Cologne 4 Day Itinerary

October 22, 2024

Cologne 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore the City Center

Morning: Start your day with breakfast at Konditorei Schmidt, a traditional bakery offering delicious pastries and coffee.
Visit the Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom): one of Germany’s most famous landmarks, it’s free to enter but consider climbing its 533 steps for a stunning city view.
Explore the Old Town (Altstadt) with its charming cobbled streets and medieval buildings. Don’t miss the Glockenspiel at St. Martin’s Church (Martin-Church).
Lunch: Try authentic German cuisine at Zum Uerige, a historic brewery serving Kölsch beer and traditional dishes.
In the afternoon, head to the Römisch-Germanisches Museum to learn about the Roman history of Cologne.
Evening: Take a stroll along the Rhine Promenade, ending at the Cologne Chocolate Museum (Schokoladenmuseum), where you can learn about chocolate making and taste various types of chocolates.

Day 2: Art & Culture

Morning: Begin your day with a visit to Wallraf-Richartz-Museum, featuring works from the Middle Ages to the present day.
Next, explore the Ludwig Museum - Museum of Modern Art Cologne which houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art.
Lunch: Grab a bite at Brauhaus Sünner am Dom, located near the Cathedral, offering traditional German dishes and Kölsch beer.
In the afternoon, visit the Chocolate Museum (Schokoladenmuseum) or the Phantom World (Phantasialand) if you prefer amusement parks.
Evening: Explore the lively Belgian Quarter (Belgienviertel) with its numerous bars and restaurants, offering a vibrant nightlife scene.

Day 3: Green Spaces & Outdoor Activities

Morning: Have breakfast at Café Müller, known for its delicious pastries and coffee.
Head to the Rhineland Botanic Garden (Botanischer Garten der Universität zu Köln), a beautiful green oasis with over 10,000 species of plants.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at Veggie Garden, a vegetarian restaurant offering a variety of dishes inspired by international cuisines.
In the afternoon, visit the Cologne Zoo (Zoologischer Garten Köln), home to over 10,000 animals from around the world.
Evening: Relax at the Cologne Philharmonic Hall (Kölner Philharmonie), if you’re interested in classical music performances.

Day 4: Day Trip & Farewell

Morning: Depart early for a day trip to nearby Bonn, the former capital of West Germany and home to several museums, palaces, and beautiful parks.
Return to Cologne in the afternoon and have a farewell lunch at Museum Ludwig Restaurant, offering an excellent selection of dishes with a view of the Rhine.
Afternoon: Spend your last hours exploring any missed spots in Cologne or shopping for souvenirs in the Old Town.

Things to Know:

Cologne’s primary mode of transportation is its efficient and extensive public transport system.
The city is famous for its beer, Kölsch, which is typically served in small glasses called Stangen.
English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but knowing a few German phrases can be helpful.
Tipping is customary in Germany and usually amounts to 5-10% of the bill in restaurants.

Stay: