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

Dive into day 2 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you will explore 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 Frankfurt. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Savor the day by visiting some of the best places to see in Cologne, including a church, a museum, and a zoo. 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 an enchanting atmosphere.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Cologne Zoological Garden. Its instagrammable features will captivate you.

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.

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

Discover the culinary delights of Frankfurt by securing a reservation at Gustav. Esteemed for its 2-star Guide Michelin recognition, this restaurant offers a remarkable selection of creative cuisine. For an alternative dining experience, try Lafleur, renowned for its delicious modern french 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 Erno's Bistro, a highly recommended local eatery celebrated for its mouthwatering classic french and modern menu. With its 1-star Michelin recognition, it offers an unforgettable dining adventure.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Gute Stute. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Flemings Hotel Frankfurt-central (former Flemings Express Frankfurt), the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Gleis 25 provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your road trip in Germany. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Frankfurt and Mannheim. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Heidelberg, which will be your home away from home for 2 nights.

Prepare for a day full of family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and breathtaking views. When you’re ready, kick off your sightseeing adventure at Römerberg. This notable public square is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Iron Footbridge, one of the city’s most promising highlights.

Next, check out Palmengarten, one of the most locally renowned places to see in Frankfurt. This botanical garden is a favorite among locals and travelers alike.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Frankfurt, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Mannheim may take around 58 min. Upon your arrival in Mannheim, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Begin your journey at Luisenpark and explore the eye-catching 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 are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Heidelberg. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Make sure to reserve a table at Strohauer's Café Alt Heidelberg, an iconic dining spot in Heidelberg. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Vetter's Alt Heidelberger Brauhaus, a popular restaurant in Heidelberg. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Joe Molese 117 - Burgers'n'Sandwiches, a hidden gem nestled in Heidelberg. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

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.

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

On day 4 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Heidelberg. You’ll stay in Heidelberg for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Hauptstraße is a fantastic place you can explore today in Heidelberg. This street is a testament to the city’s character, and it's easy to spend hours just walking around and admiring the surroundings. Soak in the Heidelberg-way-of-life and take advantage of the nearby must-see sights located nearby.

Get ready for an exciting day in Heidelberg. Today’s sightseeing agenda includes a park, a historical landmark, a public square, a castle and much more! Begin your adventure at Neckarwiese (heidelberg). This is a locally appreciated park you should not miss. Another must-see is Old Bridge Heidelberg, a notable historical landmark in Heidelberg.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Heidelberger Marktplatz. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Heidelberg Castle, another of the city’s extraordinary attractions.

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.

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

Enjoy a delicious meal at Ristorante Santa Lucia, a highly-rated dining destination in Heidelberg. If you're eager to try something different, consider VINCIdue, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Essighaus. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Heidelberg this evening.

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

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

On day 5 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 Speyer and Koblenz. In the evening, you’ll end up in Cologne, where you will stay for 1 night.

Set your GPS to Speyer and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 33 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Speyer beckons with new experiences!

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Technik Museum Speyer. Spend some time admiring the instagrammable features of the aviation museum before you continue to your next stop.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Speyer and set your GPS to Koblenz. 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 55 min. Upon reaching Koblenz, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Spend your afternoon discovering Deutsches Eck, a well-known monument known for its breathtaking features. After taking in the atmosphere, continue to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, a captivating castle that is a must-see for anyone visiting the region.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Cologne. 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 Cologne's best restaurants.

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.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Soul Bar Cologne is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Germany!