Cheap 11-Day Germany Road Trip from Dortmund to Cologne, Oldenburg, Bremen, and Hamburg and surrounding area

Your exciting road trip through Germany starts when you reach the incredible region of Dortmund, where you'll stay for 2 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Dortmund and begin your adventure in Germany.

Dortmund is a popular cheap holiday destination in Germany with something to offer every traveler. More than a region in Germany, Dortmund 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.

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.

One musty-try restaurant is Restaurant Namu. This restaurant offers good food at reasonable prices and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 892 customers.

60 Seconds to Napoli is an excellent alternative with an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,208 reviews. 60 Seconds to Napoli is known for its delicious meals that will surely satisfy your hunger.

Another of the best places to eat in the area is Zum Alten Markt. This restaurant has an impressive average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 4,074 customers because of their good food, service, and ambiance.

Wenkers am Markt is a great spot where you can enjoy a refreshing drink after an active day. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,713 customers.

Tapas & More is another excellent place to relax and have a drink or two after a busy day. Tapas & More has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 964 bar-goers, proving it's one of the most popular bars in Dortmund.

You might also want to cap the night off at Uncle Tom's, a fascinating bar that 678 customers have rated 4.3 out of 5 stars in their reviews.

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

Day 2 of your road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Dortmund, proving that cheap holidays in Germany can be extraordinary.

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

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

Visit the popular Restaurant YUMINI. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,893 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in Germany is FOOD BROTHER. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,283 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 Pfefferkorn Dortmund Hoher Wall. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,934 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

One great example is Kraftstoff. This bar offers various snacks and drinks at affordable prices and has an impressive average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 634 customers.

ALEX Dortmund is another popular bar in Dortmund. If you ask the 5,929 customers who have rated it an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars, ALEX Dortmund is the perfect place to hang out for a drink or two.

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

Day 3 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 5 wonderful destinations — Königswinter, Bonn, Solingen, Heisterbacherrott, and Cologne.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Dortmund and set your GPS to Solingen. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 50 min. Upon reaching Solingen, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Bonn. This car ride takes around 50 min.

Königswinter’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Bonn behind. This drive usually takes around 16 min. Königswinter welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Make Schloss Drachenburg one of your first sightseeing stops in Königswinter. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 17,280 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

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

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

You could check out Bei Oma Kleinmann, one of locals’ top restaurant options in the area. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,597 customers, and is a great place to enjoy a satisfying meal after a busy day of exploring.

Craftbeer Corner Coeln is another excellent choice for cheap holiday-goers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and comforting foods and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,165 diners.

If you feel like having something different, check out the menu at Gruber's. This restaurant is known to offer good food at reasonable prices. Gruber's has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 625 customer reviews.

Experience the local nightlife scene. Toddy Tapper is a highly recommended bar with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 590 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar among locals like Gaffel am Dom I Kölsches Brauhaus und Wirtshaus I Brauhaus Köln. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 6,484 bar-goers.

Gilden im Zims is another great bar that serves various drinks. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 5,823 customers.

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

Day 4’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Cologne, proving that cheap holidays in Germany can be extraordinary.

Cheap, budget vacations are nothing but incredible, especially when you’re in Germany. To have the best affordable travel experience in Germany, make time for some unique, challenging, or inspiring activities. Adding a tour to your travel plan promises a one-of-a kind adventure that will make your cheap vacation in Germany unforgettable. Fortunately, you'll find plenty of budget-friendly tours and cheap holiday deals in Germany.

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

We recommend a local favorite like Gaststätte Lommerzheim. This restaurant serves delicious dishes at surprisingly cheap prices and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,487 customers.

Funkhaus Cafe-Bar-Restaurant is another excellent restaurant we recommend for budget travelers in Cologne. This restaurant offers good food at even better prices and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,282 customers.

Another popular restaurant in Cologne you might want to check out is Jameson Pub Cologne. Jameson Pub Cologne is a local favorite with a variety of value-for-money dishes on their menu. Customers have rated this fantastic restaurant an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 3,308 reviews.

Max Stark offers many snacks and liquors at different price points and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,193 customers.

