Affordable 9-Day Relaxed Germany Road Trip Vacation from Cologne to Dortmund

Your slow-paced and relaxed road trip through Germany begins when you reach Cologne, where you’ll stay for a total of 4 nights.

Cologne is an outstanding hub for culture, comfort, and exploration.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Take your pick and make it your home during your leisurely tour of the city.

Exploring the food culture in Cologne offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

An excellent example is Bei Oma Kleinmann. This restaurant offers a menu of comforting meals and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,597 customers.

Craftbeer Corner Coeln serves great food and is a favorite among hungry travelers and locals. This popular restaurant in Cologne has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,165 reviews.

Gruber's is another one of the city’s best restaurants. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 625 customers, Gruber's is sure to provide you with an unforgettable dining experience.

If you’re curious about what Cologne looks like at night, a trip to some of the best bars near your accommodation is what you need next. Experience the local nightlife at Toddy Tapper, our top recommendation in the city. Customers have rated this bar an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars in 590 reviews.

Gaffel am Dom I Kölsches Brauhaus und Wirtshaus I Brauhaus Köln offers a variety of refreshing drinks and is one of the best places to relax in Cologne. This well-known city bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 6,484 customers.

Locals like unwinding at Gilden im Zims. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 5,823 customers and is a perfect place for socializing.

Free your mind of worries and enjoy your first taste of relaxation in Germany! Expect more to come as you continue this laid-back and relaxed road trip in Germany!

On day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Germany, you'll explore the best attractions in Cologne at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Cologne, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 3 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Äußerer Grüngürtel. This incredible park has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,003 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Germany by seeing another popular site in Cologne, the wonderful Beethoven Park. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,003 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Rhine Garden Sculpture. This fountain has received an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,550 visitors.

Another stop you might want to add to your self-drive itinerary is the remarkable Museum Ludwig. This art museum is sought after by many travelers from around the world, or more than 304,942 people annually. The popular attraction has received 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,323 visitors.

If you want to discover more, consider stopping by the famous Cologne Cathedral. This amazing site is a wonderful catholic cathedral with more than 68,667 wanderlust-filled travelers rating it an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars. By visiting this attraction, you’ll be one of the 5,000,000 people who do so each year.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 2 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Germany. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Cologne itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Germany extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Cologne. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Mongo's Restaurant Köln. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,294 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Servus Colonia Alpina, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Servus Colonia Alpina is rated 4.3 stars out of 5 by 2,757 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended The Little Steakhouse. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,631 food lovers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Cologne and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular Gaststätte Lommerzheim. This vibrant bar is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,487 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular Funkhaus Cafe-Bar-Restaurant. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,282 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is Jameson Pub Cologne. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. Jameson Pub Cologne has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,308 bar goers.

Enjoy the rest of day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Germany, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 3 of your comfortable self-drive tour across Germany gives you another chance to explore the magnificent city of Cologne and visit more of its attractions.

Cologne has plenty of activities and sights, so you won’t be short of things to do during your laid-back and relaxed road trip in Germany. Fortunately, your accommodation, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights more is conveniently located near several of the city’s best attractions.

One of the best stops on your hassle-free journey is the popular Wildlife park Dünnwald, one of the top attractions in the city. In fact, the incredible Wildlife park Dünnwald has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,284 visitors.

You could also spend some time relaxing at the amazing Cologne Zoological Garden. This city feature got an average score of 4.4 out of 5 stars from its 29,743 guests.

Another place of interest in the city of Cologne is the notable Fish Market. The popular Fish Market is a highlight of many travel packages in Cologne. As a matter of fact, this remarkable top-tier point of interest has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from around 1,777 travelers.

Aside from the above-mentioned attractions in Cologne, you also have the opportunity to stop by the marvelous Cologne Chocolate Museum. Take your time exploring this wonderful museum and one of the city’s most notable places. This magnificent site has a rating of 4.3 stars out of 5 from 36,145 visitors.

Get a more in-depth understanding of Cologne by checking out the amazing selection of tours and excursions you can add to your relaxed road trip itinerary. Explore more of the city’s wonders, create memorable experiences, and join laid-back to challenging activities. You’ll be happy to learn that there are plenty of top-rated tours and activities in Cologne.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Cologne, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations below and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Hommage Café is one of the top restaurants in the city. This Cologne-based food place has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,630 guests.

After your meal, consider getting a drink at one of the top bars in Cologne, Max Stark. This bar enjoys an average rating of 4.5 over 5 stars given by 2,193 customers.

Another drinking place in the city we recommend you try out is Limani. Check out its selection of liquors, and learn why it has been rated 4.4 over 5 stars by 1,819 customers.

