Luxury One-Week Relaxed Germany Road Trip Vacation from Cologne to Hamburg

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 12,654 visitors have rated this fascinating best-rated sightseeing destination 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 Cologne Zoological Garden. This incredible zoo has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 29,743 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Germany by seeing another popular site in Cologne, the wonderful Media Park Köln mbH. This must-see tourist destination is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 29,743 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 68,667 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 36,145 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, 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 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 Hanover. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Hamburg, 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 Herrenhausen Gardens is waiting for you. This park has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 15,891 visitors.

The next stop on your road trip vacation is Markthalle Hannover. This unique must-see tourist destination is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 8,854 visitors.

Don’t forget to make a stop at the incredible Hanover Zoo. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 26,506 visitors, this zoo is one of the top sights to visit in the area.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Hanover 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 Hamburg. In Hamburg, 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 1,416 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing estancia steaks.

Locals also recommend Hanoi Deli Rathaus as one of the top restaurants in the area. So if you’re feeling hungry, don’t forget to check out the menu at Hanoi Deli Rathaus as well. This local-favorite restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,380 customers.

If you feel like having something else, you could also book a table at Brücke 10. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,069 customers.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like Le Lion • Bar de Paris. Le Lion • Bar de Paris is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,224 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

Another lively bar worth checking out tonight is The Chug Club. This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations. The average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 734 customers gives you an idea of what to expect from this bar.

Alternatively, head to Skyline Bar 20up. This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night. Skyline Bar 20up is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,995 customers.

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

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

Upon arriving in Hamburg, you can check in at the accommodation of your choice for a quick break. This 4-star hotel has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars from 10,801 former guests.

You’ll enjoy restful days and nights at the 5-star HYPERION Hotel Hamburg. With an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 12,777 guests, HYPERION Hotel Hamburg is the best luxury hotel option we recommend while in the city.

The 3-star Prizeotel Hamburg St Pauli offers comfort at an affordable price, perfect for practical travelers. Prizeotel Hamburg St Pauli is a top-rated budget hotel in Hamburg with an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars from 14,737 guests.

These recommendations are among the most popular places to stay in Hamburg. 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 Hamburg, 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 Elbe Philharmonic Hall. This concert hall and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in Hamburg. The fascinating Elbe Philharmonic Hall has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 76,719 travelers.

Hamburg is also home to the captivating Miniatur Wunderland, a local museum and another popular attraction in the city. About 86,083 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.8 out of 5 stars.

The extraordinary Hamburg Dungeon 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 12,471 travelers, Hamburg Dungeon proves to be one of the top sights in the area.

You’ll enjoy the time you’ll spend at the incredible Hamburger Kunsthalle. A trip to this wonderful site will inspire you. Visitors have rated their experience at this amazing art museum and attraction an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 9,587 reviews.

When you’re in the mood to experience something amazing, we recommend you visit the fantastic Stadtpark. Every year, travelers gather around this fascinating must-see tourist destination and sightseeing spot to appreciate its unique features. Around 20,328 visitors have rated the famous Stadtpark an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Tours often allow you to see beyond what books and social media feature about Hamburg, 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 Hamburg, 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 Hamburg is Heimathafen. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 3,912 customers, you really have to try the savory dishes of this excellent restaurant.

Locals love Schifferbörse Restaurant for its delicious meals, and we recommend you visit the restaurant at least once during your stay in Hamburg. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,559 customers.

Another alternative is Caramba Especial. This restaurant serves a variety of comforting food and drinks and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,219 customers.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Hamburg. At Das Feuerschiff LV 13, you can enjoy a mix of fun and relaxation. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,935 customers.

Alternatively, unwind and relive your best memories of this day of your relaxed road trip at NAGEL Restaurant und Kneipe, another popular bar in the city. Customers have rated this fantastic bar an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 2,360 reviews.

