Cheap 9-Day Germany Road Trip from Frankfurt traveling west to Freiburg im Breisgau, Karlsruhe, Bernkastel-Kues, and Cologne

Your exciting road trip through Germany starts when you reach the incredible city of Frankfurt, where you'll stay for 2 nights. 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.

Drop by the renowned Nizza. This popular urban park has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,190 visitors.

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

Start your flavor-filled journey at Im Herzen Afrikas, featuring local favorites at reasonable prices. Looking for a taste of the unexpected? Apfelwein Dax offers delightful dishes and desserts. If you’re seeking a cozy setting and satisfying meal, Ariston Restaurant is the perfect spot for you!

After your evening meal, enjoy a drink or two at Flemings Hotel Frankfurt-Central (former Flemings Express Frankfurt), a must-visit destination for a great night out. Locals also enjoy the cocktails at Gleis 25, where you can relax and have some fun in a welcoming environment. Another fantastic option is Bar Helium Frankfurt am Main, known for offering a variety of snacks and drinks at affordable prices.

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

Day 2’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Frankfurt, proving that cheap holidays in Germany can be extraordinary. You have ample time, or 1 night, to stay in Frankfurt. So make the most of today by going to the best places to visit, eat, and drink in the city.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Palmengarten, a remarkable botanical garden where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 19,050 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Alte Oper. This concert hall has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 13,371 travelers.

Römerberg is another must-visit attraction. This renowned square offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 24,391 travelers, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

Beyond the above-mentioned sites, you also have the opportunity to visit Iron Footbridge. This well-loved point of interest boasts a 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 23,044 reviews.

When there’s still energy left for exploring, Zoo Frankfurt awaits. If you’ve been interested in experiencing a zoo, this is a top pick rated 4.2 out of 5 stars by 22,563 previous visitors.

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

Make the most of your budget vacation in Germany by treating yourself to a hearty meal and a refreshing drink. You’ll find many great restaurants and bars in Frankfurt that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

After a day filled with excitement, indulge in a satisfying meal at Chicago Meatpackers, offering a menu full of delicious options at reasonable prices. Featuring an enticing array of mouthwatering delights, Zum Gemalten Haus is another must-visit dining spot. For an authentic dining experience favored by locals, make your way to Kiwi’s - Café, Bar & Restaurant Frankfurt, where you can also enjoy great food and warm hospitality.

Cherish every minute of your road trip vacation across Germany. Celebrate this opportunity to enjoy a cheap holiday 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 touring 2 wonderful destinations — Heidelberg and Rust. You’ll explore along your route leading to the city of Freiburg im Breisgau, where you'll be spending 1 night.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Frankfurt, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Heidelberg may take around 1 hour 11 min. Upon your arrival in Heidelberg, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Heidelberg Zoo. This zoo is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 13,439 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Old Bridge Heidelberg. This point of interest has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 15,389 reviews.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Heidelberg Palace. This museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 54,117 visitors.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Rust. This car ride takes around 1 hour 50 min.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Silver Star. This much-appreciated hypercoaster is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars in 7,829 reviews.

While exploring Germany is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Freiburg im Breisgau has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Freiburg im Breisgau on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay 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. Freiburg im Breisgau has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday-goers.

Discover the heart of Freiburg im Breisgau through its culinary scene, starting with Süden. Not only will you discover mouthwatering dishes, but you'll also be pleasantly surprised by their budget-friendly offerings. For a taste of tradition, try El Gallo Freiburg, where time-honored recipes are served. Or, explore Goldener Anker, renowned for its delicious offerings and cozy ambiance.

Continue your lively evening at BAR am Funkeneck, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Beat Bar Butzemann is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood.

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

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

When you’ve had your share of Stuttgart, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Karlsruhe. Your travel time is around 1 hour 7 min.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Stuttgart TV Tower, a remarkable sightseeing destination where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 12,522 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Mercedes-Benz Museum. This automobile museum has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 42,800 travelers. Given the site's popularity, it’s easy to understand why more than 876,109 people visit it every year.

Wilhelma is another must-visit attraction. This renowned zoo offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 33,034 travelers, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

Beyond the above-mentioned sites, you also have the opportunity to visit Schloßplatz. This well-loved square boasts a 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 41,355 reviews.

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

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

Start your flavor-filled journey at Seng Sushi & Chinarestaurant, featuring local favorites at reasonable prices. Looking for a taste of the unexpected? kap offers delightful dishes and desserts. If you’re seeking a cozy setting and satisfying meal, Enchilada Karlsruhe is the perfect spot for you!

