Cheap 7-Day Germany Road Trip from Cologne to Heidelberg, Stuttgart, and 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. When you're ready to explore the city, stop at some of the best places to visit in Cologne and get this road trip adventure rolling.

A trip to the amazing Old Market will make your cheap holiday in Germany truly special. This attraction is a fascinating top-tier point of interest that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 12,654 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best budget-friendly hotels or places to stay in the city.

When you're hungry and ready to take a break from your adventure, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in Cologne. An excellent example is the popular Bei Oma Kleinmann. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,597 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in Germany is Craftbeer Corner Coeln. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,165 customers, this famous restaurant is one of the city's most recommended places to eat.

If you wish to dine at a restaurant locals love, go to the wonderful Gruber's. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 625 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

Toddy Tapper is a great bar to relax after a busy day. About 590 customers have given this spot an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars, making it one of the most popular bars in the area.

Another bar in Cologne we recommend is Gaffel am Dom I Kölsches Brauhaus und Wirtshaus I Brauhaus Köln, an excellent place to meet new friends. This bar offers customers plenty of snack and drink options and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 6,484 customers.

Gilden im Zims is also one of the best places to go to unwind and chat with locals. Over 5,823 bar-goers have rated it an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

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

On day 2 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Germany, you’ll experience two places in one day. You’ll start your day in Cologne and end your day in the city of Heidelberg, where you'll stay for 1 night. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you.

One of the best places to visit in Cologne is the amazing Cologne Chocolate Museum. This travel destination is a museum that has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 36,145 visitors.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible Heinzelmännchenbrunnen, Köln - Edmund Renard. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 635 travelers, a visit to this well-known park and sightseeing spot in Cologne is likely to make your vacation in Germany even more memorable.

Another unforgettable sight in Cologne is the outstanding Cologne Cathedral. This catholic cathedral has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 68,667 visitors.

To make the most of your day in this cheap holiday destination in Germany, drop by the popular Cologne Zoological Garden. This attraction, an amazing zoo, has been rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 29,743 travelers.

Cheap, budget vacations are nothing but incredible, especially when you’re in Germany. To have the best affordable travel experience in Germany, make time for some unique, challenging, or inspiring activities. Adding a tour to your travel plan promises a one-of-a kind adventure that will make your cheap vacation in Germany unforgettable. Fortunately, you'll find plenty of budget-friendly tours and cheap holiday deals in Germany.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Heidelberg. Heidelberg is another cheap travel destination in Germany where you have access to hotels, restaurants, bars, and other conveniences.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best attractions a budget vacation in Germany can afford, treat yourself to a hearty meal. You’ll find many great restaurants in Heidelberg that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Heidelberg is Heid's Grill & Restaurant. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 3,269 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Heidelberg, Weinstube Schnitzelbank is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,743 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is Cafe Extrablatt Heidelberg. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Heidelberg enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 4,413 customers.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Heidelberg’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in Germany. For example, you can visit Vetter's Alt Heidelberger Brauhaus. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,422 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is HANS IM GLÜCK - HEIDELBERG Heiliggeistkirche. This popular bar in Heidelberg has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 3,229 bar-goers.

You can also go to Sahara Restaurant as an alternative. More than a bar, the popular Sahara Restaurant is also a place for fun or relaxation. Around 2,850 customers have given this city bar an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Germany!

Day 3 of your road trip across Germany offers you the chance to visit the wonderful Heidelberg and the enchanting Rust, two of the most popular cheap holiday destinations in the country. You'll begin sightseeing in Heidelberg and end the day in Rust, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Buckle up because day 3 of your affordable vacation in Germany will take you to some of locals’ and travelers’ most recommended travel spots!

One place travelers keep coming back to in Heidelberg is the magnificent Heidelberg Palace. Around 53,614 visitors have rated this excellent museum and travel destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Heidelberger Marktplatz on this leg of your self-drive tour in Germany. This attraction is a well-known top-tier point of interest that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from around 7,577 travelers.

The remarkable Old Bridge Heidelberg is known to be one of the best places to visit in this cheap vacation spot in Germany. This attraction, an amazing must-see tourist destination, is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 15,247 travelers.

After capturing the beauty and rich culture of Heidelberg, you’ll get back behind the wheels and continue your road trip to the fantastic city of Rust.

Start your sightseeing in this cheap holiday destination with a visit to the unforgettable Silver Star. This popular site is a valued hypercoaster in Rust and is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 7,786 visitors.

Exploring one unique site after another provides you the much-needed variety during your self-drive tour across Germany. But to satisfy your curiosity or need for adventure, we recommend you add excursions in today’s agenda. You have a great selection of popular and low-cost activities to choose from in Germany. Make your cheap holiday experience in Germany more memorable by doing something new, bold, or inspiring.

