Cologne Germany 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Itinerary for Exploring Cologne, Germany

Day 1: Arrival and City Orientation

  • Stay at: Hotel Excelsior Cologne (Luxury) or Arte Hotel Köln (Mid-Range) or Meininger Köln Deutz (Budget)

  • Transportation: Cologne’s public transportation system, known as KölleNett, is efficient and affordable. Purchase a KölnCard for unlimited travel during your stay.

  • Morning: Arrive at Cologne/Bonn Airport or Köln Hauptbahnhof (Main Train Station). Check-in at hotel and freshen up.

  • Afternoon: Take a leisurely walk along the Rhine River, visit the Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), and explore the Old Town (Altstadt) area.

Day 2: Explore Museums and History

  • Morning: Visit the Chocolate Museum (Schokoladenmuseum), learn about the history of chocolate and taste some delicious samples.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Roman-Germanic Museum to delve into Cologne’s past, and then head to the Wallraf Richartz Museum for an art fix.
  • Evening: Dine at Zur Kanne, a traditional German restaurant offering local specialties.

Day 3: Green Spaces and Leisure

  • Morning: Visit the Botanical Garden (Botanische Garten Köln) or the Green Belt (Grüngürtel) for a relaxing walk.
  • Afternoon: If you’re interested in beer, visit the Früh am Dom or Pfanni breweries.
  • Evening: Have dinner at Zum Goldenen Schiff, located on a boat on the Rhine River.

Day 4: Day Trip to Druscheid and Nürmberg

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Druscheid, a charming village known for its half-timbered houses. Explore the local market (if it’s a Wednesday or Saturday) and have lunch at a traditional German restaurant.
  • Afternoon: Head to Nürmberg, another picturesque village with a beautiful church and scenic views of the Rhine Valley.

Day 5: Shopping and Nightlife

  • Morning: Visit the Kölner Messe shopping center or the trendy Zollstock neighborhood for shopping.
  • Afternoon: Relax at the Severinsbad, a historic public bathhouse in the Old Town.
  • Evening: Experience Cologne’s vibrant nightlife by visiting bars and clubs such as Godot or Die Wohngemeinschaft.

Day 6: Day Trip to Bonn

  • Morning: Take a train to Bonn, the former capital of West Germany. Visit the Beethoven House Museum and the Bundestag (German Parliament Building).
  • Afternoon: Explore the beautiful Rhine promenade and have lunch at one of the riverside restaurants.

Day 7: Last Day and Departure

  • Morning: Spend your last hours in Cologne visiting any attractions you missed, shopping for souvenirs, or simply enjoying a cup of Kölsch beer at a local brewery.
  • Afternoon/Evening: Check out from the hotel, head to the airport or train station, and bid farewell to beautiful Cologne.