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Phono Craftbeer Bar, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Electric Eel offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Carlos CocktailBar provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

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

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 Karlsruhe 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 Karlsruhe.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Karlsruhe, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Mannheim. This drive usually takes around 53 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

When you're ready to see some sights, Watertower of Mannheim is a great place to start. This water tower is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 14,043 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Luisenpark. This park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 19,481 travelers.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Schwetzingen, 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 Mannheim to Schwetzingen may take around 15 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Schwetzingen, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Kick off the day at Schwetzingen Palace, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This château is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 8,896 reviews.

Sinsheim’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Schwetzingen behind. This drive usually takes around 30 min. Sinsheim welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Take the opportunity to see Technikmuseum Sinsheim. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 28,645 visitors.

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

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.

After a day filled with excitement, indulge in a satisfying meal at Badisch Brauhaus, offering a menu full of delicious options at reasonable prices. Featuring an enticing array of mouthwatering delights, Kaiseki Japan Restaurant Karlsruhe is another must-visit dining spot. For an authentic dining experience favored by locals, make your way to Café Palaver, where you can also enjoy great food and warm hospitality.

If you’re not ready to call it a day, pop into Der KofferRaum - Cocktailbar, considered one of the best bars in Karlsruhe. You can also enjoy drinks at Santo’s Cocktailbar, known for its fun atmosphere.

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 6 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Germany, you’ll experience 2 charming destinations — Speyer and Trier. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the town of Bernkastel-Kues, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Speyer. This drive usually takes around 42 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Technic Museum Speyer. This museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 23,991 visitors.

When you’re finished at Technic 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 10,020 reviews.

When you’ve had your share of Speyer, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Trier. Your travel time is around 2 hours 12 min.

Journey into the unknown at Porta Nigra, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable city gate has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 33,367 reviews.

Bernkastel-Kues 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 town.

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

After a day filled with excitement, indulge in a satisfying meal at Burgruine Landshut, offering a menu full of delicious options at reasonable prices. Featuring an enticing array of mouthwatering delights, Restaurant Alt Bernkastel is another must-visit dining spot.

Raise your glass to celebrate your fun and affordable travel experience in the town of Bernkastel-Kues!

Day 7 of your road trip across Germany offers you the chance to visit 4 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Nürburg, Keldung, Koblenz, and Brühl. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Cologne, where you'll stay for 1 night.

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

Journey into the unknown at Nürburgring, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable point of interest has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 35,289 reviews.

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

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Eltz Castle. This castle is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 25,041 reviews.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Koblenz. This car ride takes around 48 min.

Make Deutsches Eck one of your first sightseeing stops in Koblenz. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 33,856 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

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.

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

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 Limani, 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 Funkhaus Cafe-Bar-Restaurant, an excellent choice to fulfill your cravings for delicious food and great service.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Toddy Tapper, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Soul Bar Cologne, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Dorint Hotel am Heumarkt Köln provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

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

Day 8 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 1 popular cheap holiday destinations in Germany, including Cologne.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Cologne Chocolate Museum, a remarkable museum where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 36,704 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Old Market. This point of interest has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 12,740 travelers.

Cologne Cathedral is another must-visit attraction. This renowned catholic cathedral offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 69,905 travelers and attracting 5,000,000 annual visitors, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

Beyond the above-mentioned sites, you also have the opportunity to visit Cologne Zoological Garden. This well-loved zoo boasts a 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 30,118 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 any of the following affordable places to stay.

Discovering the culinary wonders of Frankfurt is a must-do on your budget-friendly vacation! When hunger strikes, make your way to one of the city's top dining spots.

Zeil Kitchen | Vegan Restaurant, Cafe, Catering & Eventlocation in Frankfurt am Main offers delicious bites without straining your wallet. For a taste of local cuisine with a twist, venture to Metropol am Dom - Café & Restaurant. Or, try Cafe & Bar Celona Frankfurt, where reasonable prices and warm hospitality create a welcoming atmosphere for diners seeking a memorable dining experience.

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 9 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Frankfurt.

As you approach the end of your journey in Germany, take a moment for some retail therapy in Frankfurt’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. Hold onto the magic of Germany with these wonderful souvenirs, ensuring your memories never fade.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Frankfurt is the remarkable Alte Brücke. This road bridge and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,019 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 Champions Frankfurt, offering a menu of appetizing and affordable meals. Mainkai Café is an excellent alternative if you feel like trying something different. Another popular restaurant you could check out is Maincafé, 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!