Luxury 7-Day Relaxed Germany Road Trip Vacation from Cologne to Essen

Your slow-paced and relaxed road trip through Germany begins when you reach Cologne, where you’ll stay for a total of 3 nights.

Cologne is an outstanding hub for culture, comfort, and exploration. The city offers travelers plenty of experiences to look forward to, including the magnificent Old Market. Around 12,740 visitors have rated this fascinating top-tier point of interest and travel destination an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

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 2 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Rheinpark. This incredible park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,361 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Germany by seeing another popular site in Cologne, the wonderful Cologne Zoological Garden. This zoo is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,361 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Cologne Cathedral. This catholic cathedral has received an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 69,905 visitors. Up to 5,000,000 people visit this popular attraction each year.

Another stop you might want to add to your self-drive itinerary is the remarkable Cologne Chocolate Museum. This museum is sought after by many travelers from around the world. The popular attraction has received 4.3 out of 5 stars from 36,704 visitors.

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, Gaststätte Lommerzheim. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,487 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Funkhaus Cafe-Bar-Restaurant, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Funkhaus Cafe-Bar-Restaurant is rated 4.4 stars out of 5 by 4,282 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended Jameson Pub Cologne. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,308 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 Max Stark. This vibrant bar is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,193 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular Limani. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,819 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is Bangkok Thai Restaurant. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. Bangkok Thai Restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,296 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 relaxed road trip across the beautiful country of Germany will take you on a self-paced journey to two incredible places in one day. See some of the best attractions in Germany, taste the most delectable foods and exquisite drinks, and make incredible memories as you go!

You’ll begin your day and sightseeing in Brühl, and continue your explorations in the city of Königswinter. The charming Essen is where you’ll be staying for 3 nights.

Your first stop is the great city of Brühl, where you will see the amazing Phantasialand. Around 1,750,000 individuals come to Brühl each year to visit this site. This famous amusement park has an impressive 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 89,377 people.

Give yourself the opportunity to see more of Brühl than meets the eye by joining a top-rated tour. Put your relaxed road trip to a halt in favor of an in-depth exploration of the city’s best sights and hidden gems while connecting with locals and fellow travelers.

After exploring the city of Brühl, it’s time to hit the road again and continue your relaxed road trip to another city in Germany, the lovely Königswinter!

In Königswinter, you’ll find the magnificent Schloss Drachenburg. This popular château has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 17,280 visitors.

After exploring all these beautiful places, drive leisurely to the beautiful city of Essen for some much-needed rest and relaxation. Here you can choose from the best selection of hotels and places to stay as you get to know more about this spectacular city.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best places to visit in Germany, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Essen.

We highly recommend going to sattgrün theaterpassage. This place is a popular restaurant with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,011 customers.

Another great restaurant option is Restaurant Artemis. This food place is often recommended by travelers and has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,233 customers.

You can also eat at the top-rated BLOCK HOUSE Essen. Offering great food and amazing service, this restaurant has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,330 customers.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Essen and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.

Check out Café Goldbar for a great selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. This incredible bar is highly recommended and has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 526 customers.

Another amazing bar that serves many kinds of beverages and cocktails is Temple Bar. This bar has a wonderful rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 502 customers.

You may also try Cafe Nord, another top-rated bar in the city. About 2,856 bargoers have given this place a thumb up, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Let’s toast to day 3 of your laid-back self-drive in Königswinter! Celebrate this unique opportunity to enjoy a memorable road trip adventure across Germany!

Day 4 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip through Germany serves as your introduction to Essen. This is your chance to experience the very best of the city and appreciate Germany and its distinct culture and people.

Upon arriving in Essen, you can check in at the accommodation of your choice for a quick break. This 4-star hotel has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,968 former guests.

You’ll enjoy restful days and nights at the 4-star Hotel Essener Hof, Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 4,220 guests, Hotel Essener Hof, Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western is the best luxury hotel option we recommend while in the city.

The 3-star Kempe New-Work Hotel Essen offers comfort at an affordable price, perfect for practical travelers. Kempe New-Work Hotel Essen is a top-rated budget hotel in Essen with an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars from 3,213 guests.

