10-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Cologne traveling south to Koblenz, Heidelberg, Baden-Baden, and Munich

Day 2 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.

Let Cologne Zoological Garden set the tone for the day. Spend some time admiring this picture-perfect zoo before continuing your journey. Museum Ludwig is your next stop. This up-and-coming museum is one of the best-rated sights in Cologne.

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 Cologne Cathedral. This UNESCO world heritage-designated church is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Duftmuseum Im Farina Haus and Cologne Rodenkirchen Bridge.

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.

Bring home unique finds from Cologne's bustling shopping hub, Belgian Quarter (Belgisches Viertel). Enjoy a leisurely exploration of unique boutiques and stores where locals shop. Don’t forget to browse souvenirs and local specialties that make perfect gifts for your loved ones. Beyond shopping, Belgian Quarter (Belgisches Viertel) offers plenty of options, including primary services, unique landmarks, and community events.

Cologne 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 Cologne.

Enjoy a delicious meal 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.

Keep the evening going at Soul Bar Cologne, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

Say good night to Cologne 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 Koblenz. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Koblenz, where you'll spend 1 night.

No visit to Cologne is complete without Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. This well-known castle is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Deutsches Eck, 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 Seilbahn Koblenz - Talstation. This often recommended tramway is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Basilica Of St. Castor, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary. Rheinanlagen Koblenz is yet another highly recommended place to visit nearby, offering plenty to discover for curious travelers. Conclude your day at Schloss Koblenz and uncover why it's recognized as one of the city's most increasingly popular attractions.

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

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

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Café Konditorei Werrmann, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Altes Brauhaus? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Piper's Corner Celtic Irish Pub as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Koblenz.

Continue your lively evening at Spökes, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Dubai Shisha Lounge is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Excalibur - The Rock Cafe ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

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.

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 of your road trip in Germany. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 place, which are Heidelberg. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Heidelberg, where will spend 2 nights.

Heidelberg Castle leaves a lasting impression. This castle is one of the most extraordinary places to visit in Koblenz. Next, head to Heidelberger Marktplatz, a curiosity-inducing public square, known for its visually striking features.

In between the sights, don’t hesitate to take small detours to explore local stores and eateries. When you’re ready to continue your adventure, head to Church Of The Holy Spirit, Heidelberg. This visually striking church is a highly recommended experience. Nearby, you'll also find Old Bridge Heidelberg and Philosophers’ Way. Visit these for an interesting touch to your journey.

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

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

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Strohauer's Café Alt Heidelberg, a popular restaurant in Heidelberg. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Heidelberg at Vetter's Alt Heidelberger Brauhaus, 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 Joe Molese 117 - Burgers'n'Sandwiches. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Heidelberg tonight.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Friedrich, Kaffee & Bar, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Sonder Bar (pinte) provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Café Bar Goodfellas offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

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

On day 5 of your road trip in Germany, you’ll start and end your day in Heidelberg, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you still have 1 night to spend in Heidelberg, there’s no need to rush. Experience Schwetzingen, Mannheim, and Heidelberg to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary.

Look forward to a unique sightseeing adventure at the frequently visited Schwetzingen Palace and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Luisenpark, a serene park that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Mannheim Baroque Palace, one of the town’s most frequently visited spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the interesting Watertower Of Mannheim. When you're finished at the monument, Scheffelterrasse awaits your visit. This observation deck is a visually striking highlight on today's itinerary.

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

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

Dine in style at Ristorante Santa Lucia, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, VINCIdue boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Essighaus. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Heidelberg.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Destille. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Orange Cafe Bar offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Lenox Bar, another top-rated bar in the area.

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

On day 6 of your road trip in Germany, your travel plans include 1 stop at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Baden-Baden are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Baden-Baden, where you will stay for 2 nights.

One of the most beloved attractions included on the itinerary is Merkur Funicular Railway. This picture-perfect heritage railway will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Gönneranlage and learn what makes this romantic park unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the worthwhile Museum Frieder Burda. After exploring the museum, head to Trinkhalle. This intriguing museum is a highlight in Heidelberg. As your day continues, stop by Kur Park, known for its instagrammable features. Lastly, don’t forget to check out the curiosity-inducing The Baden-baden Casino. Enjoy exploring this incredible casino at your own pace.

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

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Baden-Baden's best restaurants.

Don’t miss out on dining at Monte Christo, a top-rated dining destination in Baden-Baden. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Le Bistro, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Einhorn | Café • Restaurant • Weinbar. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Baden-Baden this evening.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Havana Shisha Lounge after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

On day 7 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Baden-Baden, where you have 1 night left to stay.

Museum Ritterhaus is an ideal stop early in the day. This curiosity-inducing museum is a must-visit in the town. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Triberg Waterfalls, which may be one of the most awe-inspiring places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Baden-Baden on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to Hornisgrinde Tower, a frequently visited observation deck in the town. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Geroldsauer Wasserfall and Rose Society Garden (new Rose Garden).

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Baden-Baden and your accommodation.

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

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Fritz & Felix, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try RIVE GAUCHE BRASSERIE · Club Twenty One? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at RIZZI The Restaurant as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Baden-Baden.

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

Dive into day 8 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you'll explore 1 destination, including Munich. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Munich, where you'll spend 1 night.

Nymphenburg Palace is an ideal stop early in the day. This popular palace is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Hofgarten, which may be one of the most detailed places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Baden-Baden on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to Viktualienmarkt, an extraordinary food market in the city. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Marienplatz.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Munich. Munich 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 Munich, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Little London / Bar & Grill, a top-rated dining spot in Munich. If you're in the mood for something new, try Ginkgo, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Wirtshaus Zum Straubinger. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Munich.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Garçon, known for its inviting atmosphere. Zephyr Bar is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Holy Spirit 1 Bar provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

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