One-Week Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Frankfurt traveling west to Cologne, Karlsruhe, and Heidelberg

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.

Prepare for a day full of an awe-inspiring, a visually striking, a historically significant, a romantic, a grand, and a peaceful. When you’re ready, kick off your sightseeing adventure at Römer. This up-and-coming city hall is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Römerberg, one of the city’s most promising highlights.

Next, check out Iron Footbridge, one of the most notable places to see in Frankfurt. This monument is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Enjoy some downtime and refreshments before continuing to your next stop, Zoo Frankfurt. Wander around and soak in the picture-perfect atmosphere this zoo offers. Finally, take the path to the locally renowned Palmengarten, the last of our attraction recommendations for today.

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

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

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 delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to The Grid Bar, known for its inviting atmosphere. Toddy Tapper is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Legends Bar & Terrasse provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

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

Day 3 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Cologne for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Immerse yourself in Cologne’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary. Start your journey at Lindt Chocolate Museum. This instagrammable museum is sure to ignite your curiosity. Next, dive into the visually striking features of Old Market, a must-visit public square in the city.

In between sights, stop by local stores, picturesque photo spots, and small eateries. When you’re ready for your next attraction, proceed to Cologne Cathedral, an impressive church. For a change of scene, check out Cologne Zoological Garden, known for its instagrammable features.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. 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 Cologne. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day'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.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Soul Bar Cologne, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

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

On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, Glees, Koblenz, and Speyer. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Karlsruhe, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

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

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Glees. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 6 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Begin your journey at Maria Laach Abbey and explore the standout features.

When you’ve had your share of Glees, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Koblenz. Your travel time is around 30 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Deutsches Eck. Spend some time admiring the picture-perfect features of the monument before you continue to your next stop.

Speyer’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Koblenz behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 55 min. Speyer welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Technik Museum Speyer. Spend some time admiring the eye-catching features of the aviation museum before you continue to your next stop.

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.

As you explore more of Karlsruhe, 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.

Have a memorable dining experience in Karlsruhe by booking a table at Bistro Margarete, renowned as a Bib Gourmand restaurant presenting an exceptional regional menu. For a different culinary experience in Karlsruhe, sein shines as one of the top destinations, known for its delicious modern 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, TAWA YAMA FINE is known as a top local spot for its delicious modern and international cuisine in Karlsruhe. This 1-star Michelin awardee is a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable meal.

Keep the evening going at Phono Craftbeer Bar, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Electric Eel, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Jean-claude Cocktail Bar, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

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

On day 5 of your road trip in Germany, you’ll start and end your day in Karlsruhe, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you will return to Karlsruhe for 1 night more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Stuttgart to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!

Today's adventure in Stuttgart promises more breathtaking discoveries and enriching experiences!

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Karlsruhe and set your GPS to Stuttgart. 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 11 min. Upon reaching Stuttgart, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Savor the rest of your day by heading to Mercedes-benz Museum, a notable museum that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue on to Wilhelma, where you can soak in the instagrammable surroundings. Next, explore Schloßplatz, yet another notable place to see in the area. After the public square, make time to go to Porsche Museum. This standout museum is well worthwhile the visit.

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.

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

Dive into day 7 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you will explore Heidelberg, 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 Frankfurt. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Today’s itinerary in Heidelberg covers several incredible sights, including a park, a historical landmark, a public square, a museum, a castle and much more! Start your adventure at Neckarwiese (heidelberg). This often recommended park is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the history-steeped wonders of Old Bridge Heidelberg, a must-see historical landmark in the city.

Consider stopping for a small bite to eat or a drink at a local eatery to keep your energy going. When you’re ready, continue your discovery with a visit to Heidelberger Marktplatz. This underrated public square offers an enriching experience. For a change of pace, head to German Pharmacy Museum, where you can take in its heritage-rich features. Conclude your self-guided sightseeing tour with a visit to Heidelberg Castle. This romantic castle offers a fulfilling end to a perfect day.

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.

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 taste of local culinary excellence while in Frankfurt by securing a table at Gustav. An esteemed 2-star Michelin restaurant, it features an exceptional creative menu. For an alternative taste experience, visit Lafleur, famous for its scrumptious modern french and creative dishes. This 2-star Michelin venue consistently impresses guests, making it a standout addition to your holiday plans. Looking for another choice? Discover Erno's Bistro, a local favorite celebrated for its exquisite classic french and modern cuisine in Frankfurt. Located in the heart of the city, this 1-star Michelin restaurant is an ideal pick for classic french and modern cuisine lovers seeking top-notch culinary experiences.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Barkello Café Bar Lounge, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Jambo Bar. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at The Cosy Bar, another top-rated place in the area.

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.