Stuttgart offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Germany. So anytime you need a break from your activities, you’re guaranteed a comfortable and affordable place to rest and stay in the city.

As this adventurous day progresses, satisfy your hunger at one of the best restaurants in the city. Many restaurants in Stuttgart offer good food at even better prices, the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Germany.

Restaurant zum Ackerbürger - Stuttgart is a must try. This restaurant serves a mouthwatering selection of meals and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 1,076 diners.

Another popular eating spot in Stuttgart is Carls Brauhaus, a local favorite. Serving diners fresh, delicious, and affordable meals, this restaurant has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 6,666 customers.

ABACCO'S STEAKHOUSE Stuttgart offers customers flavorful food and good ambiance, making it one of the best places to eat in Stuttgart. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 3,830 customers, this restaurant can get packed very quickly. Make sure you get to the restaurant early to save yourself a seat.

When night has fallen and you feel like enjoying a drink, head to some of Stuttgart’s best bars. There are plenty of bars in the city where you can order a few drinks without compromising your budget.

Schwarz Weiß Bar is an excellent example of a great bar in Stuttgart offering drinks at reasonable prices. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 651 customers.

You can also hang out and have a drink at Le petit Coq, another of locals’ go-to bars in Stuttgart. Le petit Coq is among the best city bars offering various beverages at different price points, with around 584 customers having rated it an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Valle is for you if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Stuttgart. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from more than 2,680 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 4 of your self-drive vacation in Germany gives you the opportunity to explore two popular cheap holiday destinations in one day. You’ll start your day in the city of Stuttgart and end your day in the city of Steinsfurt.

Today's agenda features plenty of popular stops and allows you to stay in Frankfurt for 2 nights. How much time you want to spend in each area or attraction is up to you. This way, you’ll have all the time you want to take in the unique atmosphere of each location and make the most of your affordable vacation in Germany.

While you’re in Stuttgart, it’s a good idea to visit the amazing Schloßplatz. The fantastic Schloßplatz is a popular square and a sightseeing hotspot. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 41,090 travelers.

Travelers usually have a splendid time at the incredible Mercedes-Benz Museum, a well-known automobile museum in the area. Receiving around 876,109 visitors each year, it’s safe to say that this attraction strikes the interest of people all over the world. Currently, this spectacular destination enjoys a 4.8 out of a 5 star-rating from 42,121 travelers.

The top-rated Wilhelma is another local feature you can check out today. This spectacular zoo and destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 32,698 travelers.

Once you’ve satisfied your wanderlust in Stuttgart, you’ll continue to your next road trip destination of the day, the city of Steinsfurt.

Make Technikmuseum Sinsheim your first stop. This popular technology museum among locals and travelers alike has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 28,188 visitors.

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Germany. Check out all of the affordable tours you can join this day of your cheap holiday in Germany and ensure the road trip experience of a lifetime.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget 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 any of the following affordable places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Im Herzen Afrikas, one of the best restaurants in Frankfurt. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,979 customers.

African Queen Restaurant is yet another of the top places to eat in the city. African Queen Restaurant is known for serving a variety of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,731 diners.

Locals and travelers enjoy dining at Oosten, another well-loved restaurant in Frankfurt. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,068 guests, this restaurant is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a memorable dining experience in Germany.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in Frankfurt, Kiwi’s - Café, Bar & Restaurant Frankfurt. This famous bar offers snacks and drinks at different price points and is a popular hangout spot among locals. In addition, this bar has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,500 bar goers.

Der Fette Bulle is a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. This bar is considered one of the best drinking spots in Frankfurt, with its average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 5,097 customers.

Alternatively, you can drop by o'reilly's Irish pubs, where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,367 customers.

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

Day 5’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Koblenz, proving that cheap holidays in Germany can be extraordinary.

You'll begin sightseeing at the extraordinary Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. This attraction is a fortress that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 18,012 travelers.

Another of the best travel destinations you can explore in this fun and cheap holiday destination is the spectacular Deutsches Eck. This popular place of interest is a stunning headland that boasts an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 33,451 visitors.

Your discovery of Koblenz does not have to stop there. You can add a budget-friendly activity on your itinerary and get to know more about Koblenz on a personal level. Check out the fantastic selection of affordable tours and tickets offered on this leg of your journey across this top cheap holiday destination in Europe, Germany.

After exploring some of the most remarkable sights in Germany, you also have the chance to experience the country’s food culture. Eat at Restaurant Klosterhof, one of the best restaurants in Frankfurt. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,908 reviews.

