Cologne Germany 4 Day Itinerary
Cologne, Germany 4-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration
- Morning: Arrive in Cologne and check-in at Hotel Im Wasserturm or similar
- 9:00 AM: Start the day with a visit to Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- 11:00 AM: Explore the nearby Roman-Germanic Museum to learn about the city’s Roman history
- 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at Götterspeise, a cozy café serving traditional German cuisine
- 2:30 PM: Wander along the Rhine River and take in the stunning views of the city skyline
- 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Brauhaus Sion, a local brewery serving delicious Kölsch beer and German dishes
Day 2: Art, Culture, and Nightlife
- 9:30 AM: Visit the Wallraf-Richartz Museum, featuring an impressive collection of European art
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at Café Reichard, a charming spot with a beautiful courtyard
- 2:30 PM: Explore the trendy Belgisches Viertel neighborhood, known for its boutique shops and street art
- 8:00 PM: Experience Cologne’s vibrant nightlife at Stadtgarten, a popular club with live music and DJs
Day 3: History and Architecture
- 9:30 AM: Visit the NS-Dokumentationszentrum, a museum documenting Cologne’s history during World War II
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at Früh am Dom, a traditional brewery serving local specialties
- 1:30 PM: Explore the stunning St. Aposteln Church, a beautiful example of Gothic architecture
- 4:00 PM: Visit the Hohenzollern Bridge, a iconic bridge with thousands of love locks
Day 4: Day Trip and Departure
- 9:00 AM: Take a day trip to Bonn, the former capital city of Germany (approximately 30 minutes by train)
- 10:00 AM: Visit the Beethoven-Haus Bonn, the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant in Bonn, such as Zur Schwane
- 3:00 PM: Return to Cologne and spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring a local market
- 6:00 PM: Departure from Cologne
Transportation
- Cologne has an efficient public transportation system, including buses, trams, and trains. Purchase a KölnCard for unlimited travel.
- Alternatively, taxis are readily available, but more expensive.
Tips and Essentials
- Language: German is the primary language spoken in Cologne, but many locals speak English.
- Currency: The Euro (€) is the official currency in Germany.
- Weather: Cologne’s climate is moderate, with temperatures ranging from 3°C (37°F) in winter to 23°C (73°F) in summer. Pack accordingly.
- Safety: Cologne is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Other Things of Interest
- Cologne Carnival: If you’re visiting in February or March, experience the vibrant Cologne Carnival, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
- Rhine River Cruises: Take a scenic cruise along the Rhine River for stunning views of the city.
- Local Markets: Visit one of Cologne’s many markets, such as the Cologne Christmas Market or the Ehrenfeld Market, to sample local delicacies and shop for souvenirs.