Affordable 7-Day Relaxed Germany Road Trip Vacation from Dortmund to Cologne

Your slow-paced and relaxed road trip through Germany begins when you reach Dortmund, where you’ll stay for a total of 3 nights.

Dortmund is an outstanding hub for culture, comfort, and exploration. The city offers travelers plenty of experiences to look forward to, including the magnificent Hörde. Around 693 visitors have rated this fascinating ortsteil and travel destination an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

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. Take your pick and make it your home during your leisurely tour of the city.

Exploring the food culture in Dortmund offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

An excellent example is Restaurant Namu. This restaurant offers a menu of comforting meals and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 892 customers.

60 Seconds to Napoli serves great food and is a favorite among hungry travelers and locals. This popular restaurant in Dortmund has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,208 reviews.

Zum Alten Markt is another one of the city’s best restaurants. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 4,074 customers, Zum Alten Markt is sure to provide you with an unforgettable dining experience.

If you’re curious about what Dortmund looks like at night, a trip to some of the best bars near your accommodation is what you need next. Experience the local nightlife at Steakhouse Rodizio, our top recommendation in the city. Customers have rated this bar an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 3,082 reviews.

The ASH Dortmund offers a variety of refreshing drinks and is one of the best places to relax in Dortmund. This well-known city bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,283 customers.

Locals like unwinding at Strobels Dortmund. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,913 customers and is a perfect place for socializing.

Free your mind of worries and enjoy your first taste of relaxation in Germany! Expect more to come as you continue this laid-back and relaxed road trip in Germany!

On day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Germany, you'll explore the best attractions in Dortmund at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Dortmund, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 2 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous DASA Working World Exhibition. This incredible museum has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 3,991 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Germany by seeing another popular site in Dortmund, the wonderful German Football Museum. This sports museum is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,991 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Rombergpark Botanical Garden. This top-tier point of interest has received an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,382 visitors.

Another stop you might want to add to your self-drive itinerary is the remarkable Dortmund Zoo. This zoo is sought after by many travelers from around the world. The popular attraction has received 4.1 out of 5 stars from 15,297 visitors.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 2 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Germany. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Dortmund itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Germany extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Dortmund. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Restaurant YUMINI. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,893 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at FOOD BROTHER, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. FOOD BROTHER is rated 4.5 stars out of 5 by 2,283 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended Pfefferkorn Dortmund Hoher Wall. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,934 food lovers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Dortmund and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular Wenkers am Markt. This vibrant bar is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,713 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular Tapas & More. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 964 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is Uncle Tom's. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. Uncle Tom's has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 678 bar goers.

Enjoy the rest of day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Germany, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 3 of your relaxed road trip across the beautiful country of Germany will take you on a self-paced journey to two incredible places in one day. See some of the best attractions in Germany, taste the most delectable foods and exquisite drinks, and make incredible memories as you go!

You’ll begin your day and sightseeing in Bochum, and continue your explorations in the city of Essen. The charming Cologne is where you’ll be staying for 3 nights.

Your first stop is the great city of Bochum, where you will see the amazing + Fossilium Bochum Zoo. This famous zoo has an impressive 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 9,368 people.

While leisurely driving around the city, you can also spend some of your precious time at the incredible Bochum Park. The amazing Bochum Park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,696 travelers.

You can also go sightseeing at the popular German Mining Museum. This museum that receives 4.6 visitors every year is a spectacular travel destination rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,950 travelers.

Give yourself the opportunity to see more of Bochum than meets the eye by joining a top-rated tour. Put your relaxed road trip to a halt in favor of an in-depth exploration of the city’s best sights and hidden gems while connecting with locals and fellow travelers.

After exploring the city of Bochum, it’s time to hit the road again and continue your relaxed road trip to another city in Germany, the lovely Essen!

In Essen, you’ll find the magnificent UNESCO-Welterbe Zollverein. This popular museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 20,630 visitors.

After exploring all these beautiful places, drive leisurely to the beautiful city of Cologne for some much-needed rest and relaxation. Here you can choose from the best selection of hotels and places to stay as you get to know more about this spectacular city.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best places to visit in Germany, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Cologne.

We highly recommend going to Bei Oma Kleinmann. This place is a popular restaurant with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,597 customers.

Another great restaurant option is Craftbeer Corner Coeln. This food place is often recommended by travelers and has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,165 customers.

You can also eat at the top-rated Gruber's. Offering great food and amazing service, this restaurant has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 625 customers.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Cologne and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.

Check out Toddy Tapper for a great selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. This incredible bar is highly recommended and has a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 590 customers.

Another amazing bar that serves many kinds of beverages and cocktails is Gaffel am Dom I Kölsches Brauhaus und Wirtshaus I Brauhaus Köln. This bar has a wonderful rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 6,484 customers.

You may also try Gilden im Zims, another top-rated bar in the city. About 5,823 bargoers have given this place a thumb up, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Let’s toast to day 3 of your laid-back self-drive in Essen! Celebrate this unique opportunity to enjoy a memorable road trip adventure across Germany!

