Cheap 9-Day Germany Road Trip from Dortmund to Düsseldorf, Cologne, Hamburg, and Wilhelmshaven and surrounding area

Your exciting road trip through Germany starts when you reach the incredible city of Dortmund, where you'll stay for 2 nights. 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. When you're ready to explore the city, stop at some of the best places to visit in Dortmund and get this road trip adventure rolling.

A trip to the amazing Westfalenpark will make your cheap holiday in Germany truly special. This attraction is a fascinating park that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 18,165 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best budget-friendly hotels or places to stay in the city.

When you're hungry and ready to take a break from your adventure, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in Dortmund. An excellent example is the popular Restaurant Namu. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 892 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in Germany is 60 Seconds to Napoli. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,208 customers, this famous restaurant is one of the city's most recommended places to eat.

If you wish to dine at a restaurant locals love, go to the wonderful Zum Alten Markt. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 4,074 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

Wenkers am Markt is a great bar to relax after a busy day. About 1,713 customers have given this spot an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, making it one of the most popular bars in the area.

Another bar in Dortmund we recommend is Tapas & More, an excellent place to meet new friends. This bar offers customers plenty of snack and drink options and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 964 customers.

Uncle Tom's is also one of the best places to go to unwind and chat with locals. Over 678 bar-goers have rated it an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Enjoy toasting the start of a terrific road trip vacation and cheap holiday experience in Germany!

On day 2 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Germany, you’ll experience two places in one day. You’ll start your day in Dortmund and end your day in the city of Düsseldorf, where you'll stay for 1 night. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you.

One of the best places to visit in Dortmund is the amazing German Football Museum. This travel destination is a sport museum that has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,349 visitors.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible Rombergpark Botanical Garden. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,482 travelers, a visit to this well-known best-rated sightseeing destination and sightseeing spot in Dortmund is likely to make your vacation in Germany even more memorable.

Another unforgettable sight in Dortmund is the outstanding Dortmund Zoo. This zoo has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 15,486 visitors.

To make the most of your day in this cheap holiday destination in Germany, drop by the popular DASA Working World Exhibition. This attraction, an amazing museum, has been rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,010 travelers.

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.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Düsseldorf. Düsseldorf is another cheap travel destination in Germany where you have access to hotels, restaurants, bars, and other conveniences.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best attractions a budget vacation in Germany can afford, treat yourself to a hearty meal. You’ll find many great restaurants in Düsseldorf that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Düsseldorf is Uerige. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 10,926 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Düsseldorf, Takumi is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 5,216 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is BLOCK HOUSE Düsseldorf. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Düsseldorf enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,673 customers.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Düsseldorf’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in Germany. For example, you can visit Palito Restaurant Düsseldorf. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,493 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is Im Goldenen Kessel. This popular bar in Düsseldorf has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,336 bar-goers.

You can also go to o’reilly’s Irish Pub & Restaurant as an alternative. More than a bar, the popular o’reilly’s Irish Pub & Restaurant is also a place for fun or relaxation. Around 2,111 customers have given this city bar an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

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

Day 3 of your road trip across Germany offers you the chance to visit the wonderful Düsseldorf and the enchanting Aachen, two of the most popular cheap holiday destinations in the country. You'll begin sightseeing in Düsseldorf and end the day in Aachen, where you'll stay for 3 nights.

Buckle up because day 3 of your affordable vacation in Germany will take you to some of locals’ and travelers’ most recommended travel spots!

One place travelers keep coming back to in Düsseldorf is the magnificent Hofgarten. Around 6,417 visitors have rated this excellent english garden and travel destination an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Rheinturm on this leg of your self-drive tour in Germany. This attraction is a well-known communication tower that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from around 13,916 travelers.

The remarkable Schloss Benrath is known to be one of the best places to visit in this cheap vacation spot in Germany. This attraction, an amazing park, is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 10,559 travelers.

After capturing the beauty and rich culture of Düsseldorf, you’ll get back behind the wheels and continue your road trip to the fantastic city of Aachen.

Start your sightseeing in this cheap holiday destination with a visit to the unforgettable Carolus Thermen. This popular site is a valued spa in Aachen and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,303 visitors.

Another must-visit in Aachen is the spectacular Aachen Cathedral. This outstanding imperial cathedral and sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from more than 15,155 travelers.

