Cheap One-Week Germany Road Trip from Cologne to Essen, and Düsseldorf and surrounding area

Day 2 of your road trip adventure means another chance to make the best memories on your cheap holiday in Germany. Prepare to be blown away by the city of Cologne and its top sights! Conclude your day with a lovely dinner.

Kick off the day at Rheinpark, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 6,479 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Cologne Zoological Garden. Cologne Zoological Garden is a zoo with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 30,676 reviews.

Cologne Cathedral is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This catholic cathedral is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 70,814 visitors. In a single year, this catholic cathedral hosts approximately 5,000,000 visitors.

Beyond the attractions mentioned above, you also have the opportunity to visit Lindt Chocolate Museum. This museum is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 37,446 visitors.

Cheap, budget vacations are nothing but incredible, especially when you’re in Germany. To have the best affordable travel experience in Germany, make time for some unique, challenging, or inspiring activities. Adding a tour to your travel plan promises a one-of-a kind adventure that will make your cheap vacation in Germany unforgettable. Fortunately, you'll find plenty of budget-friendly tours and cheap holiday deals in Germany.

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

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!

On day 3 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.

Keldung’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Cologne behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 40 min. Keldung welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Eltz Castle. This castle is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 25,367 reviews.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Alken. This drive usually takes around 32 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

When you're ready to see some sights, Thurant Castle is a great place to start. This castle is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,266 visitors.

When you’ve had your share of Alken, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Koblenz. Your travel time is around 31 min.

Kick off the day at Deutsches Eck, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This headland is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 34,555 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. Ehrenbreitstein Fortress is a fortress with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 18,566 reviews.

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.

Limani offers delicious bites without straining your wallet. For a taste of local cuisine with a twist, venture to Funkhaus Cafe-Bar-Restaurant. Or, try The hanging gardens of Ehrenfeld, where reasonable prices and warm hospitality create a welcoming atmosphere for diners seeking a memorable dining experience.

After your evening meal, enjoy a drink or two at Suderman, a must-visit destination for a great night out.

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

Day 5 of your self-drive vacation in Germany will take you to the city of Düsseldorf, where you'll be staying for 2 nights. On your way to Düsseldorf, you'll explore 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in Germany, including Essen, and Duisburg.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Unesco-welterbe Zollverein. This museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 21,243 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Laserzone Lasertag Essen West - Borbeck. This sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 8,211 reviews.

Set your GPS to Duisburg and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 18 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Duisburg beckons with new experiences!

Take the opportunity to see Duisburg Zoo. This attraction has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 21,434 visitors.

Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This park has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 27,144 travelers.

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.

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

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Engelchen. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Bar Cherie, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Auberge Rock Pub provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

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

Day 6’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Düsseldorf, proving that cheap holidays in Germany can be extraordinary. You have 1 night left in Düsseldorf. So make the most of today by going to the best places to visit, eat, and drink in the city.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum Dusseldorf. This aquarium is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Düsseldorf, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 12,358 visitors.

Nord Park is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 6,034 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Burgplatz. Visitors have rated this square an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 5,559 reviews.

Hofgarten is another unique site you can experience today. This attraction is an english garden rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 6,488 reviews.

Make your way to the fantastic Schloss Benrath, perhaps the most famous park in Düsseldorf. This attraction is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 10,705 travelers.

Visiting the most popular travel destinations in Germany sometimes leaves you longing for more. Fortunately, there are plenty of unique and cheap tours to try out in Germany. Germany has something for everyone, and you can easily pick an activity you can add to your affordable vacation package. Check out all of the budget-friendly tours in Germany that will fill you with new inspiration.

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.

Start your foodie adventure at Radisson Blu Media Harbour Hotel, Düsseldorf, where you'll find affordable mouthwatering meals and desserts. If you’re craving a taste of local favorites, head over to Cafe Extrablatt Düsseldorf, a go-to spot for both budget-savvy travelers and locals alike. For an unforgettable dining experience, don't miss Coffee Fellows, where exquisite dishes and cozy ambiance await to make your culinary adventure truly memorable!

Bar Studio 1 is an excellent example of a great bar in Düsseldorf offering drinks at reasonable prices. You can also hang out at Sakura Bar, another of locals’ go-to bars in Düsseldorf. But if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Düsseldorf, Engel Rockbar is for you.

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

Day 7 of your road trip across Germany offers you the chance to visit 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Brühl, Königswinter, and Bonn. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Cologne, where you'll stay for 1 night.

After soaking in Düsseldorf’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 49 min. When you arrive in Brühl, it's time to take a break from the road.

Drop by the renowned Phantasialand. This popular amusement park has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 91,824 visitors. Based on recent data, this attraction is visited by more than 1,750,000 travelers 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.

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

When you’ve had your share of Königswinter, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Bonn. Your travel time is around 20 min.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Gop Varieté-theater Bonn. This sightseeing destination is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Bonn, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,250 visitors.

House Of The History Of The Federal Republic Of Germany is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 11,753 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Rheinaue. Visitors have rated this park an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 14,543 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.

Discovering the culinary wonders of Cologne is a must-do on your budget-friendly vacation! When hunger strikes, make your way to one of the city's top dining spots.

After a day filled with excitement, indulge in a satisfying meal at Cafe Riese Köln, offering a menu full of delicious options at reasonable prices. Featuring an enticing array of mouthwatering delights, Bangkok Thai Restaurant is another must-visit dining spot. For an authentic dining experience favored by locals, make your way to Servus Colonia Alpina, where you can also enjoy great food and warm hospitality.

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