7-Day Germany Road Trip from Frankfurt to Heidelberg, Stuttgart, Karlsruhe, and Koblenz and surrounding area

Say hello to Frankfurt! Your exciting road trip through Germany is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the region. You will stay in Frankfurt for 1 night before you continue your adventure!

Frankfurt is a beautiful region with plenty to discover. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Find your way to your hotel in Frankfurt. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Germany. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Frankfurt. 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.

Make your stay in Frankfurt one for the books by indulging in an unforgettable culinary experience at Gustav, a 2 Michelin star-rated gem acclaimed by food experts. Its delightful creative cuisine and the praise from satisfied patrons speak of its outstanding quality. Gustav, which has a Bib Gourmand award, gives you the best value for your money, and ensures your dining experience will be nothing short of extraordinary.

Another Michelin restaurant in Frankfurt you shouldn’t miss is the Bib-Gourmand awardee Lafleur. With 2 Michelin star rating, it’s a haven for food lovers and enthusiasts. Lafleur proudly maintains an outstanding reputation, attracting diners from near and far, all delighted by its modern french and creative culinary offerings.

Erno's Bistro is not just another restaurant in Frankfurt. Its 1-Michelin star menu promises to tantalize your taste buds and take you on a gastronomic adventure. This Bib-Gourmand awarded restaurant’s classic french and modern dishes and numerous glowing reviews from satisfied patrons have solidified its reputation as a culinary gem in Frankfurt.

If you’re in the mood for a drink, visit o'reilly's Irish pubs, one of the best bars in the region. O'reilly's Irish pubs is an excellent place to have a refreshing evening drink after exploring Frankfurt. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,367 customers.

Alternatively, you could enjoy a toast with locals at Oosten. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 4,068 customers.

Bar Helium Frankfurt am Main also belongs to the list of the best bars in Frankfurt, and its ratings and reviews are proof of this claim. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,956 customers.

Raise a toast to the start of your 7-day road trip in Germany!

On day 2 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 Frankfurt and Heidelberg. In the evening, you’ll end up in Heidelberg, where you will stay for 1 night.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Römer. This extraordinary rathaus has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,041 visitors.

Next, make your way to Römerberg. This square is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 24,391 reviews.

While in Frankfurt, we also recommend a visit to Iron Footbridge. This point of interest has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 23,044 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Zoo Frankfurt. With an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 22,563 travelers, this zoo is a highly recommended stop on your sightseeing around Frankfurt.

Make your way to Palmengarten, perhaps the most famous botanical garden in Frankfurt. This attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 19,050 reviews.

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 Heidelberg may take around 1 hour 9 min. Upon your arrival in Heidelberg, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

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 dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Heidelberg. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the region, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Plan ahead and secure a table at Weinstube Schnitzelbank, an acclaimed dining establishment in Heidelberg. This restaurant and its exquisite cuisine have earned the admiration of diners far and wide. Its commitment to culinary excellence shines through its 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 2,743 satisfied guests.

Do not overlook the culinary excellence of Heid's Grill & Restaurant while experiencing the best of Heidelberg. This renowned restaurant presents a refined menu, distinguished with an exceptional rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, celebrated by 3,269 discerning diners.

Indulge in the rich flavors of Cafe Extrablatt Heidelberg, an elegant culinary destination in Heidelberg. A menu crafted to perfection guarantees a dining experience that will satisfy even the most discerning palate. Its stellar reputation is reflected in its 4.3 out of 5-star rating from 4,413 previous guests.

After your meal, consider going for a drink to celebrate this wonderful night in Germany. One of the best bars in the region is Vetter's Alt Heidelberger Brauhaus. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,422 customers.

To gain one of the best bar experiences in Heidelberg, we recommend the cocktails at HANS IM GLÜCK - HEIDELBERG Heiliggeistkirche. This bar has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,229 customers and is an excellent place to make local friends.

Another of the best spots to experience the nightlife scene in Heidelberg is Sahara Restaurant. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,850 customers.

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

On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 4 destinations, Heidelberg, Sinsheim, Mannheim, and Stuttgart. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Stuttgart, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Journey into the unknown at Neckarwiese (Heidelberg), a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 7,998 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Old Bridge Heidelberg is a recommended place to visit. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 15,389 reviews.

Another must-see attraction in Heidelberg is Heidelberg Palace. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 54,117 travelers, this popular tourist destination in Heidelberg offers an experience you will remember.

When you’ve had your share of Heidelberg, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Mannheim. Your travel time is around 25 min.

When you’ve had your share of Mannheim, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Sinsheim. Your travel time is around 35 min.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Technikmuseum Sinsheim. Previous visitors have rated this technology museum an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 28,645 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 region.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Stuttgart.

Make your stay in Stuttgart one for the books by indulging in an unforgettable culinary experience at Der Zauberlehrling, a 1 Michelin star-rated gem acclaimed by food experts. Its delightful creative cuisine and the praise from satisfied patrons speak of its outstanding quality. Der Zauberlehrling ensures your dining experience will be nothing short of extraordinary.

Another Michelin restaurant in Stuttgart you shouldn’t miss is the Bib-Gourmand awardee Speisemeisterei. With 2 Michelin star rating, it’s a haven for food lovers and enthusiasts. Speisemeisterei proudly maintains an outstanding reputation, attracting diners from near and far, all delighted by its creative and innovative culinary offerings.

Ritzi Gourmet is not just another restaurant in Stuttgart. Its 1-Michelin star menu promises to tantalize your taste buds and take you on a gastronomic adventure. This Bib-Gourmand awarded restaurant’s creative french and modern dishes and numerous glowing reviews from satisfied patrons have solidified its reputation as a culinary gem in Stuttgart.