On day 4 of your relaxed road trip across Germany, you'll explore the best attractions in Nürburg at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Nürburg, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 2 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Nürburgring. This incredible top-tier point of interest has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 34,984 travelers.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 4 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Germany. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Nürburg itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Germany extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Nürburg. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Mongo's Restaurant Köln. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,294 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Servus Colonia Alpina, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Servus Colonia Alpina is rated 4.3 stars out of 5 by 2,757 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended The Little Steakhouse. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,631 food lovers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Nürburg and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular Gaststätte Lommerzheim. This vibrant bar is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,487 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular Funkhaus Cafe-Bar-Restaurant. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,282 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is Jameson Pub Cologne. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. Jameson Pub Cologne has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,308 bar goers.

Enjoy the rest of day 4 of your relaxed road trip across Germany, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 5 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip through Germany serves as your introduction to Cologne. This is your chance to experience the very best of the city and appreciate Germany and its distinct culture and people.

Upon arriving in Cologne, you can check in at the accommodation of your choice for a quick break. This 4-star hotel has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 6,360 former guests.

You’ll enjoy restful days and nights at the 5-star Hyatt Regency Cologne. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 5,447 guests, Hyatt Regency Cologne is the best luxury hotel option we recommend while in the city.

The 3-star Motel One Köln-Neumarkt offers comfort at an affordable price, perfect for practical travelers. Motel One Köln-Neumarkt is a top-rated budget hotel in Cologne with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 7,493 guests.

These recommendations are among the most popular places to stay in Cologne. If any of these options are not available during your stay in the city, we’ll provide you with the best alternatives. Our flexible booking system will automatically offer you a selection of accommodations that fit your budget and needs.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Cologne, allowing you to explore the city at a relaxed pace. For example, you can take in the unique atmosphere of the city from the outstanding Cologne Chocolate Museum. This museum and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in Cologne. The fascinating Cologne Chocolate Museum has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 36,145 travelers.

Cologne is also home to the captivating Old Market, a local must-see tourist destination and another popular attraction in the city. About 12,654 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.5 out of 5 stars.

The extraordinary Cologne Cathedral is another unforgettable place you can visit on your easy and relaxed road trip across Germany. This extraordinary catholic cathedral and travel destination hosts more than 5,000,000 visitors annually. Rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 68,667 travelers, Cologne Cathedral proves to be one of the top sights in the area.

You’ll enjoy the time you’ll spend at the incredible Cologne Zoological Garden. A trip to this wonderful site will inspire you. Visitors have rated their experience at this amazing zoo and attraction an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 29,743 reviews.

Every year, travelers gather around this fascinating sightseeing spot to appreciate its unique features.

Tours often allow you to see beyond what books and social media feature about Cologne, its culture, and people. So for a more meaningful travel experience in the city, we recommend you join one of the most popular tours available on this day of your relaxed road trip across Germany.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Germany. After a day of appreciating the best places to visit in Cologne, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Ranking high on our list of the best restaurants in Cologne is Hommage Café. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,630 customers, you really have to try the savory dishes of this excellent restaurant.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Cologne. At Max Stark, you can enjoy a mix of fun and relaxation. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,193 customers.

Alternatively, unwind and relive your best memories of this day of your relaxed road trip at Limani, another popular bar in the city. Customers have rated this fantastic bar an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 1,819 reviews.

Bangkok Thai Restaurant is also one of the best places in Cologne where you can let loose and enjoy some celebratory drinks. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,296 customers.

Sleep comfortably and prepare for another day of your laid-back adventure in Germany!

Day 6 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Germany gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Königswinter. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Dortmund, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 1 night.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Schloss Drachenburg is waiting for you. This château has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 16,991 visitors.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Königswinter has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in Germany. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Dortmund. In Dortmund, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in Germany.

After a long day of driving and exploring along your relaxed road trip route, sitting down for a well-cooked restaurant meal in Bonn is an excellent idea.

A popular restaurant we recommend you try is Atlantico Café, one of the best restaurants in Bonn. With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,477 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing Atlantico Café.

Locals also recommend Café Brasserie Lotte as one of the top restaurants in the area. So if you’re feeling hungry, don’t forget to check out the menu at Café Brasserie Lotte as well. This local-favorite restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,295 customers.

If you feel like having something else, you could also book a table at KLUBHAUS1249. KLUBHAUS1249 is another of the most popular places to eat in Bonn. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,193 customers.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like Kraftstoff. Kraftstoff is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 634 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

Another lively bar worth checking out tonight is Restaurant Pfeffermühle. This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations. The average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 614 customers gives you an idea of what to expect from this bar.

Alternatively, head to ALEX Dortmund. This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night. ALEX Dortmund is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 5,929 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through Germany!

Day 7 of your relaxed road trip in Germany is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Dortmund.

Depending on when you need to leave, you might be able to fit in some sightseeing or shopping. Embrace the beauty of Dortmund once more and find some souvenirs to help you remember your time in the city. To end your relaxing road trip in Germany on top, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Westfalenpark is an extraordinary attraction that is perfect for your last day in Dortmund. This top sight is a popular park, rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 18,013 visitors.

Unwind and look back at the past 7 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Dortmund or just grab something light to keep you going.

Check out the menu at Mama Mia. Dining at Mama Mia is one of the best food experiences you can have in Dortmund. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,419 customers.

Another top recommendation in Dortmund is Carlos Restaurant. If you go to Carlos Restaurant, you can expect delicious food, a nice ambiance, and great service. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,004 customers.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Dortmund and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 7-day relaxed road trip in Germany is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.