Cheap 5-Day Germany Road Trip from Cologne traveling east to Heidelberg, and Karlsruhe

Day 2 of your road trip across Germany offers you the chance to visit 1 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Cologne. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Heidelberg, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Make Lindt Chocolate Museum one of your first sightseeing stops in Cologne. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 37,446 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Rheinpark is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This park is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,479 reviews.

Today is also the perfect opportunity to drop by Cologne Cathedral. This catholic cathedral has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 70,814 visitors. Up to 5,000,000 people travel to this site annually.

If you’re keen to explore more, head to Cologne Zoological Garden. A trip to this popular zoo is also your opportunity to see if it lives up to the reputable 4.4 out of 5-star rating as given by 30,676 previous visitors.

While exploring Germany is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Heidelberg has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Heidelberg on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the city.

As this day progresses, satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst at one of the city's best restaurants and bars. Many restaurants in Heidelberg offer good food and drink options at even better prices; the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Germany.

After a day of fun adventures, treat yourself to the best dining experience at Strohauer's Café Alt Heidelberg, where affordable mouthwatering dishes await. Another gem to discover during your memorable getaway is Vetter's Alt Heidelberger Brauhaus, highly regarded as one of the area's top dining spots. If you're eager to dine at a local-favorite spot, don't miss Joe Molese 117 - Burgers'n'Sandwiches, an excellent choice to fulfill your cravings for delicious food and great service.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Friedrich, Kaffee & Bar. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Sonder Bar (pinte) offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Café Bar Goodfellas, another top-rated bar in the area.

Toast to another unforgettable road trip adventure during your cheap holiday in Germany!

Day 3 of your self-drive vacation in Germany will take you to the city of Karlsruhe, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Karlsruhe, you'll explore 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in Germany, including Heidelberg, and Stuttgart.

Take the opportunity to see Heidelberg Castle. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 54,486 visitors.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Stuttgart. This car ride takes around 1 hour 24 min.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Porsche Museum. This extraordinary automobile museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 28,681 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 43,234 visitors. Mercedes-benz Museum welcomes 876,109 yearly visitors.

We also recommend a visit to Schloßplatz. This square is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 41,914 travelers.

Karlsruhe offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Germany. Whether you're in need of a quick break from your activities or seeking a comfortable place to rest, rest assured you'll find a welcoming and affordable option in the city.

Don't let a tight budget stop you from enjoying delicious meals and refreshing drinks in Karlsruhe. Here are a few top-rated restaurants and bars you may want to check out tonight.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Phono Craftbeer Bar after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Electric Eel, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Jean-claude Cocktail Bar also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through Germany with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in Germany!

On day 4 of your cheap holiday travels in Germany, you’ll tour 2 destinations: Speyer, and Mainz. You'll stay in Cologne for 1 night, giving you enough time to satisfy your wanderlust and craving for new experiences.

When you’ve had your share of Karlsruhe, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Speyer. Your travel time is around 42 min.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Speyer Cathedral. This catholic cathedral is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 10,279 visitors.

Technik Museum Speyer is another popular attraction you could visit today. This museum has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 24,541 visitors.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Mainz. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 13 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Kick off the day at Mainz Cathedral, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This catholic cathedral is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 6,317 reviews.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the city of Cologne. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Cologne, relax and restore your energy at your preferred affordable place to stay.

When it's time to eat or savor a refreshing drink, treat yourself to a delightful dining and drinking experience without paying more than necessary. Cologne has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday-goers.

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.

Cheers for an adventure-filled road trip vacation in Germany! Celebrate this incredible opportunity for an affordable travel experience in the city of Cologne!