If you prefer another place to unwind, Bangkok Thai Restaurant may be a more excellent choice for you. This bar offers a variety of drinks you can choose from. Around 1,296 customers have rated it an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Toast to an amazing time in Cologne and end day 3 of your slow-paced and relaxed road trip in Germany on a great note!

Day 4 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Germany gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Cologne. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Dortmund, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 4 nights.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Old Market is waiting for you. This must-see tourist destination has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 12,654 visitors.

The next stop on your road trip vacation is Wallraf–Richartz Museum. This unique art museum is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,659 visitors. Approximately 153,566 travelers come to experience this attraction each year.

Don’t forget to make a stop at the incredible Rheinboulevard. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,195 visitors, this promenade is one of the top sights to visit in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination is the outstanding Rheinpark. This popular park and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,259 people.

If you’re keen to continue your discovery, make your way to Japanese Garden Leverkusen. This attraction is a valued park in the area that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,065 visitors.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Cologne has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in Germany. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Dortmund. In Dortmund, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in Germany.

With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 892 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing Restaurant Namu.

Locals also recommend 60 Seconds to Napoli as one of the top restaurants in the area. So if you’re feeling hungry, don’t forget to check out the menu at 60 Seconds to Napoli as well. This local-favorite restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,208 customers.

If you feel like having something else, you could also book a table at Zum Alten Markt. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 4,074 customers.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like Steakhouse Rodizio. Steakhouse Rodizio is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,082 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

Another lively bar worth checking out tonight is The ASH Dortmund. This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations. The average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,283 customers gives you an idea of what to expect from this bar.

Alternatively, head to Strobels Dortmund. This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night. Strobels Dortmund is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,913 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through Germany!

Day 5 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip through Germany serves as your introduction to Dortmund. This is your chance to experience the very best of the city and appreciate Germany and its distinct culture and people.

Upon arriving in Dortmund, you can check in at the accommodation of your choice for a quick break. This 4-star hotel has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 1,450 former guests.

You’ll enjoy restful days and nights at the 4-star Dorint Hotel Dortmund A den Westfalenhallen. With an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 3,549 guests, Dorint Hotel Dortmund A den Westfalenhallen is the best luxury hotel option we recommend while in the city.

The 3-star ibis Dortmund City offers comfort at an affordable price, perfect for practical travelers. Ibis Dortmund City is a top-rated budget hotel in Dortmund with an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 651 guests.

These recommendations are among the most popular places to stay in Dortmund. If any of these options are not available during your stay in the city, we’ll provide you with the best alternatives. Our flexible booking system will automatically offer you a selection of accommodations that fit your budget and needs.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Dortmund, allowing you to explore the city at a relaxed pace. For example, you can take in the unique atmosphere of the city from the outstanding Westfalenpark. This park and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in Dortmund. The fascinating Westfalenpark has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 18,013 travelers.

Dortmund is also home to the captivating Rombergpark Botanical Garden, a local best-rated sightseeing destination and another popular attraction in the city. About 6,382 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.7 out of 5 stars.

The extraordinary Dortmund U-Tower is another unforgettable place you can visit on your easy and relaxed road trip across Germany. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,484 travelers, Dortmund U-Tower proves to be one of the top sights in the area.

You’ll enjoy the time you’ll spend at the incredible Steinwache. A trip to this wonderful site will inspire you. Visitors have rated their experience at this amazing memorial and attraction an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 236 reviews.

When you’re in the mood to experience something amazing, we recommend you visit the fantastic LWL Industrial Museum Zollern. Every year, travelers gather around this fascinating museum and sightseeing spot to appreciate its unique features. Around 3,274 visitors have rated the famous LWL Industrial Museum Zollern an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Tours often allow you to see beyond what books and social media feature about Dortmund, its culture, and people. So for a more meaningful travel experience in the city, we recommend you join one of the most popular tours available on this day of your relaxed road trip across Germany.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Germany. After a day of appreciating the best places to visit in Dortmund, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Ranking high on our list of the best restaurants in Dortmund is Restaurant YUMINI. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,893 customers, you really have to try the savory dishes of this excellent restaurant.

Locals love FOOD BROTHER for its delicious meals, and we recommend you visit the restaurant at least once during your stay in Dortmund. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,283 customers.

Another alternative is Pfefferkorn Dortmund Hoher Wall. This restaurant serves a variety of comforting food and drinks and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,934 customers.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Dortmund. At Wenkers am Markt, you can enjoy a mix of fun and relaxation. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,713 customers.

Alternatively, unwind and relive your best memories of this day of your relaxed road trip at Tapas & More, another popular bar in the city. Customers have rated this fantastic bar an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 964 reviews.

Uncle Tom's is also one of the best places in Dortmund where you can let loose and enjoy some celebratory drinks. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 678 customers.

Sleep comfortably and prepare for another day of your laid-back adventure in Germany!

