5-Day Germany Road Trip from Stuttgart to Karlsruhe and surrounding area

Your road trip adventure in Germany begins as soon as you reach Stuttgart and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Stuttgart for 2 nights and explore the best things to see and do, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.

Stuttgart is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Killesberg Tower or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Stuttgart. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Stuttgart. 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 delicious meal at Tavern Waldhorn, a highly-rated dining destination in Stuttgart. If you're eager to try something different, consider Café Le Théâtre, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Wirtshaus Garbe. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Stuttgart this evening.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Le Petit Coq after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Jigger & Spoon, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Schwarz Weiß Bar also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Raise a toast to the start of your 5-day road trip in Germany!

Day 2 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Stuttgart for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Kick off the day at Stuttgart Tv Tower, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 12,754 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Mercedes-benz Museum. Mercedes-benz Museum is an automobile museum with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 43,234 reviews. Attracting more than 876,109 yearly visitors, this place of interest is an attraction you don’t want to miss out on.

Wilhelma is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This zoo is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 33,531 visitors.

Beyond the attractions mentioned above, you also have the opportunity to visit Porsche Museum. This automobile museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 28,681 visitors.

To do something one-of-a-kind on this day of your trip, you can join a tour. You can discover all of the most fun and eye-opening experiences in your destination below and secure your spot here.

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

Discover the culinary delights of Stuttgart by securing a reservation at Der Zauberlehrling. Esteemed for its 1-star Guide Michelin recognition, this restaurant offers a remarkable selection of creative cuisine. For an alternative dining experience, try Speisemeisterei, renowned for its delicious creative, and innovative dishes. This esteemed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently impresses guests, making it a must-visit spot during your holiday. Craving more culinary excitement? Head to Ritzi Gourmet, a highly recommended local eatery celebrated for its mouthwatering creative french, and modern menu. With its 1-star Michelin recognition, it offers an unforgettable dining adventure.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Si-centrum Stuttgart after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Mata Hari for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Mocha Espresso & Wine 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.

On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Esslingen, and Berkheim. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Karlsruhe, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Stuttgart, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Esslingen. This drive usually takes around 27 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Make City Walls Of Esslingen one of your first sightseeing stops in Esslingen. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,918 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Klein-venedig is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This sightseeing destination is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 511 reviews.

Today is also the perfect opportunity to drop by Maille Park. This park has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,606 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, head to Merkel Park. A trip to this popular park is also your opportunity to see if it lives up to the reputable 4.4 out of 5-star rating as given by 618 previous visitors.

When you’ve had your share of Esslingen, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Berkheim. Your travel time is around 9 min.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Nymphaea Zoo. This zoo is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 4,440 reviews.

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

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

Begin your culinary exploration in Karlsruhe by securing a reservation at Bistro Margarete. This renowned restaurant holds a Bib Gourmand award and offers an exceptional menu of regional cuisine. For another dining delight, visit sein, celebrated for its delectable modern menu. This acclaimed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover TAWA YAMA FINE, a top local spot known for its tantalizing modern, and international menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Phono Craftbeer Bar, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Electric Eel offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Jean-claude Cocktail Bar provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

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

On day 4 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 Karlsruhe, Freiberg am Neckar, and Ludwigsburg. In the evening, you’ll end up in Stuttgart, where you will stay for 1 night.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Marktplatz, a remarkable point of interest where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 6,876 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Zoological Gardens Karlsruhe. This zoo has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 16,946 travelers.

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

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Monrepos Lakeside Palace. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,528 reviews.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Stuttgart, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

As you explore more of Stuttgart, 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.

Make sure to reserve a table at Wielandshöhe, an iconic dining spot in Stuttgart. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of AMADEUS Restaurant & Bar, a popular restaurant in Stuttgart. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Carls Brauhaus, a hidden gem nestled in Stuttgart. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

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

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

Day 5 of your road trip in Germany is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Stuttgart before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

As your final day in Germany unfolds, enjoy a last-minute shopping spree in Stuttgart's best shopping area. Enjoy finding the perfect gift or keepsake to remind you of your wonderful trip to Germany.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Schloßplatz. Previous visitors have rated this square an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 41,914 reviews.

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

If you're eager to try something different, consider Paulaner am alten Postplatz, another top spot with a tantalizing menu.

You’ll then say farewell to Stuttgart. 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!