Exploring Cologne: How Much Time Should You Spend?

Cologne is a charming city in western Germany, and the perfect destination for a short break. With its stunning architecture, scenic parks, and world-famous cathedral, there's plenty to see and do in this relatively undeveloped tourist destination. So, how long should you spend in Cologne?

Most sources suggest that 2-3 days is the ideal amount of time to spend in the city. This gives you enough time to visit the main highlights, as well as explore the city at a relaxed pace. With 2-3 days in Cologne, you can wander through the historic Old Town, marvel at the magnificent cathedral, sample the local beer, and indulge your sweet tooth at the famous chocolate museum.

If you're short on time, it is possible to see the main sights in just one day. In a single day, you can explore the riverfront, walk through the Old Town, and visit the famous cathedral. However, with such a rich history and diverse range of attractions, Cologne is best explored over a few days.

So, whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or just looking for a relaxing city break, Cologne has something for everyone. Now, let's take a look at some suggested itineraries for 2 and 3-day trips to Cologne.

Cologne Cathedral

The cathedral is free to enter, and it is well worth taking a look inside to admire the beautiful architecture. However, if you want to climb the tower for one of the best views of Cologne, you will need to pay a small fee. The tower can be reached via 533 steep steps, and at the top, you will find the largest swinging bell in the world, the Saint Peter bell, which weighs a staggering 24 tonnes.

The cathedral is home to the Shrine of the Three Wise Men, which is believed to be the largest reliquary in the Western world. The shrine is encased in a gold gilt case, which was completed in the 1220s, and can be found behind the High Altar. The medieval windows of the cathedral are another highlight, with some of the stained glass dating back to the 14th century.

Roman-Germanic Museum

The Roman-Germanic Museum is one of the prime archaeological museums in Germany. Located next to the Cologne Cathedral (or Kölner Dom), it is responsible for preserving the Roman heritage of the city. The museum's collection of Roman glass from funerals and burials is one of the largest in the world. The exhibition also includes everyday items like furniture, toys, and jewellery, providing insight into what day-to-day life was like during the Roman era.

One of the most fascinating exhibits is the tomb of a Roman officer, Lucius Poblicius, and the 3rd-century Dionysus mosaic, also known as the Greek God of wine. A restored 90-yard stretch of the Roman harbour road takes up the southern side of the museum.

The museum is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, with an entry fee of 8 euros. The best time to visit is between 1 pm and 4 pm. On average, visitors spend about 2 hours at the museum.

The Roman-Germanic Museum is located in the heart of Cologne's Old Town (Altstadt), a charming district known for its historic sights and attractions. Within walking distance of the museum are multiple eateries and popular tourist spots.

• Romanesque Church Great St. Martin: An imposing edifice from the Middle Ages.
• Historic City Hall Tower: Offering terrific views of the city.
• Wallraf Richartz Museum: An art gallery displaying medieval Cologne paintings.
• Museum Ludwig: Showcasing modern art, including Picasso's work.
• Pixies' Fountain: An architectural gem.
• Alter Markt: A bustling square for people-watching and sampling local food.
• Hohenzollern Bridge: Decorated with locks placed by visiting lovers, it offers excellent views of the city.
• Cologne Cathedral: One of the most famous cathedrals in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• National Socialism Documentation Centre: Formerly the headquarters of the Gestapo, it now details Cologne's role during the Nazi reign.

Hohenzollern Bridge

The Hohenzollern Bridge is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Cologne. The bridge spans the River Rhine and is used by trains and pedestrians. It was destroyed during World War II and rebuilt after the war.

The bridge is the most heavily used railway bridge in Germany, with over 1200 trains crossing it daily, connecting the Köln Hauptbahnhof and Köln Messe/Deutz stations. It was constructed between 1907 and 1911 after the demolition of the old Cathedral Bridge, which could not handle the increasing rail traffic. The new bridge was named after the House of Hohenzollern, the rulers of Prussia and German Emperors.

