Cologne, Germany 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Historic Cologne

Morning:

  • Start your day with a hearty German breakfast at Konditorei Schmidt, located near the Cathedral.
  • Visit the iconic Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom): one of Germany’s most famous landmarks. Admission is free, but you can climb to the top for a panoramic view of the city (€4).
  • Explore the Old Town (Altstadt), with its charming streets, old houses, and historic buildings like the City Hall (Rathaus) and the Great St. Martin’s Church (Groß St. Martinskirche).

Afternoon:

  • Take a stroll along the Rhine Promenade towards the Chocolate Museum (Schokoladenmuseum), where you can learn about the history and production of chocolate. Don’t forget to taste some!
  • Visit the Cologne Wallraffs Art Collection (Wallraf-Richartz-Museum & Augarten) for an immersive art experience.

Evening:

  • Dine at Zum Goldenen Schiff, a traditional tavern with excellent Kölsch and hearty German dishes.
  • Take a boat tour on the Rhine River to see Cologne’s landmarks lit up at night (optional).

Day 2: Museums, Markets & Breweries

Morning:

  • Begin your day with breakfast at Café Hahn, known for its delicious pastries and coffee.
  • Visit the Museum Ludwig, home to an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by Picasso, Warhol, and Dali.
  • Explore the Cologne Chocolate Trail (Schokoladenfieber): a self-guided tour to discover Cologne’s chocolate history and taste some local delicacies.

Afternoon:

  • Wander through the vibrant Flora Market (Blumenstraße), selling fresh flowers, plants, and exotic fruits. Then head to the nearby Fish Market (Fischmarkt) for a variety of seafood.
  • Visit the Cologne Cathedral Treasury (Schatzkammer des Kölner Doms): an incredible collection of religious artifacts dating back to the 4th century.

Evening:

  • For dinner, try Zur Altstadt, offering traditional Cologne cuisine and a cozy atmosphere.
  • Finish your day at one of Cologne’s many breweries, like Früh am Dom or Pfänner Bräustuben, where you can enjoy a stein of Kölsch beer.

Day 3: Green Spaces & Relaxation

Morning:

  • Start your day with breakfast at Bakery & Friends, offering various breads, pastries, and coffee.
  • Visit the beautiful Garden of Love (Liebfrauenengarten), a peaceful green oasis in the heart of the city.
  • Explore the Museum of Applied Arts (Museum Angewandte Kunst) to learn about design, craft, and art from different eras.

Afternoon:

  • Head to the Rhine Park (Rheinpark), perfect for a leisurely walk or picnic. You can also rent a bike and cycle along the Rhine.
  • Visit the Cologne Philharmonie to check out any concerts or events happening during your visit.

Evening:

  • For your last dinner in Cologne, dine at Gerhard’s Speisekammer, known for its exquisite dishes and excellent wine list.
  • Take a stroll along the Rhine River one last time before your departure. If you have time, catch the sunset at Eigelstein Bridge (Eigenbrücken).

Things to Know:

  • Cologne is famous for its local beer, Kölsch, which is served in small mugs called ‘Stangen’.
  • The city center is easily explored on foot, but you can also use the efficient public transportation system, including trams, buses, and the RhineRuhrExpress (RRX) train.
  • Many places in Cologne close on Sundays or have shorter hours, so plan accordingly.