7-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Dortmund to Hamburg, Düsseldorf, and Cologne and surrounding area

On day 2 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Dortmund. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Hamburg, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Today’s agenda in Dortmund includes a museum, a botanical garden, and a zoo. German Football Museum is must-visit museum and a great starting point for the day. Next, continue your journey to Rombergpark Botanical Garden, an often recommended botanical garden, located just a leisurely stroll away. Next, head to Dortmund Zoo, a picture-perfect zoo, also available for your discovery today.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Hamburg, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Hamburg. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in Hamburg by booking a table at The Table Kevin Fehling. This popular restaurant holds 3 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of creative and international cuisine. For another culinary dining option, venture to Haerlin, celebrated for its delectable creative french and classic menu. This acclaimed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, ensuring an essential addition to your holiday itinerary. Seeking an alternative? Discover 100/200 Kitchen, a top local restaurant known for its tantalizing creative and modern menu. With a 2-star Michelin recognition, it promises an exceptional dining experience not to be missed.

Keep the evening going at The Boilerman Bar Hafenamt, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Scandic Hamburg Emporio, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Heritage Hamburg Rooftop Bar, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Germany.

On day 3 of your road trip in Germany, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Hamburg. In the evening, you’ll end up in Düsseldorf, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Hamburg is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a historical landmark, a pier, a concert hall, a museum and much more! Begin your sightseeing adventure at the interesting Elbe Tunnel and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, St. Pauli Piers, a romantic pier that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Elbe Philharmonic Hall, one of the city’s most famous spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the spectacular Miniatur Wunderland.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Düsseldorf. Düsseldorf offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Düsseldorf. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at Pink Pepper, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an exceptional modern menu. Alternatively, if you're in the mood for something different, consider the nearby 1-star Michelin-awardee, Yoshi by Nagaya, known for its delicious japanese and sushi cuisine. Another highly-recommended place to eat in Düsseldorf is Le Flair, a renowned restaurant with a 1-star Guide Michelin recognition and a delicious french and contemporary menu.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Engelchen, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Bar Cherie provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Auberge Rock Pub offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Germany!

Day 4 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Düsseldorf has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Düsseldorf by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

Savor the day by visiting some of the best places to see in Düsseldorf, including an aquarium, a park, a botanical garden, an observation deck, a palace and much more! Start your adventure at Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum Dusseldorf. This captivating aquarium is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Nord Park located in Düsseldorf for another exciting encounter.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Japanese Garden. Its serene features will captivate you. After the botanical garden, continue your tour of the city with a visit to Rheinturm. Visitors usually appreciate the culturally significant features of this observation deck. Next up is Schloss Benrath, a highly recommended palace.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Germany is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

As you explore more of Düsseldorf, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

Make sure to reserve a table at Radisson Blu Media Harbour Hotel, Düsseldorf, an iconic dining spot in Düsseldorf. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Cafe Extrablatt Düsseldorf, a popular restaurant in Düsseldorf. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Coffee Fellows, a hidden gem nestled in Düsseldorf. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Bar Studio 1, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Sakura Bar offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Engel Rockbar. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

Relax and reminisce about your day in Germany and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 6 of your road trip in Germany. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Cologne. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Dortmund. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several fun adventures, photo-friendly spots, and romantic experiences. Whether you decide to explore Cologne on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Lindt Chocolate Museum is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this photogenic museum before continuing your journey. Old Market is your next stop. This notable public square is one of the best-rated sights in Cologne.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Cologne Cathedral. This stunning church is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Cologne Zoological Garden.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Dortmund, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

As you explore more of Dortmund, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

Experience a harmony of flavors at The Stage in Dortmund by securing a reservation in advance. Known for its 1-star Michelin status, The Stage offers a delightful variety of dishes highlighting its delicious modern and creative menu. If you're seeking an alternative culinary experience, be sure to explore Grammons Restaurant, a highly recommended restaurant known for its enticing contemporary and classic french cuisine. This popular 1-star Michelin-awarded venue consistently exceeds expectations, ensuring a memorable holiday experience.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Gaststätte Lütge-eck, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Germany!