One-Week Germany Road Trip from Dortmund traveling west to Essen, Aachen, and Cologne

Your road trip adventure in Germany begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Dortmund. You’ll stay in Dortmund for 2 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Dortmund has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Hörde. This attraction is an ortsteil and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 693 visitors.

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. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Dortmund, Restaurant Namu. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 892 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Dortmund is 60 Seconds to Napoli. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,208 customers.

Locals recommend Zum Alten Markt as one of the best restaurants in the city of Dortmund. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,074 customers.

Dortmund also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Dortmund is Steakhouse Rodizio. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,082 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Dortmund is The ASH Dortmund. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,283 customers.

Locals also enjoy Strobels Dortmund. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,913 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 8-day vacation in Germany!

Day 2 of your road trip through Germany gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Dortmund and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Essen. You will stay in Essen for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Dortmund is the amazing German Football Museum. This attraction is a sport museum that is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,266 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible top-tier point of interest, Rombergpark Botanical Garden. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,382 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Dortmund is the outstanding Dortmund Zoo. This popular zoo and travel destination has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 15,297 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Dortmund by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Germany. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Essen, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try sattgrün theaterpassage, one of the best restaurants in the city of Essen. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,011 customers.

Locals also recommend Restaurant Artemis as one of the best restaurants in the city of Essen. Restaurant Artemis is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,233 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Essen is BLOCK HOUSE Essen. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,330 customers.

After dinner, visit Fritzpatrick's Irish Pub, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Essen. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,779 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like HANS IM GLÜCK - ESSEN Rüttenscheid. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,619 customers.

Alternatively, Restaurant Hülsmannshof is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Essen. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,570 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Germany!

Day 3 of your road trip through Germany is your chance to discover two places in one day, the city of Essen and the city of Duisburg. Get ready to experience some of the most famous attractions in the area!

One of the best places to visit in the city of Essen is the amazing UNESCO-Welterbe Zollverein. This attraction is a museum and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 20,630 visitors.

You could also go sightseeing at the incredible Shaft XII. This top-tier point of interest and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,299 visitors.

Joining a top-rated tour in Essen is another excellent way to spend your new day in Germany. The best tours in this travel destination will take you on an exploration to some of Germany’s most well-known attractions and best-kept secrets.

With this tour, you’ll set out on a journey to Germany’s most interesting sights. As you go along this remarkable tour, you’ll also have the unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of Germany’s scenic spots.

You could then travel to the amazing Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord in the city of Duisburg for some sightseeing. This popular attraction is a park and has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 26,545 visitors.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the city of Duisburg is the outstanding Duisburg Zoo. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 20,891 visitors, this zoo deserves a spot on travelers' bucket lists.

You’ll also have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Aachen.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Frittenwerk Aachen, one of the best restaurants in the city of Aachen. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,170 customers.

Locals also recommend ALEX Aachen as one of the best restaurants in the city of Aachen. ALEX Aachen is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,586 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Aachen is Café Middelberg. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,480 customers.

After dinner, visit Grotesque Absinthe Bar Aachen, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Aachen. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 551 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Domkeller. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,065 customers.

Alternatively, Guinness House is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Aachen. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,020 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Germany!

Day 4 of your road trip will take you to the city of Aachen and the city of Brühl. You’ll stay in Cologne for 3 nights.

One of the best places to explore in the city of Aachen today is Aachen Cathedral. This excellent attraction is an imperial cathedral that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 14,948 visitors.

We also recommend you visit the amazing Elisenbrunnen, an outstanding drinking fountain, in the city of Aachen. Around 8,497 travelers rated this attraction with 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Aachen is Carolus Thermen. This amazing attraction is a spa and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,195 visitors.

To experience the local culture, see more of Germany, and meet new people at the same time, we highly recommend you go on a tour. You’ll find many top-rated and popular tours in the city, offering unique experiences that will inspire you. On this tour, you can go on an epic adventure to some of the best places to visit in Germany. You also get to admire popular places of interest.

You could then travel to Brühl Castle for some unforgettable sightseeing experience in the city of Brühl. This popular attraction is a museum and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,297 visitors.

This outstanding amusement park has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 87,903 travelers.

You’ll have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Cologne.

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Cologne, Bei Oma Kleinmann. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,597 customers.

Locals recommend Craftbeer Corner Coeln as one of the best restaurants in the city of Cologne. Craftbeer Corner Coeln is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,165 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Cologne is Gruber's. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 625 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the top bars in the city of Cologne, Toddy Tapper. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 590 customers.

