Cologne 6 Day Itinerary

Cologne 6-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive in Cologne and check-in to your accommodation. Recommended hotels include Hotel Im Wasserturm, Hotel am Augustinerhof, or Hostel 54.
  • Afternoon: Start your journey at the iconic Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a stroll along the Rhine River and explore the nearby Old Town (Altstadt).
  • Evening: Head to the Rheinauhafen, a trendy waterfront area with bars, restaurants, and great views of the city. Try some local Kölsch beer at Gaffel am Dom or Früh am Dom.

Day 2: History and Culture

  • Morning: Visit the Roman-Germanic Museum (Römisch-Germanisches Museum) to learn about Cologne’s rich history. The museum is home to an impressive collection of Roman artifacts.
  • Afternoon: Stop by the Wallraf-Richartz Museum, which features an extensive collection of European art from the 13th to the 20th century.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional German dinner at Brauhaus Sion or Götterspeise.

Day 3: Castles and Parks

  • Morning: Take a day trip to the picturesque Castle Burg Satzvey, located about an hour outside of Cologne. The castle offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Afternoon: Return to Cologne and visit the beautiful Flora Botanical Garden (Botanischer Garten Flora), which features over 10,000 plant species.
  • Evening: Relax with a scenic river cruise along the Rhine.

Day 4: Shopping and Nightlife

  • Morning: Explore the popular Schildergasse, one of Cologne’s main shopping streets. You’ll find everything from high-end boutiques to vintage shops.
  • Afternoon: Visit the trendy Belgian Quarter (Belgisches Viertel), known for its street art, independent shops, and cafes.
  • Evening: Experience Cologne’s vibrant nightlife in the Rudolfplatz, where you’ll find bars, clubs, and live music venues.

Day 5: Day Trip to Bonn

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Bonn, the former capital of Germany. Visit the Bonn Minster, a beautiful Catholic church, and explore the charming Old Town.
  • Afternoon: Stop by the House of History (Haus der Geschichte), which offers insight into Germany’s recent history.
  • Evening: Return to Cologne and enjoy dinner at Maison Rouge or Brauerei zur Malzmühle.

Day 6: Departure

  • Morning: Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or visiting any last-minute attractions.
  • Afternoon: Depart Cologne and head back home.

Things to Know

  • Cologne is a bike-friendly city, so consider renting a bike to get around.
  • The city has a public transportation system, including buses, trams, and trains. You can purchase a KölnCard for unlimited travel.
  • Don’t forget to try some traditional Kölsch beer and local cuisine, such as Himmel und Ääd (a dish made with mashed potatoes, apple sauce, and blood sausage).
  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions.

Tips

  • Book your accommodations and popular attractions in advance to avoid sold-out situations.
  • Consider purchasing a Cologne City Guide or using a travel app to help navigate the city.
  • Don’t forget to validate your train ticket before boarding (if you’re using public transportation).

Transportation

  • Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) is located about 15 kilometers from the city center. You can take a taxi, bus, or train to get to your accommodation.
  • The main train station, Köln Hauptbahnhof, is located in the heart of the city and offers connections to other European cities.

Other Things of Interest

  • Cologne Carnival: If you’re visiting in February or March, don’t miss the colorful Cologne Carnival celebrations.
  • Christmas Markets: Cologne’s festive Christmas markets offer a magical atmosphere and delicious food during the winter months.
  • Rhine River Cruises: Take a scenic cruise along the Rhine River to see Cologne from a different perspective.