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

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. In the evening, you’ll end up in Cologne, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Savor the day by visiting some of the best places to see in Frankfurt, including a city hall, a public square, a monument, a zoo, a botanical garden and much more! Start your adventure at Römer. This up-and-coming city hall is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Römerberg located in Frankfurt for an enchanting atmosphere.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Iron Footbridge. Its enchanting features will captivate you. After the monument, continue your tour of the city with a visit to Zoo Frankfurt. This zoo has a picture-perfect appeal. For a change of pace, head to Palmengarten. As one of the most notable attractions in Frankfurt, this botanical garden is an excellent place to end your self-guided tour.

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

Start your culinary exploration in Cologne by securing a reservation at Le Moissonnier Bistro. This renowned restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of french and seafood cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Ox & Klee, celebrated for its delectable modern and creative menu. This acclaimed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover La Cuisine Rademacher, a top local spot known for its tantalizing modern french menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at The Grid Bar after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Toddy Tapper for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Legends Bar & Terrasse is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Germany!

On day 3 of your road trip in Germany, you’ll start and end your day in Cologne, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you will return to Cologne for 1 night more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Brühl and Cologne to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!

Start by visiting Cologne Cathedral, a prime spot to begin your journey. This culturally significant church is sure to impress. Next on your list is Old Market, another must-visit landmark and well-known public square renowned for its romantic features.

While exploring and sightseeing, take time to savor the ambiance of Cologne by sampling some local delicacies or having a drink. When you’re ready for more sightseeing, head to Rhine Garden Sculpture. This visually striking park is a remarkable attraction that offers a unique experience. Lindt Chocolate Museum also adds charm to your journey.

Brühl’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Cologne behind. This drive usually takes around 29 min. Brühl welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Your self-guided tour starts at Phantasialand, a top-rated amusement park that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Cologne.

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

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Mongo's Restaurant Köln, a top-rated dining spot in Cologne. If you're in the mood for something new, try Vietnamski restorant "Kuchi Mami", another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at RheinZeit. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Cologne.

Keep the evening going at Soul Bar Cologne, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

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.

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 4 of your road trip in Germany. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Glees and Speyer. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Karlsruhe, which will be your home away from home for 2 nights.

Immerse yourself in Glees’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary.

After soaking in Cologne’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Glees. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 6 min. When you arrive in Glees, it's time to take a break from the road.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Maria Laach Abbey. Spend some time admiring the inviting features of the monastery before you continue to your next stop.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Glees, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Speyer. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 1 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Your self-guided tour starts at Technik Museum Speyer, a popular aviation museum that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey. Next, head to Speyer Cathedral and admire its picture-perfect features.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Karlsruhe, 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 Karlsruhe's best restaurants.

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Bistro Margarete, a Bib Gourmand restaurant offering an incredible regional menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, sein is one of the best restaurants for modern cuisine in Karlsruhe. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at TAWA YAMA FINE. As a top-rated establishment with 1 Michelin star, it is an ideal choice for modern and international cuisine in the city.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Phono Craftbeer Bar, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Electric Eel is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Jean-claude Cocktail Bar is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

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

Greet day 5 of your road trip in Germany with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You will return to Karlsruhe for your remaining 1 night in the city later today, but first, it’s time for some exploring! On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Stuttgart.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Stuttgart, 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 Karlsruhe to Stuttgart may take around 1 hour 11 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Stuttgart, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Mercedes-benz Museum is an interesting museum we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its respected features before continuing your self-guided tour to Wilhelma, a picture-perfect zoo that’s well-regarded in the area. Next, stop by Schloßplatz, a romantic public square. While you’re nearby, don’t forget to visit Porsche Museum, a history-steeped and truly unique museum.

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

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

Have a fantastic dining experience at kap, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Enchilada Karlsruhe offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Badisch Brauhaus is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Karlsruhe.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Carlos Cocktailbar, known for its inviting atmosphere. Ubu is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Der Kofferraum - Cocktailbar provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 6 of your road trip in Germany. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Heidelberg. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Frankfurt. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

When you’ve had your share of Karlsruhe, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Heidelberg. Your travel time is around 55 min.

Take your self-guided tour to Heidelberg Castle, an astonishing castle that everyone visiting Heidelberg should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Next, head to Heidelberger Marktplatz. This stunning public square is one of the most worthwhile attractions in the region. Don’t miss out on Heidelberg Zoo, an instagrammable zoo, popular among locals as well as travelers. Old Bridge Heidelberg is an excellent attraction to visit next. Spend some time learning more about this popular historical landmark before you continue your journey.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Frankfurt. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

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

Prepare for an extraordinary culinary adventure in Frankfurt by booking a table at Gustav, a 2-star Michelin restaurant that boasts an exceptional creative menu. For a different flavor experience, head to Lafleur, renowned for its delectable modern french and creative dishes. This 2-star Michelin restaurant consistently wows guests, making it a memorable stop during your holiday. Looking for another option? Visit Erno's Bistro, a local gem known for its delightful classic french and modern cuisine in Frankfurt. Nestled in the city's heart, this 1-star Michelin restaurant is a perfect choice for discerning restaurant-goers seeking a new experience.

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.

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