One-Week Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Dortmund to Cologne and Frankfurt

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

Let German Football Museum set the tone for the day. Spend some time admiring this eye-catching museum before continuing your journey. Museum Ostwall is your next stop. This increasingly popular museum is one of the best-rated sights in Dortmund.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Dortmund U-tower. This eye-catching art installation is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Westfalenpark.

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

Enjoy a lovely meal at Strobels Dortmund, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Cafe Extrablatt Dortmund is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Lord. As an establishment that consistently gains high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Dortmund tonight.

Continue your lively evening at Gaststätte Lütge-eck, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in.

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

Your itinerary for day 3 of your road trip in Germany includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of Cologne. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Cologne, where you'll spend 2 nights.

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

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Cologne. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 17 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Spend your afternoon discovering Cologne Cathedral, a famous church known for its breathtaking features. Next, continue your sightseeing at Museum Ludwig, a beloved 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 Rhine Garden Sculpture and uncover the details of this instagrammable park. Make sure to also explore Old Market, a locally renowned public square.

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.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Cologne's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Enjoy a lovely meal at SAVOY Hotel, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Radisson Blu Hotel, Cologne is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Café Reichard. As an establishment that consistently gains high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Cologne tonight.

Cap off your dinner by heading to The Grid Bar, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Toddy Tapper is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Legends Bar & Terrasse is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

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

Day 4 of your road trip across Germany promises a magnificent time exploring what to see in Cologne. You have 1 night left in Cologne. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Whether you decide to explore Cologne on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss.

Deutsches Sport & Olympia Museum is perfect for a self-paced visit during the day. This visually striking museum is sure to impress. Next on your list is Lindt Chocolate Museum, another must-visit landmark and captivating museum renowned for its instagrammable features.

While exploring and sightseeing, take time to savor the culture of Cologne by sampling some local delicacies. When you’re ready for more sightseeing, head to Malakoffturm. This historic monument is an essential place to visit for anyone looking for the full Cologne experience. We also recommend visiting Cologne Zoological Garden, a notable zoo.

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.

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.

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.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Soul Bar Cologne, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Cologne. Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing 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 Frankfurt. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Frankfurt, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Frankfurt, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Cologne to Frankfurt may take around 2 hours 9 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Frankfurt, 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 Städel Museum, a worthwhile art museum that everyone visiting Frankfurt should see. Next, head to Iron Footbridge. This respected monument is one of the most interesting attractions in the region.

If you're keen to see more, don’t miss out on Römerberg, a visually striking public square popular among locals as well as travelers. Caricatura - Museum For Comic Art is an excellent attraction to visit next. Spend some time learning more about this beloved museum before you continue your journey. Lastly, visit Frankfurt Cathedral, a stunning church and a top attraction in the city.

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

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Frankfurt. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Savor the flavors at Berliner Keller Frankfurt, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Im Herzen Afrikas beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider 25hours Hotel Frankfurt The Trip. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Frankfurt tonight.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Gute Stute after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Flemings Hotel Frankfurt-central (former Flemings Express Frankfurt) for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Gleis 25 is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Germany.

Dive into day 7 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you'll explore 1 destination, including Würzburg. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Dortmund, where you'll spend 1 night.

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

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Würzburg. This car ride takes around 1 hour 21 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Marienberg Fortress. Spend some time admiring the enchanting features of the castle before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Old Main Bridge. This interesting historical landmark is a traveler-favorite in the city.

If you're keen to see more, continue to Four Tubes Fountain. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the monument. Next, take your journey to Würzburg Residence, an up-and-coming palace.

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.

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.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Café Brasserie Lotte, a popular restaurant in Dortmund. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Dortmund at ALEX Dortmund, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Kara's Restaurant - Dortmund. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Dortmund tonight.

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.