Cologne, Germany-6-day-itinerary

6-Day Cologne Itinerary: Culture, History & Kölsch

This itinerary offers a mix of Cologne’s highlights, local experiences, and downtime for relaxation.

Accommodation: Consider staying in the Altstadt (Old Town) for easy access to attractions or in trendy Ehrenfeld for a more local vibe.

  • Budget: Hostel Köln, The Circus Hotel
  • Mid-Range: Motel One Köln-Hauptbahnhof, Excel Hotel Köln City Nord
  • Luxury: Excelsior Hotel Ernst, Hyatt Regency Cologne

Transportation:

  • Cologne is easily walkable. Use public transport (KVB) for longer distances: trams, buses, and the metro are efficient and affordable. Purchase a day ticket or Kölner Karte for multiple days.

Things to know:

  • Kölsch: Try this local beer, served in small 200ml glasses called “Stangen”.
  • Tipping: Round up the bill or leave 5-10% for good service.
  • German Phrases: Learning basic greetings like “Guten Tag” (Good Day) and “Danke” (Thank You) will be appreciated.

Day 1: Arrival & Altstadt Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive in Cologne, check into your accommodation.
  • Afternoon: Stroll through the Altstadt, admiring its charming streets, historic buildings, and Romanesque architecture. Visit the iconic Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom). Climb to the top of the South Tower for breathtaking views.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Kölsch dinner at Früh am Dom or Peters Brauhaus.

Day 2: Museums & Art

  • Morning: Explore the Romano-Germanic Museum, showcasing artifacts from Cologne’s Roman past. Afterward, visit the Ludwig Museum, renowned for its modern and contemporary art collection.

  • Afternoon: Relax in the beautiful Botanical Garden (Botanischer Garten) or take a boat trip along the Rhine River for scenic views.

  • Evening: Experience Cologne’s nightlife in the trendy Belgian Quarter, with its bars, cafes, and restaurants.

Day 3: Chocolate & History

  • Morning: Indulge your sweet tooth at the Chocolate Museum (Schokoladenmuseum), learning about chocolate production and tasting various treats.

  • Afternoon: Delve into Cologne’s Jewish history at the Jewish Museum (Jüdisches Museum) or visit the NS Documentation Centre (NS-Dokumentationszentrum) for a sobering insight into the Nazi era.

  • Evening: Enjoy a delicious meal at Brauerei zur Malzmühle, a traditional brewery with hearty dishes and local beers.

Day 4: Day Trip to Bonn

  • Morning: Take a short train ride to Bonn, the former capital of West Germany. Explore Beethoven’s birthplace, visit the impressive Bonn Minster, or stroll along the Rhine Promenade.
  • Afternoon: Enjoy lunch in Bonn’s Old Town (Altstadt) before returning to Cologne.

Evening: Catch a performance at the Cologne Opera House (Oper Köln) for a memorable cultural experience.

Day 5: Shopping & Relaxing

  • Morning: Browse through the shops along Schildergasse, Cologne’s main shopping street. Find unique souvenirs in the Altstadt or explore independent boutiques in Ehrenfeld.

  • Afternoon: Relax by the Rhine River at one of the many riverside cafes. Enjoy a leisurely boat ride or take a dip in the public swimming pool (Agrippabad) for some refreshing fun.

  • Evening: Savor a fine dining experience at Ox & Klee, renowned for its innovative cuisine and stylish ambiance.

Day 6: Departure

  • Morning: Enjoy one last Kölsch breakfast at a traditional café.
  • Afternoon: Depart from Cologne, taking home memories of this vibrant city.

Tips:

  • Purchase the KölnCard for free public transport and discounts on attractions.
  • Book accommodation and tours in advance, especially during peak season.
  • Learn some basic German phrases to enhance your interactions with locals.
  • Pack comfortable shoes as you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
  • Enjoy the vibrant nightlife scene but be aware of your surroundings.

Have a wonderful trip to Cologne!