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

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

Düsseldorf is a popular cheap holiday destination in Germany with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in Germany, Düsseldorf 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 top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Hofgarten. Previous visitors have rated this english garden an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 6,488 reviews.

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.

Brewery Schumacher 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, Brewery im Füchschen offers mouthwatering dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate. Don't miss out on the charming ambiance and diverse menu at The ASH Düsseldorf, where every bite promises a delightful dining experience.

Engelchen offers many snacks and liquors at different price points. But if you’d like to interact with locals and fellow travelers in Düsseldorf, check out Bar Cherie. You can also ensure a good time in this cheap holiday destination at Auberge Rock Pub.

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

On day 2 of your budget-friendly road trip adventure in Germany, you’ll go deep into Düsseldorf and see some of the destination’s most unforgettable attractions. Enjoy a feast at the end of the day, making the most of the time you have in the city of Düsseldorf — 1 night.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum Dusseldorf, a remarkable aquarium where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 12,358 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Nord Park. This park has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 6,034 travelers.

Japanese Garden is another must-visit attraction. This renowned park offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 5,176 travelers, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

Beyond the above-mentioned sites, you also have the opportunity to visit Rheinuferpromenade Düsseldorf. This well-loved point of interest boasts a 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 5,015 reviews.

When there’s still energy left for exploring, Schloss Benrath awaits. If you’ve been interested in experiencing a park, this is a top pick rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 10,705 previous visitors.

For a truly remarkable cheap holiday experience in Düsseldorf, join budget-friendly activities on this day of your vacation. Tours offer you a chance to take a closer look into Düsseldorf and the culture of past or present-day Germany.

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.

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 3 of your self-drive vacation in Germany will take you to the city of Cologne, where you'll be staying for 2 nights. On your way to Cologne, you'll explore 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in Germany, including Duisburg, and Essen.

Set your GPS to Duisburg and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 31 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Duisburg beckons with new experiences!

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Duisburg Zoo. This zoo is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 21,434 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord. This park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 27,144 reviews.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Essen. This car ride takes around 22 min.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Laserzone Lasertag Essen West - Borbeck. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 8,211 reviews.

Continue your journey at Unesco-welterbe Zollverein. This museum is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 21,243 travelers from near and far.

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.

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, Cologne 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.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, The Grid Bar offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Toddy Tapper is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Legends Bar & Terrasse is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

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 4 of your affordable vacation in Germany, prepare for another exciting road trip adventure within and immediately outside Cologne. You’ll stay in Cologne for another 1 night. You’ll visit more of the best attractions in Germany, discover new cultures, and take in unique experiences.

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’ve had your share of Cologne, 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 29 min.

Take the opportunity to see Phantasialand. This attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 91,824 visitors and gets around 1,750,000 visits every year.

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

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, Cologne 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.

Recharge and refresh your energy with a visit to Mongo's Restaurant Köln, known for its delectable cuisine and inviting ambiance. While immersing yourself in the local culture during your budget-friendly getaway, make sure to stop by Виетнамски ресторант "Кучи Мами" - a hidden culinary gem loved by locals and travelers alike. For those craving exquisite flavors, RheinZeit promises to deliver a feast for the senses.

After dinner, look back into the highlights of today’s adventure and visit one of the best bars in Cologne, Soul Bar Cologne. Alternatively, visit Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln, a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. You can also drop by Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater, where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize.

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

On day 5 of your cheap holiday travels in Germany, you’ll tour 1 destination: Dortmund. You'll stay in Düsseldorf for 1 night, giving you enough time to satisfy your wanderlust and craving for new 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: Dortmund. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 7 min. When you arrive in Dortmund, it's time to take a break from the road.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Westfalenpark. This much-appreciated park is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in 18,451 reviews.

Next up is Rombergpark Botanical Garden. This park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 6,572 visitors.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is Dortmund Zoo. This zoo has been rated 4.1 out of 5 stars in 15,732 reviews.

German Football Museum is another attraction you have the opportunity to visit today. This sports museum has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 6,503 reviews.

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

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

Im Goldenen Kessel offers delicious bites without straining your wallet. For a taste of local cuisine with a twist, venture to Konditorei Heinemann. Or, try Sausalitos Dusseldorf, where reasonable prices and warm hospitality create a welcoming atmosphere for diners seeking a memorable dining experience.

Toast to another unforgettable road trip adventure during your cheap holiday 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 Düsseldorf.

As your final day in Germany unfolds, enjoy a last-minute shopping spree in Düsseldorf'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 Düsseldorf is the remarkable Burgplatz. This square and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 5,559 visitors.

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

As you prepare to bid farewell to Düsseldorf, why not indulge in one last culinary delight at Okinii Düsseldorf City, where you can enjoy a satisfying and budget-friendly meal? Alternatively, Julio features a variety of signature dishes to suit every taste, budget, and occasion. For those seeking a taste of flavorful delights, SABO Restaurant Düsseldorf is a highly recommended spot.

You’ll then say farewell to Düsseldorf. 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!