Cheap 7-Day Germany Road Trip from Muenster traveling south to Essen, Düsseldorf, and Cologne

Your exciting road trip through Germany starts when you reach the incredible city of Muenster, where you'll stay for 1 night. You'll pick up your rental car in Muenster and begin your adventure in Germany.

Muenster is a popular cheap holiday destination in Germany with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in Germany, Muenster 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.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Schlossplatz. This extraordinary sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,366 visitors.

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

Treat yourself to a delicious meal at Restaurant Ackermann, 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. Another hotspot worth exploring during your cheap getaway is Gasthaus & Gaststätte Stuhlmacher - a local favorite and a top pick for mouthwatering delights. If you're eager to dine where the locals love, don't miss out on Le Feu - Der Flammkuchen in Münster, where fantastic food and friendly service await!

After dinner, look back into the highlights of today’s adventure and visit one of the best bars in Muenster, Cafe Extrablatt Münster Aegidiimarkt. Alternatively, visit Atelier, a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. You can also drop by Spooky's, where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize.

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 3 charming destinations — Nordkirchen, Feldhausen, and Gelsenkirchen. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Essen, where you'll stay for 2 nights.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Nordkirchen, 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 Muenster to Nordkirchen may take around 37 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Nordkirchen, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Make Schloss Nordkirchen one of your first sightseeing stops in Nordkirchen. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 9,745 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Nordkirchen, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Feldhausen may take around 55 min. Upon your arrival in Feldhausen, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Movie Park. This extraordinary amusement park has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars from 51,299 visitors.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Gelsenkirchen. This car ride takes around 24 min.

Make Nordstern Park your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 6,453 reviews.

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

Indulge in the culinary wonders of Essen, 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 Mr. Nam 68, serving up a tempting array of dishes that are well-loved by budget-savvy travelers.

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.

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

On day 3 of your affordable vacation in Germany, you’ll start and end your day in Essen, but spend some time exploring destinations outside the city. With 1 night left in Essen, you'll have enough time to check out top-rated restaurants and try out unique activities that will enhance your road trip experience.

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 Museum Folkwang. This art museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,999 visitors. As one of the top places to visit in the town, Museum Folkwang welcomes 800,000 visitors annually.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is Laserzone Lasertag Essen West - Borbeck. This point of interest has been rated 4.8 out of 5 stars in 8,211 reviews.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Werden, 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 Essen to Werden may take around 19 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Werden, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Villa Hügel. This extraordinary villa is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,040 visitors.

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

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.

After a day of exploring, unwind at the popular Mezzo Mezzo am Zollverein, serving up a tempting array of dishes that are well-loved by budget-savvy travelers. Banana Leaf is another great hotspot for culinary gems. If you’re into something unique but crafted with care and creativity, then head to Restaurant Artemis.

After dinner, look back into the highlights of today’s adventure and visit one of the best bars in Essen, Metropol Café-bar Essen. Alternatively, visit Temple Bar, a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. You can also drop by Zum Pümpchen, where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize.

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

Day 4 of your self-drive vacation in Germany will take you to the city of Düsseldorf, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Düsseldorf, you'll explore 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in Germany, including Sterkrade, and Duisburg.

Sterkrade’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Essen behind. This drive usually takes around 24 min. Sterkrade welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Gasometer Oberhausen. This gas holder is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Sterkrade, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 13,693 visitors.

After soaking in Sterkrade’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Duisburg. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 17 min. When you arrive in Duisburg, it's time to take a break from the road.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 27,144 reviews.

Duisburg Zoo is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This zoo is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 21,434 reviews.

Another attraction you won't want to miss is Tiger & Turtle. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 7,871 reviews.

Düsseldorf 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.

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.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Engelchen after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Bar Cherie for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Auberge Rock Pub is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

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 5 of your cheap holiday travels in Germany, you’ll tour 3 destinations: Düsseldorf, Brühl, and Königswinter. You'll stay in Cologne for 1 night, giving you enough time to satisfy your wanderlust and craving for new experiences.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Hofgarten. This english garden is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 6,488 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Rheinuferpromenade Düsseldorf. This point of interest has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 5,015 reviews.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Schloss Benrath. This park has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 10,705 visitors.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Brühl. This drive usually takes around 49 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Make Phantasialand your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this amusement park an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 91,824 reviews. More than 1,750,000 people visit this place of interest every year.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Brühl, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Königswinter may take around 39 min. Upon your arrival in Königswinter, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Schloss Drachenburg. This extraordinary château is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 17,667 visitors.

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

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at The Grid Bar, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Toddy Tapper, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Legends Bar & Terrasse provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Germany!

Day 6 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 2 wonderful destinations — Cologne, and Dortmund. You’ll explore along your route leading to the city of Muenster, where you'll be spending 1 night.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Cologne Cathedral. This much-appreciated catholic cathedral is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars in 70,814 reviews. Each year, 5,000,000 people visit this site to admire its unique features.

Next up is Lindt Chocolate Museum. This museum has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 37,446 visitors.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is Cologne Zoological Garden. This zoo has been rated 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 Dortmund. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 3 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Drop by the renowned Westfalenpark. This popular park has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 18,451 visitors.

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

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

Cap off your dinner by heading to Eulen & Lerchen, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. The James is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting.

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

Your budget road trip vacation in Germany is about to end. Day 7 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Muenster.

As your final day in Germany unfolds, enjoy a last-minute shopping spree in Muenster'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 Muenster is the remarkable Botanical Garden Of The Westphalian Wilhelm University Of Münster. This park and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,810 visitors.

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

As you prepare to bid farewell to Muenster, why not indulge in one last culinary delight at Altes Gasthaus Leve, where you can enjoy a satisfying and budget-friendly meal? Alternatively, Kleiner Kiepenkerl features a variety of signature dishes to suit every taste, budget, and occasion. For those seeking a taste of flavorful delights, Rossini is a highly recommended spot.

You’ll then say farewell to Muenster. 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!