The Hohenzollern Bridge is also famous for its thousands of "love locks". As proof of their love, couples fix padlocks to the railings and then throw the key into the Rhine River. It is estimated that there are over 500,000 love locks on the bridge, adding over two tons of weight. The tradition of love locks originated in Italy and was adopted on the Hohenzollern Bridge in 2008.

The bridge is a mighty steel structure with a total weight of 24,000 tonnes and a length of over 400 metres. It consists of three side-by-side truss arch bridges, each with three arches, flanked by equestrian statues of Prussian kings and emperors from the House of Hohenzollern. The footpath for pedestrians begins behind the Museum Ludwig and the Philharmonic Hall, and offers panoramic views of Cologne's city centre and Old Town.

The Hohenzollern Bridge is one of the most important railway bridges in Germany and one of the hallmarks of Cologne. It is also one of the city's best-known photo motifs, especially in the evening when it is illuminated with Cologne Cathedral in the background.

Old Town

Cologne's Old Town (Altstadt) is full of character, with its winding alleys, cobblestones, courtyards, and romantic squares. The area has been lovingly reconstructed, retaining its medieval flair. Here is a suggested itinerary for a day in the Old Town:

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the world-famous Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom). This Gothic masterpiece is one of the largest churches in the world and houses the shrine of the Three Wise Men. Admire the intricate architecture and be sure to check out the exquisite 10th-century Gero-Crucifix and the Madonna of Milan, a wooden sculpture believed to possess miraculous powers. After exploring the cathedral, take a short walk to the nearby Roman-Germanic Museum to catch a glimpse of a Roman mosaic depicting scenes from the life of Dionysus.

Lunch

Head to the Old Market Square (Alter Markt), Cologne's most traditional square, which is full of cosy pubs and outdoor seating, especially in the summer months. Sample some local cuisine and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Afternoon

After lunch, take a stroll to the riverfront and explore the historic Fischmarkt, one of the squares of the Old Town's historic centre. Admire the unique architecture and learn about the history of the area, which dates back to Roman times. Next, visit the Town Hall (Rathaus), one of Germany's oldest, with over 800 years of building history. The Renaissance porch is the only part of the building that survived the 1945 bombings.

Evening

As the sun sets, make your way to the banks of the Rhine River and enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Romantic Rhine Valley. See the Old Town from a different perspective and take in the stunning views. End your day by sampling the local brew, Kölsch, at one of the traditional breweries in the Old Town.

Cologne Chocolate Museum

The Chocolate Museum in Cologne is the most popular museum in the Rheinauhafen (Rheinau Harbour). It offers about 4,000 tours for its 650,000 visitors a year. The museum is operated by Schokoladenmuseum Köln GmbH and was previously known as the Imhoff Chocolate Museum. It was founded by German chocolatier Hans Imhoff in 1993 and has been in partnership with Swiss chocolatier Lindt since 2006.

The museum is located in the Cologne quarter of Altstadt-Süd. It details the history of chocolate, from its beginnings with the Olmecs, Maya and Aztecs to contemporary products. The museum covers the entire spectrum of the 5,000-year history of cocoa cultivation.

What to Expect

• A 3-metre-high chocolate fountain
• A tropical rainforest greenhouse
• A Willy Wonka-style candy shop
• A chocolate atelier
• A chocolate-themed cafe
• A chocolate workshop
• A multitude of historical machines from the period of industrialisation
• Information on the natural history of cocoa
• Exhibits on the pre-Columbian cultures of Central America
• A major collection of baroque porcelain and silver

Visitor Information

The museum is open from Tuesday to Friday, from 10 am to 6 pm. It is closed on Mondays from January to March and in November. Tickets cost €13.50 for adults.

Reviews

Reviews for the museum are mixed. While some visitors have praised it as "informative and interesting", others have criticised it as "overcrowded" and "not value for money". However, it seems that most people enjoyed their visit, especially children. Many reviewers mentioned that the museum is very busy during the weekends, so it is recommended to book your ticket online if you plan to visit during this time.

Frequently asked questions