9-Day Germany Road Trip from Stuttgart traveling north to Karlsruhe, Cologne, Frankfurt, and Heidelberg

Welcome to Stuttgart, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Germany! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 2 nights immersing yourself in Stuttgart's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Stuttgart is a beautiful region with plenty to discover. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Stuttgart. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Germany. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the region.

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.

Take your Stuttgart getaway to new heights by dining at Der Zauberlehrling, a restaurant. Renowned for its world-famous 1 Michelin-star rating and a variety of creative and refined dishes, Der Zauberlehrling consistently impresses foreign and local diners, garnering praise for its exceptional creative cuisine.

A renowned dining spot in Stuttgart is Speisemeisterei, which holds a rating of 2 Michelin stars. This Bib Gourmand establishment’s inviting ambiance and menu leave a lasting impression on everyone who dines here. Its creative and innovative menu, characterized by its exquisite flavors, is a true testament to the Speisemeisterei’s culinary mastery.

Experience a taste of local culinary excellence while in Stuttgart and reserve a table at the 1-star Michelin restaurant, Ritzi Gourmet. Its delectable creative french and modern menu has contributed to impressive reviews from many previous guests. Food enthusiasts visiting the area will be particularly excited to experience this Bib Gourmand restaurant.

One of the best bars in Stuttgart you could visit tonight after your dinner is Schwarz Weiß Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 651 customers.

Another popular bar in the region is Le petit Coq. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 584 customers.

Locals also enjoy Valle. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,680 customers.

Raise a toast to the start of your 9-day road trip in Germany!

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.

Immerse yourself in the local scene through top-rated tours and activities. You can choose from a wide variety of easy to challenging tours and easily add them to your travel package below.

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

Elevate your experience by savoring a meal in Triple B - Beef Burger Brothers, a distinguished dining establishment in Stuttgart. It has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, thanks to the positive reviews of 2,208 satisfied guests and a menu that’s committed to quality and flavor.

Another dining spot you shouldn't miss while in Stuttgart is Paulaner am alten Postplatz. This popular restaurant’s appealing menu has garnered a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, thanks to the positive reviews shared by 2,538 happy diners.

Weinstube Kachelofen stands out as a local favorite in Stuttgart. It offers a menu that promises to take you on a flavorful journey. Due to its reputation for delivering a good dining experience, it has earned a 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 1,571 customers.

If you’re looking for a bar to end the evening at, many locals recommend Mata Hari, claiming it’s one of the best in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,741 customers.

Another popular place to go for a drink is Biddy Earlys Irish Pub. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,632 customers.

Jigger & Spoon is another top-rated bar where you can spend an hour or two. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,274 customers.

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg 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 Sinsheim, Mannheim, Schwetzingen, and Karlsruhe. In the evening, you’ll end up in Karlsruhe, where you will stay for 1 night.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Stuttgart and set your GPS to Sinsheim. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 1 hour 3 min. Upon reaching Sinsheim, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Make Technikmuseum Sinsheim your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this technology museum an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 28,645 reviews.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Sinsheim and set your GPS to Mannheim. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 37 min. Upon reaching Mannheim, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

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

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Karlsruhe.

Elevate your stay in Karlsruhe by dining at this luxury restaurant. Renowned for its prestigious rating and a variety of mouthwatering dishes, Bistro Margarete consistently impresses foreign and local diners, garnering praise for its exceptional regional cuisine.

Another popular dining spot in Karlsruhe is sein, which holds a rating of 2 Michelin stars. This Bib Gourmand establishment’s inviting atmosphere and menu leave a lasting impression on everyone who dines here. Its modern menu, characterized by its exquisite flavors, is a true testament to sein’s culinary excellence.

If you’re in the mood to try something different, consider reserving a table at TAWA YAMA FINE. This celebrated dining spot in Karlsruhe is renowned for its creative meals and modern and international menu. Countless guests have praised this Bib Gourmand restaurant, adding to its 1 Michelin-star status.

Der KofferRaum - Cocktailbar is one of the best bars in Karlsruhe and the perfect place for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 651 customers.

You may also want to check out Vogelbräu Karlsruhe. Equally popular, this bar offers a great drink list and a nice atmosphere for your celebrations. Vogelbräu Karlsruhe is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,187 customers.

