6-Day Germany Road Trip from Cologne traveling west to Düsseldorf, and Essen

Welcome to Cologne, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Germany! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 2 nights immersing yourself in Cologne's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Cologne is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Find your way to your hotel in Cologne. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Germany. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

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 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 satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Cologne this evening.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at The Grid Bar, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Toddy Tapper provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Legends Bar & Terrasse offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Raise a toast to the start of your 6-day road trip in Germany!

Day 2 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.

Journey into the unknown at Cologne Zoological Garden, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable zoo has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 30,676 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Cologne Cathedral is a recommended place to visit. This catholic cathedral is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 70,814 reviews. Based on recent data, the attraction hosts 5,000,000 visitors per year.

Another must-see attraction in Cologne is Old Market. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 12,935 travelers, this popular tourist destination in Cologne offers an experience you will remember.

Lindt Chocolate Museum is another popular stop on travelers' itineraries in Cologne. This museum promises memorable moments of exploring. Other travelers have rated this attraction 4.3 out of 5 stars in 37,446 reviews.

There are plenty of experiences you can choose from in Germany that will add excitement to your vacation. When you’re keen to discover what else Cologne has in store for you, use this day to go on a tour. Scroll down and select tours and activities to include on your itinerary for the day.

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.

Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in Cologne by booking a table at Le Moissonnier Bistro. This popular restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of french, and seafood cuisine. For another culinary dining option, venture to Ox & Klee, celebrated for its delectable modern, and creative menu. This acclaimed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, ensuring an essential addition to your holiday itinerary. Seeking an alternative? Discover La Cuisine Rademacher, a top local restaurant known for its tantalizing modern french menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it promises an exceptional dining experience not to be missed.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Soul Bar Cologne is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

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

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you will explore Aachen, 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 Düsseldorf. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Aachen, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Cologne to Aachen may take around 1 hour 3 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Aachen, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Aachener Tierpark Euregiozoo. This extraordinary zoo has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,979 visitors.

Next, make your way to Aachen Cathedral. This imperial cathedral is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 15,481 reviews.

While in Aachen, we also recommend a visit to Elisenbrunnen. This drinking fountain has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 8,684 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Marktplatz Am Rathaus. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,596 travelers, this sightseeing destination is a highly recommended stop on your sightseeing around Aachen.

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

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

Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in Düsseldorf by reserving a table at Pink Pepper. Renowned as a 1-star Michelin restaurant, it offers an exceptional modern menu. For a different taste experience, head to Yoshi by Nagaya, recognized for its delicious japanese, and sushi dishes. This 1-star Michelin restaurant consistently impresses guests, ensuring a memorable addition to your holiday. Looking for another option? Make sure to visit Le Flair, a local favorite known for its delightful french, and contemporary cuisine in Düsseldorf. Nestled in the heart of the city, this restaurant with 1 Michelin star is an ideal choice for discerning french, and contemporary foodies seeking culinary excellence.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Engelchen, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Bar Cherie offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Düsseldorf. Auberge Rock Pub is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Germany.

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 4 of your road trip in Germany. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Düsseldorf. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Essen, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

When you're ready to see some sights, Burgplatz is a great place to start. This square is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,559 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Rheinpromenade. This park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 5,033 travelers.

We also recommend a stop at Rheinturm. The communication tower has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 13,916 visitors.

If you're keen to explore more, consider visiting Hofgarten. This english garden is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 6,488 reviews.

Wildpark Im Grafenberger Wald is another easily accessible place to visit on this day of your trip. Stop by this zoo, rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in 5,678 reviews, to discover more of what makes it unique.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Essen. Essen offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

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

Experience a harmony of flavors at Hannappel in Essen by securing a reservation in advance. Known for its 1-star Michelin status, Hannappel offers a delightful variety of dishes highlighting its delicious modern, and classic menu. If you're seeking an alternative culinary experience, be sure to explore Schote, a highly recommended restaurant known for its enticing modern cuisine. This popular 1-star Michelin-awarded venue consistently exceeds expectations, ensuring a memorable holiday experience.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Südrock Rock Pub, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Gentlem offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Diamond Cocktail Lounge provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Germany!

On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Duisburg. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Cologne, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Duisburg. This car ride takes around 27 min.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord, a remarkable park where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 27,144 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Duisburg Zoo. This zoo has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 21,434 travelers.

Duisburg Inner Harbour is another must-visit attraction. This renowned inland port offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 5,519 travelers, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

Beyond the above-mentioned sites, you also have the opportunity to visit Tiger & Turtle. This well-loved point of interest boasts a 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 7,871 reviews.

When there’s still energy left for exploring, Sechs-seen-platte awaits. If you’ve been interested in experiencing a group of lakes, this is a top pick rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,119 previous visitors.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Cologne, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

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.

Make sure to book a table at Limani, a popular restaurant in Cologne. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Cologne at Funkhaus Cafe-Bar-Restaurant, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is The hanging gardens of Ehrenfeld. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Cologne tonight.

Keep the evening going at Suderman, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink.

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

Day 6 of your road trip in Germany is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Cologne before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

Maximize your last day in Germany and go on a shopping spree in Cologne’s shopping center. Browse for souvenirs to remind you of your wonderful journey in Germany.

Before you conclude your road trip in Germany, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Cologne.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Cafe Riese Köln, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Bangkok Thai Restaurant? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu.

You’ll then say farewell to Cologne. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Germany!