You could also relax with a drink at a popular bar like Gaffel am Dom I Kölsches Brauhaus und Wirtshaus I Brauhaus Köln. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 6,484 customers.

Gilden im Zims is a popular bar that locals recommend in the city of Cologne. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 5,823 customers.

Be sure to celebrate another day of your incredible road trip adventure through Germany with a toast!

Day 5 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Nürburg has to offer. Cherish the 2 nights you have left in Nürburg by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Nürburg. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.

You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations in the village of Nürburg, like the extraordinary Nürburgring. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 34,984 visitors.

This is a popular destination among visitors in Nürburg.

Your discovery of Nürburg does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Nürburg on this day of your trip.

After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Germany, be sure to eat at Mongo's Restaurant Köln, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Cologne. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,294 customers.

Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Cologne is the popular Servus Colonia Alpina. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,757 customers.

Another great restaurant we recommend in the city of Cologne is The Little Steakhouse. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,631 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, Gaststätte Lommerzheim is one of the best bars in the city of Cologne for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,487 customers.

Funkhaus Cafe-Bar-Restaurant is another of the most popular bars in the city of Cologne. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,282 customers.

Alternatively, a great bar that locals enjoy in the city of Cologne is Jameson Pub Cologne. Jameson Pub Cologne has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,308 customers.

Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Cologne!

On day 6 of your road trip across Germany, you’ll have the perfect day exploring the wonderful city of Cologne. You’ll stay in Cologne for 1 night, meaning you have plenty of time to discover the best things to see and do in the area.

We recommend you stay at the Ruby Ella Hotel & Bar, one of the best 4-star hotels in the city of Cologne. This hotel has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 6,360 guests.

The best luxury hotel option in the city of Cologne is the 5-star Hyatt Regency Cologne. The hotel is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 5,447 guests.

One of the best hotels we recommend in the city of Cologne is the 3-star Motel One Köln-Neumarkt. This 3-star hotel has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 7,493 guests.

Our flexible booking system will automatically provide you with the best alternatives if these hotels are not available.

You'll have easy access to popular travel destinations in the city of Cologne, like the outstanding Cologne Zoological Garden. This attraction has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 29,743 visitors.

Cologne Cathedral is another popular attraction you could visit in the city of Cologne. This incredible attraction is a catholic cathedral and has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 68,667 visitors. Up to 5,000,000 travelers visit this fantastic attraction every year.

One of the best attractions you could visit in the city of Cologne is the extraordinary Old Market. This best-rated sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 12,654 reviews.

As the day moves along, one attraction you’ll probably want to visit is the incredible Cologne Chocolate Museum. Around 36,145 visitors have given this museum an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Come to Cologne prepared by adding some tours and tickets to your vacation package. Book a popular and budget-friendly activity you can do on this day in Cologne.

After a day of exploring, try one of the best restaurants in the city of Cologne.

We recommend you eat at a delicious restaurant that locals enjoy, like Hommage Café, after your day of exploring the city of Cologne. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,630 customers.

Locals recommend Max Stark, one of the best bars in the city of Cologne, for a refreshing evening drink to finish your day. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,193 customers.

Alternatively, you could choose another of the most popular bars in the city of Cologne, Limani. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,819 customers.

Bangkok Thai Restaurant is also one of the best bars in the city of Cologne. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,296 customers.

It's a perfect place to relax and enjoy another amazing evening in Germany.

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 7 of your epic road trip in Germany, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Königswinter. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Dortmund. You’ll stay in Dortmund for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Königswinter’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Königswinter, start your day with a visit to the amazing Schloss Drachenburg. This much-appreciated château and attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 16,991 visitors.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Königswinter has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Dortmund. Dortmund offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Restaurant YUMINI. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 2,893 reviews.

The remarkable FOOD BROTHER is another top restaurant in Dortmund we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,283 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Pfefferkorn Dortmund Hoher Wall is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,934 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Dortmund, the fantastic Wenkers am Markt. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,713 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Tapas & More. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 964 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Uncle Tom's. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 678 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Germany!

Day 8 of your road trip in Germany is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Dortmund before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Westfalenpark is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Dortmund. This park and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 18,013 visitors.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Dortmund and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Germany.

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Dortmund at Atlantico Café before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,477 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend Café Brasserie Lotte for your last chance at a meal in the city of Dortmund. The Café Brasserie Lotte restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,295 customers.

If you'd prefer a popular restaurant that locals enjoy, try KLUBHAUS1249. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,193 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Dortmund. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Germany!