Cheap One-Week Germany Road Trip from Muenster traveling south to Düsseldorf, Mainz, 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.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Schlossplatz, a remarkable point of interest where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 3,366 reviews.

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

Start your foodie adventure at Restaurant Ackermann, where you'll find affordable mouthwatering meals and desserts. If you’re craving a taste of local favorites, head over to Gasthaus & Gaststätte Stuhlmacher, a go-to spot for both budget-savvy travelers and locals alike. For an unforgettable dining experience, don't miss Le Feu - Der Flammkuchen in Münster, where exquisite dishes and cozy ambiance await to make your culinary adventure truly memorable!

After your evening meal, enjoy a drink or two at Cafe Extrablatt Münster Aegidiimarkt, a must-visit destination for a great night out. Locals also enjoy the cocktails at Atelier, where you can relax and have some fun in a welcoming environment. Another fantastic option is Spooky's, known for offering a variety of snacks and drinks at affordable prices.

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 3 wonderful destinations — Nordkirchen, Gelsenkirchen, and Feldhausen. You’ll explore along your route leading to the city of Düsseldorf, where you'll be spending 2 nights.

Nordkirchen’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Muenster behind. This drive usually takes around 37 min. Nordkirchen welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Drop by the renowned Schloss Nordkirchen. This popular palace has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 9,745 visitors.

When you’ve had your share of Nordkirchen, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Gelsenkirchen. Your travel time is around 54 min.

Kick off the day at Nordstern Park, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 6,453 reviews.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Feldhausen. This drive usually takes around 24 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Journey into the unknown at Movie Park, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable amusement park has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars from 51,299 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.

Savor the mouthwatering delights of Düsseldorf, 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.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Engelchen, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Bar Cherie, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Auberge Rock Pub provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

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

On day 3 of your affordable vacation in Germany, prepare for another exciting road trip adventure within and immediately outside Düsseldorf. You’ll stay in Düsseldorf for another 1 night. You’ll visit more of the best attractions in Germany, discover new cultures, and take in unique experiences.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Wuppertal. This drive usually takes around 30 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Der Grüne Zoo Wuppertal. This zoo is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Wuppertal, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 12,835 visitors.

After soaking in Wuppertal’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Sterkrade. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 44 min. When you arrive in Sterkrade, it's time to take a break from the road.

When you're ready to see some sights, Gasometer Oberhausen is a great place to start. This gas holder is rated an average 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.

When you're ready to see some sights, Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord is a great place to start. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 27,144 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Duisburg Zoo. This zoo has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 21,434 travelers.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Düsseldorf.

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.

After a day of exploring, unwind at the popular Radisson Blu Media Harbour Hotel, Düsseldorf, serving up a tempting array of dishes that are well-loved by budget-savvy travelers. Cafe Extrablatt Düsseldorf is another great hotspot for culinary gems. If you’re into something unique but crafted with care and creativity, then head to Coffee Fellows.

Visit Bar Studio 1, one of the locals’ favorite hangout spots. Sakura Bar serves various snacks and drinks at affordable prices, making it another great bar option for budget travelers in Düsseldorf. And if you're looking for a special place to enjoy the evening, our recommendation is Engel Rockbar.

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

On day 4 of your cheap holiday travels in Germany, you’ll tour 4 destinations: Brühl, Königswinter, Heisterbacherrott, and Mainz. You'll stay in Mainz for 1 night, giving you enough time to satisfy your wanderlust and craving for new experiences.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Düsseldorf, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Brühl may take around 49 min. Upon your arrival in Brühl, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Phantasialand. This amusement park is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Brühl, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 91,824 visitors. Around 1,750,000 people visit this attraction every year.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Brühl and set your GPS to Königswinter. 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 39 min. Upon reaching Königswinter, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Journey into the unknown at Schloss Drachenburg, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable château has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 17,667 reviews.

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 Heisterbacherrott. Your travel time is around 7 min.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Siebengebirge. This extraordinary park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,647 visitors.

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

Don't let a tight budget stop you from enjoying delicious meals and refreshing drinks in Mainz. Here are a few top-rated restaurants and bars you may want to check out tonight.

NOLAN’S Irish Pub stands out as a haven for budget-conscious travelers seeking exceptional flavors. Indulge in a delightful array of mouthwatering options.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Wallenstein Cafe & Bar, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Rheinstrand Mainz is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Nirgendwo also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

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

Day 5 of your self-drive vacation in Germany will take you to the city of Cologne, where you'll be staying for 2 nights. On your way to Cologne, you'll explore 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in Germany, including Alken, Keldung, and Koblenz.

Set your GPS to Alken and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 14 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Alken beckons with new experiences!

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Thurant Castle. This extraordinary castle is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,266 visitors.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Alken, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Keldung may take around 32 min. Upon your arrival in Keldung, 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 Eltz Castle. This extraordinary castle has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 25,367 visitors.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Keldung, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Koblenz may take around 48 min. Upon your arrival in Koblenz, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Make Deutsches Eck your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this headland an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 34,555 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 18,566 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this fortress 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 savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at The Grid Bar, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Toddy Tapper offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Cologne. Legends Bar & Terrasse is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

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

On day 6 of your budget-friendly road trip adventure in Germany, you’ll go deep into Cologne and see some of the destination’s most unforgettable attractions. Enjoy a feast at the end of the day, making the most of the time you have in the city of Cologne — 1 night.

Journey into the unknown at Lindt Chocolate Museum, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable museum has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 37,446 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Old Market is a recommended place to visit. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 12,935 reviews.

Another must-see attraction in Cologne is Cologne Cathedral. This spectacular catholic cathedral gets over 5,000,000 visitors every year. Rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 70,814 travelers, this popular tourist destination in Cologne offers an experience you will remember.

Cologne Zoological Garden is another popular stop on travelers' itineraries in Cologne. This zoo promises memorable moments of exploring. Other travelers have rated this attraction 4.4 out of 5 stars in 30,676 reviews.

Your discovery of Cologne does not have to stop there. You can add a budget-friendly activity on your itinerary and get to know more about Cologne 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 Cologne, 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 exploring, unwind at the popular Mongo's Restaurant Köln, serving up a tempting array of dishes that are well-loved by budget-savvy travelers. Виетнамски ресторант "Кучи Мами" is another great hotspot for culinary gems. If you’re into something unique but crafted with care and creativity, then head to RheinZeit.

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.

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

Day 7 of your road trip across Germany offers you the chance to visit 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Essen, and Dortmund. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Muenster, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Essen. This car ride takes around 58 min.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Museum Folkwang. This art museum typically receives around 800,000 visitors every year and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 3,999 reviews.

Continue your journey at Laserzone Lasertag Essen West - Borbeck. This point of interest is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 8,211 travelers from near and far.

Essen is also the home of Unesco-welterbe Zollverein. This museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 21,243 visitors.

Dortmund’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Essen behind. This drive usually takes around 34 min. Dortmund welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Make Westfalenpark your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 18,451 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Rombergpark Botanical Garden. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,572 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this park every year.

Muenster 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.

Savor the culinary delights of Muenster, 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 your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Eulen & Lerchen, known for its lively atmosphere. The James is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance.

Toast to another unforgettable road trip adventure during your 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 Muenster.

Maximize your last day in Germany and go on a shopping spree in Muenster’s shopping center. Browse for souvenirs to remind you of your wonderful journey in 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!