Cheap 5-Day Germany Road Trip from Cologne traveling south to Frankfurt

Your exciting road trip through Germany starts when you reach the incredible city of Cologne, where you'll stay for 2 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Cologne and begin your adventure in Germany.

Cologne is a popular cheap holiday destination in Germany with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in Germany, Cologne is also a great place to find top-rated budget accommodations. You'll find many of these accommodations close to bustling markets and cultural attractions.

A cheap, budget vacation in Cologne should not stop you from enjoying incredible food. When you’re ready to have the best dining experience in Cologne, try some of our top recommendations.

You could check out Bei Oma Kleinmann, one of locals’ top restaurant options in the area. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,597 customers, and is a great place to enjoy a satisfying meal after a busy day of exploring.

Craftbeer Corner Coeln is another excellent choice for cheap holiday-goers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and comforting foods and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,165 diners.

If you feel like having something different, check out the menu at Gruber's. This restaurant is known to offer good food at reasonable prices. Gruber's has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 625 customer reviews.

If you’re not ready to call it a day, pop into the top-rated Toddy Tapper. This bar is considered one of the best in Cologne and is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 590 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Gaffel am Dom I Kölsches Brauhaus und Wirtshaus I Brauhaus Köln, rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 6,484 customers. Alternatively, go to Gilden im Zims. This is one of the most frequently recommended bars in Cologne and boasts an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 5,823 reviews.

Enjoy toasting the start of a terrific road trip vacation and a cheap holiday experience in Germany!

On day 2 of your budget-friendly road trip adventures in Germany, you’ll go deep into Cologne, making the most of your 1 night in the city. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Cologne, and meet locals along the way!

Beyond the above-mentioned locations, today is the perfect opportunity to join a popular activity in Cologne. Plenty of budget-friendly tours in Cologne offer enriching experiences that will make your cheap holiday in Germany worth remembering for a lifetime.

Savor the culinary delights of Cologne, where affordability meets excellence in dining and drinking. From inviting bars crafting signature cocktails to cozy eateries serving up local favorites, the city offers an unforgettable experience for every taste bud.

We recommend a local favorite like Gaststätte Lommerzheim. This restaurant serves delicious dishes at surprisingly cheap prices and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,487 customers.

Funkhaus Cafe-Bar-Restaurant is another excellent restaurant we recommend for budget travelers in Cologne. This restaurant offers good food at even better prices and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,282 customers.

Another popular restaurant in Cologne you might want to check out is Jameson Pub Cologne. Jameson Pub Cologne is a local favorite with a variety of value-for-money dishes on their menu. Customers have rated this fantastic restaurant an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 3,308 reviews.

Max Stark is an excellent example of a great bar in Cologne offering drinks at reasonable prices. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,193 customers.

You can also hang out at Limani, another of locals’ go-to bars in Cologne. Limani is among the best city bars offering various beverages at different price points, with around 1,819 customers having rated it an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Bangkok Thai Restaurant is for you if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Cologne. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from more than 1,296 bar-goers.

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

Day 3 of your road trip across Germany is another proof that cheap holidays in Germany can indeed provide you an extraordinary travel experience. Today's agenda includes exploring 4 wonderful destinations — Nürburg, Koblenz, Glees, and Frankfurt.

After soaking in Cologne’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Nürburg. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 20 min. When you arrive in Nürburg, it's time to take a break from the road.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Nürburgring. Previous visitors have rated this point of interest an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 35,289 reviews.

Glees’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Nürburg behind. This drive usually takes around 28 min. Glees welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Maria Laach Abbey. This monastery is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 5,710 visitors.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Glees, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Koblenz. This drive usually takes around 30 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

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

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

Im Herzen Afrikas is an excellent example. Here, you can enjoy good food and service at affordable prices. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,979 customers.

Kiwi’s - Café, Bar & Restaurant Frankfurt is another great restaurant option for budget travelers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and savory meals at low prices and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,500 customers.

Locals enjoy dining at Der Fette Bulle, and you might want to check it out too. This restaurant has an exciting menu and an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 5,097 reviews.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the region, o'reilly's Irish pubs. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 4,367 reviews and guarantees you a great time.

If you want to continue your night somewhere else, head to a popular bar like Oosten. This bar is a local favorite, with great drinks, lovely service, and an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,068 customers.

The options in Frankfurt don’t end there, you could also spend some time at the excellent Bar Helium Frankfurt am Main. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,956 customers, this bar is one of the best places to relax after a long, adventure-filled day.

Raise your glass to celebrate your fun and affordable travel experience in the region of Frankfurt!

Day 4 of your self-drive vacation in Germany will take you to the city of Cologne, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Cologne, you'll explore 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in Germany, including Frankfurt, Brühl, and Cologne.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Römerberg. This much-appreciated square is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in 24,391 reviews.

Next up is Iron Footbridge. This sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 23,044 visitors.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is Zoo Frankfurt. This zoo has been rated 4.2 out of 5 stars in 22,563 reviews.

Palmengarten is another attraction you have the opportunity to visit today. This botanical garden has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 19,050 reviews.

Brühl’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Frankfurt behind. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 10 min. Brühl welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Drop by the renowned Phantasialand. This popular amusement park has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 89,377 visitors. Based on recent data, this attraction is visited by more than 1,750,000 travelers every year.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Cologne. This car ride takes around 29 min.

Cologne 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.

Savor the culinary delights of Cologne, where affordability meets excellence in dining and drinking. From inviting bars crafting signature cocktails to cozy eateries serving up local favorites, the city offers an unforgettable experience for every taste bud.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Cologne is Mongo's Restaurant Köln. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 3,294 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Cologne, Servus Colonia Alpina is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,757 diners.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in the city. The Corkonian Irish pub is a popular option with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,421 customers.

Another top option is Little Link. This bar offers a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 971 customers.

Barney Vallely's is also a great place to continue your evening. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 956 customers.

Cherish every minute of your road trip vacation across Germany. Celebrate this opportunity to enjoy a cheap holiday in Germany!

Your budget road trip vacation in Germany is about to end. Day 5 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Cologne.

As you approach the end of your journey in Germany, take a moment for some retail therapy in Cologne’s celebrated shopping district. Thanks to your stay’s premier location, you can easily visit the city’s commercial hubs and wander through its diverse range of local shops without rushing.

Whether you’re on a hunt for an ideal present to give to your friends or family, or looking for a personal memento to remind you of Germany, a variety of items are waiting for you.

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

For example, Hommage Café has a menu of appetizing food and refreshing beverages and is rated at an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,630 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Cologne. 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!