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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 2 of your road trip in Germany. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 place, which are Stuttgart. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Frankfurt, where will spend 1 night.

Stuttgart Tv Tower is perfect for a self-paced visit during the day. This enchanting observation deck is sure to impress. Next on your list is Mercedes-benz Museum, another must-visit landmark and well-known museum renowned for its breathtaking features.

While exploring and sightseeing, take time to savor the culture of Stuttgart by sampling some local delicacies. When you’re ready for more sightseeing, head to Wilhelma. This breathtaking zoo is an essential place to visit for anyone looking for the full Stuttgart experience. We also recommend visiting Porsche Museum, an interesting museum.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Frankfurt. Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt's best restaurants.

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.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Gute Stute, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Flemings Hotel Frankfurt-central (former Flemings Express Frankfurt) is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Gleis 25 also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Germany!

Wake up to day 4 of your road trip in Germany. On this day, you’ll embark on an exciting expedition discovering the enchanting sights and activities of Duisburg and Essen. With 2 nights to stay in Cologne, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Cologne and set your GPS to Duisburg. 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 3 min. Upon reaching Duisburg, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord and explore the historic features. Next, make your way to Duisburg Zoo, another highlight in Duisburg.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Essen may take around 18 min. Upon your arrival in Essen, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Laserzone Lasertag Essen West - Borbeck, a curiosity-inducing laser tag arena that everyone visiting Essen should see. Next, head to Unesco-welterbe Zollverein. This UNESCO world heritage-designated museum is one of the most interesting attractions in the region.

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

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.

Don’t miss out on dining at Mongo's Restaurant Köln, a top-rated dining destination in Cologne. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Vietnamski restorant "Kuchi Mami", another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at RheinZeit. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Cologne this evening.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Soul Bar Cologne. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Germany.

On day 5 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Cologne, where you still have 1 night left. You'll spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city, including Brühl and Cologne.

Whether you decide to explore Brühl on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Make sure to visit Schildergasse, a popular street in Brühl. Spend some time wandering around the area and soak in its distinctive charm. You’ll also discover that several of the city’s must-see attractions are just around the corner.

To truly experience Cologne, make sure to drop by Cologne Cathedral. This famous church is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Old Market, one of the village’s best highlights.

Next, check out Lindt Chocolate Museum, one of the most captivating places to see in Cologne. This museum is a favorite among locals and travelers alike.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Brühl may take around 29 min. Upon your arrival in Brühl, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the village's best attractions, visit Phantasialand, a top-rated amusement park that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

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

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.

Make sure to reserve a table at Limani, 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 Funkhaus Cafe-Bar-Restaurant, 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 The hanging gardens of Ehrenfeld, a hidden gem nestled in Cologne. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Suderman, a prime location for a drink.

As the sun sets, 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, including Glees and Speyer. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Karlsruhe, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Glees. This car ride takes around 1 hour 6 min.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Maria Laach Abbey, a frequently visited monastery in Glees. Explore its picture-perfect features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Speyer, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Glees to Speyer may take around 2 hours 1 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Speyer, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Technik Museum Speyer is an interesting aviation museum we recommend visiting today. Discover its respected features before continuing your self-guided tour to Speyer Cathedral, a breathtaking church that’s well-regarded in the area.

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

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.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Phono Craftbeer Bar, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Electric Eel, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Jean-claude Cocktail Bar likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night 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 Germany.

Dive into day 7 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you'll explore 2 destinations, including Schwetzingen and Sinsheim. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Stuttgart, where you'll spend 1 night.

All Saints' Abbey is an increasingly popular monastery we recommend visiting today. Discover its history-steeped features before continuing your self-guided tour.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Sinsheim may take around 30 min. Upon your arrival in Sinsheim, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Schwetzingen Palace and explore the respected features.

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

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Technikmuseum Sinsheim and explore the instagrammable features.

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

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

Have a memorable dining experience in Stuttgart by booking a table at Der Zauberlehrling, a 1-star Michelin restaurant presenting an exceptional creative menu. For a different culinary experience in Stuttgart, Speisemeisterei shines as one of the top destinations, known for its delicious creative and innovative cuisine. This 2-star Michelin-awardee consistently earns high praises, making it a must-visit addition to your holiday experience. If you're looking for an alternative, Ritzi Gourmet is known as a top local spot in Stuttgart for its delicious creative french and modern cuisine. This 1-star Michelin awardee is a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable meal.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Si-centrum Stuttgart after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Mata Hari, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Mocha Espresso & Wine also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

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