One-Week Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Dortmund to Cologne and Frankfurt

On day 2 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Dortmund. You’ll stay in Dortmund for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Today, you'll explore some of the most beautiful places in Dortmund, including a museum, an art installation, and a park. Start your day with a visit to German Football Museum. This frequently visited museum is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Museum Ostwall, which may be one of the most visually striking places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Dortmund 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 Dortmund U-tower, an increasingly popular art installation in the city. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Westfalenpark.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Germany is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

Bring home unique finds from Dortmund's bustling shopping hub, Dortmund Indoor Market Hall. Enjoy a leisurely exploration of unique stores where locals shop. Don’t forget to browse souvenirs and local specialties that make perfect gifts for your loved ones. Beyond shopping, Dortmund Indoor Market Hall offers plenty of options, including primary services, unique landmarks, and community events.

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

Enjoy a delicious meal at Strobels Dortmund, a highly-rated dining destination in Dortmund. If you're eager to try something different, consider Cafe Extrablatt Dortmund, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Lord. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Dortmund this evening.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Gaststätte Lütge-eck after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Germany!

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 1 vibrant destinations - Cologne. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Cologne. You will spend 2 nights here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Today's adventure in Dortmund promises more breathtaking discoveries and enriching experiences! Begin at Cologne Cathedral. This historic church is a highlight of any visit in the city. Then, enjoy Museum Ludwig, another visually striking attraction that never fails to captivate visitors. Next, head over to Rhine Garden Sculpture, one of the city’s most intriguing attractions, known for its noteworthy features.

If you’re looking for more, spend time soaking in the atmosphere of Old Market. This visually striking public square is frequented by locals and tourists alike. To complete your memorable day, make sure to take a stroll around the area.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Cologne. Cologne 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 Cologne. 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.

Don’t miss out on dining at SAVOY Hotel, a top-rated dining destination in Cologne. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Radisson Blu Hotel, Cologne, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Café Reichard. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Cologne this evening.

Cap off your dinner by heading to The Grid Bar, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Toddy Tapper is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Legends Bar & Terrasse is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

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

Day 4 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Cologne has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Cologne by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

Cologne is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a museum, a monument, and a zoo. Begin your sightseeing adventure at the beloved Deutsches Sport & Olympia Museum and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Lindt Chocolate Museum, a picture-perfect museum that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Malakoffturm, one of the city’s most worthwhile spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the locally renowned Cologne Zoological Garden.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Germany is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Cologne. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Mongo's Restaurant Köln, a top-rated dining destination in Cologne. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Vietnamski restorant "Kuchi Mami", another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at RheinZeit. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Cologne this evening.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Soul Bar Cologne. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater, another top-rated bar in the area.

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

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you will explore Frankfurt, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Frankfurt. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.

Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Iron Footbridge, a visually striking monument that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Römerberg, one of the city’s most interesting spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the locally appreciated Caricatura - Museum For Comic Art. When you're finished at the museum, Frankfurt Cathedral awaits your visit. This church is a picture-perfect highlight on today's itinerary.

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.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Frankfurt. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Berliner Keller Frankfurt, a popular restaurant in Frankfurt. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Frankfurt at Im Herzen Afrikas, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated 25hours Hotel Frankfurt The Trip. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Frankfurt tonight.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Gute Stute, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Flemings Hotel Frankfurt-central (former Flemings Express Frankfurt) offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Frankfurt. Gleis 25 is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 7 of your road trip in Germany. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Würzburg. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Dortmund, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Frankfurt. Some of the city’s most loved attractions await! Marienberg Fortress is the perfect place to start. This castle is one of the most captivating places to visit in Frankfurt. Next, head to Old Main Bridge, a locally renowned historical landmark, known for its visually striking features.

In between the sights, don’t hesitate to take small detours to explore local stores and eateries. When you’re ready to continue your adventure, head to Four Tubes Fountain. This noteworthy monument is a highly recommended experience. Nearby, you'll also find Würzburg Residence. Visit these for an interesting touch to your journey.

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

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Dortmund. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Café Brasserie Lotte, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? ALEX Dortmund offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Kara's Restaurant - Dortmund. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Dortmund.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Germany!