Cologne-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of the Old Town

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Arrive at Cologne-Bonn Airport (CGN) or take a train from another German city
  • 10:00 AM: Check-in to your hotel in the city center, such as:
    • Hotel Mondial am Dom (4-star)
    • Novotel Köln Altstadt (4-star)
    • Ibis Köln Centrum (3-star)

Afternoon

  • 12:00 PM: Visit the iconic Cologne Cathedral (Dom), a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • 2:00 PM: Take a stroll through the charming Old Town (Altstadt) and explore its narrow streets, shops, and cafes
  • 4:00 PM: Stop by the Roman-Germanic Museum to learn about Cologne’s rich history

Evening

  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at:
    • Früh am Dom (traditional German cuisine)
    • Fritzmilk (gourmet burgers)
    • Café Reichard (classic café experience)
  • 9:00 PM: Explore the vibrant nightlife in the Old Town, with many bars and clubs to choose from

Transportation:

  • Use public transportation (bus or tram) or walk/bike to get around
  • Buy a Köln Tourist Card for free public transport and discounts at attractions

Day 2: Art and Culture

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Museum Ludwig, home to an impressive collection of modern art, including works by Picasso, Warhol, and Monet
  • 11:30 AM: Explore the adjacent Hofgarten, a beautiful park with fountains and sculptures

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Stop by the Galerie im Botanischen Garten for some contemporary art in an unusual setting (a botanical garden)
  • 3:00 PM: Visit the Wallraf-Richartz Museum, which showcases a diverse collection of European art from the Middle Ages to the 19th century

Evening

  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at:
    • La Luna (Italian cuisine with a cozy atmosphere)
    • Restaurant im Botanischen Garten (garden-to-table dining experience)
    • Café Büllesmeyer (traditional German bakery and café)
  • 8:00 PM: Attend a performance or concert at the nearby Philharmonie

Transportation:

  • Use public transportation (bus or tram) or walk/bike to get around

Day 3: Day Trip to Brühl

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Take a train from Cologne to Brühl (approximately 30 minutes)
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the Villa Ludwigshafen, a stunning example of Romanticism architecture
  • 12:00 PM: Enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants, such as:
    • Gasthof zum Sternchen (traditional German cuisine)

Afternoon

  • 1:30 PM: Explore the picturesque town of Brühl and its charming streets, shops, and cafes
  • 3:30 PM: Return to Cologne by train

Evening

  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at:
    • Restaurant im Botanischen Garten (garden-to-table dining experience)
    • La Luna (Italian cuisine with a cozy atmosphere)
    • Café Reichard (classic café experience)

Transportation:

  • Use public transportation (train) to get to and from Brühl

Day 4: Markets and Parks

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the bustling Neumarkt, one of Cologne’s largest markets
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the adjacent Alter Markt, a charming square with shops, cafes, and street performers

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Stop by the Hansa-Park, a beautiful park with a lake, walking trails, and picnic areas
  • 3:00 PM: Visit the Cologne Botanical Garden, home to over 10,000 plant species

Evening

  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at:
    • Früh am Dom (traditional German cuisine)
    • Fritzmilk (gourmet burgers)
    • Café Büllesmeyer (traditional German bakery and café)

Transportation:

  • Use public transportation (bus or tram) or walk/bike to get around

Day 5: Last Day in Cologne

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Farina-House, a historic building that once served as a perfume factory
  • 11:00 AM: Stop by the Ehrenfeld Market, another bustling market with local goods and street food

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants, such as:
    • La Luna (Italian cuisine with a cozy atmosphere)
    • Restaurant im Botanischen Garten (garden-to-table dining experience)

Evening

  • 6:00 PM: Farewell dinner at:
    • Früh am Dom (traditional German cuisine)
    • Fritzmilk (gourmet burgers)
    • Café Reichard (classic café experience)

Transportation:

  • Use public transportation (bus or tram) or walk/bike to get around

Other Tips and Recommendations

  • Try some of the local beers, such as Cologne’s own Kölsch
  • Explore the many museums and galleries in the city
  • Take a stroll along the Rhine River and enjoy the scenic views
  • Visit one of the many parks and gardens in the city for some peace and quiet