Alternatively, head out to Marktlücke. Marktlücke has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,823 customers and is a top choice among travelers as well as locals.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night 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 3 vibrant destinations - Speyer, Glees, and Cologne. 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.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Karlsruhe, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Speyer. This drive usually takes around 42 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Speyer, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Glees. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 3 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Start your day with a visit to Maria Laach Abbey. This extraordinary monastery is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,710 visitors.

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.

Transform your dining experience at Le Moissonnier Bistro, one of the top restaurants in Cologne, holding 1 Michelin stars. Offering a diverse menu focusing on french and seafood cuisine, Le Moissonnier Bistro has earned praise from numerous satisfied guests.

Indulge in culinary masterpieces at Ox & Klee in Cologne, renowned as a Bib-Gourmand recipient. With its 2 Michelin star rating, it caters to the most discerning palates. The delectable modern and creative cuisine at Ox & Klee is acclaimed far and wide.

Experience a symphony of flavors at La Cuisine Rademacher in Cologne. Its 1-Michelin star menu is crafted to delight your senses and transport you on a gastronomic journey. This distinguished restaurant, awarded with a Bib-Gourmand honor, offers modern french dishes that have gained widespread acclaim from satisfied guests.

An excellent example is Toddy Tapper, which has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 590 customers.

Another of the best bars you should consider going to is Gaffel am Dom I Kölsches Brauhaus und Wirtshaus I Brauhaus Köln. This bar offers a selection of great meals and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 6,484 customers.

Locals also enjoy Gilden im Zims, and you might too. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 5,823 customers, an after-dinner drink at Gilden im Zims is the perfect way to end this day.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Germany!

At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Cologne, where you'll stay for 1 night more.

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 Sterkrade. Your travel time is around 1 hour 2 min.

Kick off the day at Gasometer Oberhausen, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This gas holder is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 13,121 reviews.

Set your GPS to Duisburg and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 17 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Duisburg beckons with new experiences!

After soaking in Duisburg’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Cologne. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 57 min. When you arrive in Cologne, it's time to take a break from the road.

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

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Cologne. 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.

Plan ahead and secure a table at Gaststätte Lommerzheim, an acclaimed dining establishment in Cologne. This restaurant and its exquisite cuisine have earned the admiration of diners far and wide. Its commitment to culinary excellence shines through its 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 3,487 satisfied guests.

Do not overlook the culinary excellence of Funkhaus Cafe-Bar-Restaurant while experiencing the best of Cologne. This renowned restaurant presents a refined menu, distinguished with an exceptional rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, celebrated by 4,282 discerning diners.

Indulge in the rich flavors of Jameson Pub Cologne, an elegant culinary destination in Cologne. A menu crafted to perfection guarantees a dining experience that will satisfy even the most discerning palate. Its stellar reputation is reflected in its 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 3,308 previous guests.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in Cologne. Max Stark is a fantastic option, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,193 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, don't forget to check out 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 has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,296 customers.

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

Dive into day 6 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you will jump into the car and make your way to Cologne, Brühl, and Frankfurt, 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 Frankfurt. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Cologne Chocolate Museum. This museum is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Cologne, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 36,704 visitors.

Cologne Cathedral is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 69,905 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction. It’s estimated that around 5,000,000 people visit this catholic cathedral every year.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Cologne Zoological Garden. Visitors have rated this zoo an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 30,118 reviews.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Cologne, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Brühl may take around 29 min. Upon your arrival in Brühl, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Phantasialand. Over 1,750,000 travelers visit this attraction every year. Previous visitors have rated this amusement park an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 89,377 reviews.

Set your GPS to Frankfurt and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 2 hours 16 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Frankfurt beckons with new experiences!

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Frankfurt, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the region.

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 region, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Make sure to book a table at Gustav, a 2 Michelin star restaurant and a Bib Gourmand dining venue in Frankfurt. This local gem’s delectable creative cuisine is sure to leave a lasting impression. Gustav is highly regarded in the culinary world and boasts an impressive track record of satisfied customers.

Treat yourself to culinary excellence at Lafleur, offering a Bib-Gourmand awarded dining experience. With its 2 Michelin star rating, it caters to the most discerning palates. The incredible modern french and creative cuisine at Lafleur has earned praise globally.