You can also check out Gaststätte Atschel. Offering appetizing foods and refreshing beverages at reasonable prices, this restaurant is an excellent choice for budget travelers in the city. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,694 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your road trip activities is Ebbelwoi Unser. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,355 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you a memorable dining experience in Frankfurt.

When you’ve finished your meal, head to some of the most popular bars in Frankfurt for an after-dinner drink. Cap off your night in this cheap holiday destination at Oosten and try some of its cocktails and snacks. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 4,068 customers.

Bar Helium Frankfurt am Main is another great place to hang out in and relax after a busy day in the city. This bar offers various drinks at affordable prices and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,956 customers.

If you want to have a drink or two with locals, you'll want to visit Maincafé. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,409 customers, this bar is one of the best places to unwind and socialize in Frankfurt.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible road trip adventure in the magical Frankfurt!

Day 6 of your road trip across Germany offers you the chance to visit the wonderful Frankfurt and the enchanting Brühl, two of the most popular cheap holiday destinations in the country. You'll begin sightseeing in Frankfurt and end the day in Brühl, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Buckle up because day 6 of your affordable vacation in Germany will take you to some of locals’ and travelers’ most recommended travel spots!

One place travelers keep coming back to in Frankfurt is the magnificent Römerberg. Around 24,079 visitors have rated this excellent square and travel destination an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Iron Footbridge on this leg of your self-drive tour in Germany. This attraction is a well-known top-tier point of interest that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from around 22,822 travelers.

The remarkable Zoo Frankfurt is known to be one of the best places to visit in this cheap vacation spot in Germany. This attraction, an amazing zoo, is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 22,226 travelers.

Beyond the above-mentioned sites, you also have the opportunity to visit the fascinating Palmengarten. This botanical garden and well-loved attraction in Frankfurt is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 18,771 visitors.

After capturing the beauty and rich culture of Frankfurt, you’ll get back behind the wheels and continue your road trip to the fantastic city of Brühl.

Start your sightseeing in this cheap holiday destination with a visit to the unforgettable Phantasialand. This popular site is a valued amusement park in Brühl and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 87,903 visitors. Around 1,750,000 people travel to the city every year to see this wonderful local feature.

Exploring one unique site after another provides you the much-needed variety during your self-drive tour across Germany. But to satisfy your curiosity or need for adventure, we recommend you add excursions in today’s agenda. You have a great selection of popular and low-cost activities to choose from in Germany. Make your cheap holiday experience in Germany more memorable by doing something new, bold, or inspiring.

Cologne offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Germany. So anytime you need a break from your activities, you’re guaranteed a comfortable and affordable place to rest and stay in the city.

As this adventurous day progresses, satisfy your hunger at one of the best restaurants in the city. Many restaurants in Cologne offer good food at even better prices, the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Germany.

Mongo's Restaurant Köln is a must try. This restaurant serves a mouthwatering selection of meals and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 3,294 diners.

Another popular eating spot in Cologne is Servus Colonia Alpina, a local favorite. Serving diners fresh, delicious, and affordable meals, this restaurant has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,757 customers.

The Little Steakhouse offers customers flavorful food and good ambiance, making it one of the best places to eat in Cologne. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,631 customers, this restaurant can get packed very quickly. Make sure you get to the restaurant early to save yourself a seat.

When night has fallen and you feel like enjoying a drink, head to some of Cologne’s best bars. There are plenty of bars in the city where you can order a few drinks without compromising your budget.

Gaststätte Lommerzheim is an excellent example of a great bar in Cologne offering drinks at reasonable prices. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,487 customers.

You can also hang out and have a drink at Funkhaus Cafe-Bar-Restaurant, another of locals’ go-to bars in Cologne. Funkhaus Cafe-Bar-Restaurant is among the best city bars offering various beverages at different price points, with around 4,282 customers having rated it an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Jameson Pub Cologne 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 4.5 out of 5 stars from more than 3,308 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!

It’s soon time to say goodbye to Germany as your road trip vacation is about to end. Day 7 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Cologne.

Depending on how much time you have before your flight back home, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing to make the most of your cheap holiday experience in Germany.

If you'd rather pass time visiting some attractions, this is your chance to go to places you may not have had the chance to explore yet.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Cologne is the remarkable Media Park Köln mbH. This top-tier point of interest and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 3,883 visitors.

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Cologne, consider a top-rated restaurant like Hommage Café. This restaurant has a menu of appetizing and affordable meals and is rated at an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,630 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Cologne and begin your journey home. You’ll leave filled with unforgettable memories from your terrific and affordable travel experiences in Germany!