Cheap One-Week Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Hamburg traveling west to Dortmund, Cologne, and Hanover

Day 2 of your road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Hamburg, proving that cheap holidays in Germany can be extraordinary. Have fun exploring the best places to visit in the city. At the end of the day, enjoy wining and dining at Hamburg, with 1 night to stay in the area.

Get ready to discover some of the most iconic wonders in Hamburg, including a pier, a historical landmark, a botanical garden, a zoo, a park, a museum and much more! Start your day at St. Pauli Piers. This romantic pier is a well-known place to see in Hamburg. Then, wander over to Elbe Tunnel. If culturally significant sites excite you, this historical landmark will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Planten Un Blomen. This mesmerizing botanical garden is a favorite among visitors.

Hamburg offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, Hagenbeck Zoo is a captivating spot in the city that will captivate you with its unique charm. When you’re done at the zoo, don’t forget to check out the serene Stadtpark. Take a moment to appreciate the fascinating details of this popular park in Hamburg.

Make your vacation in Germany more memorable and epic without spending a fortune. Take advantage of the cheap holiday deals you'll find in Germany and add budget-friendly activities to your travel plan.

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

Complement this refreshing day with an equally refreshing drink at one of the best bars in the city of Hamburg, Cafe Miller. Copa Cabana Bar is another popular bar in the area, perfect for people looking for a place to unwind and enjoy local drinks alone or with company. Locals also recommend Fontenay Bar, offering popular drinks and a lively atmosphere.

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

On day 3 of your cheap holiday travels in Germany, you’ll tour 2 destinations: Hamburg and Muenster. You'll stay in Dortmund for 1 night, giving you enough time to satisfy your wanderlust and craving for new experiences.

Savor the day by visiting some of the best places to see in Hamburg, including a church and a haunted house. Start your adventure at St. Michael's Church. This interesting church is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Hamburg Dungeon located in Hamburg for an enchanting atmosphere.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Muenster. This drive usually takes around 3 hours 8 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Take your self-guided tour to Botanical Garden Of The Westphalian Wilhelm University Of Münster, an often recommended botanical garden that everyone visiting Muenster should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings.

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

Savor the culinary delights of Dortmund, 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.

Recharge and refresh your energy with a visit to Meeting, die Café-Bar, known for its delectable cuisine and inviting ambiance.

Keep the evening going at Vater&sohn, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Loka Lounge Dortmund, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Central Bar & More Dortmund, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

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

Day 4 of your road trip across Germany offers you the chance to visit 4 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Essen, Rösrath, Königswinter, and Brühl. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Cologne, where you'll stay for 2 nights.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Essen, 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 Dortmund to Essen may take around 39 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Essen, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Take your self-guided tour to Unesco-welterbe Zollverein, a popular museum that everyone visiting Essen should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Rösrath, 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 Rösrath may take around 1 hour 14 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Rösrath, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Begin your journey at Landschaftsschutzgebiet Wahner Heide and explore the peaceful features.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Königswinter. This car ride takes around 37 min.

Begin your journey at Schloss Drachenburg and explore the history-steeped features.

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.

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.

Indulge in a delightful array of mouthwatering options.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. The Grid Bar is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Toddy Tapper, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Legends Bar & Terrasse. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

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

Day 5 of your exciting road trip across Germany is proof that there's more to this country than meets the eye. Today's agenda is to explore Cologne and its neighboring areas. Expect amazing attractions, a great dining experience, and a wonderful time discovering the daily lives of locals with 1 night left in Cologne.

Today’s route brings a breathtaking, a photogenic, a heritage-rich, a stunning, a majestic, and an UNESCO world heritage-listed. The first attraction of today is Cologne Cathedral. This famous church is a breathtaking place to see in Cologne.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Koblenz. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 19 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Spend your afternoon discovering Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, an interesting castle known for its culturally significant features. After taking in the atmosphere, continue to Deutsches Eck, a notable monument that is a must-see for anyone visiting the region.

When you’ve had your share of Koblenz, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Keldung. Your travel time is around 46 min.

Spend your afternoon discovering Eltz Castle, a captivating castle known for its romantic features.

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

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.

Recharge and refresh your energy with a visit to Mongo's Restaurant Köln, known for its delectable cuisine and inviting ambiance. While immersing yourself in the local culture during your budget-friendly getaway, make sure to stop by Vietnamski restorant "Kuchi Mami" - a hidden culinary gem loved by locals and travelers alike. For those craving exquisite flavors, RheinZeit promises to deliver a feast for the senses.

Visit Soul Bar Cologne, one of the locals’ favorite hangout spots. Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln serves various snacks and drinks at affordable prices, making it another great bar option for budget travelers in Cologne. And if you're looking for a special place to enjoy the evening, our recommendation is Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater.

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 Duisburg. You’ll explore along your route leading to the city of Hanover, where you'll be spending 1 night.

Start by visiting Old Market, a prime spot to begin your journey. This visually striking public square is sure to impress. Next on your list is Lindt Chocolate Museum, another must-visit landmark and locally renowned museum renowned for its visually striking features.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Cologne, 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 1 hour 10 min. Upon your arrival in Duisburg, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord. Spend some time admiring the instagrammable features of the park before you continue to your next stop.

Hanover 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.

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

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Bar Seña, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Sternwarte is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Dormero Hotel Hannover also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

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