One-Week Germany Road Trip from Nuremberg to Dresden, Berlin, Bielefeld, Heidelberg, and Munich and surrounding area

Welcome to Nuremberg, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Germany! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 1 night immersing yourself in Nuremberg's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Nuremberg is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Schöner Brunnen or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Nuremberg. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Germany. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Nuremberg. 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 an extraordinary dining experience at Veles, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible modern menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Essigbrätlein is one of the best restaurants for innovative cuisine in Nuremberg. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at etz. As a top-rated it is an ideal choice for creative and regional cuisine in the city.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Irish Castle Pub. Alternatively, go to bierwerk, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife.

Raise a toast to the start of your 8-day road trip in Germany!

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 Nuremberg. In the evening, you’ll end up in Dresden, where you will stay for 1 night.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Nuremberg Castle. This extraordinary castle is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 36,670 visitors.

Next, make your way to Handwerkerhof Nuremberg. This top attraction is a courtyard with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,346 visitors.

We also recommend a visit to Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds. This military museum is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 15,648 travelers.

If you’re keen to keep exploring, visit Nazi party rally grounds. This highly recommended sightseeing destination has received an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 5,423 travelers.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Dresden, 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 dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Dresden. 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 an extraordinary dining experience at ElbUferei, a Bib Gourmand restaurant offering an incredible mediterranean and international menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Genuss-Atelier is one of the best restaurants for modern and creative cuisine in Dresden. This 1-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at Elements. As a top-rated it is an ideal choice for modern and international cuisine in the city.

Continue your lively evening at Gin House Dresden, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Nightfly shisha and cocktail is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, SonderBar ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your road trip in Germany. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Dresden. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Berlin, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to The Grand Garden of Dresden. This park is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Dresden, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 14,790 visitors.

Brühl's Terrace is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 12,650 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Church of Our Lady. Visitors have rated this church building an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 30,160 reviews.

Semperoper is another unique site you can experience today. This attraction is an opera house rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 13,687 reviews.

Make your way to the fantastic Zwinger, perhaps the most famous palace in Dresden. This attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 49,362 travelers.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Berlin. Berlin offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

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

Experience a symphony of flavors at Rutz in Berlin by securing a reservation in advance. Renowned for its 3-star Michelin distinction, Rutz delights its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious modern and creative cuisine. For a palate-pleasing alternative, make sure to dine at Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer, acclaimed for its delectable 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 FACIL, a top-rated restaurant known for its outstanding menu. Known as a top-rated , it's a top choice for creative and contemporary cuisine in the city.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Green Door Bar, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Sharlie Cheen Bar offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Berlin. Berlin Icebar is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day 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 1 vibrant destinations - Berlin. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Bielefeld. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

When you're ready to see some sights, Alexanderplatz is a great place to start. This square is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 212,589 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Checkpoint Charlie. This sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 82,690 travelers.

We also recommend a stop at Brandenburg Gate. The triumphal arch has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 161,792 visitors.

If you're keen to explore more, consider visiting Berlin Zoological Garden. This zoo is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 63,157 reviews.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Bielefeld, 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 Bielefeld.

Enjoy a delicious meal at GlückundSeligkeit, a highly-rated dining destination in Bielefeld. If you're eager to try something different, consider New Orleans, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Nichtschwimmer. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Bielefeld this evening.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Die Villa after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to THREE SIXTY Bielefeld, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Cutie also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

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

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you will explore Cologne, 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 Heidelberg. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Cologne, 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 Bielefeld to Cologne may take around 2 hours 6 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Cologne, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Make Cologne Zoological Garden your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this zoo an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 30,118 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Cologne Cathedral. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 69,905 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this catholic cathedral every year. In fact, this attraction welcomes 5,000,000 annual visitors.

Old Market is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This point of interest has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 12,740 visitors.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Heidelberg, 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 are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Heidelberg. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Make sure to book a table at Vetter's Alt Heidelberger Brauhaus, a popular restaurant in Heidelberg. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Heidelberg at Joe Molese 117 - Burgers'n'Sandwiches, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is Cafe Extrablatt Heidelberg. As a dining spot that gains consistently high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Heidelberg tonight.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Sonder Bar (Pinte), a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Destille provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Orange Cafe Bar 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.

On day 6 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Heidelberg and Stuttgart. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Munich, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Heidelberg Palace. This museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 54,117 visitors.

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 Heidelberg to Stuttgart may take around 1 hour 38 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Stuttgart, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Schloßplatz. This square is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 41,355 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Mercedes-Benz Museum. This automobile museum has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 42,800 reviews. Usually, around 876,109 people visit Mercedes-Benz Museum every year.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Munich. Munich offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

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

Experience a taste of local culinary excellence while in Munich by securing a table at Atelier. Esteemed as a 2-star Michelin restaurant, it features an exceptional creative french menu. For an alternative taste experience, visit EssZimmer, 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 Alois - Dallmayr Fine Dining, a local favorite celebrated for its exquisite creative and modern cuisine in Munich. Located in the heart of the city, this 2-star Michelin restaurant is an ideal pick for creative and modern cuisine lovers seeking top-notch culinary experiences.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Zephyr Bar after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Pusser's for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, The Boilerman Bar 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 7 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 Munich. In the evening, you’ll end up in Nuremberg, where you will stay for 1 night.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Marienplatz. This square is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 118,139 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Viktualienmarkt. This sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 58,191 reviews.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Olympiapark. This olympic park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 68,103 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit BMW Museum. This automobile museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 35,349 visitors. Visiting BMW Museum means you'll be one of 250,000 people who do so every year.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to English Garden. This park is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 61,616 visitors.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Nuremberg, 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 Nuremberg, 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 fantastic dining experience at Padelle d'Italia Nürnberg, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Indisches Restaurant Ganesha Nürnberg offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Chong's Diner is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Nuremberg.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Germany!

Day 8 of your road trip in Germany is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Nuremberg 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 Nuremberg’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Your stay’s proximity to the city’s retail haven invites an unhurried and unforgettable exploration of its variety of stores and establishments. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Germany. Take home a piece of Germany with these souvenirs, keeping your adventures close.

When you're ready to see some sights, Ehekarussell is a great place to start. This fountain is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,946 visitors.

Before you conclude your road trip in Germany, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Nuremberg.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Delphi, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Cafe Bar Katz? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu.

You’ll then say farewell to Nuremberg. 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!