Exploring one unique site after another provides you the much-needed variety during your self-drive tour across Germany. But to satisfy your curiosity or need for adventure, we recommend you add excursions in today’s agenda. You have a great selection of popular and low-cost activities to choose from in Germany. Make your cheap holiday experience in Germany more memorable by doing something new, bold, or inspiring.

Cologne offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Germany. So anytime you need a break from your activities, you’re guaranteed a comfortable and affordable place to rest and stay in the city.

As this adventurous day progresses, satisfy your hunger at one of the best restaurants in the city. Many restaurants in Cologne offer good food at even better prices, the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Germany.

Bei Oma Kleinmann is a must try. This restaurant serves a mouthwatering selection of meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,597 diners.

Another popular eating spot in Cologne is Craftbeer Corner Coeln, a local favorite. Serving diners fresh, delicious, and affordable meals, this restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,165 customers.

Gruber's offers customers flavorful food and good ambiance, making it one of the best places to eat in Cologne. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 625 customers, this restaurant can get packed very quickly. Make sure you get to the restaurant early to save yourself a seat.

When night has fallen and you feel like enjoying a drink, head to some of Cologne’s best bars. There are plenty of bars in the city where you can order a few drinks without compromising your budget.

Toddy Tapper is an excellent example of a great bar in Cologne offering drinks at reasonable prices. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 590 customers.

You can also hang out and have a drink at Gaffel am Dom I Kölsches Brauhaus und Wirtshaus I Brauhaus Köln, another of locals’ go-to bars in Cologne. Gaffel am Dom I Kölsches Brauhaus und Wirtshaus I Brauhaus Köln is among the best city bars offering various beverages at different price points, with around 6,484 customers having rated it an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Gilden im Zims is for you if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Cologne. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from more than 5,823 bar-goers.

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 4 of your road trip adventures in Germany, you’ll go deep into Cologne, where you'll stay for 2 nights, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Cologne, and meet locals along the way!

Cologne offers an incredible variety of budget hotels and places to stay you can choose from and spend the night in.

We recommend you stay at the charming Hyatt Regency Cologne to ensure a pleasant and affordable vacation in Cologne. This 5-star hotel offers guests comfort and convenience and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 5,447 guest reviews.

Another budget-friendly stay option you can check into is the cozy 4-star Ruby Ella Hotel & Bar. This cheap hotel provides a ton of handy amenities perfect for travelers in Cologne. Ruby Ella Hotel & Bar has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 6,360 former guests.

Travelers looking forward to enjoying a cheap vacation in Cologne should also consider Motel One Köln-Neumarkt. This 3-star hotel offers great value-for-money and is one of the best budget accommodations in the city. Motel One Köln-Neumarkt has been rated by 7,493 guests with an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars.

Popular hotels and places to stay in Cologne offering low-cost accommodations get fully-booked fast. If any of these stay options are not available during your visit in the city, our flexible booking system will automatically provide you with the best budget alternatives.

One thing that makes Cologne the perfect cheap holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular attractions. For example, the outstanding museum, Cologne Chocolate Museum. This attraction has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 36,704 visitors.

The famous Old Market is another remarkable sightseeing hotspot in the area. This incredible best-rated sightseeing destination and travel destination has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 12,740 visitors.

Cologne is also the home of the extraordinary Cologne Cathedral. This site is a stunning catholic cathedral that gets more than 5,000,000 visitors on an annual basis. Around 69,905 travelers have rated the spectacular Cologne Cathedral an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Another place you’ll want to visit is the captivating Cologne Zoological Garden. With an impressive average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from a total of 30,118 reviews, a visit to this wonderful zoo and tourist destination is truly a great idea.

This fascinating attraction is a must-visit.

Come to Cologne prepared by adding a tour to your budget vacation package to Germany. If you’re up for a challenging, fun, or inspiring activity, check out the fantastic selection of tours and cheap holiday deals in Cologne.

After a day of exploring, reward yourself by dining at one of the best restaurants in Cologne, Gaststätte Lommerzheim. Locals enjoy eating at Gaststätte Lommerzheim for its good food and ambiance. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,487 diners.

Funkhaus Cafe-Bar-Restaurant serves various affordable and delicious dishes perfect for cheap holiday goers. On top of that, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,282 food lovers.

