Cheap One-Week Germany Road Trip from Bremen traveling west to Cologne, Frankfurt, and Essen

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

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

Make Weserwehr one of your first sightseeing stops in Bremen. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,454 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

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

Treat yourself to a delicious meal at Gaststätte Kleiner Olymp, 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 Q1 - Metropolitan Kitchen & Bar - 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 Paulaner's a der Schlachte, where fantastic food and friendly service await!

Red Rock is a great spot where you can enjoy a refreshing drink after an active day. Alternatively, wohnzimmer Bremen 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 Eisen, 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!

Day 2 means another chance to make the best memories in Bremen. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Bremen and check out the most popular dining spots. You still have 1 night left to stay in the city. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away!

Take the opportunity to see Town Musicians of Bremen. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 9,811 visitors.

Bremen is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This college town has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,602 travelers.

Bremen is also the home of Bremen Roland. Around 3,325 people have rated this roland statue an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Another place you’ll want to visit is Schnoor. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from a total of 16,197 reviews, a visit to this street is a great idea.

This day of your vacation in Bremen is also your chance to admire Rhododendron-Park Bremen. This must-visit botanical garden enjoys an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 6,069 reviews.

Your discovery of Bremen does not have to stop there. You can add a budget-friendly activity on your itinerary and get to know more about Bremen on a personal level. Check out the fantastic selection of affordable tours and tickets offered on this leg of your journey across this top cheap holiday destination in Europe, Germany.

Savor the culinary delights of Bremen, where affordability meets excellence in dining and drinking. From inviting bars crafting signature cocktails to cozy eateries serving up local favorites, the city offers an unforgettable experience for every taste bud.

After a day of fun adventures, treat yourself to the best dining experience at Vengo die Gemüseküche, where affordable mouthwatering dishes await. Another gem to discover during your memorable getaway is Cafe and Bar Celona, 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 Restaurant Luv, an excellent choice to fulfill your cravings for delicious food and great service.

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

On day 3 of your cheap holiday travels in Germany, you’ll tour 2: Gelsenkirchen and Sterkrade. You'll stay in Cologne for 2 nights, giving you enough time to satisfy your wanderlust and craving for new experiences.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Bremen and set your GPS to Gelsenkirchen. 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 2 hours 45 min. Upon reaching Gelsenkirchen, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

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 6,324 reviews.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Sterkrade. This drive usually takes around 13 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is SEA LIFE Oberhausen. This aquarium is rated an average of 4 out of 5 stars in 12,643 reviews.

Continue your journey at Gasometer Oberhausen. This gas holder is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 13,121 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.

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.

Treat yourself to a delicious meal at Mongo's Restaurant Köln, 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 Limani - 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 Funkhaus Cafe-Bar-Restaurant, where fantastic food and friendly service await!

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Toddy Tapper, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Soul Bar Cologne provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Dorint Hotel am Heumarkt Köln offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

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

Ready for day 4 of your road trip vacation in Germany? Discover more of Cologne and beyond on this leg of your journey. Explore more top attractions, dive into new cultures, and enjoy unique experiences. Today is all about maximizing your 1 night in this vibrant destination!

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Cologne Chocolate Museum, a remarkable museum where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 36,704 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Cologne Cathedral. This catholic cathedral has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 69,905 travelers. Given the site's popularity, it’s easy to understand why more than 5,000,000 people visit it every year.

Cologne Zoological Garden is another must-visit attraction. This renowned zoo offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 30,118 travelers, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

After soaking in Cologne’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Brühl. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 29 min. When you arrive in Brühl, it's time to take a break from the road.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Phantasialand. This extraordinary amusement park has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 89,377 visitors. Each year, around 1,750,000 people visit this remarkable site to admire its features and learn more about it.

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

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.

Bangkok Thai Restaurant 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, Servus Colonia Alpina offers mouthwatering dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate. Don't miss out on the charming ambiance and diverse menu at Little Link, where every bite promises a delightful dining experience.

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 road trip across Germany offers you the chance to visit 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Nürburg and Koblenz. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Frankfurt, where you'll stay for 1 night.

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 Nürburg. Your travel time is around 1 hour 20 min.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Nürburgring, a remarkable point of interest where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 35,289 reviews.

After soaking in Nürburg’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Koblenz. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 50 min. When you arrive in Koblenz, it's time to take a break from the road.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Deutsches Eck. This extraordinary headland is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 33,856 visitors.

Next, make your way to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. This top attraction is a fortress with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 18,199 visitors.

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

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

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

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Flemings Hotel Frankfurt-Central (former Flemings Express Frankfurt), known for its lively atmosphere. Gleis 25 is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Bar Helium Frankfurt am Main offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

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

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

Kick off the day at Römerberg, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This square is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 24,391 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Iron Footbridge. Iron Footbridge is a sightseeing destination with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 23,044 reviews.

Zoo Frankfurt is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This zoo is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 22,563 visitors.

Beyond the attractions mentioned above, you also have the opportunity to visit Alte Oper. This concert hall is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 13,371 visitors.

Lastly, don’t miss out on Palmengarten, a famous botanical garden in Frankfurt. This attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 19,050 travelers.

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 any of the following affordable places to stay.

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

Discover the heart of Essen through its culinary scene, starting with Pottsalat. Not only will you discover mouthwatering dishes, but you'll also be pleasantly surprised by their budget-friendly offerings. For a taste of tradition, try Traumkuh - Burger & Poutine, where time-honored recipes are served. Or, explore Mezzo Mezzo am Zollverein, renowned for its delicious offerings and cozy ambiance.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Südrock rock pub. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, gentleM offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Diamond Cocktail Lounge, another top-rated bar in the area.

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 7 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Germany, you’ll experience 2 charming destinations — Essen and Duisburg. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Bremen, where you'll stay for 1 night.

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 20,866 reviews.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Essen, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Duisburg may take around 28 min. Upon your arrival in Duisburg, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Kick off the day at Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 26,756 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Duisburg Zoo. Duisburg Zoo is a zoo with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 21,129 reviews.

Tiger & Turtle is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,699 visitors.

Bremen 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, Bremen 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.

Restaurant ELISA 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, Paddy's Pit Irish Pub Bremen offers mouthwatering dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate. Don't miss out on the charming ambiance and diverse menu at feldmann's Bierhaus, where every bite promises a delightful dining experience.

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

Your budget road trip vacation in Germany is about to end. Day 8 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Bremen.

As you approach the end of your journey in Germany, take a moment for some retail therapy in Bremen’s celebrated shopping district. Thanks to your stay’s premier location, you can easily visit the city’s commercial hubs and wander through its diverse range of local shops without rushing.

Whether you’re on a hunt for an ideal present to give to your friends or family or looking for a personal memento to remind you of Germany, a variety of items are waiting for you. Hold onto the magic of Germany with these wonderful souvenirs, ensuring your memories never fade.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Bremen is the remarkable Martinianleger. This point of interest and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,707 visitors.

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

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Bremen, consider a top-rated restaurant like El Mundo Bremen, offering a menu of appetizing and affordable meals. Zum Platzhirsch is an excellent alternative if you feel like trying something different. Another popular restaurant you could check out is Hegarty's Irish Pub Bremen, which is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of your fun memories in Bremen.

You’ll then say farewell to Bremen. 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!