Relaxed 7-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Cologne to Frankfurt

Day 2 of your relaxed road trip through Germany means 24 hours of making the best memories in Cologne. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Cologne. In the evening, you will experience one of the most popular dining spots in the city. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by Cologne!

One of the most iconic places you can visit today in Cologne is Belgisches Viertel. Allow yourself some time to leisurely explore this neighborhood and discover its unique quirks. You'll also find many of the best sightseeing spots nearby.

Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Cologne, featuring family-friendly attractions, scenic views, and photo-friendly spots. Start at Cologne Zoological Garden, a captivating zoo in the city. Then, head to Cologne Cathedral and soak in the ambiance of this breathtaking church.

There are many interesting places to see in Cologne and when you are ready for more, go to Lindt Chocolate Museum. This is one of the city’s most well-known spots.

Germany makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun exploration. Aside from amazing sights, Germany also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.

Experience shopping bliss at Cologne as you explore Belgian Quarter (Belgisches Viertel). Take a leisurely stroll through unique boutiques and shops, where local treasures are waiting to be found. Beyond shopping, Belgian Quarter (Belgisches Viertel) offers more options, including unique attractions, key services, and vibrant events.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Cologne, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Experience a symphony of flavors at Le Moissonnier Bistro in Cologne by securing a reservation in advance. Renowned for its 1-star Michelin distinction, Le Moissonnier Bistro delights its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious french and seafood cuisine. For a palate-pleasing alternative, make sure to dine at Ox & Klee, acclaimed for its delectable modern 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 La Cuisine Rademacher, a top-rated restaurant known for its outstanding menu. Known as a top-rated 1-star Michelin establishment, it's a top choice for modern french cuisine in the city.

If you feel like it, head out to a bar to celebrate another fantastic day in Cologne and take the pulse of the city’s nightlife. Enjoy the night without rushing to fully appreciate it.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Soul Bar Cologne, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

Soak in the unique atmosphere of Cologne as you commemorate this day of your relaxed road trip through Germany with a toast. Cheers to a memorable leisurely self-drive holiday in Germany!

Day 3 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Germany gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience more than one place in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the hamlet of Glees. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Frankfurt, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 3 nights.

Set your GPS to Glees and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 6 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Glees beckons with new experiences!

Your self-guided tour starts at Maria Laach Abbey, an often recommended monastery that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Keldung, 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 Glees to Keldung may take around 44 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Keldung, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Eltz Castle is a popular castle we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its enchanting features before continuing your self-guided tour.

When you’ve had your share of Keldung, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Koblenz. Your travel time is around 48 min.

Deutsches Eck is an interesting monument we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its picture-perfect features before continuing your self-guided tour to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, a historic castle that’s well-regarded in the area.

Continue your laid-back road trip exploration of the best attractions in Germany at Frankfurt. Select from top hotels and accommodations in the city to recharge and rejuvenate.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at Gustav, a 2-star Michelin restaurant offering an exceptional creative menu. Alternatively, if you're in the mood for something different, consider the nearby 2-star Michelin-awardee, Lafleur, known for its delicious modern french and creative cuisine. Another highly-recommended place to eat in Frankfurt is Erno's Bistro, a renowned restaurant with a 1-star Guide Michelin recognition and a delicious classic french and modern menu.

Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in Frankfurt. There, you can look back on the highlights of today’s pleasant and invigorating travel experiences, have friendly conversations with locals, and unwind.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Gute Stute, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Flemings Hotel Frankfurt-central (former Flemings Express Frankfurt) offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Frankfurt. Gleis 25 is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your leisurely paced road trip in Germany!

On day 4 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Germany, you’ll go deep into Frankfurt, where you'll stay for 2 nights, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Frankfurt, and meet locals along the way!

Set aside time today to explore Zeil, a standout street that reflects the essence of the city. While you're there, you'll also be within reach of some of the city's top landmarks, making it easy to maximize your day.

Get ready for a day filled with fun adventures, romantic experiences, and scenic views in the charming city of Frankfurt. Your adventure starts at Iron Footbridge, a popular local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Römerberg. This well-known public square is known for its enchanting appeal.

After soaking in the highlights of these sights, take some time to wander Frankfurt's streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. When you're ready to continue your sightseeing adventure, head to Zoo Frankfurt. This breathtaking zoo offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable.

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Germany. Check out all of the tours you can join this day of your leisurely self-drive holiday in Germany and ensure the experience of a lifetime.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Germany. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Frankfurt, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

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

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Frankfurt.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Barkello Café Bar Lounge, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Jambo Bar, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, The Cosy Bar provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your leisurely paced road trip in Germany!

Day 5 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Frankfurt, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Germany are extraordinary.

Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Frankfurt today. One of the most curiosity-inducing attractions included on the itinerary is Senckenberg Museum. This photogenic museum will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Palmengarten and learn what makes this awe-inspiring botanical garden unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the captivating Alte Oper. After exploring the opera house, head to Nizza. This curiosity-inducing park is a highlight in Frankfurt. Lastly, don’t forget to check out the frequently visited Städel Museum. Enjoy exploring this incredible art museum at your own pace.

Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in Germany more special is by joining unique tours and activities. Frankfurt offers a wide selection of experiences for every traveler.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

Dine in style at Zu den 12 Aposteln, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Chicago Meatpackers boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Zum Gemalten Haus. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Frankfurt.

Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in Frankfurt. There, you can look back on the highlights of today’s pleasant and invigorating travel experiences, have friendly conversations with locals, and unwind.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Rote Bar, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Bar Helium Frankfurt Am Main offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Belfordfrankfurt provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible relaxed road trip adventure in the magical Frankfurt!

Day 6 of your relaxed road trip across the beautiful country of Germany will take you on a self-paced journey to more than one incredible place in one day. See some of the best attractions in Germany, taste the most delectable foods and exquisite drinks, and make incredible memories as you go!

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Bonn, 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 Frankfurt to Bonn may take around 2 hours without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Bonn, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Savor the rest of your day by heading to House Of The History Of The Federal Republic Of Germany, a locally renowned museum that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue on to Rheinaue, where you can soak in the instagrammable surroundings.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Königswinter. This drive usually takes around 16 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Take your self-guided tour to Schloss Drachenburg, an interesting castle that everyone visiting Königswinter should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings.

Set your GPS to Brühl and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 42 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Brühl beckons with new experiences!

Make your way to Phantasialand, a top-rated amusement park that draws attention for its visually striking features.

When you’re not exploring beautiful places, you’ll have a relaxed time at Cologne. Here, you can choose from the best selection of hotels and places to stay as you get to know more about this spectacular city.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Cologne has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Limani, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Funkhaus Cafe-Bar-Restaurant offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, The hanging gardens of Ehrenfeld is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Cologne.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

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

Toast to another unforgettable and relaxing road trip adventure in Germany!