THE MADISON Hotel Hamburg is also one of the best places in Hamburg where you can let loose and enjoy some celebratory drinks. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,785 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 Hamburg 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 Hamburg, 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 Loki Schmidt Garden Botanical of University Hamburg. This incredible park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,876 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Germany by seeing another popular site in Hamburg, the wonderful St. Pauli Piers. This best-rated sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,876 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Elbe Tunnel. This road tunnel has received an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 34,402 visitors.

Another stop you might want to add to your self-drive itinerary is the remarkable Panoptikum. This museum is sought after by many travelers from around the world. The popular attraction has received 4.3 out of 5 stars from 10,781 visitors.

If you want to discover more, consider stopping by the famous St. Michael's Church. This amazing site is a wonderful church with more than 19,893 wanderlust-filled travelers rating it an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

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 Hamburg 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 Hamburg. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Fischereihafen Restaurant. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,177 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Schönes Leben Speicherstadt, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Schönes Leben Speicherstadt is rated 4.3 stars out of 5 by 2,728 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,759 food lovers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Hamburg 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 Brooklyn Burger Bar. This vibrant bar is rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,481 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular Irish Pub in the Fleetenkieker. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,537 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is Krameramtsstuben. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. Krameramtsstuben has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,192 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 comfortable self-drive tour across Germany gives you another chance to explore the magnificent city of Hamburg and visit more of its attractions.

Hamburg 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 CHOCOVERSUM by HACHEZ - Hamburgs Schokoladenmuseum, one of the top attractions in the city. In fact, the incredible CHOCOVERSUM by HACHEZ - Hamburgs Schokoladenmuseum has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 11,044 visitors.

You could also spend some time relaxing at the amazing St. Nikolai Memorial. This city feature got an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from its 8,998 guests.

Another place of interest in the city of Hamburg is the notable Planten un Blomen. The popular Planten un Blomen is a highlight of many travel packages in Hamburg. As a matter of fact, this remarkable park has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from around 21,777 travelers.

Aside from the above-mentioned attractions in Hamburg, you also have the opportunity to stop by the marvelous Tierpark Hagenbeck. Take your time exploring this wonderful zoo and one of the city’s most notable places. This magnificent site has a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 from 37,313 visitors.

Get a more in-depth understanding of Hamburg 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 Hamburg.

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 Hamburg, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations below and treat yourself to a nice meal.

NOM vietnamese fusion food is one of the top restaurants in the city. This Hamburg-based food place has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,783 guests.

After your meal, consider getting a drink at one of the top bars in Hamburg, Tower Bar. This bar enjoys an average rating of 4.3 over 5 stars given by 1,413 customers.

Another drinking place in the city we recommend you try out is Thämer's. Check out its selection of liquors, and learn why it has been rated 4.4 over 5 stars by 1,245 customers.

If you prefer another place to unwind, Meyer Lansky's may be a more excellent choice for you. This bar offers a variety of drinks you can choose from. Around 1,110 customers have rated it an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Toast to an amazing time in Hamburg and end day 6 of your slow-paced and relaxed road trip in Germany on a great note!

Day 7 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 Nordkirchen. 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 Schloss Nordkirchen is waiting for you. This palace has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 9,447 visitors.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Nordkirchen 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 Gelsenkirchen is an excellent idea.

A popular restaurant we recommend you try is Hommage Café, one of the best restaurants in Gelsenkirchen. With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,630 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing Hommage Café.

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 Max Stark. Max Stark is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,193 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

Another lively bar worth checking out tonight is Limani. This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations. The average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,819 customers gives you an idea of what to expect from this bar.

Alternatively, head to Bangkok Thai Restaurant. This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night. Bangkok Thai Restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,296 customers.

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

Day 8 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.

Rheinpark is an extraordinary attraction that is perfect for your last day in Cologne. This top sight is a popular park, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,259 visitors.

Unwind and look back at the past 8 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 8-day relaxed road trip in Germany is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.