Cologne, Germany 2 Day Itinerary

Cologne, Germany: A 2-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Morning

  • 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café Reichard, a cozy café serving traditional German pastries and coffee.
  • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Visit the iconic Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a guided tour to learn about its rich history and architecture.

Afternoon

  • 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM: Grab lunch at Brauhaus Sion, a traditional brewery serving German beer and cuisine.
  • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Explore the Roman-Germanic Museum (Römisch-Germanisches Museum), which features an impressive collection of Roman artifacts and exhibits.

Evening

  • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Take a stroll along the Rhine River and enjoy the scenic views of the city.
  • 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Dine at Götterspeise, a modern German restaurant serving creative dishes using local ingredients.

Where to Stay

Consider staying in the Altstadt-Nord (Old Town North) neighborhood, which offers easy access to major attractions and a lively atmosphere. Book a hotel like Hotel Im Wasserturm or Hotel am Augustiner Hof.

Day 2

Morning

  • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Visit the Wallraf-Richartz Museum, which features an impressive collection of European art from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.
  • 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM: Enjoy lunch at Café Franck, a charming café serving international cuisine.

Afternoon

  • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Explore the Hohenzollern Bridge, which offers stunning views of the Rhine River and Cologne Cathedral. Take a romantic walk along the riverbank.
  • 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Visit the Museum Ludwig, which features an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Enjoy a traditional German dinner at Päffgen, a cozy restaurant serving local specialties.
  • 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM: End your evening with a visit to the Cologne Nightlife area, where you can find bars, clubs, and live music venues.

Things to Know

  • Cologne is a bike-friendly city; consider renting a bike to explore the city.
  • The city has a vibrant LGBTQ+ community; visit the Rudolfplatz area for gay bars and clubs.
  • Don’t forget to try some traditional German beer at one of the many breweries in Cologne!

Transportation

  • Cologne Bonn Airport: The airport is located about 15 km from the city center. Take a taxi or public transportation (S-Bahn) to get to your accommodation.
  • Public Transportation: Cologne has an efficient public transportation system, including buses, trams, and S-Bahns. Buy a KölnTicket for unlimited travel.

Tips

  • Be prepared for crowds at popular attractions like the Cologne Cathedral.
  • Don’t miss the beautiful Fischmarkt (Fish Market) on Fridays and Saturdays.
  • Try some traditional German cuisine, such as Currywurst or Schnitzel.

I hope you enjoy your trip to Cologne!