If you’d like to interact with locals and fellow travelers in Cologne, check out Limani. This bar is an excellent place to hang out and relax after a busy day, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,819 customers.

To ensure a good time in this cheap holiday destination, visit Bangkok Thai Restaurant. Bangkok Thai Restaurant offers affordable drinks and snacks and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 1,296 reviews.

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

On day 5 of your affordable vacation in Germany, you’ll start and end your day in Cologne, but spend some time exploring destinations outside the city.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Brühl. This drive usually takes around 29 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Phantasialand. This amusement park is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Brühl, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 89,377 visitors. Around 1,750,000 people visit this attraction every year.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Brühl, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Nürburg. This drive usually takes around 57 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Journey into the unknown at Nürburg Castle, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable point of interest has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,995 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Nürburgring is a recommended place to visit. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 35,289 reviews.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Nürburg, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Cologne may take around 1 hour 18 min. Upon your arrival in Cologne, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Cologne.

Savor the culinary delights of Cologne, 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.

One musty-try restaurant is Mongo's Restaurant Köln. This restaurant offers good food at reasonable prices and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 3,294 customers.

Servus Colonia Alpina is an excellent alternative with an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 2,757 reviews. Servus Colonia Alpina is known for its delicious meals that will surely satisfy your hunger.

Another of the best places to eat in the area is The Little Steakhouse. This restaurant has an impressive average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,631 customers because of their good food, service, and ambiance.

Visit The Corkonian Irish pub, an excellent place to enjoy a couple of drinks. This bar is one of the locals’ favorite hangout spots and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,421 customers.

Little Link serves various snacks and drinks at affordable prices, making it another great bar option for budget travelers in Cologne. Customers have rated Little Link an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 971 reviews.

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

On day 6 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Germany, you’ll experience 3 charming destinations — Duisburg, Düsseldorf, and Oldenburg. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the region of Oldenburg.

Set your GPS to Düsseldorf and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 36 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Düsseldorf beckons with new experiences!

Duisburg’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Düsseldorf behind. This drive usually takes around 28 min. Duisburg welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

When you’ve had your share of Duisburg, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Oldenburg. Your travel time is around 2 hours 42 min.

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

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

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

Day 7 of your road trip across Germany offers you the chance to visit 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Bremerhaven and Bremen. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Bremen.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Oldenburg, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Bremerhaven. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 1 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Set your GPS to Bremen 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. Bremen beckons with new experiences!

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

Bremen 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.

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

One place locals and cheap holiday-goers recommend is Paulaner's a der Schlachte. This restaurant is known for its delicious and comforting foods and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,376 customers.

1885 Die Burger Bremen 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 3,076 customers.

Restaurant Luv 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 4.3 out of 5 stars in 2,691 reviews.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in the city. Restaurant ELISA is a popular option with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,972 customers.

Another top option is feldmann's Bierhaus. This bar offers a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,817 customers.

Paddy's Pit Irish Pub Bremen is also a great place to continue your evening. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,678 customers.

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

Day 8 of your self-drive vacation in Germany will take you to the region of Hamburg, where you'll be staying for 2 nights. On your way to Hamburg, you'll explore 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in Germany, including Bremen, Cuxhaven, and Hamburg.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Bremen. This college town is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,602 visitors.

When you’re finished at Bremen, head to Town Musicians of Bremen. This one-of-a-kind literary work is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 9,811 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Bremen Roland. This roland statue is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,325 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, then consider a visit to Schnoor. This street is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 16,197 visitors.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Bremen, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Cuxhaven may take around 1 hour 20 min. Upon your arrival in Cuxhaven, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Cuxhaven, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Hamburg may take around 2 hours 16 min. Upon your arrival in Hamburg, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

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

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 Hamburg that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

One musty-try restaurant is estancia steaks. This restaurant offers good food at reasonable prices and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,416 customers.

Hanoi Deli Rathaus is an excellent alternative with an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,380 reviews. Hanoi Deli Rathaus is known for its delicious meals that will surely satisfy your hunger.

