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

Day 2 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Dortmund for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Discover a day packed with family-friendly attractions, photo-friendly spots, and history-rich sites in Dortmund. Begin your sightseeing with German Football Museum. This up-and-coming museum is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Museum Ostwall, another must-visit attraction.

As you wander through the inviting streets of Dortmund, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Dortmund U-tower. This worthwhile art installation is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Westfalenpark, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary.

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.

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

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Strobels Dortmund, a top-rated dining spot in Dortmund. If you're in the mood for something new, try Cafe Extrablatt Dortmund, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Lord. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Dortmund.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Gaststätte Lütge-eck is an excellent place to start.

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

On day 3 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 Cologne. In the evening, you’ll end up in Cologne, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Today, you'll explore some of the most beautiful places in Dortmund, including a church, a museum, a park, a public square and much more! Start your day with a visit to Cologne Cathedral. This famous church is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Museum Ludwig, which may be one of the most eye-catching 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 Rhine Garden Sculpture, a curiosity-inducing park in the city. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Old Market.

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

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.

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

Round off your dining experience by visiting The Grid Bar, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Toddy Tapper, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Legends Bar & Terrasse likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

Say good night to Cologne and look forward to another great day of your road trip 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.

Today’s route brings family-friendly attractions, photo-friendly spots, and historic treasures. The first attraction of today is Deutsches Sport & Olympia Museum. This up-and-coming museum is an eye-catching place to see in Cologne. Continue your discovery at Lindt Chocolate Museum, an eye-catching museum with stories to tell.

As you stroll around Cologne, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this city so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Malakoffturm. This worthwhile monument offers a standout encounter with Cologne. Next, make your way to Cologne Zoological Garden to add another highlight to your day. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Cologne.

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 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.

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

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Soul Bar Cologne, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Say good night to Cologne and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Germany!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 5 of your road trip in Germany. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Frankfurt. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Frankfurt, which will be your home away from home for 2 nights.

Set out on a day brimming with family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and scenic views. Next, go to Iron Footbridge.

After visiting Städel Museum and Iron Footbridge, have a stroll along Cologne's streets and take in the local charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Römerberg. This culturally significant public square offers a unique experience. Caricatura - Museum For Comic Art is another noteworthy attraction worthwhile a visit. End your self-guided sightseeing tour on top with a visit to Frankfurt Cathedral, one of the most picture-perfect places to visit in Cologne.

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

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 delicious meal at Berliner Keller Frankfurt, a top-rated dining destination in Frankfurt. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Im Herzen Afrikas, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at 25hours Hotel Frankfurt The Trip. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Frankfurt this evening.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Gute Stute after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Flemings Hotel Frankfurt-central (former Flemings Express Frankfurt), another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Gleis 25 also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

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

On day 7 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Würzburg. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Dortmund, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Get ready to discover some of the most iconic wonders in Frankfurt, including a castle, a historical landmark, a monument, a palace and much more! Start your day at Marienberg Fortress. This enchanting castle is a popular place to see in Frankfurt. Then, wander over to Old Main Bridge. If enchanting sites excite you, this historical landmark will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Four Tubes Fountain. This respected monument is a favorite among visitors.

Frankfurt offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, Würzburg Residence is an increasingly popular spot in the city that will captivate you with its unique charm.

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

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 wonderful meal at Café Brasserie Lotte, a top-rated dining spot in Dortmund. If you're in the mood for something new, try ALEX Dortmund, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Kara's Restaurant - Dortmund. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Dortmund.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Germany!