Want to see Germany and not stay in the major cities? Fly into Frankfurt, get a car and then start the journey along the Romantic Road as it meanders through Bavaria.

Really want to do it slowly? Ride a bike and when you tire, jump on a bus. The German countryside offers lots and the small towns have plenty of B&Bs for overnight stays. The road itself is busy in summer (as expected) but outside the summer season, the drive itself is relaxing.

The road officially goes between Würzburg and Füssen before ending up at King Ludwig's famous crazy castles.

Don't forget to visit all the other castles along the way.

Between Würzburg and Füssen
Germany (arrive via Frankfurt)

www.germany-tourism.de/ENG/destination_germany/master_tlfstrasse-id44.htm

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A great retro bar just off Wallstrasse, and across from Mr Lin Thai Imbiss restaurant. Excellent vibe and full of kitsch.

Fritschengäßchen 5 (off Wallstrasse);
tel: 069 621 259
soho-frankfurt.de

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Get traditional German food at this apfelwein kneipe (apple wine tavern), the best in Frankfurt, on Wallstrasse, across from Alt Sachenhausen. Great food, great apple wine (the local drink, better than Somerset cider) and a great atmosphere.

Wallstrasse 5;
Tel: 069 612 778;
Open: Monday to Saturday from 5pm to midnight

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This small bar will be anything other than football-focused. It attracts a very arty crowd looking to have fun: Germans, as well as English, Irish and Scottish expats, and a straight/gay mixed crowd. Theme parties are the best. Think Christmas in August

Kleine rittergasse 13, Sachsenhausen;
tel: 017620544411

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A popular bar with a lovely big roof terrace which stays open until late in the evening.

Katharinenpforte 6
60313 Frankfurt / Main

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A nice cocktail bar in Yuppie-Sachsenhausen.

Schneckenhof Str. 8
60596
Tel: +49 693 708 59

www.branchenkompass-frankfurt.de/anzeige_2145_7893.html

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Jazzkeller is a traditional jazz bar. It is best to get there early, as it can get rather crowded later on.

Kliene Bockenheimer Str. 18a
60323
Tel: +49 692 885 37

www.jazzkeller.com

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My family emigrated to Frankfurt 8 years ago and I have been a regular visitor ever since. I can tell you for a fact that, for the best night out in the city, you need to head to Sachsenhausen, and specifically the Irish bar O'Dwyers and the Cuban bar round the corner.

Prepare yourself for extremely reasonably priced drinks, friendly people and a good time!

U-bahn stop Lokalbahnhof

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In the older Sachsenhausen district, this traditional hostelry serves the local cider, apfelwein, by the jug, and also cooks up delicious local dishes.

Perfect for wiling away a summer's afternoon (and evening!) as it is open daily from 11am to midnight.

Sachsenhausen, Schweizer Strasse
Tel: +49 69 61 25 65)

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This is a small, atmospheric bar hidden in a side street just off the beaten track of the Fressgass. It has two floors and if you go upstairs there's a very novel way of getting your drinks. You lean over a railing to the bar below and shout down your order, which is placed in a basket on a rope. You then haul it up to access your beverages.

There's usually unobtrusive jazz playing, as the name suggests, and it's all very laid back and friendly. Don't go in large numbers though as there's limited space.

Kleinen Bockenheimer Str 12

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