These recommendations are among the most popular places to stay in Essen. 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 Essen, 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 Museum Folkwang. This art museum and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in Essen, as it welcomes more than 800,000 visitors each year. The fascinating Museum Folkwang has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,007 travelers.

Essen is also home to the captivating Stadtgarten, a local park and another popular attraction in the city. About 2,734 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.3 out of 5 stars.

The extraordinary Shaft XII is another unforgettable place you can visit on your easy and relaxed road trip across Germany. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,311 travelers, Shaft XII proves to be one of the top sights in the area.

You’ll enjoy the time you’ll spend at the incredible UNESCO-Welterbe Zollverein. A trip to this wonderful site will inspire you. Visitors have rated their experience at this amazing museum and attraction an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 20,866 reviews.

When you’re in the mood to experience something amazing, we recommend you visit the fantastic kokerei zollverein. Every year, travelers gather around this fascinating coke plant and sightseeing spot to appreciate its unique features. Around 2,081 visitors have rated the famous kokerei zollverein an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Tours often allow you to see beyond what books and social media feature about Essen, 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 Essen, 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 Essen is Leo's Casa. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,589 customers, you really have to try the savory dishes of this excellent restaurant.

Locals love Mongo's Restaurant Essen for its delicious meals, and we recommend you visit the restaurant at least once during your stay in Essen. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,432 customers.

Another alternative is Pfefferkorn Essen. This restaurant serves a variety of comforting food and drinks and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,430 customers.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Essen. At Fritzpatrick's Irish Pub, you can enjoy a mix of fun and relaxation. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,779 customers.

Alternatively, unwind and relive your best memories of this day of your relaxed road trip at HANS IM GLÜCK - ESSEN Rüttenscheid, another popular bar in the city. Customers have rated this fantastic bar an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 2,619 reviews.

Cafe & Bar Celona Essen is also one of the best places in Essen where you can let loose and enjoy some celebratory drinks. This bar has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 2,658 customers.

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

On day 5 of your relaxed road trip across Germany, you'll explore the best attractions in Essen 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 Essen, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 1 night will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Hügel Park. This incredible park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,599 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Germany by seeing another popular site in Essen, the wonderful Botanischer Garten Grugapark. This botanical garden is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,599 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible LaserZone LaserTag Essen West - Borbeck. This top-tier point of interest has received an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 7,908 visitors.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 5 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Germany. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Essen 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 Essen. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Burger Brothers Essen. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,132 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Pottsalat, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Pottsalat is rated 4.8 stars out of 5 by 780 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended Café LIVRES. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 812 food lovers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Essen 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 SAUSALITOS. This vibrant bar is rated 4.2 out of 5 stars by 2,214 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular DER LÖWE Becker Gastro GmbH. Rated 4.2 out of 5 stars by 2,056 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is Restaurant Hülsmannshof. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. Restaurant Hülsmannshof has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,570 bar goers.

Enjoy the rest of day 5 of your relaxed road trip across Germany, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 6 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 Duisburg. 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 Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord is waiting for you. This park has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 26,756 visitors.

The next stop on your road trip vacation is Duisburg Zoo. This unique zoo is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 21,129 visitors.

Don’t forget to make a stop at the incredible Duisburg Inner Harbour. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 5,467 visitors, this inland port is one of the top sights to visit in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination is the outstanding Tiger & Turtle. This popular best-rated sightseeing destination and attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,699 people.

If you’re keen to continue your discovery, make your way to Sechs-Seen-Platte. This attraction is a valued group of lakes in the area that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,089 visitors.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Duisburg 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.

With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 3,294 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing Mongo's Restaurant Köln.

Locals also recommend Servus Colonia Alpina as one of the top restaurants in the area. So if you’re feeling hungry, don’t forget to check out the menu at Servus Colonia Alpina as well. This local-favorite restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,757 customers.

If you feel like having something else, you could also book a table at The Little Steakhouse. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,631 customers.

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 7 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.

Media Park Köln mbH is an extraordinary attraction that is perfect for your last day in Cologne. This top sight is a popular top-tier point of interest, rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,953 visitors.

Unwind and look back at the past 7 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.

Check out the menu at Hommage Café. Dining at Hommage Café is one of the best food experiences you can have in Cologne. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,630 customers.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Cologne and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 7-day relaxed road trip in Germany is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.