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

On day 2 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to discover what to see in Düsseldorf. You’ll stay in Düsseldorf for 1 night.

Enjoy all that Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum Dusseldorf has to offer. This is a well-known aquarium you should not miss. Another must-see is Nord Park, an often recommended park in Düsseldorf.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Japanese Garden. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Rheinuferpromenade Düsseldorf, another of the city’s worthwhile attractions. We recommend continuing your self-guided tour at Schloss Benrath, an enchanting place of interest in the city.

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

Start your culinary exploration in Düsseldorf by securing a reservation at Pink Pepper. This renowned restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of modern cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Yoshi by Nagaya, celebrated for its delectable japanese and sushi menu. This acclaimed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover Le Flair, a top local spot known for its tantalizing french and contemporary menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Bar Studio 1, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Sakura Bar is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Engel Rockbar also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

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

On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, including Aachen, Brühl, and Königswinter. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Cologne, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Aachen may take around 1 hour 1 min. Upon your arrival in Aachen, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Spend your afternoon discovering Carolus Thermen, an increasingly popular spa known for its eye-catching features. Next, continue your sightseeing at Aachen Cathedral, a locally renowned church.

After soaking in Aachen’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Brühl. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 55 min. When you arrive in Brühl, it's time to take a break from the road.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Phantasialand. Spend some time admiring the picture-perfect features of the amusement park before you continue to your next stop.

Set your GPS to Königswinter and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 39 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Königswinter beckons with new experiences!

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Schloss Drachenburg and explore the awe-inspiring features.

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

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.

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Le Moissonnier Bistro, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible french and seafood menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Ox & Klee is one of the best restaurants for modern and creative cuisine in Cologne. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at La Cuisine Rademacher. As a top-rated establishment with 1 Michelin star, it is an ideal choice for modern french cuisine in the city.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at The Grid Bar, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Toddy Tapper offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Cologne. Legends Bar & Terrasse is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Germany!

Day 4 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Cologne has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in the city and use the provided itinerary to discover what to see in Cologne.

Lindt Chocolate Museum makes a great addition to your morning plans. This interesting museum is an eye-catching place to see in Cologne. Continue your discovery at Old Market, an enchanting public square with stories to tell.

As you stroll around Cologne, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this city so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Cologne Cathedral. This spectacular church offers a majestic encounter with Cologne. Next, make your way to Cologne Zoological Garden to add another highlight to your day. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Cologne.

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.

Don’t miss out on dining at Mongo's Restaurant Köln, a top-rated dining destination in Cologne. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Vietnamski restorant "Kuchi Mami", another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at RheinZeit. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Cologne this evening.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Soul Bar Cologne, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in Germany.

Your itinerary for day 5 of your road trip in Germany includes 3 stops and features some of the highlights of Duisburg, Feldhausen, and Nordkirchen. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Dortmund, where you'll spend 1 night.

Duisburg’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Cologne behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 3 min. Duisburg welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Our first attraction recommendation in Duisburg is Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord, a popular park that draws attention for its picture-perfect features.

When you’ve had your share of Duisburg, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Feldhausen. Your travel time is around 22 min.

Spend your afternoon discovering Movie Park, an impressive amusement park known for its picture-perfect features.

After soaking in Feldhausen’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Nordkirchen. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 56 min. When you arrive in Nordkirchen, it's time to take a break from the road.

Our first attraction recommendation in Nordkirchen is Schloss Nordkirchen, a curiosity-inducing castle that draws attention for its visually striking features.

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

Dortmund is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Dortmund.

Have a memorable dining experience in Dortmund by booking a table at The Stage, a 1-star Michelin restaurant presenting an exceptional modern and creative menu. For a different culinary experience in Dortmund, Grammons Restaurant shines as one of the top destinations, known for its delicious contemporary and classic french cuisine. This 1-star Michelin-awardee consistently earns high praises, making it a must-visit addition to your holiday experience.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Vater&sohn, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Loka Lounge Dortmund. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Central Bar & More Dortmund, another top-rated place in the area.

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

Dive into day 6 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you'll explore 2 destinations, including Dortmund and Essen. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Düsseldorf, where you'll spend 1 night.

Make time for German Football Museum, a locally appreciated museum that is worthwhile a visit in the city. Nearby, you’ll find Westfalenpark, enchanting visitors with its mesmerizing appeal. Continue your exploration at Rombergpark Botanical Garden. This botanical garden is one of the city’s most worthwhile spots.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Essen. This drive usually takes around 35 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Unesco-welterbe Zollverein, an interesting museum in Essen. Explore its respected features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Laserzone Lasertag Essen West - Borbeck. This worthwhile laser tag arena is a top recommendation in the area.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Düsseldorf. Düsseldorf offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

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 Düsseldorf, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Im Goldenen Kessel, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try DORMERO Hotel Düsseldorf? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Konditorei Heinemann as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Düsseldorf.

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