Cheap 10-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Düsseldorf to Aachen, Cologne, and Essen and surrounding area

Day 2 of your road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Düsseldorf, proving that cheap holidays in Germany can be extraordinary. Have fun exploring the best places to visit in the city. At the end of the day, enjoy wining and dining at Düsseldorf, with 1 night to stay in the area.

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several a romantic, a scenic, an enchanting, an instagrammable, a remarkable, a majestic, and a historically significant. 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. Nord Park is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this mesmerizing park before continuing your journey. Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum Dusseldorf is your next stop. This notable aquarium 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 Rheinpromenade. This enchanting boardwalk is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Rheinturm and Schloss Benrath.

Make your vacation in Germany more memorable and epic without spending a fortune. Take advantage of the cheap holiday deals you'll find in Germany and add budget-friendly activities to your travel plan.

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, Düsseldorf is also home to a variety of excellent dining and drinking spots. When it’s time for a meal, we recommend you try some of the city's best places to eat and enjoy refreshing drinks.

Bar Studio 1 offer many snacks and liquors at different price points. But if you’d like to interact with locals and fellow travelers in Düsseldorf, check out Sakura Bar. You can also ensure a good time in this cheap holiday destination at Engel Rockbar.

Raise your glass to celebrate your fun and affordable travel experience in the city of Düsseldorf!

Day 4 of your road trip adventure means another chance to make the best memories on your cheap holiday in Germany. Prepare to be blown away by the city of Aachen and its top sights! Conclude your day with a lovely dinner.

Prepare for a day full of an eye-catching, an awe-inspiring, a respected, a stunning, a culturally significant, and an UNESCO world heritage-listed. When you’re ready, kick off your sightseeing adventure at Aachener Tierpark Euregiozoo. This up-and-coming zoo is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Aachen Cathedral, one of the city’s most promising highlights.

Next, check out Elisenbrunnen, one of the most underrated places to see in Aachen. This monument is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Enjoy some downtime and refreshments before continuing to your next stop, Ponttor. Wander around and soak in the instagrammable atmosphere this monument offers.

Make your vacation in Germany more memorable and epic without spending a fortune. Take advantage of the cheap holiday deals you'll find in Germany and add budget-friendly activities to your travel plan.

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

Start your flavor-filled journey at Cafe Extrablatt Aachen, featuring local favorites at reasonable prices. Looking for a taste of the unexpected? The ASH Aachen offers delightful dishes and desserts. If you’re seeking a cozy setting and satisfying meal, Café Liège is the perfect spot for you!

Grotesque Absinthe Bar Aachen is an excellent example of a great bar in Aachen offering drinks at reasonable prices. You can also hang out at Last Exit, another of locals’ go-to bars in Aachen. But if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Aachen, Die Kiste is for you.

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

Day 5 of your road trip across Germany offers you the chance to visit 1 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Aachen. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Cologne, where you'll stay for 3 nights.

Savor the day by visiting some of the best places to see in Aachen, including a public square, a museum, a city hall, a spa, an art gallery and much more! Start your adventure at Marktplatz Am Rathaus. This locally appreciated public square is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Centre Charlemagne located in Aachen for an enchanting atmosphere.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of City Hall Aachen. Its standout features will captivate you. After the city hall, continue your tour of the city with a visit to Carolus Thermen. This spa has a romantic appeal. For a change of pace, head to Ludwig Forum For International Art. As one of the most intriguing attractions in Aachen, this art gallery is an excellent place to end your self-guided tour.

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.

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

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at The Grid Bar, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Toddy Tapper offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Cologne. Legends Bar & Terrasse is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

Raise your glass to celebrate your fun and affordable travel experience in the city of Cologne!

Day 6 means another chance to make the best memories in Cologne. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Cologne and check out the most popular dining spots. You still have 2 nights left to stay in the city. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away!

Get ready for a day filled with an enchanting, a visually striking, a historic, a stunning, a majestic, an UNESCO world heritage-listed, and a romantic in the charming city of Cologne. Your adventure starts at Cologne Zoological Garden, an interesting local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Cologne Cathedral. This impressive church is known for its eye-catching appeal.

After soaking in the highlights of these sights, take some time to wander Cologne's streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. When you're ready to continue your sightseeing adventure, head to Old Market. This enchanting public square offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable. Lindt Chocolate Museum is also worth visiting.

Make your vacation in Germany more memorable and epic without spending a fortune. Take advantage of the cheap holiday deals you'll find in Germany and add budget-friendly activities to your travel plan.

