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

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

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

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Westfalenpark. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 18,451 reviews.

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

Discover the heart of Dortmund through its culinary scene, starting with Meeting, die Café-Bar. 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 Zum Alten Markt, where time-honored recipes are served. Or, explore Ringhotel Drees, renowned for its delicious offerings and cozy ambiance.

After dinner, look back into the highlights of today’s adventure and visit one of the best bars in Dortmund, Vater&sohn. Alternatively, visit Loka Lounge Dortmund, a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. You can also drop by Central Bar & More Dortmund, 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!

Day 2 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 — Dortmund. You’ll explore along your route leading to the city of Essen, where you'll be spending 1 night.

Make German Football Museum one of your first sightseeing stops in Dortmund. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,503 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Rombergpark Botanical Garden is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This park is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 6,572 reviews.

Today is also the perfect opportunity to drop by Dortmund Zoo. This zoo has been rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 15,732 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, head to Dasa Working World Exhibition. A trip to this popular museum is also your opportunity to see if it lives up to the reputable 4.3 out of 5-star rating as given by 4,040 previous visitors.

Essen 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, Essen 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.

Mr. Nam 68 offers delicious bites without straining your wallet.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Südrock Rock Pub, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Gentlem offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Diamond Cocktail Lounge provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

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 cheap holiday travels in Germany, you’ll tour 2 destinations: Essen, and Duisburg. You'll stay in Düsseldorf for 1 night, giving you enough time to satisfy your wanderlust and craving for new experiences.

When you're ready to see some sights, Unesco-welterbe Zollverein is a great place to start. This museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 21,243 visitors.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Duisburg, 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 Duisburg may take around 28 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Duisburg, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 27,144 visitors.

When you’re finished at Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord, head to Duisburg Zoo. This one-of-a-kind zoo is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 21,434 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Tiger & Turtle. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,871 visitors.

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

Round off your dining experience by visiting Engelchen, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Bar Cherie, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Auberge Rock Pub likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

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

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

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Rheinturm. This much-appreciated communication tower is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in 13,916 reviews.

Next up is Schloss Benrath. This park has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 10,705 visitors.

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.

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.

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 your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like The Grid Bar, known for its lively atmosphere. Toddy Tapper is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Legends Bar & Terrasse offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

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 5 of your road trip across Germany offers you the chance to visit 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Cologne, and Solingen. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Hamburg, where you'll stay for 2 nights.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Lindt Chocolate Museum. This museum is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 37,446 visitors.

When you’re finished at Lindt Chocolate Museum, head to Cologne Cathedral. This one-of-a-kind catholic cathedral is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 70,814 reviews. Every year, approximately 5,000,000 travelers come here to experience the catholic cathedral for themselves.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Cologne and set your GPS to Solingen. 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 34 min. Upon reaching Solingen, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Burg Castle. This much-appreciated castle is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in 11,193 reviews.

Hamburg 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.

Indulge in the culinary wonders of Hamburg, where exceptional dining and drinking experiences await at unbeatable prices. Explore the city's diverse venues, ensuring a memorable culinary journey for every visitor.

Continue your lively evening at The Boilerman Bar Hafenamt, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Scandic Hamburg Emporio is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Heritage Hamburg Rooftop Bar ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

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

Day 6 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 Hamburg and its top sights! Conclude your day with a lovely dinner.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to St. Pauli Piers. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 19,508 visitors.

Elbe Tunnel is another popular attraction you could visit today. This road tunnel has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 34,850 visitors.

Planten Un Blomen is also highly recommended by travelers. This park has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 22,471 visitors.

Hagenbeck Zoo is an attraction you won’t want to miss. This zoo is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 37,852 reviews.

Another attraction you have the opportunity to visit today is Stadtpark. This park has received an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 20,877 travelers.

Your discovery of Hamburg does not have to stop there. You can add a budget-friendly activity on your itinerary and get to know more about Hamburg 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 Hamburg, 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.

Start your foodie adventure at Restaurant Brodersen Hamburg, where you'll find affordable mouthwatering meals and desserts. If you’re craving a taste of local favorites, head over to Irish Pub in the Fleetenkieker, a go-to spot for both budget-savvy travelers and locals alike. For an unforgettable dining experience, don't miss NOM vietnamese fusion food, where exquisite dishes and cozy ambiance await to make your culinary adventure truly memorable!

If you’re not ready to call it a day, pop into Cafe Miller, considered one of the best bars in Hamburg. You can also enjoy drinks at Copa Cabana Bar, known for its fun atmosphere. Alternatively, go to Fontenay Bar, a favorite spot for both tourists and residents of Hamburg.

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

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like St. Michael's Church. This extraordinary church has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 20,524 visitors.

Next, make your way to Hamburg Dungeon. This museum is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 12,768 reviews.

While in Hamburg, we also recommend a visit to Miniatur Wunderland. This museum has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 89,283 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Elbe Philharmonic Hall. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 79,037 travelers, this concert hall is a highly recommended stop on your sightseeing around Hamburg.

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

Savor the mouthwatering delights of Dortmund, where top-quality dining experiences blend seamlessly with budget-friendly options. Check out the city's best restaurant and bar options, offering a tantalizing array of flavors to satisfy every palate. Whether you're in the mood for a casual bite or a refreshing cocktail, these spots have something for everyone.

Recharge and refresh your energy with a visit to Strobels Dortmund, known for its delectable cuisine and inviting ambiance.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Gaststätte Lütge-eck, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience 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 Dortmund.

Make the most of your final day in Germany by visiting Dortmund’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Germany.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Dortmund is the remarkable Hörde. This ortsteil and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 709 visitors.

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

As you prepare to bid farewell to Dortmund, why not indulge in one last culinary delight at Café Brasserie Lotte, where you can enjoy a satisfying and budget-friendly meal? Alternatively, ALEX Dortmund features a variety of signature dishes to suit every taste, budget, and occasion. For those seeking a taste of flavorful delights, Kara's Restaurant - Dortmund is a highly recommended spot.

You’ll then say farewell to Dortmund. 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!