6-Day Germany Road Trip from Cologne traveling south to Frankfurt, Stuttgart, and Heidelberg

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 2 of your road trip in Germany. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Cologne, and Höningen. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Frankfurt, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Lindt Chocolate Museum. This museum is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 37,446 visitors.

Cologne Zoological Garden is another popular attraction you could visit today. This zoo has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 30,676 visitors.

Cologne Cathedral is also highly recommended by travelers. More than 5,000,000 people visit this top attraction every year. This catholic cathedral has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 70,814 visitors.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Höningen, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Cologne to Höningen may take around 16 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Höningen, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Äußerer Grüngürtel. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 2,024 reviews.

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

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.

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 Gute Stute, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Flemings Hotel Frankfurt-central (former Flemings Express Frankfurt) offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Gleis 25. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

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

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

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Römerberg. This square is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 24,968 visitors.

When you’re finished at Römerberg, head to Iron Footbridge. This one-of-a-kind sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 23,403 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Palmengarten. This botanical garden is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 19,461 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, then consider a visit to Alte Oper. This concert hall is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 13,602 visitors.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Sinsheim. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 24 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Technikmuseum Sinsheim. This much-appreciated technology museum is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 29,268 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 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.

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.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Le Petit Coq, known for its lively atmosphere. Jigger & Spoon is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Schwarz Weiß Bar offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

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

Drop by the renowned Schloßplatz. This popular square has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 41,914 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Mercedes-benz Museum. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 43,234 visitors, this automobile museum deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

We also recommend a visit to Wilhelma. This zoo has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 33,531 reviews.

Another favorite attraction in the area is Porsche Museum. This automobile museum and popular place of interest enjoys a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 28,681 local and international travelers.

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

Make sure to book a table at Strohauer's Café Alt Heidelberg, a popular restaurant in Heidelberg. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Heidelberg at Vetter's Alt Heidelberger Brauhaus, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is Joe Molese 117 - Burgers'n'Sandwiches. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Heidelberg tonight.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Friedrich, Kaffee & Bar. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Sonder Bar (pinte), the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Café Bar Goodfellas provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

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

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you will explore Heidelberg, Königswinter, and Brühl, 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 Heidelberg Castle, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 54,486 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Old Bridge Heidelberg. Old Bridge Heidelberg is a point of interest with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 15,612 reviews.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Heidelberg and set your GPS to Königswinter. 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 2 hours 25 min. Upon reaching Königswinter, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Schloss Drachenburg. This château is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 17,667 reviews.

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.

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

Have a memorable dining experience in Cologne by booking a table at Le Moissonnier Bistro, renowned as a 1-star Michelin restaurant presenting an exceptional french, and seafood menu. For a different culinary experience in Cologne, Ox & Klee shines as one of the top destinations, known for its delicious modern, and creative cuisine. This 2-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, La Cuisine Rademacher is known as a top local spot for its delicious modern french cuisine in Cologne. This 1-star Michelin awardee is a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable meal.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Soul Bar Cologne, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

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