Another of the best places to eat in the area is Heimathafen. This restaurant has an impressive average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 3,912 customers because of their good food, service, and ambiance.

Le Lion • Bar de Paris is a great bar to relax after a busy day. About 1,224 customers have given this spot an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, making it one of the most popular bars in the area.

Another bar in Hamburg we recommend is Das Feuerschiff LV 13, an excellent place to meet new friends. This bar offers customers plenty of snack and drink options and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,935 customers.

NAGEL Restaurant und Kneipe is also one of the best places to go to unwind and chat with locals. Over 2,360 bar-goers have rated it an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

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

Day 9 of your road trip adventure means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in Germany. Prepare to be blown away by the city of Hamburg!

Germany is a wonderful destination with so much to show and so many stories to tell. To have the most extraordinary time on your low-cost holiday in Germany, consider adding tours to your affordable tour package to Germany. Choose from many thrilling to laid back and budget-friendly excursions in Germany that will add color and uniqueness to your adventure.

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 Hamburg that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

One place locals and cheap holiday-goers recommend is Schifferbörse Restaurant. This restaurant is known for its delicious and comforting foods and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,559 customers.

Caramba Especial 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 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,219 customers.

Schönes Leben Speicherstadt 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 4.3 out of 5 stars in 2,728 reviews.

Enjoy a drink or two at THE MADISON Hotel Hamburg. Around 1,785 customers have given this incredible bar an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Locals also enjoy the cocktails at Brooklyn Burger Bar, where you can relax and have some fun. Brooklyn Burger Bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,481 customers.

Another top-rated bar option is Irish Pub in the Fleetenkieker, averaging 4.4 out of 5 stars in 1,537 reviews. This bar is known for offering a variety of snacks and drinks at affordable prices.

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

Day 10 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 — Hamburg and Dortmund.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like St. Pauli Piers. This extraordinary point of interest has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 18,128 visitors.

Next, make your way to Elbe Tunnel. This road tunnel is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 34,570 reviews.

While in Hamburg, we also recommend a visit to Planten un Blomen. This park has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 21,983 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Tierpark Hagenbeck. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 37,629 travelers, this zoo is a highly recommended stop on your sightseeing around Hamburg.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Dortmund. This drive usually takes around 3 hours 49 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. 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.

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

When it’s time to eat, treat yourself to a lovely meal without paying more than necessary. Dortmund has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday-goers.

We recommend a local favorite like Atlantico Café. This restaurant serves delicious dishes at surprisingly cheap prices and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,477 customers.

Café Brasserie Lotte is another excellent restaurant we recommend for budget travelers in Dortmund. This restaurant offers good food at even better prices and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,295 customers.

Another popular restaurant in Dortmund you might want to check out is KLUBHAUS1249. KLUBHAUS1249 is a local favorite with a variety of value-for-money dishes on their menu. Customers have rated this fantastic restaurant an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,193 reviews.

When you’ve finished your meal and an after-dinner drink sounds enticing, visit The ASH Dortmund, one of the best bars in the region. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,283 customers, and is the perfect complement to your refreshing weekend getaway experience in Germany.

If you would like to try another place, Strobels Dortmund is another great option that serves a variety of drinks. Considered one of the most popular bars in Dortmund, this bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,913 customers.

SAUSALITOS is also a great bar where you can have nice chats with locals and fellow travelers in the area. SAUSALITOS has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars from 2,128 customers.

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

Your budget road trip vacation in Germany is about to end. Day 11 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Dortmund.

Make the most of your final day in Germany by visiting Dortmund’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Your stay’s proximity to the region’s retail haven invites an unhurried and unforgettable exploration of its variety of stores and establishments.

Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Germany.

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

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Dortmund, consider a top-rated restaurant like Mama Mia. This restaurant has a menu of appetizing and affordable meals and is rated at an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,419 customers.

Kara's Restaurant - Dortmund 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 4.6 out of 5 stars from 829 customers.

Another popular restaurant you could check out is Nhy Star. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 981 customers, this restaurant is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of Germany and your fun memories in Dortmund.

You’ll then say farewell to Dortmund. 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!