7-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Frankfurt to Cologne, Heidelberg, and Karlsruhe and surrounding area

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

Get ready to discover some of the most iconic wonders in Frankfurt, including a public square, a monument, a zoo, an opera house, a botanical garden and much more! Start your day at Römerberg. This awe-inspiring public square is an interesting place to see in Frankfurt. Then, wander over to Iron Footbridge. If romantic sites excite you, this monument will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Zoo Frankfurt. This mesmerizing zoo is a favorite among visitors.

Frankfurt offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, Alte Oper is a well-known spot in the city that will captivate you with its unique charm. When you’re done at the opera house, don’t forget to check out the romantic Palmengarten. Take a moment to appreciate the fascinating details of this interesting botanical garden.

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.

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

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Le Moissonnier Bistro, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible french and seafood menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Ox & Klee is one of the best restaurants for modern and creative cuisine in Cologne. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at La Cuisine Rademacher. As a top-rated establishment with 1 Michelin star, it is an ideal choice for modern french cuisine in the city.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like The Grid Bar, known for its lively atmosphere. Toddy Tapper is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Legends Bar & Terrasse offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

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

On day 3 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Cologne, where you'll stay for 1 night more.

Make sure to visit Schildergasse, a popular street in Brühl. Spend some time wandering around the area and soak in its distinctive charm. You’ll also discover that several of the city’s must-see attractions are just around the corner.

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several fun adventures, photo-friendly spots, and scenic views. Whether you decide to explore Cologne on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Phantasialand is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this eye-catching amusement park before continuing your journey. Cologne Cathedral is your next stop. This top-rated church is one of the best-rated sights in Cologne.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Old Market. This enchanting public square is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Lindt Chocolate Museum.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Cologne and your accommodation.

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

Don’t miss out on dining at Mongo's Restaurant Köln, a top-rated dining destination in Cologne. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Vietnamski restorant "Kuchi Mami", another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at RheinZeit. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Cologne this evening.

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.

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 of your road trip in Germany. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Koblenz and Speyer. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Heidelberg. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in Cologne allows for both. Start by heading to Deutsches Eck. This notable monument provides an insightful glimpse into the city's identity. Next, discover Technik Museum Speyer, an eye-catching aviation museum, promising a delightful encounter.

Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Speyer Cathedral, a well-known church.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Heidelberg. Heidelberg offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

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 city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Strohauer's Café Alt Heidelberg, a popular restaurant in Heidelberg. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Heidelberg at Vetter's Alt Heidelberger Brauhaus, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Joe Molese 117 - Burgers'n'Sandwiches. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Heidelberg tonight.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Friedrich, Kaffee & Bar after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Sonder Bar (pinte) for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Café Bar Goodfellas is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Germany!

On day 6 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Stuttgart. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Frankfurt, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Get ready for a day filled with family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and breathtaking views in the charming city of Karlsruhe. Your adventure starts at Stuttgart Tv Tower, an interesting local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Schloßplatz. This interesting public square is known for its visually striking appeal.

After soaking in the highlights of these sights, take some time to wander Karlsruhe's streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. When you're ready to continue your sightseeing adventure, head to Mercedes-benz Museum. This picture-perfect museum offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable. Porsche Museum is also worth visiting.

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.

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

Have a memorable dining experience in Frankfurt by booking a table at Gustav, renowned as a 2-star Michelin restaurant presenting an exceptional creative menu. For a different culinary experience in Frankfurt, Lafleur shines as one of the top destinations, known for its delicious modern french 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, Erno's Bistro is known as a top local spot for its delicious classic french and modern cuisine in Frankfurt. This 1-star Michelin awardee is a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable meal.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Barkello Café Bar Lounge stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Jambo Bar offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. The Cosy Bar is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Head back to your accommodation in Frankfurt and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Germany!