Cologne 4 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the City Center

Morning

  • Start at the Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Germany’s most famous landmarks. Take a guided tour of the cathedral and climb to the top for stunning views of the city.
  • Visit the nearby Roman-Germanic Museum, which houses an impressive collection of Roman artifacts.

Afternoon

  • Wander through the charming Old Town (Altstadt), exploring its narrow streets and picturesque squares. Be sure to see the iconic Heinzelmännchen bronze statue at Heumarkt.
  • Stop by the Wallraf-Richartz Museum, which features an impressive collection of European art from the 13th to 20th centuries.

Evening

  • Enjoy traditional German cuisine at Brauhaus Sion, a cozy brewery and restaurant serving local specialties like Kölsch beer and Himmel und Erde (a dish made with mashed potatoes, apples, and onions).
  • Stay at Hotel Dom, a comfortable hotel located in the heart of the city center.

Things to Know

  • Cologne is known for its Carnival celebrations, which take place before Lent. If you’re visiting during this time, be prepared for colorful costumes, parades, and lively street parties.
  • The city has a strong cycling culture, so consider renting a bike to explore the city.

Day 2: Art, Culture, and Waterfront

Morning

  • Visit the Museum Ludwig, which boasts an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by Picasso, Warhol, and Lichtenstein.
  • Explore the trendy Belgische Viertel (Belgian Quarter), known for its boutiques, cafes, and street food.

Afternoon

  • Take a stroll along the picturesque Rhine River waterfront, offering beautiful views of the city skyline. Stop by the Hafen Weimar harbor, a popular spot for boat tours and water activities.
  • Visit the NS-Dokumentationszentrum, a museum documenting the history of National Socialism in Cologne.

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Götterspeise, a vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurant serving creative, international dishes.
  • Stay at Hotel Im Wasserturm, a stylish hotel located near the Rhine River waterfront.

Day 3: Day Trip to Bonn

Morning

  • Take a day trip to Bonn, a charming university town located about 30 minutes south of Cologne by train. Visit the Beethoven-Haus, a museum dedicated to the life and works of Ludwig van Beethoven.
  • Explore the picturesque Bonn Altstadt, with its colorful buildings, quaint streets, and historic landmarks like the Bonn Minster.

Afternoon

  • Stop by the Deutsches Museum Bonn, which showcases an impressive collection of scientific and technological artifacts.
  • Visit the Kreuzberg, a scenic hill offering panoramic views of the city.

Evening

  • Return to Cologne and enjoy dinner at Früh am Dom, a popular restaurant serving traditional German cuisine near the Cologne Cathedral.
  • Stay at Hotel An der Philharmonie, a comfortable hotel located near the Cologne Philharmonic concert hall.

Day 4: Beer, Chocolate, and More

Morning

  • Visit the Früh Brewery, one of Cologne’s most famous breweries, and take a guided tour to learn about the brewing process.
  • Stop by the Imhoff-Stollwerck Museum, which showcases an impressive collection of chocolate-making equipment and offers tastings.

Afternoon

  • Explore the vibrant Ehrenfeld neighborhood, known for its street art, independent shops, and multicultural atmosphere. Visit the Ehrenfeld Market Hall, a bustling hub for foodies and shoppers.
  • Take a stroll through the beautiful Botanical Garden, featuring over 10,000 plant species.

Evening

  • Enjoy a farewell dinner at Bürgerhaus Stollwerck, a cozy restaurant serving traditional German cuisine in a historic setting.
  • Depart from Cologne or extend your stay to explore more of this vibrant city.

Transportation

  • The easiest way to get around Cologne is on foot or by bike. You can rent bikes at various stations throughout the city.
  • Public transportation options include buses, trams, and trains (S-Bahn). Buy a KölnCard, which grants you free admission to many museums and attractions, as well as public transportation.

Tips

  • Try some local specialties like Kölsch beer, Himmel und Erde, and Mettbrötchen (a type of bread roll).
  • Be prepared for variable weather; Cologne can be rainy even in the summer.
  • Learn a few basic German phrases to help you navigate the city and interact with locals.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Cologne!