If you want more options, Jameson Pub Cologne is another great spot. Browse through its exciting menu and you'll see why Jameson Pub Cologne has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 3,308 reviews.

Curious about the nightlife in Cologne? Consider visiting some of the best bars in Cologne after dinner. Locals recommend Max Stark, and it's a great spot to enjoy a refreshing drink after an active day. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,193 customers.

Limani is another excellent place to relax and have a drink or two after a busy road trip in Germany. Limani has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,819 bar-goers, proving it's one of the most popular bars in Cologne.

You might also want to cap the night off at Bangkok Thai Restaurant, a fascinating bar that 1,296 customers have rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in their reviews.

Raise a toast and enjoy celebrating this terrific day of your affordable vacation in Germany!

On day 5 of your road trip adventures in Germany, you’ll go deep into Nürburg, where you'll stay for 1 night, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Nürburg, and meet locals along the way!

Nürburg offers an incredible variety of budget hotels and places to stay you can choose from and spend the night in.

We recommend you stay at the charming Hyatt Regency Cologne to ensure a pleasant and affordable vacation in Nürburg. This 5-star hotel offers guests comfort and convenience and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 5,447 guest reviews.

Another budget-friendly stay option you can check into is the cozy 4-star Ruby Ella Hotel & Bar. This cheap hotel provides a ton of handy amenities perfect for travelers in Nürburg. Ruby Ella Hotel & Bar has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 6,360 former guests.

Travelers looking forward to enjoying a cheap vacation in Nürburg should also consider Motel One Köln-Neumarkt. This 3-star hotel offers great value-for-money and is one of the best budget accommodations in the city. Motel One Köln-Neumarkt has been rated by 7,493 guests with an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars.

Popular hotels and places to stay in Nürburg offering low-cost accommodations get fully-booked fast. If any of these stay options are not available during your visit in the city, our flexible booking system will automatically provide you with the best budget alternatives.

One thing that makes Nürburg the perfect cheap holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular attractions. For example, the outstanding best-rated sightseeing destination, Nürburgring. This attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 35,289 visitors.

This fascinating attraction is a must-visit.

Come to Nürburg prepared by adding a tour to your budget vacation package to Germany. If you’re up for a challenging, fun, or inspiring activity, check out the fantastic selection of tours and cheap holiday deals in Nürburg.

After a day of exploring, reward yourself by dining at one of the best restaurants in Nürburg, Mongo's Restaurant Köln. Locals enjoy eating at Mongo's Restaurant Köln for its good food and ambiance. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 3,294 diners.

Servus Colonia Alpina serves various affordable and delicious dishes perfect for cheap holiday goers. On top of that, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,757 food lovers.

If you want more options, The Little Steakhouse is another great spot. Browse through its exciting menu and you'll see why The Little Steakhouse has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 2,631 reviews.

Curious about the nightlife in Nürburg? Consider visiting some of the best bars in Nürburg after dinner. Locals recommend The Corkonian Irish pub, and it's a great spot to enjoy a refreshing drink after an active day. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,421 customers.

Little Link is another excellent place to relax and have a drink or two after a busy road trip in Germany. Little Link has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 971 bar-goers, proving it's one of the most popular bars in Nürburg.

You might also want to cap the night off at Barney Vallely's, a fascinating bar that 956 customers have rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in their reviews.

Raise a toast and enjoy celebrating this terrific day of your affordable vacation in Germany!

Day 6 of your self-drive vacation in Germany gives you the opportunity to explore two popular cheap holiday destinations in one day. You’ll start your day in the city of Duisburg and end your day in the city of Essen.

Today's agenda features plenty of popular stops and allows you to stay in Hamburg for 1 night. How much time you want to spend in each area or attraction is up to you. This way, you’ll have all the time you want to take in the unique atmosphere of each location and make the most of your affordable vacation in Germany.

While you’re in Duisburg, it’s a good idea to visit the amazing Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord. The fantastic Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord is a popular park and a sightseeing hotspot. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 26,756 travelers.

Once you’ve satisfied your wanderlust in Duisburg, you’ll continue to your next road trip destination of the day, the city of Essen.

Make LaserZone LaserTag Essen West - Borbeck your first stop. This popular must-see tourist destination among locals and travelers alike has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 7,908 visitors.

