One-Week Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Stuttgart traveling north to Frankfurt, Cologne, and Karlsruhe

On day 2 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 Stuttgart. In the evening, you’ll end up in Frankfurt, where you will stay for 1 night.

Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Stuttgart, featuring fun adventures, romantic experiences, and scenic views. Start at Stuttgart Tv Tower, a locally renowned observation deck in the city. Then, head to Mercedes-benz Museum and soak in the ambiance of this historic museum.

There are many interesting places to see in Stuttgart, and when you are ready for more, go to Wilhelma. This is one of the city’s most interesting eye-catching spots of interest. After exploring the zoo, visit the captivating Porsche Museum.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Frankfurt. 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 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.

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at Gustav, a 2-star Michelin restaurant offering an exceptional creative menu. Alternatively, if you're in the mood for something different, consider the nearby 2-star Michelin-awardee, Lafleur, known for its delicious modern french and creative cuisine. Another highly-recommended place to eat in Frankfurt is Erno's Bistro, a renowned restaurant with a 1-star Guide Michelin recognition and a delicious classic french and modern menu.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Gute Stute, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Flemings Hotel Frankfurt-central (former Flemings Express Frankfurt) offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Frankfurt. Gleis 25 is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

Head back to your accommodation in Frankfurt and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Germany!

At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Cologne, where you'll stay for 2 nights more.

Cologne is home to plenty of attractions that offer family-friendly attractions, scenic views, and picturesque 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 picture-perfect appeal. Continue your exploration at Laserzone Lasertag Essen West - Borbeck. This laser tag arena is one of the city’s most curiosity-inducing 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 the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Cologne.

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

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Mongo's Restaurant Köln, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Vietnamski restorant "Kuchi Mami" offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss RheinZeit. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Cologne.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Soul Bar Cologne is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Die Wohngemeinschaft • Café • Bar • Hostel • Theater. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

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.

Greet day 5 of your road trip in Germany with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You will return to Cologne for your remaining 1 night in the city later today, but first, it’s time for some exploring! On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Brühl and Cologne.

Don’t miss Schildergasse in Brühl today, a must-see street that offers a glimpse into the village’s vibrant character. Take your time to explore its best features, and enjoy the convenience of nearby top-rated landmarks.

Get ready for a day filled with family-friendly attractions, picturesque spots, and breathtaking views in the charming village of Cologne. Your adventure starts at Phantasialand, a spectacular local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Cologne Cathedral. This widely recognized church is known for its instagrammable appeal.

After soaking in the highlights of these sights, take some time to wander Cologne's streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. When you're ready to continue your sightseeing adventure, head to Old Market. This romantic public square offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable. Lindt Chocolate Museum is also worth visiting.

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

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

Enjoy a delicious meal at Limani, a top-rated dining destination in Cologne. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Funkhaus Cafe-Bar-Restaurant, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at The hanging gardens of Ehrenfeld. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Cologne this evening.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Suderman, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere.

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 6 of your road trip in Germany. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Glees and Speyer. 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.

Cologne is home to plenty of attractions that offer fun adventures, scenic views, and picturesque spots! Start at Maria Laach Abbey, an increasingly popular monastery that is worthwhile a visit in the hamlet. Nearby, you’ll find Technik Museum Speyer, enchanting visitors with its historic appeal. Continue your exploration at Speyer Cathedral. This church is one of the hamlet’s most well-known spots.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Karlsruhe. Karlsruhe 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 Karlsruhe, 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.

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 enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Phono Craftbeer Bar, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Electric Eel. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Jean-claude Cocktail Bar, another top-rated place in the area.

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 7 of your road trip in Germany. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Schwetzingen and Sinsheim. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Stuttgart, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Savor the day by visiting some of the best places to see in Karlsruhe, including a monastery, a castle, and an aviation museum. Start your adventure at All Saints' Abbey. This curiosity-inducing monastery is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Schwetzingen Palace located in Karlsruhe for another exciting encounter.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Technikmuseum Sinsheim. Its respected features will captivate you.

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 you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Stuttgart. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in Stuttgart by reserving a table at Der Zauberlehrling. Renowned as a 1-star Michelin restaurant, it offers an exceptional creative menu. For a different taste experience, head to Speisemeisterei, recognized for its delicious creative and innovative dishes. This 2-star Michelin restaurant consistently impresses guests, ensuring a memorable addition to your holiday. Looking for another option? Make sure to visit Ritzi Gourmet, a local favorite known for its delightful creative french and modern cuisine in Stuttgart. Nestled in the heart of the city, this restaurant with 1 Michelin star is an ideal choice for discerning creative french and modern foodies seeking culinary excellence.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Si-centrum Stuttgart is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Mata Hari, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Mocha Espresso & Wine. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

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