Cologne, Germany

Here’s a detailed 3 to 5-day itinerary for visiting Cologne, Germany, a vibrant city known for its stunning Gothic cathedral, Roman history, and lively cultural scene. This itinerary includes Cologne’s top attractions, cultural highlights, and recommendations for local cuisine, along with options for day trips to nearby destinations like Bonn and Düsseldorf.

Day 1: Cologne’s Historic Center

• Morning:

  • Begin your visit at Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), the city’s most iconic landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The towering Gothic cathedral is one of Europe’s largest and most impressive, with beautiful stained glass and detailed sculptures. Climb the South Tower for a panoramic view of Cologne and the Rhine River.

  • Afterward, head to Museum Ludwig, located next to the cathedral. This museum showcases an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by Picasso, Warhol, and Lichtenstein.

• Afternoon:

  • Have lunch at Peters Brauhaus, a traditional Cologne beer hall offering hearty dishes like Sauerbraten and Himmel un Äd (black pudding with mashed potatoes and apples). Pair it with a refreshing glass of Kölsch, the local beer.

  • Explore the Altstadt (Old Town) with its charming medieval buildings and cobblestone streets. Visit the Great St. Martin Church, a beautiful Romanesque church, then take a leisurely walk along the Rhine Promenade for picturesque views of the river and the city.

  • Optionally, take a short Rhine River cruise to admire Cologne from the water.

• Evening:

  • Dine at Brauerei zur Malzmühle, another traditional brewery that offers local Cologne cuisine and more Kölsch beer. After dinner, explore the lively squares of Alter Markt and Heumarkt in the Old Town.

    
    

Day 2: Roman History and Cultural Highlights

• Morning:

  • Start at the Römisch-Germanisches Museum to discover Cologne’s Roman past. The museum features impressive collections of mosaics, Roman glassware, and ancient artifacts from the Roman colony of Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium.

  • Then, visit St. Ursula’s Church, known for its fascinating Goldene Kammer (Golden Chamber), where bones and relics are arranged in decorative patterns.

• Afternoon:

  • Have lunch at Café Reichard, a historic café near the cathedral, offering a wide selection of German pastries, light meals, and coffee.

  • Afterward, visit the Chocolate Museum (Schokoladenmuseum) to learn about the history of chocolate and watch the production process. Don’t miss the giant chocolate fountain for a sweet treat!

  • Walk across the Hohenzollern Bridge, known for its “love locks,” with beautiful views of Cologne’s skyline and the cathedral.

• Evening:

  • Enjoy dinner at Früh am Dom, one of Cologne’s most popular beer halls, serving local specialties and Kölsch. After dinner, explore the trendy Belgian Quarter (Belgisches Viertel) for its hip bars, cafes, and boutiques. Visit Seiberts, a top-rated cocktail bar, for drinks.

    
    

Day 3: Museums and Green Spaces

• Morning:

  • Visit the Wallraf-Richartz Museum, which houses a vast collection of art from medieval times to the 19th century, including works by Van Gogh, Monet, and Manet.

  • Next, head to the Käthe Kollwitz Museum, dedicated to the German artist Käthe Kollwitz, known for her powerful depictions of human suffering.

• Afternoon:

  • Have lunch at Herbarium, a vegetarian restaurant offering healthy and flavorful dishes near the museum district.

  • Spend the afternoon exploring the Botanical Gardens (Flora und Botanischer Garten), where you can stroll among exotic plants, beautifully landscaped flower beds, and greenhouses. If modern architecture interests you, visit the Kranhäuser in the Rheinauhafen district—unique crane-shaped buildings along the river.

• Evening:

  • For dinner, visit Paulaner am Dom, a Bavarian-style restaurant offering traditional German dishes like Weisswurst and Schweinshaxe.

  • End your evening with drinks at Die Fette Kuh, a popular riverside bar with a great selection of German beers and cocktails.

    
    

Day 4: Day Trip to Bonn or Düsseldorf

• Option 1: Bonn

  • Morning: Take a 30-minute train ride to Bonn, the birthplace of Beethoven. Start at the Beethoven House, the composer’s birthplace and museum.

  • Afternoon: Have lunch at Em Höttche, a historic restaurant offering traditional Rhenish dishes. Then, explore Bonn’s Museum Mile, which includes the Kunstmuseum Bonn (Modern Art) and Haus der Geschichte (Post-war German history).

  • Evening: Return to Cologne and dine at Brauhaus Sion, known for its cozy atmosphere and hearty food.

• Option 2: Düsseldorf

  • Morning: Take a 30-minute train ride to Düsseldorf and begin with a walk through the Altstadt (Old Town), known for its bars and pubs. Visit the upscale shopping street, Königsallee.

  • Afternoon: Have lunch at Schumacher Alt to try Altbier, Düsseldorf’s famous dark beer. Spend the afternoon exploring the modern architecture in MedienHafen, including buildings by Frank Gehry.

  • Evening: Return to Cologne and enjoy dinner at Haxenhaus, a riverside restaurant offering traditional German food like pork knuckle.

    
    

Day 5: Hidden Gems and Relaxation

• Morning:

  • Visit St. Gereon’s Basilica, a Romanesque church with a stunning 10-sided dome. Then, explore the Eigelstein-Torburg, one of Cologne’s medieval gates located in the multicultural Eigelstein district, where you can experience the local life.

• Afternoon:

  • Lunch at Café Bauturm, a cozy spot offering light meals and a relaxing atmosphere.

  • Spend the afternoon in Rheinpark, a beautiful riverside park. Take a ride on the Cologne Cable Car (Kölner Seilbahn) for sweeping views of the city. Afterward, unwind at Claudius Therme, a spa complex with thermal pools and saunas.

• Evening:

  • For your last dinner, visit the elegant Hanse-Stube at the Excelsior Hotel Ernst, offering refined French and international cuisine.

  • Wrap up your night with a drink at The Corkonian, an Irish pub, or enjoy cocktails at Shepheard, a sophisticated cocktail bar.

    
    

Tips for Visiting Cologne:

• Public Transport: Use Cologne’s efficient KVB system (trams, buses, and trains). A day pass is a convenient option for unlimited travel within the city.

• Best Time to Visit: Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are ideal, offering mild weather and fewer crowds.