Cologne, Germany-6-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the Old Town

  • Morning: Arrive at Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) or take a train to the Hauptbahnhof (main station)
  • 9:00 AM: Check-in to your hotel, recommend Hotel Domus for its central location and cozy atmosphere
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Germany’s most famous landmarks. Take in the stunning architecture and climb to the top for breathtaking views
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at Fritz und Felix, a traditional Cologne restaurant serving up delicious Kölsch (beer) and local specialties like Himmel un Ääd (heaven and earth, a type of potato dumpling)
  • 2:00 PM: Explore the Old Town (Altstadt), with its charming streets, historic buildings, and lively atmosphere. Visit the Great St. Martin Church (Groß St. Martin), one of Cologne’s oldest churches
  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Schleusenkrug, a cozy restaurant with a lovely courtyard and serving up delicious German cuisine

Day 2: Roman Ruins, Parks, and Shopping

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Roman-Germanic Museum (Römisch-Germanisches Museum), which houses an impressive collection of Roman artifacts
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the Cologne Zoo, one of Germany’s oldest and most beautiful zoos. Take a leisurely stroll through the park-like surroundings and enjoy the scenic views
  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at Taubenhaus, a modern restaurant with a focus on local, organic ingredients
  • 3:00 PM: Visit the Schildergasse, one of Cologne’s busiest shopping streets. Find unique souvenirs and try some traditional street food like Brötchen (a type of bread roll)
  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Restaurant Imperio, a modern Italian restaurant with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients

Day 3: Art and Culture

  • 9:30 AM: Visit the Museum Ludwig, which houses an impressive collection of modern art, including works by Picasso, Warhol, and Lichtenstein
  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at Café des Ternes, a charming café with a lovely courtyard and serving up delicious sandwiches and salads
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the Stadtgarten, a beautiful park with gardens, sculptures, and plenty of seating areas. Take a stroll through the park and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere
  • 5:00 PM: Attend a performance at the Philharmonie (Philharmonic Hall), one of Germany’s most renowned concert halls

Day 4: Museums and History

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Wallraf-Richartz Museum, which houses an impressive collection of European art from the Middle Ages to the 19th century
  • 11:30 AM: Explore the German Museum of Technology (Deutsches Museum für Technik), which showcases a wide range of scientific and technological exhibits
  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at Restaurant Kämmerer, a modern restaurant with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients
  • 3:30 PM: Visit the Stadtarchiv, which houses an impressive collection of historical documents and artifacts related to Cologne’s history

Day 5: Markets and Entertainment

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Fleurop Market, a bustling marketplace with fresh produce, flowers, and souvenirs
  • 11:30 AM: Explore the Cologne Carnival Museum (Kölner Karneval-Museum), which showcases the city’s famous carnival traditions
  • 1:30 PM: Grab lunch at Frites & Waffeln, a modern restaurant with a focus on Belgian-inspired cuisine
  • 3:30 PM: Attend a performance at the Cologne Comedy Club, one of Germany’s most renowned comedy clubs

Day 6: Last Day in Cologne

  • 9:00 AM: Spend your last morning exploring any areas you missed or revisiting favorite spots
  • 11:30 AM: Grab lunch at Restaurant Schleusenkrug, a cozy restaurant with a lovely courtyard and serving up delicious German cuisine
  • 2:00 PM: Depart for the airport or your next destination

Tips and Transportation

  • Buy a Cologne Card, which grants you access to public transportation, museums, and attractions
  • Use the S-Bahn (suburban train) or U-Bahn (metro) to get around the city quickly and efficiently
  • Take a stroll along the Rhine River, which offers beautiful views of the city
  • Be mindful of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas like the Old Town
  • Try some traditional Cologne cuisine, such as Himmel un Ääd or Halve Hahn (a type of cheese)

Accommodation

  • Hotel Domus: A cozy hotel with a central location and comfortable rooms
  • Hotel Monopol: A modern hotel with stylish rooms and a rooftop bar

Restaurants and Cafes

  • Fritz und Felix: A traditional Cologne restaurant serving up delicious Kölsch and local specialties
  • Schleusenkrug: A cozy restaurant with a lovely courtyard and serving up delicious German cuisine
  • Café des Ternes: A charming café with a lovely courtyard and serving up delicious sandwiches and salads