9-Day Germany Road Trip from Cologne traveling west to Aachen, Koblenz, and Dusseldorf

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

Cologne has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Old Market. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 10,413 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 Cologne, Craftbeer Corner Coeln. The restaurant 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 is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 625 customers.

Locals recommend Gaffel am Dom I Kölsches Brauhaus und Wirtshaus I Brauhaus Köln as one of the best restaurants in the city of Cologne. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 6,484 customers.

Cologne also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Cologne is Toddy Tapper. This bar has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 590 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Cologne is ONA MOR Bar. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 548 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 9-day vacation in Germany!

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 2 of your epic road trip in Germany, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Cologne. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Aachen. You’ll stay in Aachen for 3 nights. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Cologne’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Cologne, start your day with a visit to the amazing Cologne Cathedral. This much-appreciated catholic cathedral and attraction is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 57,506 visitors. Each year, around 5,000,000 visit this remarkable site to admire its unique features.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Rheinpark. This park and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 5,438 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Cologne Chocolate Museum to make the most of your road trip across Germany. The spectacular Cologne Chocolate Museum is a museum that has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 28,752 visitors.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Cologne has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Aachen. Aachen 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 MAMA & PAPA TAI. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 1,247 reviews.

The remarkable Polonia Aachen is another top restaurant in Aachen we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 870 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Guinness House is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,020 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Aachen, the fantastic Café & Bar zuhause. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,017 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Grotesque Absinthe Bar Aachen. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 551 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Domkeller. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,065 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Germany!

On day 3 of your road trip across Germany, you’ll have the perfect day exploring the wonderful city of Aachen. You’ll stay in Aachen for 2 nights, meaning you have plenty of time to discover the best things to see and do in the area.

We recommend you stay at the Art Superior, one of the best 4-star hotels in the city of Aachen. This hotel has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 3,362 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 Aachen, like the outstanding Aachen Cathedral. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 13,415 visitors.

Elisenbrunnen is another popular attraction you could visit in the city of Aachen. This incredible attraction is a drinking fountain and has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 6,903 visitors.

Come to Aachen 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 Aachen.

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

We recommend you eat at a delicious restaurant that locals enjoy, like Karl's Wirtshaus, after your day of exploring the city of Aachen. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,054 customers.

Zum goldenen Einhorn is another of the best restaurants in the city of Aachen. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 703 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Aachen is Curry-Palast. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 801 customers.

Locals recommend Guinness House, one of the best bars in the city of Aachen, for a refreshing evening drink to finish your day. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,020 customers.

Alternatively, you could choose another of the most popular bars in the city of Aachen, Egmont. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 682 customers.

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

Day 4 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Aachen has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Aachen 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 Aachen. 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 city of Aachen, like the extraordinary Katschhof. This attraction is a square and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 905 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Aachen is the spectacular Centre Charlemagne. This attraction is a local museum and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 578 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing Marktplatz am Rathaus. This best-rated sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,534 visitors.

Ponttor is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This city gate is a popular destination among visitors in Aachen. Rated at an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,213 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit.

Your discovery of Aachen does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Aachen 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 Restaurant Verano, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Aachen. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 725 customers.

Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Aachen is the popular Kanpai Sushi. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 705 customers.

Another great restaurant we recommend in the city of Aachen is Egmont. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 682 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, essBar - Aachen is one of the best bars in the city of Aachen for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 577 customers.

Last Exit is another of the most popular bars in the city of Aachen. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 477 customers.

Alternatively, a great bar that locals enjoy in the city of Aachen is DRY Bar. DRY Bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 367 customers.

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

Day 5 of your road trip through Germany gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You will stay in Koblenz for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Mainz is the amazing Nürburgring. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination that is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 34,347 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible city gate, Porta Nigra. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 27,229 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Mainz is the outstanding Trier Amphitheater. This popular best-rated sightseeing destination and travel destination has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,763 visitors.

The spectacular Eltz Castle is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating castle and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 20,431 visitors.

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 Koblenz, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Altes Brauhaus, one of the best restaurants in the city of Koblenz. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,349 customers.

Locals also recommend Stattstrand Koblenz as one of the best restaurants in the city of Koblenz. Stattstrand Koblenz is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,222 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Koblenz is Irish Pub Koblenz. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,130 customers.