On day 6 of your relaxed road trip across Germany, you'll explore the best attractions in Dortmund at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Dortmund, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 2 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Phoenix-See. This incredible lake has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,600 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Germany by seeing another popular site in Dortmund, the wonderful Hörde. This ortsteil is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,600 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible German Football Museum. This sports museum has received an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,266 visitors.

Another stop you might want to add to your self-drive itinerary is the remarkable Museum of Art and Cultural History. This museum is sought after by many travelers from around the world. The popular attraction has received 4.5 out of 5 stars from 667 visitors.

If you want to discover more, consider stopping by the famous Florianturm. This amazing site is a wonderful television tower with more than 1,199 wanderlust-filled travelers rating it an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 6 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Germany. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Dortmund itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Germany extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Dortmund. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Atlantico Café. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,477 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Café Brasserie Lotte, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Café Brasserie Lotte is rated 4.5 stars out of 5 by 1,295 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended KLUBHAUS1249. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,193 food lovers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Dortmund and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular Kraftstoff. This vibrant bar is rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 634 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular Restaurant Pfeffermühle. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 614 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is ALEX Dortmund. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. ALEX Dortmund has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 5,929 bar goers.

Enjoy the rest of day 6 of your relaxed road trip across Germany, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 7 of your comfortable self-drive tour across Germany gives you another chance to explore the magnificent city of Dortmund and visit more of its attractions.

Dortmund has plenty of activities and sights, so you won’t be short of things to do during your laid-back and relaxed road trip in Germany. Fortunately, your accommodation, where you’ll be staying for 1 night more is conveniently located near several of the city’s best attractions.

One of the best stops on your hassle-free journey is the popular Alte Körne, one of the top attractions in the city. In fact, the incredible Alte Körne has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 306 visitors.

You could also spend some time relaxing at the amazing Brewery-Museum Dortmund. This city feature got an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from its 871 guests.

Another place of interest in the city of Dortmund is the notable St. Reinoldi. The popular St. Reinoldi is a highlight of many travel packages in Dortmund. As a matter of fact, this remarkable church building has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from around 1,479 travelers.

Aside from the above-mentioned attractions in Dortmund, you also have the opportunity to stop by the marvelous Hoesch Museum Dortmund. Take your time exploring this wonderful museum and one of the city’s most notable places. This magnificent site has a rating of 4.3 stars out of 5 from 274 visitors.

Get a more in-depth understanding of Dortmund by checking out the amazing selection of tours and excursions you can add to your relaxed road trip itinerary. Explore more of the city’s wonders, create memorable experiences, and join laid-back to challenging activities. You’ll be happy to learn that there are plenty of top-rated tours and activities in Dortmund.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Dortmund, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations below and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Mama Mia is one of the top restaurants in the city. This Dortmund-based food place has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,419 guests.

If you’re looking for another option near your accommodation, Carlos Restaurant is also one of the best restaurants you can try in the city. Carlos Restaurant proved an excellent choice for around 1,004 visitors, who gave the restaurant an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

After your meal, consider getting a drink at one of the top bars in Dortmund, Road Stop Dortmund. This bar enjoys an average rating of 4.2 over 5 stars given by 5,237 customers.

Another drinking place in the city we recommend you try out is SAUSALITOS. Check out its selection of liquors, and learn why it has been rated 4 over 5 stars by 2,128 customers.

If you prefer another place to unwind, Ringhotel Drees may be a more excellent choice for you. This bar offers a variety of drinks you can choose from. Around 1,152 customers have rated it an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Toast to an amazing time in Dortmund and end day 7 of your slow-paced and relaxed road trip in Germany on a great note!

Day 8 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Germany gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Cochem. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Cologne, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 1 night.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Brauselay is waiting for you. This naturschutzgebiet has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 170 visitors.

The next stop on your road trip vacation is Reichsburg Cochem. This unique hilltop castle is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 21,439 visitors.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Cochem has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in Germany. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Cologne. In Cologne, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in Germany.

After a long day of driving and exploring along your relaxed road trip route, sitting down for a well-cooked restaurant meal in Ellenz-Poltersdorf is an excellent idea.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like The Corkonian Irish pub. The Corkonian Irish pub is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,421 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

Another lively bar worth checking out tonight is Little Link. This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations. The average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 971 customers gives you an idea of what to expect from this bar.

Alternatively, head to Barney Vallely's. This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night. Barney Vallely's is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 956 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through Germany!

Day 9 of your relaxed road trip in Germany is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Cologne.

Depending on when you need to leave, you might be able to fit in some sightseeing or shopping. Embrace the beauty of Cologne once more and find some souvenirs to help you remember your time in the city. To end your relaxing road trip in Germany on top, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Unwind and look back at the past 9 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Cologne or just grab something light to keep you going.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Cologne and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 9-day relaxed road trip in Germany is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.