customers.

Restaurant Trattoria Portofino has a menu of appetizing and reasonably priced meals, so you might want to check it out too. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 2,371 reviews.

KASCHK by BRLO is an excellent example of a great bar in Berlin offering drinks at reasonable prices. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,635 customers.

You can also hang out at Alt-Berliner Gasthaus Julchen Hoppe, another of locals’ go-to bars in Berlin. Alt-Berliner Gasthaus Julchen Hoppe is among the best city bars offering various beverages at different price points, with around 1,661 customers having rated it an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Gaffel Haus Berlin - Kölsches Konsulat is for you if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Berlin. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from more than 1,365 bar-goers.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through Germany with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in Germany!

Day 5 of your road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Berlin, proving that cheap holidays in Germany can be extraordinary.

Take the opportunity to embark on a unique experience in Berlin. You’ll be excited to learn that there are plenty of easy to challenging tour options you can choose from and add to this cheap vacation package.

Savor the culinary delights of Berlin, where affordability meets excellence in dining and drinking. From inviting bars crafting signature cocktails to cozy eateries serving up local favorites, the city offers an unforgettable experience for every taste bud.

Nante-Eck | Restaurant Berlin Mitte is an excellent example. Here, you can enjoy good food and service at affordable prices. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 3,263 customers.

Alt-Berliner Wirtshaus is another great restaurant option for budget travelers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and savory meals at low prices and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,238 customers.

Locals enjoy dining at SOY, and you might want to check it out too. This restaurant has an exciting menu and an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 2,248 reviews.

Complement this refreshing day with an equally refreshing drink at one of the best bars in the city of Berlin, Mikkeller Berlin. This bar offers a variety of liquors at different price points and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,202 customers.

LIMONADIER Cocktailbar is another popular bar in the area, perfect for people looking for a place to unwind and enjoy local drinks alone or with company. This bar has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 902 customers.

Toast to another unforgettable road trip adventure during your cheap holiday in Germany!

Day 6 of your road trip across Germany offers you the chance to visit 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Berlin and Hamburg. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Hamburg.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Großer Tiergarten. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 23,328 visitors.

When you’re finished at Großer Tiergarten, head to Reichstag building. This one-of-a-kind government building is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 8,513 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Siegessäule. This victory column is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 26,275 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, then consider a visit to Berlin Zoological Garden. This zoo is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 63,157 visitors.

To round off your sightseeing experience, make your way to Charlottenburg Palace. This famous château is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 25,697 travelers.

Hamburg’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Berlin behind. This drive usually takes around 3 hours 1 min. Hamburg welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination.

Hamburg offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Germany. Whether you're in need of a quick break from your activities or seeking a comfortable place to rest, rest assured you'll find a welcoming and affordable option in the region.

It's now time to discover the mouthwatering delights of Hamburg, where top-quality dining experiences blend seamlessly with budget-friendly options. Check out the region's best dining options, offering a tantalizing array of flavors to satisfy every palate.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Hamburg is estancia steaks. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,416 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Hamburg, Hanoi Deli Rathaus is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,380 diners.

When you’ve finished dinner and you’re in the mood for a drink, we recommend visiting one of the best bars in Hamburg. Le Lion • Bar de Paris offers plenty of drink options for every taste and budget. Around 1,224 customers have given this bar an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Alternatively, go to a bar that locals recommend, like Das Feuerschiff LV 13. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,935 customers.

If you're looking for something else, check out NAGEL Restaurant und Kneipe. This bar is one of the best places to enjoy a drink and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,360 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Germany!

Day 7’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Hamburg, proving that cheap holidays in Germany can be extraordinary.

Your discovery of Hamburg does not have to stop there. You can add a budget-friendly activity on your itinerary and get to know more about Hamburg on a personal level. Check out the fantastic selection of affordable tours and tickets offered on this leg of your journey across this top cheap holiday destination in Europe, Germany.

A cheap, budget vacation in Hamburg should not stop you from enjoying incredible food. When you’re ready to have the best dining experience in Hamburg, try some of our top recommendations.

After a long day of exploring, we recommend you try Schifferbörse Restaurant, one of the top-rated restaurants in the region. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,559 customers and is a great place to relax and enjoy a comforting meal.

Locals also recommend Caramba Especial, so you'll want to drop by this place. Caramba Especial serves delicious meals in hearty portions and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,219 customers.

Another must-try in the region of Hamburg is Schönes Leben Speicherstadt. This restaurant boasts an exciting menu and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,728 customers.

