Cheap 6-Day Germany Road Trip from Dortmund traveling south to Düsseldorf, and Cologne

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 for some sightseeing, make your way to Hörde. This much-appreciated ortsteil is rated 4.3 out of 5 stars in 709 reviews.

Savor the mouthwatering delights of Dortmund, 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 filled with excitement, indulge in a satisfying meal at Meeting, die Café-Bar, offering a menu full of delicious options at reasonable prices. Featuring an enticing array of mouthwatering delights, Zum Alten Markt is another must-visit dining spot. For an authentic dining experience favored by locals, make your way to Ringhotel Drees, where you can also enjoy great food and warm hospitality.

Vater&sohn is a great spot where you can enjoy a refreshing drink after an active day. Alternatively, Loka Lounge Dortmund is another excellent place to relax and have a drink or two after a busy day. You might also want to cap the night off at Central Bar & More Dortmund, a fascinating bar that offers a unique ambiance and a wide selection of cocktails.

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

On day 2 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Germany, you’ll experience 1 charming destinations — Dortmund. 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.

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.

Rombergpark Botanical Garden is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 6,572 reviews.

Another attraction you won't want to miss is Dortmund Zoo. This zoo is rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars in 15,732 reviews.

Lwl Industrial Museum Zollern is another outstanding experience in Dortmund. Around 3,363 travelers have rated this museum an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

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

When it's time to eat or savor a refreshing drink, treat yourself to a delightful dining and drinking experience without paying more than necessary. Düsseldorf has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday-goers.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Engelchen after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Bar Cherie, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Auberge Rock Pub also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

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 Duisburg, and Essen. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Cologne, where you'll stay for 2 nights.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Düsseldorf, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Duisburg. This drive usually takes around 31 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Kick off the day at Duisburg Zoo, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This zoo is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 21,434 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord. Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord is a park with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 27,144 reviews.

After soaking in Duisburg’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Essen. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 22 min. When you arrive in Essen, it's time to take a break from the road.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Laserzone Lasertag Essen West - Borbeck. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 8,211 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Unesco-welterbe Zollverein. This museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 21,243 reviews.

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 your preferred affordable place to stay.

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

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at The Grid Bar, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Toddy Tapper offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Legends Bar & Terrasse. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

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

On day 4 of your affordable vacation in Germany, you’ll start and end your day in Cologne, but spend some time exploring destinations outside the city. With 1 night left in Cologne, you'll have enough time to check out top-rated restaurants and try out unique activities that will enhance your road trip experience.

Drop by the renowned Lindt Chocolate Museum. This popular museum has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 37,446 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Cologne Cathedral. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 70,814 visitors, this catholic cathedral deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

We also recommend a visit to Cologne Zoological Garden. This zoo has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 30,676 reviews.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Cologne, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Brühl. This drive usually takes around 29 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

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 91,824 visitors. Attracting more than 1,750,000 yearly visitors, it’s a top sight you don’t want to miss.

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

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.

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 Виетнамски ресторант "Кучи Мами", 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.

Soul Bar Cologne offers various snacks and drinks at affordable prices. When you're in the mood for a classic drink or something more adventurous, Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln is the perfect place. For a unique experience, visit Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater, known for its vibrant atmosphere and offerings that suit every palate.

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 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 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in Germany, including Bonn, Königswinter, and Sterkrade.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Cologne, 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 35 min. Upon your arrival in Bonn, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to House Of The History Of The Federal Republic Of Germany. This museum is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Bonn, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,753 visitors.

Rheinaue is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 14,543 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Bonn and set your GPS to Königswinter. 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 16 min. Upon reaching Königswinter, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Take the opportunity to see Schloss Drachenburg. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 17,667 visitors.

Sterkrade’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Königswinter behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 23 min. Sterkrade welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Kick off the day at Gasometer Oberhausen, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This gas holder is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 13,693 reviews.

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.

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

Discover the heart of Dortmund through its culinary scene, starting with Strobels Dortmund. Not only will you discover mouthwatering dishes, but you'll also be pleasantly surprised by their budget-friendly offerings.

Keep the evening going at Gaststätte Lütge-eck, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink.

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 6 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Dortmund.

As your final day in Germany unfolds, enjoy a last-minute shopping spree in Dortmund's best shopping area. Enjoy finding the perfect gift or keepsake to remind you of your wonderful trip to Germany.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Dortmund is the remarkable Westfalenpark. This park and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 18,451 visitors.

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

As you prepare to bid farewell to Dortmund, why not indulge in one last culinary delight at Café Brasserie Lotte, where you can enjoy a satisfying and budget-friendly meal? Alternatively, ALEX Dortmund features a variety of signature dishes to suit every taste, budget, and occasion. For those seeking a taste of flavorful delights, Kara's Restaurant - Dortmund is a highly recommended spot.

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!