Cologne Germany 6 Day Itinerary

Cologne, Germany 6-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the City Center

  • Morning: Arrive in Cologne and check-in to your hotel or accommodation. Recommended areas to stay include the city center (Altstadt), Ehrenfeld, and Deutz.
  • Afternoon: Visit the famous Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a stroll along the Rhine River promenade (Rheinpromenade) and explore the old town’s narrow streets.
  • Evening: Head to the Brauhaus Sion, a traditional brewery serving local Kölsch beer and delicious German cuisine.

Day 2: Roman History and Local Markets

  • Morning: Visit the Roman-Germanic Museum (Römisch-Germanisches Museum), which houses an impressive collection of Roman artifacts.
  • Afternoon: Explore the bustling Neumarkt, a popular shopping street with local markets, cafes, and restaurants. Be sure to try some traditional German sausages at one of the food stalls.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Götterspeise, a cozy restaurant serving modern German cuisine.

Day 3: Art, Culture, and Parks

  • Morning: Visit the Wallraf-Richartz Museum (Wallraf-Richartz-Museum), which features an impressive collection of European art from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.
  • Afternoon: Relax in the beautiful Stadtwald, a large forested park with walking trails and picnic areas. Alternatively, visit the Museum Ludwig, which showcases modern and contemporary art.
  • Evening: Enjoy cocktails at The Fancy Hamburger, a trendy bar serving creative drinks.

Day 4: Castles and Villages

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Brauweiler Castle (Schloss Brauweiler), a stunning Renaissance castle with beautiful gardens. Alternatively, visit the charming village of Brühl, known for its picturesque streets and Baroque architecture.
  • Afternoon: Return to Cologne and explore the trendy Ehrenfeld neighborhood, known for its street art, independent shops, and multicultural atmosphere.
  • Evening: Dine at Brauerei im Füchschen, a brewery serving local beers and traditional German cuisine.

Day 5: River Cruises and Nightlife

  • Morning: Take a scenic Rhine River Cruise (Rhein Schiffahrt) to see Cologne’s skyline from a different perspective.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Hohenzollern Bridge (Hohenzollernbrücke), famous for its love locks and stunning city views.
  • Evening: Experience Cologne’s vibrant nightlife in the Altstadt-Nord neighborhood, known for its bars, clubs, and live music venues.

Day 6: Last-Minute Shopping and Departure

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

Transportation:

  • Airport: Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) is approximately 15 km from the city center. Take a taxi, bus, or train to reach your accommodation.
  • Public Transport: Cologne has an efficient public transport system, including buses, trams, and trains. Buy a KölnCard for unlimited travel and discounts on attractions.

Tips and Essentials:

  • Language: German is the official language, but many locals speak English. Learn basic German phrases to show respect for the culture.
  • Currency: Euro (€)
  • Weather: Cologne’s climate is temperate with cold winters and warm summers. Pack accordingly.
  • Safety: Take usual precautions to ensure your personal safety, especially at night.

Other Things of Interest:

  • Cologne Carnival (Kölner Karneval): A colorful and lively carnival celebration in February/March.
  • LGBTQ+ Scene: Cologne has a thriving LGBTQ+ community with many bars, clubs, and events throughout the year.
  • Sports: Catch a football match at the RheinEnergieStadion, home of 1. FC Köln.

Enjoy your time in Cologne!