If you’re not ready to call it a day, pop into the top-rated THE MADISON Hotel Hamburg. This bar is considered one of the best in Hamburg and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,785 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Brooklyn Burger Bar, rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,481 customers. Alternatively, go to Irish Pub in the Fleetenkieker. This is one of the most frequently recommended bars in Hamburg and boasts an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 1,537 reviews.

Cherish every minute of your road trip vacation across Germany. Celebrate this opportunity to enjoy a cheap holiday in Germany!

On day 8 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Germany, you’ll experience 3 charming destinations — Hamburg, Behringen, and Dortmund. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the region of Dortmund.

Journey into the unknown at Chilehaus, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable office building has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,343 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, CHOCOVERSUM by HACHEZ - Hamburgs Schokoladenmuseum is a recommended place to visit. This museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 11,241 reviews.

Another must-see attraction in Hamburg is Planten un Blomen. Rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 21,983 travelers, this popular tourist destination in Hamburg offers an experience you will remember.

When you’ve had your share of Hamburg, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Behringen. Your travel time is around 51 min.

Drop by the renowned Behringer Heide. This popular park has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 296 visitors.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Behringen, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Dortmund. This drive usually takes around 3 hours 8 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the region of Dortmund. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Dortmund, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

Indulge in the culinary wonders of Dortmund, where exceptional dining and drinking experiences await at unbeatable prices. Explore the region's diverse venues, ensuring a memorable culinary journey for every visitor.

Visit the popular Restaurant Namu. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 892 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in Germany is 60 Seconds to Napoli. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,208 customers, this famous restaurant is one of the area's most recommended places to eat.

If you wish to dine at a restaurant locals love, go to the wonderful Zum Alten Markt. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 4,074 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

Make your way to Wenkers am Markt. This bar promises a great atmosphere for your celebrations and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,713 customers.

Or, why not continue your evening at Tapas & More? This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars among 964 guests.

Another bar where you can have a great time tonight is Uncle Tom's. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 678 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Germany!

Day 9 of your road trip across Germany is another proof that cheap holidays in Germany can indeed provide you an extraordinary travel experience. Today's agenda includes exploring 4 wonderful destinations — Königswinter, Bonn, Brühl, and Cologne.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Dortmund, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Königswinter may take around 1 hour 38 min. Upon your arrival in Königswinter, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Schloss Drachenburg. This château is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 17,280 visitors.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Königswinter, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Bonn may take around 20 min. Upon your arrival in Bonn, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Brühl. This car ride takes around 29 min.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Phantasialand. This amusement park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 89,377 visitors. Attracting more than 1,750,000 yearly visitors, it’s a top sight you don’t want to miss.

While exploring Germany is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Cologne has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Cologne on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the city.

As this day progresses, satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst at one of the city's best restaurants and bars. Many restaurants in Cologne offer good food and drink options at even better prices; the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Germany.

For the best dining experience in this affordable destination, eat at the highly recommended Gaststätte Lommerzheim. This restaurant is sure to satisfy your hunger as it has an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,487 customers.

Funkhaus Cafe-Bar-Restaurant is another local-favorite restaurant in Cologne. Funkhaus Cafe-Bar-Restaurant serves delicious and affordable meals, and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 4,282 reviews.

Known for its good food and service, Jameson Pub Cologne is also popular among locals and cheap holiday goers in Königswinter. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 of 5 stars from around 3,308 customers.

An excellent example is Max Stark, which has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,193 customers.

Another of the best bars you should consider going to is Limani. This bar offers a selection of great meals and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,819 customers.

Locals also enjoy Bangkok Thai Restaurant, and you might too. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,296 customers, an after-dinner drink at Bangkok Thai Restaurant is the perfect way to end this day.

Cherish every minute of your road trip vacation across Germany. Celebrate this opportunity to enjoy a cheap holiday in Germany!

Your budget road trip vacation in Germany is about to end. Day 10 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Cologne.

On your last day in Germany, take time to indulge in shopping at Cologne’s popular marketplace. Thanks to your accommodation’s strategic location, 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.

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

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Cologne, consider a top-rated restaurant like Mongo's Restaurant Köln. This restaurant has a menu of appetizing and affordable meals and is rated at an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,294 customers.

Servus Colonia Alpina is an excellent alternative if you feel like eating something else. This restaurant serves a variety of savory and budget-friendly dishes and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,757 customers.

Another popular restaurant you could check out is The Little Steakhouse. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,631 customers, this restaurant is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of Germany and your fun memories in Cologne.

You’ll then say farewell to Cologne. 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!