9-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Stuttgart traveling west to Heidelberg, Cologne, and Frankfurt

On day 2 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Stuttgart. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Heidelberg, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Stuttgart. Some of the city’s most loved attractions await! Stuttgart Tv Tower is the perfect place to start. This observation deck is one of the most well-known places to visit in Stuttgart. Next, head to Mercedes-benz Museum, a notable museum, known for its gorgeous features.

In between the sights, don’t hesitate to take small detours to explore local stores and eateries. When you’re ready to continue your adventure, head to Wilhelma. This instagrammable zoo is a highly recommended experience. Nearby, you'll also find Porsche Museum. Visit these for an interesting touch to your journey.

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

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

Make sure to reserve a table at Strohauer's Café Alt Heidelberg, an iconic dining spot in Heidelberg. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Vetter's Alt Heidelberger Brauhaus, a popular restaurant in Heidelberg. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Joe Molese 117 - Burgers'n'Sandwiches, a hidden gem nestled in Heidelberg. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Friedrich, Kaffee & Bar. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Sonder Bar (pinte) offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Café Bar Goodfellas, another top-rated bar in the area.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Germany!

Wake up to day 3 of your extraordinary road trip in Germany. With 1 night left in Heidelberg, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Today's adventure in Heidelberg promises more breathtaking discoveries and enriching experiences! Begin at Silver Star. This eye-catching amusement park is a highlight of any visit in the village. Then, enjoy Heidelberg Castle, another history-steeped attraction that never fails to captivate visitors. Next, head over to Heidelberger Marktplatz, one of the village’s most beloved attractions, known for its history-steeped features.

If you’re looking for more, spend time soaking in the atmosphere of Old Bridge Heidelberg. This visually striking historical landmark is frequented by locals and tourists alike. To complete your memorable day, make sure to take a stroll around the area.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Heidelberg.

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

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Ristorante Santa Lucia, a top-rated dining spot in Heidelberg. If you're in the mood for something new, try VINCIdue, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Essighaus. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Heidelberg.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Destille. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Orange Cafe Bar offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Lenox Bar, another top-rated bar in the area.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure 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 - Speyer and Koblenz. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Cologne. You will spend 2 nights here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Heidelberg is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include an aviation museum, a monument, and a castle. Begin your sightseeing adventure at the popular Technik Museum Speyer and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Deutsches Eck, a breathtaking monument that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, one of the town’s most captivating spots that you shouldn’t miss.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Cologne. Cologne offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

As you explore more of Cologne, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

Discover the culinary delights of Cologne by securing a reservation at Le Moissonnier Bistro. Esteemed for its 1-star Guide Michelin recognition, this restaurant offers a remarkable selection of french and seafood cuisine. For an alternative dining experience, try Ox & Klee, renowned for its delicious modern and creative dishes. This esteemed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently impresses guests, making it a must-visit spot during your holiday. Craving more culinary excitement? Head to La Cuisine Rademacher, a highly recommended local eatery celebrated for its mouthwatering modern french menu. With its 1-star Michelin recognition, it offers an unforgettable dining adventure.

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.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Germany.

On day 5 of your road trip in Germany, you’ll start and end your day in Cologne, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you will return to Cologne for 1 night more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Duisburg and Essen to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!

Cologne is home to plenty of attractions that offer fun adventures, scenic views, and photo-friendly spots! Start at Landschaftspark Duisburg-nord, an interesting park that is worthwhile a visit in the city. Nearby, you’ll find Duisburg Zoo, enchanting visitors with its breathtaking appeal. Continue your exploration at Laserzone Lasertag Essen West - Borbeck. This laser tag arena is one of the city’s most frequently visited spots.

Enjoy the freedom of exploring Cologne at your own pace and find hidden gems along the way. If you want to see more picture-perfect spots, make sure to visit Unesco-welterbe Zollverein.

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

As you explore more of Cologne, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Mongo's Restaurant Köln, a highly-rated dining destination in Cologne. If you're eager to try something different, consider Vietnamski restorant "Kuchi Mami", another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at RheinZeit. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Cologne this evening.

Continue your lively evening at Soul Bar Cologne, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Germany!

On day 6 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 Cologne and Brühl. In the evening, you’ll end up in Frankfurt, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Today's adventure in Cologne promises more breathtaking discoveries and enriching experiences! Begin at Cologne Cathedral. This culturally significant church is a highlight of any visit in the city. Then, enjoy Lindt Chocolate Museum, another picture-perfect attraction that never fails to captivate visitors. Next, head over to Cologne Zoological Garden, one of the city’s most notable attractions, known for its eye-catching features.

If you’re looking for more, spend time soaking in the atmosphere of Phantasialand. This visually striking amusement park is frequented by locals and tourists alike. To complete your memorable day, make sure to take a stroll around the area.

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

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

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Gustav, a 2-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible creative menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Lafleur is one of the best restaurants for modern french and creative cuisine in Frankfurt. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at Erno's Bistro. As a top-rated establishment with 1 Michelin star, it is an ideal choice for classic french and modern cuisine in the city.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Gute Stute offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Flemings Hotel Frankfurt-central (former Flemings Express Frankfurt) is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Gleis 25 is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

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

Day 7 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Frankfurt has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Frankfurt by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

Today's adventure in Frankfurt promises more breathtaking discoveries and enriching experiences! Begin at Palmengarten. This romantic botanical garden is a highlight of any visit in the city. Then, enjoy Alte Oper, another visually striking attraction that never fails to captivate visitors. Next, head over to Römerberg, one of the city’s most notable attractions, known for its history-steeped features.

If you’re looking for more, spend time soaking in the atmosphere of Iron Footbridge. This visually striking monument is frequented by locals and tourists alike. To complete your memorable day, make sure to visit Zoo Frankfurt, a captivating zoo, and take a stroll around the area.

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 Frankfurt. 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.

Savor the flavors at Restaurant Lohninger, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Apfelwein Dax beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Ariston Restaurant. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Frankfurt tonight.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Barkello Café Bar Lounge is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Jambo Bar, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is The Cosy Bar. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Germany.

Dive into day 8 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you will explore 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.

Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in Frankfurt allows for both. Start by heading to Luisenpark. This popular park provides an insightful glimpse into the city's identity. Next, discover Watertower Of Mannheim, a visually striking monument, promising a delightful encounter.

Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Schwetzingen Palace, a worthwhile castle. When you’re done, don’t forget to make a stop at the well-known Technikmuseum Sinsheim.

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.

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 symphony of flavors at Der Zauberlehrling in Stuttgart by securing a reservation in advance. Renowned for its 1-star Michelin distinction, Der Zauberlehrling delights its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious creative cuisine. For a palate-pleasing alternative, make sure to dine at Speisemeisterei, acclaimed for its delectable creative and innovative specialties. This local 2-star Michelin establishment consistently satisfies guests, ensuring an unforgettable holiday experience. Want to go on another culinary journey? Delight your senses at Ritzi Gourmet, a top-rated restaurant known for its outstanding menu. Known as a top-rated 1-star Michelin establishment, it's a top choice for creative french and modern cuisine in the city.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Si-centrum Stuttgart, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Mata Hari, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Mocha Espresso & Wine provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Germany!