Schwarz Weiß Bar is an excellent example. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 651 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like Le petit Coq. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 584 customers.

Valle is another of the best bars in the region of Stuttgart that serves various drinks. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,680 customers.

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

Dive into day 4 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you will jump into the car and make your way to Stuttgart and Karlsruhe, 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 Karlsruhe. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Schloßplatz. This square is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Stuttgart, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 41,355 visitors.

Mercedes-Benz Museum is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 42,800 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction. It’s estimated that around 876,109 people visit this automobile museum every year.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Wilhelma. Visitors have rated this zoo an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 33,034 reviews.

Porsche Museum is another unique site you can experience today. This attraction is an automobile museum rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 27,816 reviews.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Karlsruhe, 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 Stuttgart to Karlsruhe may take around 56 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Karlsruhe. Karlsruhe offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

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

Do not miss out on an incredible dining experience at Bistro Margarete, one of the finest upscale restaurants in Karlsruhe. Featuring delightful food options and regional offerings, Bistro Margarete has garnered acclaim from numerous satisfied diners.

For local recommendations, look no further than sein. This food haven in Karlsruhe has been awarded 2 Michelin stars. Featuring modern cuisine, this well-loved Bib Gourmand restaurant stands out as a favorite among local and international customers.

In the mood for something different? Consider reserving a table at TAWA YAMA FINE. This celebrated dining spot in Karlsruhe is renowned for its sumptuous meals and modern and international menu. Countless patrons sing this Bib Gourmand restaurant's praises, adding to its 1 Michelin-star prestige.

Der KofferRaum - Cocktailbar is one of the best bars in Karlsruhe and the perfect place to go for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 651 customers.

You may also want to check out Vogelbräu Karlsruhe. Equally popular, this bar offers a great drink list and a nice atmosphere for your evening endeavors. Vogelbräu Karlsruhe is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,187 customers.

Alternatively, head out to Marktlücke. Marktlücke has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,823 customers and is a top choice among travelers as well as locals.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Germany.

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 of your road trip in Germany. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 4 vibrant destinations - Koblenz, Nürburg, Speyer, and Koblenz. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Koblenz. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Karlsruhe, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Speyer. This drive usually takes around 42 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Speyer, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Nürburg may take around 2 hours 25 min. Upon your arrival in Nürburg, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Nürburgring, a remarkable sightseeing destination where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 35,289 reviews.

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

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

Transform your dining experience at Verbene, one of the top Bib Gourmand restaurants in Koblenz, holding 1 Michelin stars. Offering a diverse menu focusing on modern cuisine, Verbene has earned praise from numerous satisfied guests.

Ensure you visit Altes Brauhaus while exploring Koblenz. This popular restaurant offers a delicious menu, distinguished with a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, celebrated by 3,349 discerning guests.

Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Restaurant Syrtaki, a popular restaurant in Koblenz. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 2,713 discerning diners.

Einstein Koblenz is a fantastic bar many locals in Koblenz recognize. This popular bar is an excellent place to unwind after a busy day and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,406 customers.

You can also enjoy a few drinks and some snacks at ALEX Koblenz, another popular bar in the region. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,070 customers.

TAQUITOS Cantina Y Bar is a local favorite and a great place to hang out and socialize with other travelers in Koblenz. Customers have rated the exciting TAQUITOS Cantina Y Bar an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 1,667 reviews.

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 6 of your road trip in Germany, where you’ll be making 3 stops. Today you will experience some of the highlights of this tour package, that is, the wonderful destinations of Brühl, Cologne, and Frankfurt. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Frankfurt. Frankfurt will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Set your GPS to Brühl and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 4 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Brühl beckons with new experiences!

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Phantasialand. This amusement park is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Brühl, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 89,377 visitors. Around 1,750,000 people visit this attraction every year.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Cologne. This car ride takes around 28 min.

Start your day with a visit to Cologne Chocolate Museum. This extraordinary museum is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 36,704 visitors.

Next, make your way to Cologne Cathedral. This top attraction is a catholic cathedral with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 69,905 visitors. Cologne Cathedral welcomes 5,000,000 yearly visitors.

We also recommend a visit to Old Market. This sightseeing destination is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 12,740 travelers.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Frankfurt, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the region.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Frankfurt. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the region, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Book a table at Restaurant Klosterhof, a famous dining establishment in Frankfurt. This culinary hotspot and its appetizing cuisine have captured the hearts of food enthusiasts. Its reputation for food excellence is reflected in its 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 2,908 satisfied diners.

Another dining place you should visit in Frankfurt is Gaststätte Atschel, which boasts a variety of tasteful dishes that cater to different palates. It has earned a commendable 4.4 out of 5 stars, demonstrating the positive feedback from 2,694 satisfied customers.

Locals and visitors alike recommend Frankfurt’s Ebbelwoi Unser for the delightful dining experience it gives. The establishment has garnered positive reviews for its tasty dishes, holding an admirable score of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,355 satisfied diners.

One of the best bars in Frankfurt you could visit tonight after your dinner is Maincafé. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,409 customers.

Another popular bar in the region is SenSaSion Bar & Restaurant Frankfurt. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 400 customers.

Locals also enjoy Gleis 25. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 503 customers.

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

Day 7 of your road trip in Germany is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Frankfurt before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

As your final day in Germany unfolds, don’t miss the chance for a last-minute shopping spree in Frankfurt’s shopping district. Your accommodation’s convenient location near the region’s shopping area offers the luxury of time, so you don’t have to limit yourself from leisurely strolling its streets amidst a collection of establishments.

Look for the perfect gift for your loved ones back home, or buy yourself a little keepsake to remind you of Germany.

Before you conclude your road trip in Germany, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Frankfurt.

You’ll then say farewell to Frankfurt. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Germany!