10-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Frankfurt to Freiburg im Breisgau, Stuttgart, Heidelberg, and Cologne and surrounding area

On day 2 of your road trip in Germany, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Frankfurt. In the evening, you’ll end up in Freiburg im Breisgau, where you will stay for 1 night.

Frankfurt is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a public square, a monument, a city hall, a zoo, a botanical garden and much more! Begin your sightseeing adventure at the notable Römerberg and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Iron Footbridge, a visually striking monument that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Römer, one of the city’s most often recommended spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the notable Zoo Frankfurt. When you're finished at the zoo, Palmengarten awaits your visit. This botanical garden is an eye-catching highlight on today's itinerary.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Freiburg im Breisgau. Freiburg im Breisgau 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 Freiburg im Breisgau. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Have a memorable dining experience in Freiburg im Breisgau by booking a table at Eichhalde, renowned as a 1-star Michelin restaurant presenting an exceptional italian and classic menu. For a different culinary experience in Freiburg im Breisgau, Colombi Restaurant Zirbelstube shines as one of the top destinations, known for its delicious classic french and mediterranean cuisine. This 1-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from previous guests, making it a must-visit addition to your holiday experience. If you're looking for an alternative, Wolfshöhle is known as a top local spot for its delicious classic cuisine in Freiburg im Breisgau. This 1-star Michelin awardee is a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable meal.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Bar Am Funkeneck. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Beat Bar Butzemann offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Germany!

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

Savor the day by visiting some of the best places to see in Stuttgart, including a public square, a museum, and a zoo. Start your adventure at Schloßplatz. This locally renowned public square is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Mercedes-benz Museum located in Stuttgart for another exciting encounter.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Wilhelma. Its instagrammable features will captivate you. After the zoo, continue your tour of the city with a visit to Porsche Museum. Visitors usually appreciate the instagrammable features of this museum.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Germany is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Stuttgart. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Savor the flavors at Hotel Zur Weinsteige GmbH, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Kaffeerösterei Café Moulu beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Riedsee. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Stuttgart tonight.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Si-centrum Stuttgart, known for its lively atmosphere. Mata Hari is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Mocha Espresso & Wine offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

Head back to your accommodation in Stuttgart and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Germany!

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you will explore Pforzheim and Rust, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Heidelberg. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.

Today's adventure in Stuttgart promises more breathtaking discoveries and enriching experiences! Begin at Wildpark Pforzheim. This visually striking wildlife reserve is a highlight of any visit in the city. Then, enjoy Silver Star, another mesmerizing attraction that never fails to captivate visitors. Next, head over to Grimm's Enchanted Forest, one of the city’s most intriguing attractions, known for its stunning features.

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.

As you explore more of Heidelberg, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Strohauer's Café Alt Heidelberg, a top-rated dining destination in Heidelberg. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Vetter's Alt Heidelberger Brauhaus, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Joe Molese 117 - Burgers'n'Sandwiches. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Heidelberg this evening.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Friedrich, Kaffee & Bar stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Sonder Bar (pinte) offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Café Bar Goodfellas is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Germany!

On day 6 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Heidelberg, where you'll stay for 1 night more.

Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Heidelberg. Some of the city’s most loved attractions await! Watertower Of Mannheim is the perfect place to start. This monument is one of the most notable places to visit in Heidelberg. Next, head to Luisenpark, a locally renowned park, known for its mesmerizing 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 Heidelberg Castle. This romantic castle is a highly recommended experience. Nearby, you'll also find Old Bridge Heidelberg. Visit these for an interesting touch to your journey.

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

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.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Ristorante Santa Lucia, a top-rated dining spot in Heidelberg. If you're in the mood for something new, try VINCIdue, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Essighaus. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Heidelberg.

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

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 7 of your road trip in Germany. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Speyer and Koblenz. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Cologne, which will be your home away from home for 2 nights.

Get ready to discover some of the most iconic wonders in Heidelberg, including an aviation museum, a monument, and a castle. Start your day at Technik Museum Speyer. This historic aviation museum is a locally renowned place to see in Heidelberg. Then, wander over to Deutsches Eck. If breathtaking sites excite you, this monument will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. This historic castle is a favorite among visitors.

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

Experience a harmony of flavors at Le Moissonnier Bistro in Cologne by securing a reservation in advance. Known for its 1-star Michelin status, Le Moissonnier Bistro offers a delightful variety of dishes highlighting its delicious french and seafood menu. If you're seeking an alternative culinary experience, be sure to explore Ox & Klee, a highly recommended restaurant known for its enticing modern and creative cuisine. This popular 2-star Michelin-awarded venue consistently exceeds expectations, ensuring a memorable holiday experience. Ready for another culinary adventure? Indulge your senses at La Cuisine Rademacher, a highly acclaimed restaurant celebrated for its exceptional modern french menu.

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.

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Germany.

Wake up to day 8 of your extraordinary road trip in Germany. With 1 night left in Cologne, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Set out on a day brimming with fun adventures, scenic views, and photo-friendly spots. Start at the interesting Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord, a respected park in Cologne. Next, go to Duisburg Zoo.

Unesco-welterbe Zollverein is another noteworthy attraction worthwhile a visit.

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

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

Enjoy a lovely meal at Mongo's Restaurant Köln, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Vietnamski restorant "Kuchi Mami" is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at RheinZeit. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Cologne tonight.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Soul Bar Cologne, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

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

On day 9 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Cologne and Brühl. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Frankfurt, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Savor the day by visiting some of the best places to see in Cologne, including a church, a museum, a zoo, an amusement park and much more! Start your adventure at Cologne Cathedral. This spectacular church is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Lindt Chocolate Museum located in Cologne for another exciting encounter.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Cologne Zoological Garden. Its instagrammable features will captivate you. After the zoo, continue your tour of the city with a visit to Phantasialand. Visitors usually appreciate the picture-perfect features of this amusement park.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Frankfurt. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Frankfurt's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Experience a symphony of flavors at Gustav in Frankfurt by securing a reservation in advance. Renowned for its 2-star Michelin distinction, Gustav delights its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious creative cuisine. For a palate-pleasing alternative, make sure to dine at Lafleur, acclaimed for its delectable modern french and creative specialties. This local 2-star Michelin establishment consistently satisfies guests, ensuring an unforgettable holiday experience. Want to go on another culinary journey? Delight your senses at Erno's Bistro, a top-rated restaurant known for its outstanding menu. Known as a top-rated 1-star Michelin establishment, it's a top choice for classic french and modern cuisine in the city.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Barkello Café Bar Lounge, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Jambo Bar offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out The Cosy Bar. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

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