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

Your exciting road trip through Germany starts when you reach the incredible city of Frankfurt, where you'll stay for 1 night. You'll pick up your rental car in Frankfurt and begin your adventure in Germany.

Frankfurt is a popular cheap holiday destination in Germany with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in Germany, Frankfurt 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.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Alte Oper. This extraordinary concert hall is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 13,602 visitors.

Indulge in the culinary wonders of Frankfurt, where exceptional dining and drinking experiences await at unbeatable prices. Explore the city's diverse venues, ensuring a memorable culinary journey for every visitor.

Treat yourself to a delicious meal at Berliner Keller Frankfurt, where every bite is a flavor-packed adventure! With an enticing menu of affordable delights, this spot is a must-visit for foodies on a budget. Another hotspot worth exploring during your cheap getaway is Im Herzen Afrikas - a local favorite and a top pick for mouthwatering delights. If you're eager to dine where the locals love, don't miss out on 25hours Hotel Frankfurt The Trip, where fantastic food and friendly service await!

Gute Stute offers various snacks and drinks at affordable prices. When you're in the mood for a classic drink or something more adventurous, Flemings Hotel Frankfurt-central (former Flemings Express Frankfurt) is the perfect place. For a unique experience, visit Gleis 25, known for its vibrant atmosphere and offerings that suit every palate.

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

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

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Römer. Previous visitors have rated this rathaus an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 3,117 reviews.

Römerberg is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This square is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 24,968 reviews.

Another attraction you won't want to miss is Iron Footbridge. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 23,403 reviews.

Zoo Frankfurt is another outstanding experience in Frankfurt. Around 22,905 travelers have rated this zoo an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars.

If you long for more, Palmengarten is not far away. This botanical garden is a lovely addition to your itinerary. Previous visitors have rated it an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 19,461 reviews.

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

Going on cheap, budget vacations in Germany shouldn’t stop anyone from dining at top-rated restaurants and bars. More than just an affordable travel destination, Cologne is also home to a variety of excellent dining and drinking spots. When it’s time for a meal, we recommend you try some of the city's best places to eat and enjoy refreshing drinks.

Continue your lively evening at The Grid Bar, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Toddy Tapper is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Legends Bar & Terrasse ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

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

Day 3 of your road trip adventure means another chance to make the best memories on your cheap holiday in Germany. Prepare to be blown away by the city of Cologne and its top sights! Conclude your day with a lovely dinner.

Make Lindt Chocolate Museum your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this museum an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 37,446 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Old Market. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 12,935 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this sightseeing destination every year.

Cologne Cathedral is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This catholic cathedral has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 70,814 visitors. Up to 5,000,000 travelers come to Cologne every year to see Cologne Cathedral with their own eyes.

When you’re finished at Cologne Cathedral, the perfect next stop is Cologne Zoological Garden. This zoo is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 30,676 reviews.

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.

As this day progresses, satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst at one of the city's best restaurants and bars. Many restaurants in Cologne 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 Mongo's Restaurant Köln, where affordable mouthwatering dishes await. Another gem to discover during your memorable getaway is Виетнамски ресторант "Кучи Мами", 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 RheinZeit, an excellent choice to fulfill your cravings for delicious food and great service.

After dinner, look back into the highlights of today’s adventure and visit one of the best bars in Cologne, Soul Bar Cologne. Alternatively, visit Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln, a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. You can also drop by Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater, where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize.

A road trip vacation in Cologne can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in this cheap holiday destination in Germany!

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

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.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Phantasialand. This amusement park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 91,824 visitors. Phantasialand welcomes around 1,750,000 visitors every year.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Brühl, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Keldung. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 21 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Journey into the unknown at Eltz Castle, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable castle has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 25,367 reviews.

When you’ve had your share of Keldung, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Koblenz. Your travel time is around 48 min.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Deutsches Eck. Previous visitors have rated this headland an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 34,555 reviews.

Ehrenbreitstein Fortress is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This fortress is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 18,566 reviews.

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

Savor the mouthwatering delights of Frankfurt, where top-quality dining experiences blend seamlessly with budget-friendly options. Check out the city's best restaurant and bar options, offering a tantalizing array of flavors to satisfy every palate. Whether you're in the mood for a casual bite or a refreshing cocktail, these spots have something for everyone.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Barkello Café Bar Lounge, known for its lively atmosphere. Jambo Bar is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, The Cosy Bar offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

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

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 Frankfurt.

Explore local shops for souvenirs to remember your trip or find unique gifts for loved ones.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Frankfurt is the remarkable Nizza. This urban park and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 6,282 visitors.

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

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Frankfurt, consider a top-rated restaurant like Zu den 12 Aposteln, offering a menu of appetizing and affordable meals. Chicago Meatpackers is an excellent alternative if you feel like trying something different. Another popular restaurant you could check out is Zum Gemalten Haus, which is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of your fun memories in Frankfurt.

You’ll then say farewell to Frankfurt. 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!