7-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Hanover traveling west to Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Essen, and Hamburg

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your road trip in Germany. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 vibrant destinations - Brühl, Königswinter, and Koblenz. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Frankfurt. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Today, you'll explore some of the most beautiful places in Düsseldorf, including an amusement park, a castle, and a monument. Start your day with a visit to Phantasialand. This spectacular amusement park is a must-visit in the village. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Schloss Drachenburg, which may be one of the most history-steeped places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Düsseldorf on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to Deutsches Eck, a popular monument in the village. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Frankfurt, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Frankfurt's best restaurants.

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Gustav, a 2-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible creative menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Lafleur is one of the best restaurants for modern french and creative cuisine in Frankfurt. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at Erno's Bistro. As a top-rated establishment with 1 Michelin star, it is an ideal choice for classic french and modern cuisine in the city.

Continue your lively evening at Gute Stute, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Flemings Hotel Frankfurt-central (former Flemings Express Frankfurt) is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Gleis 25 ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Germany!

On day 4 of your road trip in Germany, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Frankfurt and Cologne. In the evening, you’ll end up in Essen, where you will stay for 1 night.

Today’s itinerary in Frankfurt covers several incredible sights, including a public square, a monument, a botanical garden, a church and much more! Start your adventure at Römerberg. This well-known public square is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the visually striking wonders of Iron Footbridge, a must-see monument in the city.

Consider stopping for a small bite to eat or a drink at a local eatery to keep your energy going. When you’re ready, continue your discovery with a visit to Palmengarten. This captivating botanical garden offers an enriching experience. For a change of pace, head to Cologne Cathedral, where you can take in UNESCO world heritage-listed features. These sights offer a fulfilling end to a perfect day.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Essen. Essen offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Essen. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in Essen by booking a table at Hannappel. This popular restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of modern and classic cuisine. For another culinary dining option, venture to Schote, celebrated for its delectable modern menu. This acclaimed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, ensuring an essential addition to your holiday itinerary. Seeking an alternative? Discover Kettner's Kamota, a top local restaurant known for its tantalizing austrian and french contemporary menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it promises an exceptional dining experience not to be missed.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Südrock Rock Pub, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Gentlem is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Diamond Cocktail Lounge also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Relax and reminisce about your day in Germany and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 5 of your road trip in Germany. Today, you will make 3 stops and experience some of the highlights of Essen, Gelsenkirchen, and Muenster. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Hamburg, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Essen is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a museum, a park, and a public square. Begin your sightseeing adventure at the well-known Unesco-welterbe Zollverein and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Red Dot Design Museum, an instagrammable museum that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Nordstern Park, one of the city’s most up-and-coming spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the worthwhile Schlossplatz.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Hamburg. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Hamburg's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in Hamburg by reserving a table at The Table Kevin Fehling. Renowned as a 3-star Michelin restaurant, it offers an exceptional creative and international menu. For a different taste experience, head to Haerlin, recognized for its delicious creative french and classic dishes. This 2-star Michelin restaurant consistently impresses guests, ensuring a memorable addition to your holiday. Looking for another option? Make sure to visit 100/200 Kitchen, a local favorite known for its delightful creative and modern cuisine in Hamburg. Nestled in the heart of the city, this restaurant with 2 Michelin star is an ideal choice for discerning creative and modern foodies seeking culinary excellence.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at The Boilerman Bar Hafenamt, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Scandic Hamburg Emporio. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Heritage Hamburg Rooftop Bar, another top-rated place in the area.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Germany!

On day 6 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Hamburg. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Hanover, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Hamburg, featuring family-friendly attractions, photo-friendly spots, and romantic experiences. Start at Miniatur Wunderland, an astonishing museum in the city. Then, head to Elbe Philharmonic Hall and soak in the ambiance of this enchanting concert hall.

There are many interesting places to see in Hamburg, and when you are ready for more, go to Elbe Tunnel. This is one of the city’s most notable culturally significant spots of interest. After exploring the historical landmark, visit the well-known Planten Un Blomen.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Hanover, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

As you explore more of Hanover, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

Begin your culinary exploration in Hanover by securing a reservation at Handwerk. This renowned restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of modern and creative cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Jante, celebrated for its delectable creative and modern menu. This acclaimed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover Votum, a top local spot known for its tantalizing creative and modern menu. With a 2-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Altstadt-treff after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to My Way Cocktailbar, another bar with an inviting ambiance.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Germany!