9-Day Germany Road Trip from Stuttgart traveling north to Mainz, Cologne, Frankfurt, and Heidelberg

Say hello to Stuttgart! 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 Stuttgart for 2 nights before you continue your adventure!

Stuttgart 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 Killesberg Tower or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Stuttgart. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Stuttgart. 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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Café Le Théâtre, a top-rated dining destination in Stuttgart. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Wirtshaus Garbe, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Kaffeerösterei Café Moulu. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Stuttgart this evening.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Le petit Coq, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Jigger & Spoon is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Schwarz Weiß Bar is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

Raise a toast to the start of your 9-day road trip in Germany!

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Stuttgart has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Stuttgart by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Stuttgart TV Tower. This extraordinary point of interest is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 12,522 visitors.

Next, make your way to Mercedes-Benz Museum. This top attraction is an automobile museum with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 42,800 visitors. Mercedes-Benz Museum welcomes 876,109 yearly visitors.

We also recommend a visit to Wilhelma. This zoo is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 33,034 travelers.

If you’re keen to keep exploring, visit Porsche Museum. This highly recommended sightseeing destination has received an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 27,816 travelers.

To do something one-of-a-kind on this day of your trip, you can join a tour. You can discover all of the most fun and eye-opening experiences in your destination below and secure your spot here.

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

Dine in style at Carls Brauhaus, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Japanisches Restaurant KICHO boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Paulaner am alten Postplatz. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Stuttgart.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like SI-Centrum Stuttgart, known for its lively atmosphere. Mata Hari is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, reBOOTS offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

Relax and reminisce about your day in Germany and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your road trip in Germany. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 vibrant destinations - Sinsheim, Schwetzingen, and Mannheim. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Mainz. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Set your GPS to Sinsheim and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 3 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Sinsheim beckons with new experiences!

Drop by the renowned Technikmuseum Sinsheim. This popular technology museum has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 28,645 visitors.

Set your GPS to Schwetzingen and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 32 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Schwetzingen beckons with new experiences!

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Schwetzingen Palace. This château is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 8,896 visitors.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Mainz, 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 Mainz. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Esteemed as a restaurant, it features an exceptional menu. Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at NOLAN’S Irish Pub, a top-rated dining spot in Mainz. If you're in the mood for something new, try L'Osteria, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Steakhaus El Chico. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Mainz.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Wallenstein Cafe & Bar after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Rheinstrand Mainz, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Nirgendwo also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 4 of your road trip in Germany. Today, you will make 3 stops and experience some of the highlights of Koblenz, Nürburg, and Mainz. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Cologne, which will be your home away from home for 2 nights.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Koblenz. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 20 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. This fortress is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 18,199 visitors.

When you’re finished at Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, head to Deutsches Eck. This one-of-a-kind headland is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 33,856 reviews.

Nürburg’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Koblenz behind. This drive usually takes around 49 min. Nürburg welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

When you're ready to see some sights, Nürburgring is a great place to start. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 35,289 visitors.

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.

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.

As a top-rated it is an ideal choice in the city. Enjoy a lovely meal at Mongo's Restaurant Köln, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Limani is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Funkhaus Cafe-Bar-Restaurant. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Cologne tonight.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by going to a bar or two. Toddy Tapper is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Soul Bar Cologne, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Dorint Hotel am Heumarkt Köln. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

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

Wake up to day 5 of your extraordinary road trip in Germany. With 1 night left 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 Königswinter 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 14 min. Upon reaching Duisburg, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Duisburg Zoo. This zoo is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 21,129 visitors.

Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord is another popular attraction you could visit today. This park has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 26,756 visitors.

When you’ve had your share of Cologne, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Bonn. Your travel time is around 32 min.

Drop by the renowned Rheinaue. This popular park has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 14,226 visitors.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Bonn, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Königswinter. This drive usually takes around 16 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Schloss Drachenburg. This château is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 17,280 reviews.