Savor the mouthwatering delights of Cologne, where top-quality dining experiences blend seamlessly with budget-friendly options. Check out the city's best restaurant and bar options, offering a tantalizing array of flavors to satisfy every palate. Whether you're in the mood for a casual bite or a refreshing cocktail, these spots have something for everyone.

After a day of fun adventures, treat yourself to the best dining experience at Mongo's Restaurant Köln, where affordable mouthwatering dishes await. Another gem to discover during your memorable getaway is Vietnamski restorant "Kuchi Mami", highly regarded as one of the area's top dining spots. If you're eager to dine at a local-favorite spot, don't miss RheinZeit, an excellent choice to fulfill your cravings for delicious food and great service.

Visit Soul Bar Cologne, one of the locals’ favorite hangout spots. Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln serves various snacks and drinks at affordable prices, making it another great bar option for budget travelers in Cologne. And if you're looking for a special place to enjoy the evening, our recommendation is Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater.

A road trip vacation in Cologne can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in this cheap holiday destination in Germany!

Day 7 of your exciting road trip across Germany is proof that there's more to this country than meets the eye. Today's agenda is to explore Cologne and its neighboring areas. Expect amazing attractions, a great dining experience, and a wonderful time discovering the daily lives of locals with 1 night left in Cologne.

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 Cologne to Duisburg may take around 1 hour 3 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Duisburg, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Head to Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord, a well-known park in Duisburg. Explore its breathtaking features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next sight, Hochofen 5. This beloved historical landmark is a top recommendation in the area. When you’re ready to explore more, Duisburg Zoo is an excellent choice. Spend some time discovering what some claim to be the most mesmerizing zoo in the region. Next, continue your sightseeing at the worthwhile Kaiserberg and discover what makes this park unique. If you’re up for one more stop in the city, head to Rhine Orange, a symbolic monument many travelers find worthwhile the visit.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Cologne and your accommodation.

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

Start your foodie adventure at Limani, where you'll find affordable mouthwatering meals and desserts. If you’re craving a taste of local favorites, head over to Funkhaus Cafe-Bar-Restaurant, a go-to spot for both budget-savvy travelers and locals alike. For an unforgettable dining experience, don't miss The hanging gardens of Ehrenfeld, where exquisite dishes and cozy ambiance await to make your culinary adventure truly memorable!

After your evening meal, enjoy a drink or two at Suderman, a must-visit destination for a great night out.

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

On day 8 of your cheap holiday travels in Germany, you’ll tour 1 destination: Duisburg. You'll stay in Essen for 1 night, giving you enough time to satisfy your wanderlust and craving for new experiences.

Set your GPS to Duisburg and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 53 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Duisburg beckons with new experiences!

Your self-guided tour starts at Sechs-seen-platte, a beloved lake that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey. Next, head to Tiger & Turtle and admire its detailed features. When you’re ready, continue to Rheinpark Duisburg, an underrated park beloved by locals and tourists alike. Don't miss out on Duisburg Inner Harbour, another highlight of the area that promises a memorable visit. Not far away, you’ll also find Museum Küppersmühle, an eye-catching place to see that you won’t regret spending some extra time discovering.

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

Discovering the culinary wonders of Essen is a must-do on your budget-friendly vacation! When hunger strikes, make your way to one of the city's top dining spots.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Südrock Rock Pub. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Gentlem offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Diamond Cocktail Lounge, another top-rated bar in the area.

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

On day 9 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Germany, you’ll experience 1 charming destinations — Essen. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Düsseldorf, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several a stunning, an eye-catching, a standout, an UNESCO world heritage-designated, a majestic, a charming, and a majestic. Whether you decide to explore Essen on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Kokerei Zollverein is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this breathtaking museum before continuing your journey. Unesco-welterbe Zollverein is your next stop. This captivating museum is one of the best-rated sights in Essen.

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 Shaft Xii. This respected museum is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Stadtgarten and Museum Folkwang.

Düsseldorf 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 city.

Savor the culinary delights of Düsseldorf, 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.

Im Goldenen Kessel stands out as a haven for budget-conscious travelers seeking exceptional flavors. Indulge in a delightful array of mouthwatering options. For those craving a casual dining experience, DORMERO Hotel Düsseldorf offers mouthwatering dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate. Don't miss out on the charming ambiance and diverse menu at Konditorei Heinemann, where every bite promises a delightful dining experience.

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