7-Day Germany Road Trip from Frankfurt traveling west to Cologne

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 city. You will stay in Frankfurt for 3 nights before you continue your adventure!

Frankfurt is a beautiful city 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.

Savor the flavors at Berliner Keller Frankfurt, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Im Herzen Afrikas beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider 25hours Hotel Frankfurt The Trip. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Frankfurt tonight.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Gute Stute, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Flemings Hotel Frankfurt-central (former Flemings Express Frankfurt) provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Gleis 25 offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

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

Day 2 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Frankfurt for 2 nights more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Römerberg. This square is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 24,968 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Frankfurt Cathedral. This church building has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 5,990 reviews.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Schirn Kunsthalle Frankfurt. This art museum has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 4,028 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Iron Footbridge. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 23,403 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Lohr Park. This park is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,372 visitors.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your travel plan. Germany is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Frankfurt. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Experience a symphony of flavors at Gustav in Frankfurt by securing a reservation in advance. Renowned for its 2-star Michelin distinction, Gustav delights its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious creative cuisine. For a palate-pleasing alternative, make sure to dine at Lafleur, acclaimed for its delectable modern french, 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 Erno's Bistro, a top-rated restaurant known for its outstanding menu. Known as a top-rated 1-star Michelin establishment, it's a top choice for classic french, and modern cuisine in the city.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Barkello Café Bar Lounge is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Jambo Bar, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is The Cosy Bar. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

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

Day 3 of your road trip across Germany promises a magnificent time exploring Frankfurt. You have 1 night left in Frankfurt. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Palmengarten. This much-appreciated botanical garden is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in 19,461 reviews.

Next up is Senckenberg Museum. This natural history museum has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,457 visitors. As one of the top places to visit in the city, Senckenberg Museum welcomes 620,000 visitors annually.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is Alte Oper. This concert hall has been rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in 13,602 reviews.

Nizza is another attraction you have the opportunity to visit today. This urban park has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 6,282 reviews.

To continue your sightseeing, head over to Städel Museum. This art museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 9,458 reviews.

To immerse yourself in more memorable moments in Frankfurt, check out the best-rated tours the region offers. You can discover and choose from all of the top-rated activities you can do on this day in Frankfurt below.

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

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Zu den 12 Aposteln, a top-rated dining spot in Frankfurt. If you're in the mood for something new, try Chicago Meatpackers, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Zum Gemalten Haus. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Frankfurt.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Rote Bar. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Bar Helium Frankfurt Am Main offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Belfordfrankfurt, another top-rated bar in the area.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure 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 3 vibrant destinations - Mainz, Koblenz, and Keldung. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Cologne. You will spend 2 nights here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Mainz. This drive usually takes around 42 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Mainz Cathedral. This much-appreciated catholic cathedral is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in 6,317 reviews.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Mainz and set your GPS to Koblenz. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 1 hour 20 min. Upon reaching Koblenz, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Make Ehrenbreitstein Fortress your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this fortress an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 18,566 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Deutsches Eck. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 34,555 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this headland every year.

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.

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

Set out on a gastronomic journey in Cologne by reserving a table at Le Moissonnier Bistro. Renowned for its 1-star Michelin recognition, this restaurant presents an outstanding menu of french, and seafood cuisine. For a different taste, head over to Ox & Klee, renowned for its delectable modern, and creative dishes. This distinguished 2-star Michelin-recipient is a favorite among guests, making it a worthy addition to your holiday plans. Craving more culinary excitement? Explore La Cuisine Rademacher, a highly rated local gem known for its exquisite modern french menu. With a 1-star Michelin acclaim, it promises a dining experience you won't want to miss. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Cologne.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at The Grid Bar, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Toddy Tapper offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Cologne. Legends Bar & Terrasse is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

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.

Day 5 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Cologne has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Cologne by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

Make Japanese Garden Leverkusen your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 3,239 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Rheinpark. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,479 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this park every year.

Wallraf–richartz Museum is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This art museum has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,793 visitors. Up to 153,566 travelers come to Cologne every year to see Wallraf–richartz Museum with their own eyes.

When you’re finished at Wallraf–richartz Museum, the perfect next stop is Rhine Garden Sculpture. This fountain is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 6,820 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Lindt Chocolate Museum. This museum is a top place to visit, with a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 37,446 reviews.

There are plenty of experiences you can choose from in Germany that will add excitement to your vacation. When you’re keen to discover what else Cologne has in store for you, use this day to go on a tour. Scroll down and select tours and activities to include on your itinerary for the day.

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.

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

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Soul Bar Cologne, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 6 of your road trip in Germany. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Cologne. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Frankfurt, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Old Market. This extraordinary point of interest is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 12,935 visitors.

Next, make your way to Museum Ludwig. This top attraction is an art museum with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,470 visitors. Museum Ludwig welcomes 304,942 yearly visitors.

We also recommend a visit to Cologne Cathedral. Hosting 5,000,000 visitors every year, Cologne Cathedral is one of the most popular places to visit in Cologne. This catholic cathedral is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 70,814 travelers.

If you’re keen to keep exploring, visit Cologne Zoological Garden. This highly recommended sightseeing destination has received an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 30,676 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 city.

As you explore more of Frankfurt, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

Make sure to reserve a table at Kiwi’s - Café, Bar & Restaurant Frankfurt, 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 Zeil Kitchen | Vegan Restaurant, Cafe, Catering & Eventlocation in Frankfurt am Main, 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 Namaste India, a hidden gem nestled in Frankfurt. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg 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.

Make the most of your final day in Germany by visiting Frankfurt’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in 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!