One-Week Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Cologne traveling east to Frankfurt and Nuremberg

Your itinerary for day 2 of your road trip in Germany includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of Frankfurt. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Frankfurt, where you'll spend 2 nights.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.

Set your GPS to Frankfurt and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 2 hours 2 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Frankfurt beckons with new experiences!

Our first attraction recommendation in Frankfurt is Palmengarten, a notable botanical garden that draws attention for its eye-catching features.

Time flies when you're having fun! But don't forget to stop for a bit to eat and drink between your adventures. When you're rested and recharged, head to Iron Footbridge, a popular monument that offers a unique experience. Be sure to also explore Römerberg, a nearby public square, highly recommended by other travelers. End your self-guided tour at Frankfurt Cathedral, a picture-perfect church and the perfect final attraction in Frankfurt.

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

Frankfurt is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Frankfurt.

Make sure to reserve a table at Berliner Keller 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 Im Herzen Afrikas, 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 25hours Hotel Frankfurt The Trip, a hidden gem nestled in Frankfurt. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

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.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Germany!

On day 3 of your road trip in Germany, you’ll start and end your day in Frankfurt, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you still have 1 night to spend in Frankfurt, there’s no need to rush. Experience Heidelberg to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary.

A visit to Hauptstraße is a must on the agenda today. This street is full of hidden gems and character, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Plus, you’ll be close to some of the city’s most famous sights.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Heidelberg.

Savor the day by heading to Philosophers’ Way, a beloved hiking area that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue to Old Bridge Heidelberg, where you can soak in the history-steeped surroundings.

Next, explore Church Of The Holy Spirit, Heidelberg, yet another underrated place to see in the area. After the church, make time to go to Heidelberger Marktplatz. This enchanting public square is well worth the visit. Lastly, head to Heidelberg Castle, an impressive castle you won’t want to miss.

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

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

Dine in style at Restaurant Lohninger, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Apfelwein Dax boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Ariston Restaurant. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Frankfurt.

Continue your lively evening at Barkello Café Bar Lounge, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Jambo Bar is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, The Cosy Bar ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

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

On day 4 of your road trip in Germany, your travel plans include 1 stop at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Nuremberg are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Nuremberg, where you will stay for 3 nights.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Nuremberg, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Frankfurt to Nuremberg may take around 2 hours 41 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Nuremberg, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Savor the day by heading to Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds, a popular museum that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue to Nuremberg Castle, where you can soak in the standout surroundings.

Next, explore Neues Museum Nürnberg, yet another beloved place to see in the area. After the museum, make time to go to Ehekarussell. This romantic art installation is well worth the visit. Lastly, head to Fleisch Bridge, a worthwhile monument you won’t want to miss.

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

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

Enjoy a delicious meal at Restaurant Burgwächter, a top-rated dining destination in Nuremberg. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Alte Küch'n & Im Keller, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at NOVINA HOTEL Südwestpark Nürnberg. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Nuremberg this evening.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Irish Castle Pub. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Mata Hari Bar, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Undecided Bar provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

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

Wake up to day 5 of your road trip in Germany. On this day, you’ll embark on an exciting expedition discovering the enchanting sights and activities of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. With 2 nights to stay in Nuremberg, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Rothenburg ob der Tauber, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Nuremberg to Rothenburg ob der Tauber may take around 1 hour 14 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Gallows Gate is an often recommended point of interest we recommend visiting today.

Next, stop by Plönlein, Wandbrunnen (rothenburg Ob Der Tauber), a standout public square. While you’re nearby, don’t forget to visit Medieval Crime Museum, a visually striking and truly unique museum. End your sightseeing at German Christmas Museum, a locally appreciated museum that’s highly recommended by travelers passing through the town.

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

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

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Katzentempel Nürnberg, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? dasPaul Restaurant & Hotel offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Zeit & Raum - vegetarisch & vegan. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Nuremberg.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Ludwigs Bar & Cafe, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Bierwerk is another popular option for a drink or two.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Germany!

On day 6 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Nuremberg, where you still have 1 night left. You'll spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city, including Bamberg.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Nuremberg, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Bamberg. This drive usually takes around 53 min.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the town's best attractions, visit Neue Residenz Bamberg, an often recommended palace that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey. Next, head to Old Court and admire its historic features.

When you’re ready, continue to Bamberg Cathedral, an up-and-coming church beloved by locals and tourists alike. Don't miss out on Bamberg Old Town, another highlight of the area that promises a memorable visit. Not far away, you’ll also find Sammlung Ludwig Bamberg Im Alten Rathaus I Museen Der Stadt Bamberg, a breathtaking place to see that you won’t regret spending some extra time discovering.

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

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Nuremberg's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Make sure to reserve a table at Padelle d'Italia Nürnberg, an iconic dining spot in Nuremberg. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Safran Restaurant Nürnberg - Persische Spezialitäten, a popular restaurant in Nuremberg. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Indisches Restaurant Ganesha Nürnberg, a hidden gem nestled in Nuremberg. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

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

Dive into day 7 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you'll explore 1 destination, including Würzburg. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Cologne, where you'll spend 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Würzburg. This car ride takes around 1 hour 23 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Würzburg Residence. Spend some time admiring the romantic features of the palace before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Wurzburg Cathedral. This intriguing church is a traveler-favorite in the city.

If you're keen to see more, continue to Old Main Bridge. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the historical landmark. Next, take your journey to Marienberg Fortress, a popular castle.

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 a delightful dinner at Mongo's Restaurant Köln, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Vietnamski restorant "Kuchi Mami"? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at RheinZeit as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Cologne.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Soul Bar Cologne after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

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