If you're in the mood for something different, consider reserving a table at Erno's Bistro. This celebrated dining spot in Frankfurt is renowned for its sumptuous meals and classic french and modern menu. Countless patrons sing this Bib Gourmand restaurant's praises, adding to its 1 Michelin-star prestige.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the region, o'reilly's Irish pubs. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 4,367 reviews and guarantees you a great time.

If you want to continue your night somewhere else, head to a popular bar like Oosten. This bar is a local favorite, with great drinks, lovely service, and an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,068 customers.

The options in Frankfurt don’t end there, you could also spend some time at the excellent Bar Helium Frankfurt am Main. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,956 customers, this bar is one of the best places to relax after a long, adventure-filled day.

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 7 of your road trip in Germany, where you’ll be making 2 stops. Today you will experience some of the highlights of this tour package, that is, the wonderful destinations of Frankfurt and Heidelberg. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Heidelberg. Heidelberg will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Römerberg. This square is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 24,391 visitors.

Iron Footbridge is another popular attraction you could visit today. This sightseeing destination has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 23,044 visitors.

Zoo Frankfurt is also highly recommended by travelers. This zoo has a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 22,563 visitors.

Alte Oper is an attraction you won’t want to miss. This concert hall is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 13,371 reviews.

Another attraction you have the opportunity to visit today is Palmengarten. This botanical garden has received an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 19,050 travelers.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Heidelberg. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 9 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

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

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

Reserve a table at Weinstube Schnitzelbank, a renowned restaurant in Heidelberg. This culinary gem and its flavorful dishes have captured the hearts of food enthusiasts. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 2,743 guests.

Ensure you experience culinary excellence at Heid's Grill & Restaurant while in Heidelberg. This dining establishment presents an exquisite menu that has received a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, acclaimed by 3,269 discerning diners.

Experience a taste of Heidelberg at Cafe Extrablatt Heidelberg, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.3 out of 5-star rating from 4,413 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in Heidelberg, Vetter's Alt Heidelberger Brauhaus. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,422 customers.

Travelers and locals alike also recommend HANS IM GLÜCK - HEIDELBERG Heiliggeistkirche. This bar has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,229 customers.

Sahara Restaurant is another popular place for a drink, considered one of the best in the region. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,850 customers.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Germany!

On day 8 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Heidelberg and Stuttgart. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Stuttgart, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Drop by the renowned Heidelberg Palace. This popular museum has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 54,117 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Heidelberger Marktplatz. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,651 visitors, this point of interest deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

We also recommend a visit to Old Bridge Heidelberg. This point of interest has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 15,389 reviews.

Another favorite attraction in the area is Heidelberg Zoo. This zoo and popular place of interest enjoys a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 13,439 local and international travelers.

When you’ve had your share of Heidelberg, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Stuttgart. Your travel time is around 1 hour 32 min.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Stuttgart, 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 Stuttgart.

Treat yourself to a delightful dining experience at meatery bar + restaurant Stuttgart while you’re in Stuttgart. Famous for its lovely menu and mouthwatering dishes, it has captivated around 1,655 diners, earning it an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Another favorite dining locale in Stuttgart is Ambiente Africa. Have a satisfying meal from the menu that has charmed its way to the hearts of around 1,467 happy customers, who gave it an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

While in Stuttgart, enjoy Restaurant zum Ackerbürger - Stuttgart’s appetizing dishes. This dining establishment has earned a positive reputation and a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, thanks to the endorsements and reviews of around 1,076 satisfied guests.

After dinner, visit Café Galao and experience the nightlife in the region of Stuttgart. This bar is one of the best places to cap off the night and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,200 customers.

You can also hang out at Waranga. This bar serves a variety of snacks and drinks and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,188 customers.

Locals recommend Kap Tormentoso, so definitely check it out too. Kap Tormentoso is a place to enjoy friendly chats with locals and fellow travelers and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 883 bar-goers.

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

Day 9 of your road trip in Germany is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Stuttgart before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

As your final day in Germany unfolds, don’t miss the chance for a last-minute shopping spree in Stuttgart’s shopping district. Your accommodation’s convenient location near the region’s shopping area offers the luxury of time, so you don’t have to limit yourself from leisurely strolling its streets amidst a collection of establishments.

Look for the perfect gift for your loved ones back home, or buy yourself a little keepsake to remind you of Germany.

Before you conclude your road trip in Germany, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Stuttgart.

You’ll then say farewell to Stuttgart. 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!