6-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Stuttgart traveling west to Cologne and Karlsruhe

On day 2 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Stuttgart. You’ll stay in Stuttgart for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Stuttgart is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a museum, a zoo, and a public square. Begin your sightseeing adventure at the notable Mercedes-benz Museum. Just a short distance away is Wilhelma, a picture-perfect zoo that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Schloßplatz, one of the city’s most well-known spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the captivating Porsche Museum.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Germany is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Stuttgart. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Experience a taste of local culinary excellence while in Stuttgart by securing a table at Der Zauberlehrling. An esteemed 1-star Michelin restaurant, it features an exceptional creative menu. For an alternative taste experience, visit Speisemeisterei, famous for its scrumptious creative and innovative dishes. This 2-star Michelin venue consistently impresses guests, making it a standout addition to your holiday plans. Looking for another choice? Discover Ritzi Gourmet, a local favorite celebrated for its exquisite creative french and modern cuisine in Stuttgart. Located in the heart of the city, this 1-star Michelin restaurant is an ideal pick for creative french and modern cuisine lovers seeking top-notch culinary experiences.

Keep the evening going at Si-centrum Stuttgart, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Mata Hari, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Mocha Espresso & Wine, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

Say good night to Stuttgart and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Germany!

On day 3 of your road trip in Germany, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Speyer and Koblenz. In the evening, you’ll end up in Cologne, where you will stay for 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Speyer. This car ride takes around 1 hour 27 min.

Take your self-guided tour to Technik Museum Speyer, a captivating aviation museum that everyone visiting Speyer should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Speyer, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Koblenz may take around 1 hour 54 min. Upon your arrival in Koblenz, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Spend your afternoon discovering Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, a notable castle known for its culturally significant features. After taking in the atmosphere, continue to Deutsches Eck, a popular monument that is a must-see for anyone visiting the region.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Cologne, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Cologne's best restaurants.

Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in Cologne by booking a table at Le Moissonnier Bistro. This popular restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of french and seafood cuisine. For another culinary dining option, venture to Ox & Klee, celebrated for its delectable modern and creative menu. This acclaimed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, ensuring an essential addition to your holiday itinerary. Seeking an alternative? Discover La Cuisine Rademacher, a top local restaurant known for its tantalizing modern french menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it promises an exceptional dining experience not to be missed.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at The Grid Bar, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Toddy Tapper offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Legends Bar & Terrasse provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Germany!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 of your road trip in Germany. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Cologne and Frankfurt. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Karlsruhe. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

A blend of an awe-inspiring, a picture-perfect, a standout, a stunning, a culturally significant, and an UNESCO world heritage-listed await you in Cologne on today’s itinerary. First up is the spectacular church, Cologne Cathedral. It's a standout spot that offers a memorable visit. Afterward, continue to Lindt Chocolate Museum. A visit to this museum is an enriching experience for all.

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

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Römerberg. Spend some time admiring the enchanting features of the public square before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Iron Footbridge. This popular monument is a traveler-favorite in the city.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Karlsruhe. Karlsruhe offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Karlsruhe's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Begin your culinary exploration in Karlsruhe by securing a reservation at Bistro Margarete. This renowned restaurant holds a Bib Gourmand award and offers an exceptional menu of regional cuisine. For another dining delight, visit sein, celebrated for its delectable modern menu. This acclaimed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover TAWA YAMA FINE, a top local spot known for its tantalizing modern and international menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Phono Craftbeer Bar, known for its inviting atmosphere. Electric Eel is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Jean-claude Cocktail Bar provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

Say good night to Karlsruhe and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Germany!

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you will explore Karlsruhe, Mannheim, Schwetzingen, and Sinsheim, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Stuttgart. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Karlsruhe, featuring a majestic, an enchanting, and an instagrammable. Start at Zoological Gardens Karlsruhe, a captivating zoo in the city.

Mannheim’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Karlsruhe behind. This drive usually takes around 53 min. Mannheim welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Begin your journey at Watertower Of Mannheim and explore the visually striking features.

Schwetzingen’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Mannheim behind. This drive usually takes around 18 min. Schwetzingen welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Your self-guided tour starts at Schwetzingen Palace, a beloved castle that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Stuttgart. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Stuttgart. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Wielandshöhe, a top-rated dining destination in Stuttgart. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider AMADEUS Restaurant & Bar, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Carls Brauhaus. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Stuttgart this evening.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Reboots. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Fou Fou | Cocktail- Und Champagnerbar, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Barbados Stuttgart provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Germany.