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

Rise and shine on day 6 of your road trip in Germany. Today, you'll wake up in Koblenz and embark on a scenic drive to Düsseldorf, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 2 nights. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Koblenz and Rhineland-Palatinate before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Koblenz. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Deutsches Eck. This attraction is a headland that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 28,757 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. This attraction, a beloved fortress, has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 15,149 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Koblenz is the stunning Schloss Koblenz. This best-rated sightseeing destination and travel destination has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,753 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Deutsches Eck. This attraction is a headland that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 28,757 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Stolzenfels Castle. This château and attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,738 reviews.

Another site you could visit today is the top-rated Marksburg. This rocca and travel destination is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,968 visitors.

The lovely Ehrenbreitstein Fortress is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 15,149 visitors have left this fortress an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

When you're done with your sightseeing in Rhineland-Palatinate, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Düsseldorf. When you arrive in Düsseldorf you’ll check in at one of the best hotels in the area.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Takumi. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 5,216 customers.

Locals also recommend BLOCK HOUSE Düsseldorf, another of the best restaurants in Düsseldorf. BLOCK HOUSE Düsseldorf is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,673 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at The Irish Pub Bei Fatty - Fatty's. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,604 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Sutton's Irish Pub to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Düsseldorf, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 950 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Engel Rockbar. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Engel Rockbar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 810 customers.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Germany, and look forward to more great days to come!

On day 7 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Düsseldorf, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. You still have 1 night left in Düsseldorf.

Today you'll explore the city of Duisburg. One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Rheinturm. This incredible attraction is a communication tower and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 11,294 visitors.

Schloss Benrath is another popular attraction you'll visit in the city of Duisburg. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 10,150 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Duisburg is Hofgarten. This amazing attraction is an english garden and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,642 visitors.

To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in Germany to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Düsseldorf.

We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Düsseldorf, like Sutton's Irish Pub. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 950 customers.

Seoul Restaurant is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Düsseldorf. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 771 customers.

Locals enjoy Lezzet, one of the most popular restaurants in the city of Düsseldorf. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 749 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Düsseldorf, Barco Lounge Bar. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 728 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like Et Kabuffke Killepitsch Stube. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 567 customers.

Auberge Rock Pub is another of the best bars in the city of Düsseldorf. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 517 customers.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Germany!

Rise and shine on day 8 of your road trip in Germany. Today, you'll wake up in Dusseldorf and embark on a scenic drive to Cologne, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Dusseldorf and Essen before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Dusseldorf. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Rheinturm. This attraction is a communication tower that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 11,294 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Schloss Benrath. This attraction, a beloved park, has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 10,150 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Dusseldorf is the stunning Hofgarten. This english garden and travel destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,642 visitors.

Wave goodbye to Essen and continue your journey by car. If you want to break up today’s drive into two, take the opportunity to stop and discover what the city of Essen has to offer.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Stadtgarten. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,412 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Museum Folkwang. This art museum and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,116 reviews. This site welcomes approximately 800,000 yearly visitors.

Another site you could visit today is the top-rated Shaft XII. This must-see tourist destination and travel destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,986 visitors.

The lovely UNESCO-Welterbe Zollverein is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 17,439 visitors have left this museum an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

When you're done with your sightseeing in Essen, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Cologne. When you arrive in Cologne you’ll check in at one of the best hotels in the area.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Gilden im Zims. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 5,823 customers.

Locals also recommend Gaststätte Lommerzheim, another of the best restaurants in Cologne. Gaststätte Lommerzheim is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,487 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Jameson Pub Cologne. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,308 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Gaffel am Dom I Kölsches Brauhaus und Wirtshaus I Brauhaus Köln to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Cologne, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 6,484 customers.

This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Germany, and look forward to more great days to come!

Day 9 of your road trip in Germany is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Cologne 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.

Rhine Garden Sculpture is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Cologne. This fountain and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,141 visitors.

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

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Cologne at Servus Colonia Alpina before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,757 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend The Little Steakhouse for your last chance at a meal in the city of Cologne. The The Little Steakhouse restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,631 customers.

If you'd prefer a popular restaurant that locals enjoy, try Max Stark. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,193 customers.

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