7-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Cologne to Düsseldorf and Dortmund and surrounding area

Day 2 offers an itinerary packed with the best things to see in Cologne. You’ll stay in Cologne for 2 nights more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

No visit to Cologne is complete without Rheinpark. This often recommended park is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Cologne Zoological Garden, another must-visit attraction.

As you wander through the inviting streets of Cologne, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Cologne Cathedral. This widely recognized church is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Lindt Chocolate Museum, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Germany. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

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.

Prepare for an extraordinary culinary adventure in Cologne by booking a table at Le Moissonnier Bistro, a 1-star Michelin restaurant that boasts an exceptional french and seafood menu. For a different flavor experience, head to Ox & Klee, renowned for its delectable modern and creative dishes. This 2-star Michelin restaurant consistently wows guests, making it a memorable stop during your holiday. Looking for another option? Visit La Cuisine Rademacher, a local gem known for its delightful modern french cuisine in Cologne. Nestled in the city's heart, this 1-star Michelin restaurant is a perfect choice for discerning restaurant-goers seeking a new experience.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Soul Bar Cologne after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Germany!

On day 3 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Cologne, where you have 1 night left to stay.

Aachen is brimming with adventures.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Aachen, home to many well-known sights in the region. 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.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Aachener Tierpark Euregiozoo, a locally appreciated zoo that everyone visiting Aachen should see. Next, head to Aachen Cathedral. This picture-perfect church is one of the most popular attractions in the region.

If you're keen to see more, don’t miss out on Elisenbrunnen, a photogenic monument popular among locals as well as travelers. Marktplatz Am Rathaus is an excellent attraction to visit next. Spend some time learning more about this beloved public square before you continue your journey.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Cologne.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Cologne. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Savor the flavors at Limani, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Funkhaus Cafe-Bar-Restaurant beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider The hanging gardens of Ehrenfeld. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Cologne tonight.

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

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

Your itinerary for day 4 of your road trip in Germany includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of Duisburg. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Düsseldorf, where you'll spend 1 night.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Cologne, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Duisburg. This drive usually takes around 52 min.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Duisburg Zoo and explore the mesmerizing features. Next, make your way to Kaiserberg, another highlight in Duisburg. When you’re done exploring the park, continue to Duisburg Inner Harbour, a history-steeped marina.

Nearby, you will also find Rheinpark Duisburg. This beloved park is a top place to see in the area. Lastly, head to Tiger & Turtle, a detailed art installation that is perfect for some final exploring in the city.

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 a true cultural experience.

Experience a taste of local culinary excellence while in Düsseldorf by securing a table at Pink Pepper. An esteemed 1-star Michelin restaurant, it features an exceptional modern menu. For an alternative taste experience, visit Yoshi by Nagaya, famous for its scrumptious japanese and sushi dishes. This 1-star Michelin venue consistently impresses guests, making it a standout addition to your holiday plans. Looking for another choice? Discover Le Flair, a local favorite celebrated for its exquisite french and contemporary cuisine in Düsseldorf. Located in the heart of the city, this 1-star Michelin restaurant is an ideal pick for french and contemporary cuisine lovers seeking top-notch culinary experiences.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Engelchen is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Bar Cherie, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Auberge Rock Pub. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Head back to your accommodation in Düsseldorf and get some rest to prepare for another magical day of your road trip in Germany.

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

As you explore Duisburg’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the city.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Duisburg may take around 27 min. Upon your arrival in Duisburg, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Spend your afternoon discovering Sechs-seen-platte, an intriguing lake known for its eye-catching features. Next, continue your sightseeing at German Inland Waterways Museum, an underrated museum.

If you're starting to feel hungry, this is a great time for a break at a nearby restaurant or cafe. When you're ready for more, stop by Museum Küppersmühle and uncover the details of this visually striking museum. Make sure to also explore Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord, an interesting park. For your last stop, consider Hochofen 5, a picture-perfect historical landmark that many travelers find worth the detour.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Dortmund. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Dortmund, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Set out on a gastronomic journey in Dortmund by reserving a table at The Stage. Renowned for its 1-star Michelin recognition, this restaurant presents an outstanding menu of modern and creative cuisine. For a different taste, head over to Grammons Restaurant, renowned for its delectable contemporary and classic french dishes. This distinguished 1-star Michelin-recipient is a favorite among guests, making it a worthy addition to your holiday plans.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Vater&sohn after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Loka Lounge Dortmund for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Central Bar & More Dortmund is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

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

On day 6 of your road trip in Germany, your travel plans include 3 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Dortmund, Koblenz, and Keldung are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Cologne, where you will stay for 1 night.

Westfalenpark makes a great addition to your morning plans. This captivating park is a remarkable place to see in Dortmund.

Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Dortmund.

Koblenz’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Dortmund behind. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 11 min. Koblenz welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. Spend some time admiring the culturally significant features of the castle before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Deutsches Eck. This well-known monument is a traveler-favorite in the city.

Set your GPS to Keldung and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 46 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Keldung beckons with new experiences!

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Eltz Castle. Spend some time admiring the visually striking features of the castle before you continue to your next stop.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to 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.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Cologne. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Cafe Riese Köln, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Bangkok Thai Restaurant offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Servus Colonia Alpina is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Cologne.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!