6-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Cologne to Heidelberg and Frankfurt

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

Discover a day packed with family-friendly attractions, breathtaking views, and photo-friendly spots in Cologne. Begin your sightseeing with Cologne Zoological Garden. This interesting zoo is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Media Park Köln Mbh, another must-visit attraction that enhances the city’s allure.

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 Cologne Cathedral. This widely recognized church is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Lindt Chocolate Museum, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary.

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 Cologne. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Discover the culinary delights of Cologne by securing a reservation at Le Moissonnier Bistro. Esteemed for its 1-star Guide Michelin recognition, this restaurant offers a remarkable selection of french and seafood cuisine. For an alternative dining experience, try Ox & Klee, renowned for its delicious modern and creative 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 La Cuisine Rademacher, a highly recommended local eatery celebrated for its mouthwatering modern french menu. With its 1-star Michelin recognition, it offers an unforgettable dining adventure.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Soul Bar Cologne after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

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

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you will explore Brühl, Koblenz, and Speyer, 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 1 night.

Set your GPS to Brühl and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 29 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Brühl beckons with new experiences!

Begin your journey at Phantasialand and explore the visually striking features.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Koblenz. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 5 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Savor the rest of your day by heading to Deutsches Eck, a popular monument that draws visitors from near and far.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Speyer. This car ride takes around 1 hour 55 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Speyer Cathedral. Spend some time admiring the historic features of the church before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Technik Museum Speyer. This interesting aviation museum is a traveler-favorite in the village.

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

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

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Strohauer's Café Alt Heidelberg, a top-rated dining spot in Heidelberg. If you're in the mood for something new, try Vetter's Alt Heidelberger Brauhaus, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Joe Molese 117 - Burgers'n'Sandwiches. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Heidelberg.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Friedrich, Kaffee & Bar after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Sonder Bar (pinte) for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Café Bar Goodfellas is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day 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 Heidelberg and Stuttgart. In the evening, you’ll end up in Frankfurt, where you will stay for 1 night.

Immerse yourself in Heidelberg’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary. Start your journey at Heidelberg Castle. This enchanting castle is sure to ignite your curiosity.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Heidelberg and set your GPS to Stuttgart. 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 37 min. Upon reaching Stuttgart, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Begin your journey at Mercedes-benz Museum and explore the instagrammable features. Next, make your way to Schloßplatz, another highlight in the city. When you’re done exploring the public square, continue to Killesberg Tower, a serene park.

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 Frankfurt. Frankfurt 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.

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 and reflect on the day's adventures.

Set out on a gastronomic journey in Frankfurt by reserving a table at Gustav. Renowned for its 2-star Michelin recognition, this restaurant presents an outstanding menu of creative cuisine. For a different taste, head over to Lafleur, renowned for its delectable modern french and creative dishes. This distinguished 2-star Michelin-recipient is a favorite among guests, making it a worthy addition to your holiday plans. Craving more culinary excitement? Explore Erno's Bistro, a highly rated local gem known for its exquisite classic french and modern menu. With a 1-star Michelin acclaim, it promises a dining experience you won't want to miss. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Frankfurt.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Gute Stute, known for its lively atmosphere. Flemings Hotel Frankfurt-central (former Flemings Express Frankfurt) is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Gleis 25 offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

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

On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Frankfurt. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Cologne, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Frankfurt is home to plenty of attractions that offer family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and breathtaking views! Start at Römerberg, a locally renowned public square that is worthwhile a visit in the city. Nearby, you’ll find Iron Footbridge, enchanting visitors with its history-steeped appeal. Continue your exploration at Zoo Frankfurt. This zoo is one of the city’s most captivating spots.

Enjoy the freedom of exploring Frankfurt at your own pace and find hidden gems along the way. If you want to see more picture-perfect spots, make sure to visit Alte Oper. After exploring the opera house, head to the captivating Palmengarten. This botanical garden will wrap up today’s self-guided sightseeing tour in the city.

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.

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 delicious meal at Limani, a top-rated dining destination in Cologne. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Funkhaus Cafe-Bar-Restaurant, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at The hanging gardens of Ehrenfeld. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Cologne this evening.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Suderman, a prime location for a drink.

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