Cheap 6-Day Germany Road Trip from Cologne to Aachen and surrounding area

Your exciting road trip through Germany starts when you reach the incredible city of Cologne, where you'll stay for 3 nights. 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.

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

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.

Toddy Tapper is an excellent example of a great bar in Cologne offering drinks at reasonable prices. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 590 customers.

You can also hang out at Gaffel am Dom I Kölsches Brauhaus und Wirtshaus I Brauhaus Köln, another of locals’ go-to bars in Cologne. Gaffel am Dom I Kölsches Brauhaus und Wirtshaus I Brauhaus Köln is among the best city bars offering various beverages at different price points, with around 6,484 customers having rated it an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Gilden im Zims is for you if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Cologne. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from more than 5,823 bar-goers.

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

Day 2 means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in Germany, Cologne. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by the city of Cologne!

Touring the best attractions in Germany offers you a glimpse of the country’s history and culture. But, you’ll be surprised to know that there’s more to Germany you are yet to discover. Take part in an eye-opening experience to make the best of your affordable vacation in Germany. Choose from all of the popular and budget-friendly tickets and activities available on this day of your cheap holiday in Germany.

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

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 is a great spot where you can enjoy a refreshing drink after an active day. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,193 customers.

Limani is another excellent place to relax and have a drink or two after a busy day. Limani has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,819 bar-goers, proving it's one of the most popular bars in Cologne.

You might also want to cap the night off at Bangkok Thai Restaurant, a fascinating bar that 1,296 customers have rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in their reviews.

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

On day 3 of your affordable vacation in Germany, prepare for another exciting road trip adventure within and immediately outside Cologne. You’ll start exploring in Cologne. You’ll visit more of the best attractions in Germany, discover new cultures, and take in unique experiences.

After soaking in Cologne’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Koblenz. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 19 min. When you arrive in Koblenz, it's time to take a break from the road.

After soaking in Koblenz’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Glees. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 27 min. When you arrive in Glees, it's time to take a break from the road.

When you're ready to see some sights, Maria Laach Abbey is a great place to start with. This monastery is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,710 visitors.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Glees, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Nürburg may take around 28 min. Upon your arrival in Nürburg, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Make Nürburgring one of your first sightseeing stops in Nürburg. Rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 35,289 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

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

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 place locals and cheap holiday-goers recommend is Mongo's Restaurant Köln. This restaurant is known for its delicious and comforting foods and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,294 customers.

Servus Colonia Alpina 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 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,757 customers.

The Little Steakhouse 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 2,631 reviews.

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.

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

Day 4 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 — Düsseldorf and Aachen.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Düsseldorf. This drive usually takes around 36 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Aachen. This car ride takes around 1 hour 8 min.

When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

While exploring Germany is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Aachen has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Aachen 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, Aachen 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.

Visit the popular Frittenwerk Aachen. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,170 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in Germany is ALEX Aachen. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,586 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 Café Middelberg. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,480 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

When you’ve finished your meal, Grotesque Absinthe Bar Aachen is one of the best bars in Aachen for an after-dinner drink. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 551 customers.

Domkeller is another of the most popular bars in the city. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,065 customers.

Alternatively, check out Guinness House. This popular place has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, as rated by 1,020 customers.

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

Day 5 of your self-drive vacation in Germany will take you to the city of Cologne, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Cologne, you'll explore 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in Germany, including Aachen, Brühl, and Cologne.

Journey into the unknown at Aachen Cathedral, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable imperial cathedral has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 15,155 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Elisenbrunnen is a recommended place to visit. This drinking fountain is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 8,568 reviews.

Another must-see attraction in Aachen is Carolus Thermen. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,303 travelers, this popular tourist destination in Aachen offers an experience you will remember.

When you’ve had your share of Aachen, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Brühl. Your travel time is around 55 min.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Brühl Castle. This museum is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Brühl, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,389 visitors.

Phantasialand is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 89,377 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction. It’s estimated that around 1,750,000 people visit this amusement park every year.

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

Cologne 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.

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.

An excellent option with an exciting menu is Hommage Café. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,630 customers.

Soul Bar Cologne is one of the best bars in Cologne and the perfect place for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 292 customers.

You may also want to check out Peters Brauhaus. Equally popular, this bar offers a great drink list and a nice atmosphere for your celebrations. Peters Brauhaus is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 6,437 customers.

Alternatively, head out to Dorint Hotel am Heumarkt Köln. Dorint Hotel am Heumarkt Köln has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,228 customers and is a top choice among travelers as well as locals.

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

Your budget road trip vacation in Germany is about to end. Day 6 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Cologne.

Make the most of your final day in Germany by visiting Cologne’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Your stay’s proximity to the city’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 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!