4-Day Germany Road Trip from Cologne traveling east to Mainz

Welcome to Cologne, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Germany! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 1 night immersing yourself in Cologne's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Cologne is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Cologne. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Germany. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.

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.

Discover the essence of culinary excellence at Le Moissonnier Bistro, a local dining experience. Renowned for its prestigious 1 Michelin-star rating and impressive menu, Le Moissonnier Bistro consistently impresses both foreign and local diners, garnering praise for its exceptional french and seafood cuisine.

Also highly recommended is Ox & Klee, one of the best 2-star Michelin establishments in Cologne. Take your pick from the modern and creative menu, which has consistently earned Ox & Klee high ratings and praise from satisfied guests. This top-rated Bib Gourmand restaurant promises a culinary experience you will remember.

Experience the best local flavors while in Cologne and reserve a table at the 1-star Michelin restaurant, La Cuisine Rademacher. Its delectable modern french offerings have contributed to impressive reviews from numerous patrons who’ve already savored its meals. Food enthusiasts visiting the area will be particularly excited to experience this Bib Gourmand restaurant.

After dinner, visit Toddy Tapper, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Cologne. This bar is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 590 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Gaffel am Dom I Kölsches Brauhaus und Wirtshaus I Brauhaus Köln. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 6,484 customers.

Alternatively, locals recommend Gilden im Zims. This bar, rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 5,823 customers, is one of the best bars in the city of Cologne.

Raise a toast to the start of your 4-day road trip in Germany!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 2 of your road trip in Germany. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Cologne and Mainz. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Mainz. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Cologne Chocolate Museum. This museum is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Cologne, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 36,704 visitors.

Cologne Cathedral is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 69,905 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction. It’s estimated that around 5,000,000 people visit this catholic cathedral every year.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Cologne Zoological Garden. Visitors have rated this zoo an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 30,118 reviews.

Rheinpark is another unique site you can experience today. This attraction is a park rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 6,361 reviews.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Cologne and set your GPS to Mainz. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 1 hour 57 min. Upon reaching Mainz, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Mainz. Mainz offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

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

Reserve a table at Geberts Weinstuben, a luxury dining establishment in Mainz. This epicurean hotspot’s delicious classic and seasonal offering makes it a crowd favorite. Geberts Weinstuben is highly regarded in the culinary world and boasts an impressive track record of satisfied customers.

Another popular dining spot in Mainz is FAVORITE restaurant, which critics have graced with 1 Michelin stars. This Bib Gourmand establishment’s pleasant ambiance and food choices leave a lasting impression on everyone who dines here. Its modern french and creative menu, characterized by its exquisite flavors, is a true testament to the FAVORITE restaurant’s culinary excellence.

Locals and visitors alike recommend Mainz’s El Burro for the delightful dining experience it gives. The establishment has garnered positive reviews for its tasty dishes, holding an admirable score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,168 satisfied diners.

If you feel like having a drink or two after your meal, a popular bar you can go to is Rheinstrand Mainz. This place has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,360 customers.

To enjoy a great atmosphere, continue your evening at Stadtbalkon. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,415 customers.

Sixties is another great place where you can celebrate after a long, fun day in the region. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 987 customers.

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

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you will jump into the car and make your way to Mainz, Nürburg, Koblenz, and Cologne, 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 Cologne. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Kick off the day at Mainz Cathedral, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This catholic cathedral is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 6,183 reviews.

Set your GPS to Koblenz and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 20 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Koblenz beckons with new experiences!

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Koblenz, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Nürburg. This drive usually takes around 49 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Nürburgring. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 35,289 visitors.

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

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

Reserve a table at Gaststätte Lommerzheim, a renowned restaurant in Cologne. This culinary gem and its flavorful dishes have captured the hearts of food enthusiasts. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 3,487 guests.

Ensure you experience culinary excellence at Funkhaus Cafe-Bar-Restaurant while in Cologne. This dining establishment presents an exquisite menu that has received a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, acclaimed by 4,282 discerning diners.

Experience a taste of Cologne at Jameson Pub Cologne, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 3,308 customers.

If you feel like having a drink or two after your meal, an awesome bar you can go to is Max Stark. This place has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,193 customers.

To enjoy a great atmosphere, continue your evening at Limani. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,819 customers.

Bangkok Thai Restaurant is another great place where you can celebrate your adventures in Cologne. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,296 customers.

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

Day 4 of your road trip in Germany is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Cologne before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

Make the most of your final day in Germany by visiting Cologne’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Your stay’s proximity to the city’s retail haven invites an unhurried and unforgettable exploration of its variety of stores and establishments.

Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Germany.

Before you conclude your road trip in Germany, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Cologne.

You’ll then say farewell to Cologne. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Germany!