Cologne 3 Day Itinerary

Title: 3-Day Itinerary for Tourists in Cologne, Germany

Day 1: Exploring the City Center

• Morning:

  • Start your day with a hearty German breakfast at Zum Goldenen Schiff, located near the Rhine river.
  • Visit the iconic Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) and learn about its history.
  • Explore the Old Town (Altstadt) and discover the charming streets, historic buildings, and beautiful squares like the Heumarkt and the Neumarkt.

• Afternoon:

  • Visit Museum Ludwig to see an impressive collection of modern and pop art.
  • Take a stroll along the Rhine river and cross the Chocolate-covered Chimneys (Schokoladenmännchen) to reach the other side of the city.
  • Relax at the Rheinpark Odysseus and enjoy a stunning view over Cologne.

• Evening:

  • Dine at Phaverküche, known for its creative take on traditional German cuisine.
  • End your day with a drink at the rooftop bar of the Sky Lounge in the Hotel SO/ Cologne, offering panoramic views of the city.

Day 2: Green Spaces and Modern Art

• Morning:

  • Begin your day at Breakfast Club, serving a variety of breakfast dishes.
  • Visit the German Sports and Olympic Museum in the Olympia Park, followed by some leisure time exploring the park itself.
  • Head to the Museum for East Asian Art (Städel Museum) and learn about Chinese, Japanese, and Korean art and culture.

• Afternoon:

  • Discover the trendy district of Ehrenfeld, filled with street art, independent shops, and cafes like Kafeteria.
  • Stop by the Photography Museum Cologne (Fotomuseum) to appreciate contemporary photography exhibitions.

• Evening:

  • Dine at Im Walfisch, offering a range of international dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
  • Experience the vibrant nightlife of Cologne by visiting bars like Brauerei Pfannenstiel or Zum Uerige, famous for their traditional Kölsch beer.

Day 3: Beyond the City Center

• Morning:

  • Start your day with breakfast at Konditorei Schmidt in the Belgian Quarter (Belgischen Viertel).
  • Take a day trip to Druscheid Open-Air Museum, showcasing traditional Rhineland farmhouses and rural life.

• Afternoon:

  • Return to Cologne and visit the Cologne Chocolate Museum (Schokoladenmuseum) to learn about the history of chocolate and taste different varieties.
  • Spend your afternoon relaxing at the Rheinpark Duisburg Nord, an urban park with unique architecture and a swimming lake.

Accommodation:

• For budget travelers, consider staying at MEININGER Hotel Köln City West.
• For mid-range accommodations, try the modern NH Collection Cologne.
• If you’re looking for luxury, book a room at the iconic SO/Cologne.

Things to Know:

• Cologne is famous for its local beer, Kölsch, which is usually served in small glasses and refilled continuously.
• Germans are punctual, so it’s essential to respect appointment times.
• Cash (Euros) is still widely used, although most establishments also accept credit cards.

Transportation:

• Cologne has an extensive public transportation network, including trams, buses, and the underground (U-Bahn). A day pass can be a cost-effective way to get around.
• Bicycles are also popular in Cologne, and bike rentals are available throughout the city.