Cheap One-Week Germany Road Trip from Stuttgart traveling west to Karlsruhe, Frankfurt, Cologne, and Koblenz

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

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

When you're ready to see some sights, Schloßplatz is a great place to start. This square is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 41,914 visitors.

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

Tavern Waldhorn offers delicious bites without straining your wallet. For a taste of local cuisine with a twist, venture to Café Le Théâtre. Or, try Wirtshaus Garbe, where reasonable prices and warm hospitality create a welcoming atmosphere for diners seeking a memorable dining experience.

Visit Le Petit Coq, one of the locals’ favorite hangout spots. Jigger & Spoon serves various snacks and drinks at affordable prices, making it another great bar option for budget travelers in Stuttgart. And if you're looking for a special place to enjoy the evening, our recommendation is Schwarz Weiß Bar.

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

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

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Stuttgart Tv Tower. This extraordinary sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 12,754 visitors.

Next, make your way to Mercedes-benz Museum. This automobile museum welcomes around 876,109 visitors yearly and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 43,234 reviews.

While in Stuttgart, we also recommend a visit to Wilhelma. This zoo has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 33,531 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Porsche Museum. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 28,681 travelers, this automobile museum is a highly recommended stop on your sightseeing around Stuttgart.

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.

Savor the mouthwatering delights of Karlsruhe, 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.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Phono Craftbeer Bar, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Electric Eel, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Jean-claude Cocktail Bar likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

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

On day 3 of your cheap holiday travels in Germany, you’ll tour 1 destination: Heidelberg. You'll stay in Frankfurt for 1 night, giving you enough time to satisfy your wanderlust and craving for new experiences.

Set your GPS to Heidelberg and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 55 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Heidelberg beckons with new experiences!

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Heidelberg Castle. This museum is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Heidelberg, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 54,486 visitors.

Heidelberger Marktplatz is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 7,790 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Old Bridge Heidelberg. Visitors have rated this sightseeing destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 15,612 reviews.

Heidelberg Zoo is another unique site you can experience today. This attraction is a zoo rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 13,663 reviews.

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 city.

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

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Gute Stute. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Flemings Hotel Frankfurt-central (former Flemings Express Frankfurt), the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Gleis 25 provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

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 road trip across Germany is another proof that cheap holidays in Germany can indeed provide you an extraordinary travel experience. Today's agenda includes touring 3 wonderful destinations — Frankfurt, Königswinter, and Bonn. You’ll explore along your route leading to the city of Cologne, where you'll be spending 2 nights.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Römerberg. This extraordinary square is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 24,968 visitors.

Next, make your way to Iron Footbridge. This top attraction is a point of interest with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 23,403 visitors.

We also recommend a visit to Palmengarten. This botanical garden is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 19,461 travelers.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Königswinter. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 45 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Schloss Drachenburg. Previous visitors have rated this château an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 17,667 reviews.

When you’ve had your share of Königswinter, 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 20 min.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Rheinaue. This park is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Bonn, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 14,543 visitors.

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.

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.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into The Grid Bar. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Toddy Tapper offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Legends Bar & Terrasse, another top-rated bar in the area.

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

Day 5 of your exciting road trip across Germany is proof that there's more to this country than meets the eye. Today's agenda is to explore Cologne and its neighboring areas. Expect amazing attractions, a great dining experience, and a wonderful time discovering the daily lives of locals with 1 night left in Cologne.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Duisburg, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Cologne to Duisburg may take around 1 hour 3 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Duisburg, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Kick off the day at Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 27,144 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Duisburg Zoo. Duisburg Zoo is a zoo with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 21,434 reviews.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Essen, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Duisburg to Essen may take around 18 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Essen, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Drop by the renowned Laserzone Lasertag Essen West - Borbeck. This popular point of interest has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 8,211 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Unesco-welterbe Zollverein. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 21,243 visitors, this museum deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Cologne and your accommodation.

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.

Recharge and refresh your energy with a visit to Mongo's Restaurant Köln, known for its delectable cuisine and inviting ambiance. While immersing yourself in the local culture during your budget-friendly getaway, make sure to stop by Виетнамски ресторант "Кучи Мами" - a hidden culinary gem loved by locals and travelers alike. For those craving exquisite flavors, RheinZeit promises to deliver a feast for the senses.

Soul Bar Cologne is an excellent example of a great bar in Cologne offering drinks at reasonable prices. You can also hang out at Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln, another of locals’ go-to bars in Cologne. But if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Cologne, Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater is for you.

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

Day 6 of your self-drive vacation in Germany will take you to the city of Koblenz, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Koblenz, you'll explore 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in Germany, including Cologne, and Brühl.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Cologne Cathedral. This catholic cathedral is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 70,814 visitors. Cologne Cathedral welcomes around 5,000,000 visitors every year.

Lindt Chocolate Museum is another popular attraction you could visit today. This museum has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 37,446 visitors.

Cologne Zoological Garden is also highly recommended by travelers. This zoo has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 30,676 visitors.

Brühl’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Cologne behind. This drive usually takes around 29 min. Brühl welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Phantasialand. This amusement park is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Brühl, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 91,824 visitors. Around 1,750,000 people visit this attraction every year.

Koblenz 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.

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. Koblenz has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday-goers.

Treat yourself to a delicious meal at Altes Brauhaus, 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 Piper's Corner Celtic Irish Pub - a local favorite and a top pick for mouthwatering delights.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Spökes stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Dubai Shisha Lounge offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Excalibur - The Rock Cafe is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

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

On day 7 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Germany, you’ll experience 2 charming destinations — Koblenz, and Speyer. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Stuttgart, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Take the opportunity to see Deutsches Eck. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 34,555 visitors.

Ehrenbreitstein Fortress is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This fortress has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 18,566 travelers.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Koblenz, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Speyer may take around 1 hour 52 min. Upon your arrival in Speyer, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Technik Museum Speyer. This museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 24,541 visitors.

When you’re finished at Technik Museum Speyer, head to Speyer Cathedral. This one-of-a-kind catholic cathedral is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 10,279 reviews.

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

A cheap, budget vacation in Stuttgart should not stop you from enjoying incredible food and refreshing drinks. When you're ready for the best dining and bar experiences in Stuttgart, try some of our top recommendations.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Si-centrum Stuttgart, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Mata Hari offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Mocha Espresso & Wine. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

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

Your budget road trip vacation in Germany is about to end. Day 8 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Stuttgart.

As your final day in Germany unfolds, enjoy a last-minute shopping spree in Stuttgart's best shopping area. Enjoy finding the perfect gift or keepsake to remind you of your wonderful trip to Germany.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Stuttgart is the remarkable Killesberg Tower. This observation tower and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 8,345 visitors.

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

As you prepare to bid farewell to Stuttgart, why not indulge in one last culinary delight at Wielandshöhe, where you can enjoy a satisfying and budget-friendly meal? Alternatively, AMADEUS Restaurant & Bar features a variety of signature dishes to suit every taste, budget, and occasion. For those seeking a taste of flavorful delights, Carls Brauhaus is a highly recommended spot.

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!