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

On day 2 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Germany, you’ll go deep into Cologne, where you'll stay for 1 night, 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 Cologne, and meet locals along the way!

Belgisches Viertel is a fantastic place you can explore today in Cologne. This neighborhood 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 Cologne-way-of-life and visit all the nearby sights.

Visiting Cologne Zoological Garden is always a good idea. This popular zoo is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the picture-perfect wonders of Cologne Cathedral, a must-see church in the city.

Consider stopping for a small bite to eat or a drink at a local eatery to keep your energy going. When you’re ready, continue your discovery with a visit to Lindt Chocolate Museum. This interesting museum offers an enriching experience.

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.

Bring home unique finds from Cologne's bustling shopping hub, Hohe Straße. Enjoy a leisurely exploration of unique high-end stores where locals shop. Don’t forget to browse souvenirs and local specialties that make perfect gifts for your loved ones. Beyond shopping, Hohe Straße offers plenty of options, including primary services, unique landmarks, and community events.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Day 3 of your self-drive tour in Germany offers a chance to experience the country’s diversity. You’ll start your day in Glees and end it in Frankfurt. You’ll stay in Frankfurt for 3 nights. Along the way, you’ll glimpse local life and explore some of the most remarkable places in Germany.

Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Glees.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Cologne, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Glees. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 6 min.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Maria Laach Abbey and explore the stunning features.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Keldung, home to many well-known sights in the region. 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.

Spend your afternoon discovering Eltz Castle, an interesting castle known for its respected features.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Koblenz may take around 48 min. Upon your arrival in Koblenz, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Deutsches Eck, a well-known monument that everyone visiting Koblenz should see. Next, head to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. This historic castle is one of the most locally renowned attractions in the region.

Continue your laid-back road trip in Germany as you make your way to Frankfurt. Here, you’ll find top hotels and accommodations in the city, perfect for relaxing and recharging.

Exploring the food culture in Frankfurt offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

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.

Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in Frankfurt.

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.

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

Day 4 of your relaxed road trip through Germany means 24 hours of making the best memories in Frankfurt. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Frankfurt. 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 Frankfurt!

At the top of the list of things to do today is to explore Zeil, a street that captures the true essence of Frankfurt. Take your time to uncover its best sides and enjoy its proximity to many of the area’s best attractions. Another must-visit is Sachsenhausen, a neighborhood offering a different perspective on Frankfurt.

Iron Footbridge is must-visit monument and a great option for a daytime tour of the area. Continue your journey to Römerberg, a well-known public square, located just a leisurely stroll away. Next, head to Zoo Frankfurt, a stunning zoo, also available for your discovery today.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Germany by joining a traveler-approved tour in Cologne. There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Cologne that will make your slow-paced self-drive tour in Germany more memorable. Check out all the most recommended and top-rated tour options in the city of Frankfurt to find the best options for you!

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 Frankfurt, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Don’t miss out on dining at Restaurant Lohninger, a top-rated dining destination in Frankfurt. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Apfelwein Dax, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Ariston Restaurant. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Frankfurt this evening.

As the day is coming to an end, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in Frankfurt. The bars in Frankfurt make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

Keep the evening going at Barkello Café Bar Lounge, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Jambo Bar, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is The Cosy Bar, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

A leisurely self-drive holiday in Frankfurt can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day 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.

Check out the intriguing museum, Senckenberg Museum. Afterward, continue to Palmengarten, a botanical garden every traveler should visit. As you explore Frankfurt’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the city.

Next, make your way to Alte Oper. This locally renowned opera house is an essential stop. Following that, head to Nizza, another must-visit site that will enhance your experience. Don’t forget to stop by Städel Museum, a frequently visited art museum in the city.

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

Exploring the food culture in Frankfurt offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

Make sure to reserve a table at Zu den 12 Aposteln, 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 Chicago Meatpackers, 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 Zum Gemalten Haus, a hidden gem nestled in Frankfurt. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

If you’re not yet ready to call it a night, head back out to celebrate your vacation with a drink. This is a great time to slow down, look back at your day, and raise a toast to your wonderful holiday in Germany.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Rote Bar, known for its lively atmosphere. Bar Helium Frankfurt Am Main is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Belfordfrankfurt offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

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

Day 6 of your easy, relaxed road trip through Germany lets you travel at your own pace and visit multiple places in a single day. Begin by exploring the best sights in Bonn. By evening, drive toward the Cologne, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 1 night.

When you’ve had your share of Frankfurt, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Bonn. Your travel time is around 2 hours.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to House Of The History Of The Federal Republic Of Germany, a well-known museum that everyone visiting Bonn should see. Next, head to Rheinaue. This awe-inspiring park is one of the most interesting attractions in the region.

When you’ve had your share of Bonn, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Königswinter. Your travel time is around 16 min.

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

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Brühl, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Königswinter to Brühl may take around 42 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Brühl, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Phantasialand, a top-rated amusement park in Brühl. Explore its photogenic features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

After a day of exploration, relax at one of the top hotels or accommodations in Cologne. Staying in the city gives you a comfortable, welcoming place to recharge during your laid-back road trip in Germany.

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.

Savor the flavors at Limani, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Funkhaus Cafe-Bar-Restaurant beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider The hanging gardens of Ehrenfeld. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Cologne tonight.

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 culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Suderman stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail.

Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back road trip adventure across Germany.