6-Day Germany road trip from Cologne to Heidelberg and Frankfurt

Your road trip adventure in Germany begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Cologne. You’ll stay in Cologne for 3 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Cologne has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Old Market. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 12,654 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Cologne, Bei Oma Kleinmann. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,597 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Cologne is Craftbeer Corner Coeln. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,165 customers.

Locals recommend Gruber's as one of the best restaurants in the city of Cologne. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 625 customers.

Cologne also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Cologne is Toddy Tapper. This bar has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 590 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Cologne is Gaffel am Dom I Kölsches Brauhaus und Wirtshaus I Brauhaus Köln. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 6,484 customers.

Locals also enjoy Gilden im Zims. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 5,823 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 6-day vacation in Germany!

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Cologne has to offer. Cherish the 2 nights you have left in Cologne by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Cologne. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.

You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations in the city of Cologne, like the extraordinary Cologne Zoological Garden. This attraction is a zoo and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 29,743 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Cologne is the spectacular Media Park Köln mbH. This attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,883 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing Cologne Cathedral. This catholic cathedral has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 68,667 visitors. Up to 5,000,000 people visit this popular attraction every year.

Cologne Chocolate Museum is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This museum is a popular destination among visitors in Cologne. Rated at an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 36,145 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit.

Your discovery of Cologne does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Cologne on this day of your trip.

After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Germany, be sure to eat at Mongo's Restaurant Köln, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Cologne. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,294 customers.

Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Cologne is the popular Servus Colonia Alpina. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,757 customers.

Another great restaurant we recommend in the city of Cologne is The Little Steakhouse. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,631 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, Gaststätte Lommerzheim is one of the best bars in the city of Cologne for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,487 customers.

Funkhaus Cafe-Bar-Restaurant is another of the most popular bars in the city of Cologne. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,282 customers.

Alternatively, a great bar that locals enjoy in the city of Cologne is Jameson Pub Cologne. Jameson Pub Cologne has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,308 customers.

Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Cologne!

Day 3 of your road trip through Germany is your chance to discover two places in one day, the city of Brühl and the city of Koblenz. Get ready to experience some of the most famous attractions in the area!

One of the best places to visit in the town of Brühl is the amazing Phantasialand. This attraction is an amusement park and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 87,903 visitors. As one of the top sights in the area, around 1,750,000 people visit Phantasialand every year.

Joining a top-rated tour in Brühl is another excellent way to spend your new day in Germany. The best tours in this travel destination will take you on an exploration to some of Germany’s most well-known attractions and best-kept secrets.

With this tour, you’ll set out on a journey to Germany’s most interesting sights. As you go along this remarkable tour, you’ll also have the unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of Germany’s scenic spots.

You could then travel to the amazing Deutsches Eck in the city of Koblenz for some sightseeing. This popular attraction is a headland and has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 33,451 visitors.

You’ll also have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Heidelberg.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Heid's Grill & Restaurant, one of the best restaurants in the city of Heidelberg. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 3,269 customers.

Locals also recommend Weinstube Schnitzelbank as one of the best restaurants in the city of Heidelberg. Weinstube Schnitzelbank is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,743 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Heidelberg is Cafe Extrablatt Heidelberg. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,413 customers.

After dinner, visit Vetter's Alt Heidelberger Brauhaus, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Heidelberg. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,422 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like HANS IM GLÜCK - HEIDELBERG Heiliggeistkirche. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,229 customers.

Alternatively, Sahara Restaurant is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Heidelberg. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,850 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Germany!

Rise and shine on day 4 of your road trip in Germany. Today, you'll wake up in Heidelberg and embark on a scenic drive to Frankfurt, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Heidelberg before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Heidelberg. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Heidelberg Palace. This attraction is a museum that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 53,614 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Mercedes-Benz Museum. This attraction is an automobile museum that has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 42,121 visitors. Around 876,109 people visit Mercedes-Benz Museum every year.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Schloßplatz. This square and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 41,090 reviews.

Another site you could visit today is the top-rated Killesberg Tower. This observation tower and travel destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 8,026 visitors.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Im Herzen Afrikas. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,979 customers.

Locals also recommend African Queen Restaurant, another of the best restaurants in Frankfurt. African Queen Restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,731 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Oosten. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,068 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Kiwi’s - Café, Bar & Restaurant Frankfurt to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Frankfurt, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,500 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Der Fette Bulle. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Der Fette Bulle has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 5,097 customers.

O'reilly's Irish pubs is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,367 customers.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Germany, and look forward to more great days to come!

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 5 of your epic road trip in Germany, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Frankfurt. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Cologne. You’ll stay in Cologne for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Frankfurt’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Frankfurt, start your day with a visit to the amazing Römerberg. This much-appreciated square and attraction is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 24,079 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Iron Footbridge. This must-see tourist destination and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 22,822 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Zoo Frankfurt to make the most of your road trip across Germany. The spectacular Zoo Frankfurt is a zoo that has been rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 22,226 visitors.

The lovely Alte Oper is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 13,197 visitors have left this concert hall average ratings of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

If you feel like visiting another type of sight or don’t want to jump into the car quite yet, spend some time at the spectacular Palmengarten. This attraction is a botanical garden rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 18,771 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Frankfurt has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Cologne. Cologne offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Hommage Café. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,630 reviews.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Cologne, the fantastic Max Stark. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,193 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Limani. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,819 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Bangkok Thai Restaurant. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,296 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Germany!

Day 6 of your road trip in Germany is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Cologne before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Rheinpark is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Cologne. This park and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,259 visitors.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Cologne and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Germany.

You’ll then say farewell to Cologne. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Germany!