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

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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Bangkok Thai Restaurant, a top-rated dining destination in Cologne. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Servus Colonia Alpina, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Little Link. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Cologne this evening.

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

On day 6 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 Brühl and Cologne. In the evening, you’ll end up in Frankfurt, where you will stay for 1 night.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Cologne, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Brühl. This drive usually takes around 29 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Phantasialand. This much-appreciated amusement park is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in 89,377 reviews. Each year, 1,750,000 people visit this site to admire its unique features.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Cologne, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Brühl. This drive usually takes around 29 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Journey into the unknown at Cologne Cathedral, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable catholic cathedral has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 69,905 reviews. Every year, Cologne Cathedral welcomes more than 5,000,000 curious visitors.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Cologne Chocolate Museum is a recommended place to visit. This museum is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 36,704 reviews.

Another must-see attraction in Cologne is Cologne Zoological Garden. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 30,118 travelers, this popular tourist destination in Cologne offers an experience you will remember.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Frankfurt. Frankfurt 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.

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.

Dine in style at Im Herzen Afrikas, 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 evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Flemings Hotel Frankfurt-Central (former Flemings Express Frankfurt), a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Gleis 25, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Bar Helium Frankfurt am Main provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

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 7 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Frankfurt. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Heidelberg, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Heidelberg’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Frankfurt behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 9 min. Heidelberg welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Kick off the day at Römerberg, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This square is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 24,391 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Iron Footbridge. Iron Footbridge is a sightseeing destination with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 23,044 reviews.

Zoo Frankfurt is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This zoo is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 22,563 visitors.

Beyond the attractions mentioned above, you also have the opportunity to visit Alte Oper. This concert hall is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 13,371 visitors.

Lastly, don’t miss out on Palmengarten, a famous botanical garden in Frankfurt. This attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 19,050 travelers.

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.

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

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Vetter's Alt Heidelberger Brauhaus, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Joe Molese 117 - Burgers'n'Sandwiches? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Cafe Extrablatt Heidelberg as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Heidelberg.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Sonder Bar (Pinte), where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Destille offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Heidelberg. Orange Cafe Bar is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Germany!

Dive into day 8 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 Stuttgart. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

After soaking in Heidelberg’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Stuttgart. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 32 min. When you arrive in Stuttgart, it's time to take a break from the road.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Heidelberg Palace. This extraordinary museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 54,117 visitors.

Next, make your way to Heidelberger Marktplatz. This top attraction is a sightseeing destination with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,651 visitors.

We also recommend a visit to Old Bridge Heidelberg. This point of interest is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 15,389 travelers.

If you’re keen to keep exploring, visit Heidelberg Zoo. This highly recommended sightseeing destination has received an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 13,439 travelers.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Stuttgart, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

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

This renowned restaurant holds , and offers an exceptional menu of cuisine. Make sure to reserve a table at Ambiente Africa, an iconic dining spot in Stuttgart. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of ABACCO'S STEAKHOUSE Stuttgart, a popular restaurant in Stuttgart. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of 5 Gourmet Restaurant & Bar, a hidden gem nestled in Stuttgart. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, FOU FOU | Cocktail- und Champagnerbar offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Kap Tormentoso is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Waranga is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

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

Day 9 of your road trip in Germany is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Stuttgart before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

As your final day in Germany unfolds, don’t miss the chance for a last-minute shopping spree in Stuttgart’s shopping district. Your accommodation’s convenient location near the city’s shopping area offers the luxury of time, so you don’t have to limit yourself from leisurely strolling its streets amidst a collection of establishments.

Look for the perfect gift for your loved ones back home, or buy yourself a little keepsake to remind you of Germany. Keep the spirit of your trip to Germany alive with these special souvenirs.

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

Esteemed as a restaurant, it features an exceptional menu. If you're in the mood for something new, try Triple B - Beef Burger Brothers, another premier location with a delectable menu.

You’ll then say farewell to Stuttgart. 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!