Another unforgettable travel destination in Essen is the outstanding UNESCO-Welterbe Zollverein. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 20,866 visitors, this remarkable museum and attraction deserves a spot on your Germany travel bucket list.

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Germany. Check out all of the affordable tours you can join this day of your cheap holiday in Germany and ensure the road trip experience of a lifetime.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget accommodations in the city of Hamburg. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Hamburg, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try estancia steaks, one of the best restaurants in Hamburg. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,416 customers.

Hanoi Deli Rathaus is yet another of the top places to eat in the city. Hanoi Deli Rathaus is known for serving a variety of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,380 diners.

Locals and travelers enjoy dining at Heimathafen, another well-loved restaurant in Hamburg. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,912 guests, this restaurant is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a memorable dining experience in Germany.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in Hamburg, Le Lion • Bar de Paris. This famous bar offers snacks and drinks at different price points and is a popular hangout spot among locals. In addition, this bar has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,224 bar goers.

Das Feuerschiff LV 13 is a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. This bar is considered one of the best drinking spots in Hamburg, with its average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,935 customers.

Alternatively, you can drop by NAGEL Restaurant und Kneipe, where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,360 customers.

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

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

One of the best places to visit in Hamburg is the amazing Miniatur Wunderland. This travel destination is a museum that has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 87,297 visitors.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible Elbe Philharmonic Hall. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 77,649 travelers, a visit to this well-known concert hall and sightseeing spot in Hamburg is likely to make your vacation in Germany even more memorable.

Another unforgettable sight in Hamburg is the outstanding St. Pauli Piers. This top-tier point of interest has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 18,128 visitors.

To make the most of your day in this cheap holiday destination in Germany, drop by the popular Elbe Tunnel. This attraction, an amazing road tunnel, has been rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 34,570 travelers.

If you’re keen to explore more, you’ll enjoy the fantastic Planten un Blomen. This park is a popular attraction rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 21,983 visitors from all over the globe.

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.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Wilhelmshaven. Wilhelmshaven is another cheap travel destination in Germany where you have access to hotels, restaurants, bars, and other conveniences.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best attractions a budget vacation in Germany can afford, treat yourself to a hearty meal. You’ll find many great restaurants in Wilhelmshaven that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Wilhelmshaven enjoy dining at this restaurant.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Wilhelmshaven’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in Germany.

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

On day 8 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Germany, you’ll experience two places in one day. You’ll start your day in Sterkrade and end your day in the city of Dortmund, where you'll stay for 1 night. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you.

One of the best places to visit in Sterkrade is the amazing Gasometer Oberhausen. This travel destination is a gas holder that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 13,121 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.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Dortmund. Dortmund is another cheap travel destination in Germany where you have access to hotels, restaurants, bars, and other conveniences.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best attractions a budget vacation in Germany can afford, treat yourself to a hearty meal. You’ll find many great restaurants in Dortmund that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Dortmund is Restaurant YUMINI. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,893 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Dortmund, FOOD BROTHER is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,283 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is Pfefferkorn Dortmund Hoher Wall. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Dortmund enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,934 customers.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Dortmund’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in Germany. For example, you can visit Kraftstoff. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 634 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is ALEX Dortmund. This popular bar in Dortmund has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 5,929 bar-goers.

You can also go to Steakhouse Rodizio as an alternative. More than a bar, the popular Steakhouse Rodizio is also a place for fun or relaxation. Around 3,082 customers have given this city bar an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

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

It’s soon time to say goodbye to Germany as your road trip vacation is about to end. Day 9 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Dortmund.

Depending on how much time you have before your flight back home, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing to make the most of your cheap holiday experience in Germany.

If you'd rather pass time visiting some attractions, this is your chance to go to places you may not have had the chance to explore yet.

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 700 visitors.

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Dortmund, consider a top-rated restaurant like Atlantico Café. This restaurant has a menu of appetizing and affordable meals and is rated at an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,477 customers.

Café Brasserie Lotte is an excellent alternative if you feel like eating something else. This restaurant serves a variety of savory and budget-friendly dishes and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,295 customers.

Another popular restaurant you could check out is KLUBHAUS1249. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,193 customers, this restaurant is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of Germany and your fun memories in Dortmund.

You’ll then say farewell to Dortmund and begin your journey home. You’ll leave filled with unforgettable memories from your terrific and affordable travel experiences in Germany!