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.

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 frequently visited 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 curiosity-inducing 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.

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

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

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Gaststätte Lütge-eck, known for its lively atmosphere.

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your road trip in Germany. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Cologne. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Cologne, which will be your home away from home for 2 nights.

Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Dortmund today. One of the most astonishing attractions included on the itinerary is Cologne Cathedral. This stunning church will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Museum Ludwig and learn what makes this heritage-rich museum unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the worthwhile Rhine Garden Sculpture. After exploring the park, head to Old Market. This popular public square is a highlight in Dortmund.

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.

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

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

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, The Grid Bar offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Toddy Tapper is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Legends Bar & Terrasse is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences 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.

Get ready to discover some of the most iconic wonders in Cologne, including a museum, a monument, and a zoo. Start your day at Deutsches Sport & Olympia Museum. This respected museum is an intriguing place to see in Cologne. Then, wander over to Lindt Chocolate Museum. If picture-perfect sites excite you, this museum will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Malakoffturm. This picture-perfect monument is a favorite among visitors.

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

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 Cologne's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Mongo's Restaurant Köln, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Vietnamski restorant "Kuchi Mami" offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss RheinZeit. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Cologne.

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.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Germany!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 of your road trip in Germany. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Frankfurt. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Frankfurt. You will spend 2 nights here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Get ready for a day filled with family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and breathtaking views in the charming city of Cologne. Your adventure starts at Städel Museum, a frequently visited local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Iron Footbridge.

After soaking in the highlights of these sights, take some time to wander Cologne's streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. When you're ready to continue your sightseeing adventure, head to Römerberg. This history-steeped public square offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable. Caricatura - Museum For Comic Art is also worth visiting, along with Frankfurt Cathedral. These standout landmarks offer unique experiences that add to the day’s enjoyment.

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.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Berliner Keller Frankfurt, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Im Herzen Afrikas is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at 25hours Hotel Frankfurt The Trip. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Frankfurt tonight.

Keep the evening going at Gute Stute, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Flemings Hotel Frankfurt-central (former Flemings Express Frankfurt), which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Gleis 25, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip 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.

Today's adventure in Frankfurt promises more breathtaking discoveries and enriching experiences! Begin at Marienberg Fortress. This visually striking castle is a highlight of any visit in the city. Then, enjoy Old Main Bridge, another romantic attraction that never fails to captivate visitors. Next, head over to Four Tubes Fountain, one of the city’s most frequently visited attractions, known for its heritage-rich features.

If you’re looking for more, spend time soaking in the atmosphere of Würzburg Residence. This majestic palace is frequented by locals and tourists alike. To complete your memorable day, make sure to take a stroll around the area.

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.

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

Make sure to reserve a table at Café Brasserie Lotte, an iconic dining spot in Dortmund. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of ALEX Dortmund, a popular restaurant in Dortmund. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Kara's Restaurant - Dortmund, a hidden gem nestled in Dortmund. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

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