Cheap 6-Day Germany Road Trip from Dortmund to Cologne, Essen, and Hamburg and surrounding area

Your exciting road trip through Germany starts when you reach the incredible city of Dortmund, where you'll stay for 1 night. 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 city 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.

When you're ready to see some sights, Westfalenpark is a great place to start. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 18,451 visitors.

Indulge in the culinary wonders of Dortmund, 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 a day of exploring, unwind at the popular Meeting, die Café-Bar, serving up a tempting array of dishes that are well-loved by budget-savvy travelers. Zum Alten Markt is another great hotspot for culinary gems. If you’re into something unique but crafted with care and creativity, then head to Ringhotel Drees.

Visit Vater&sohn, one of the locals’ favorite hangout spots. Loka Lounge Dortmund serves various snacks and drinks at affordable prices, making it another great bar option for budget travelers in Dortmund. And if you're looking for a special place to enjoy the evening, our recommendation is Central Bar & More Dortmund.

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 touring 1 wonderful destinations — Dortmund. You’ll explore along your route leading to the city of Cologne, where you'll be spending 1 night.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is German Football Museum. Previous visitors have rated this sports museum an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 6,503 reviews.

Deusenberg is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 267 reviews.

Another attraction you won't want to miss is Dasa Working World Exhibition. This museum is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 4,040 reviews.

Dortmund Zoo is another outstanding experience in Dortmund. Around 15,732 travelers have rated this zoo an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars.

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.

Make the most of your budget vacation in Germany by treating 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.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, The Grid Bar stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Toddy Tapper offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Legends Bar & Terrasse is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

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

Day 3 of your road trip across Germany offers you the chance to visit 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Cologne, and Duisburg. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Essen, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Cologne Cathedral. This catholic cathedral is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Cologne, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 70,814 visitors. Around 5,000,000 people visit this attraction every year.

Lindt Chocolate Museum is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 37,446 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Cologne Zoological Garden. Visitors have rated this zoo an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 30,676 reviews.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Duisburg. This car ride takes around 57 min.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord. This much-appreciated park is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 27,144 reviews.

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

A cheap, budget vacation in Essen should not stop you from enjoying incredible food and refreshing drinks. When you're ready for the best dining and bar experiences in Essen, try some of our top recommendations.

Treat yourself to a delicious meal at Mr. Nam 68, where every bite is a flavor-packed adventure! With an enticing menu of affordable delights, this spot is a must-visit for foodies on a budget.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Südrock Rock Pub, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Gentlem is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Diamond Cocktail Lounge also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

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

On day 4 of your cheap holiday travels in Germany, you’ll tour 3 destinations: Essen, Gelsenkirchen, and Lengerich. You'll stay in Hamburg for 1 night, giving you enough time to satisfy your wanderlust and craving for new experiences.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Unesco-welterbe Zollverein. This much-appreciated museum is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 21,243 reviews.

Next up is Shaft Xii. This point of interest has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,333 visitors.

Gelsenkirchen’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Essen behind. This drive usually takes around 11 min. Gelsenkirchen welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Make Nordstern Park one of your first sightseeing stops in Gelsenkirchen. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,453 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Lengerich, 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 Gelsenkirchen to Lengerich may take around 1 hour 20 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Lengerich, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Canyon. This park is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 2,423 reviews.

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

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

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at The Boilerman Bar Hafenamt, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Scandic Hamburg Emporio offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Heritage Hamburg Rooftop Bar provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

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

Day 5 of your self-drive vacation in Germany will take you to the city of Dortmund, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Dortmund, you'll explore 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in Germany, including Hamburg, and Behringen.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Elbe Tunnel. This extraordinary road tunnel has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 34,850 visitors.

Next, make your way to Elbe Philharmonic Hall. This concert hall is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 79,037 reviews.

While in Hamburg, we also recommend a visit to Miniatur Wunderland. This museum has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 89,283 reviews.

Set your GPS to Behringen and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 44 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Behringen beckons with new experiences!

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Behringer Heide. This park is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Behringen, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 302 visitors.

Dortmund 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.

Don't let a tight budget stop you from enjoying delicious meals and refreshing drinks in Dortmund. Here are a few top-rated restaurants and bars you may want to check out tonight.

After a day of exploring, unwind at the popular Strobels Dortmund, serving up a tempting array of dishes that are well-loved by budget-savvy travelers.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Gaststätte Lütge-eck after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city.

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

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 Dortmund.

On your last day in Germany, take time to indulge in shopping at Dortmund’s popular marketplace. Look for keepsakes or souvenirs to remind you of your trip.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Dortmund is the remarkable Rombergpark Botanical Garden. This park and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 6,572 visitors.

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 Café Brasserie Lotte, offering a menu of appetizing and affordable meals. ALEX Dortmund is an excellent alternative if you feel like trying something different. Another popular restaurant you could check out is Kara's Restaurant - Dortmund, which is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of 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!