Exploring Cologne: A Three-Day Itinerary For The Perfect Getaway

Cologne, Germany, is a city steeped in history, with impressive architecture, beautiful parks, delicious food, and a thriving cultural scene. With so much to see and do, how many days should you spend in Cologne?

Some sources suggest that one day in Cologne is enough to get a good sense of the city. In that time, you can explore the riverfront, wander through the Old Town, and visit the famous Cologne Cathedral. However, to truly immerse yourself in the city's history and culture, it is recommended to spend at least two days in Cologne. This will allow you to visit museums, relax in local parks, and enjoy the city at your own pace.

If you have more time, a three-day itinerary will give you a more comprehensive experience. In three days, you can explore the historic Altstadt (Old Town), indulge in the local cuisine, visit museums, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Rhine River. You can also take a day trip to nearby towns and attractions, such as Brühl or Bonn.

So, depending on your interests and the pace you prefer to travel at, you may want to spend anywhere from one to three days in Cologne to fully appreciate all that this charming city has to offer.

Cologne Cathedral and other Romanesque churches

Cologne is a treasure trove of Romanesque churches, with 12 landmark churches in the Old Town (Altstadt) alone. All 12 churches are Catholic and include:

• St. Andreas in Altstadt-Nord, est. 974
• St. Aposteln in Altstadt-Nord, est. 9th century
• St. Cecilia's in Altstadt-Süd, est. 9th century
• St. Georg in Altstadt-Süd, est. 11th century
• St. Gereon in Altstadt-Nord, est. before 612
• St. Kunibert in Altstadt-Nord, est. 1247
• St. Maria im Kapitol in Altstadt-Süd, est. 690
• St. Maria Lyskirchen in Altstadt-Süd, est. 948
• Great St. Martin in Altstadt-Nord, est. 10th century
• St. Pantaleon in Altstadt-Süd, est. controversial
• St. Severin in Altstadt-Süd, est. 4th century
• St. Ursula in Altstadt-Nord, est. early 5th century

Additionally, there are 12 Romanesque churches outside the Old Town, as well as St. Peter's Church.

The most famous of Cologne's churches is the Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), a renowned monument of German Catholicism and Gothic architecture. Construction began in 1248, but it wasn't completed until 1880. It is Germany's most visited landmark, attracting around 6 million people annually. The cathedral is the tallest twin-spired church in the world and the second tallest church in Europe. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Cologne and houses the Shrine of the Three Kings, believed to hold the remains of the Three Wise Men.

Roman-Germanic Museum

The Roman-Germanic Museum (RGM) in Cologne is an archaeological museum that showcases the city's Roman cultural heritage. The museum is located near the Cologne Cathedral and was opened in 1974 on the site of a 3rd-century Roman villa, which was discovered in 1941 during the construction of an air-raid shelter. The RGM is currently closed for renovations, with interim exhibitions being held at the Belgian House.

The RGM's collection includes a wide range of Roman artefacts from the Roman settlement of Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium, on which modern-day Cologne is built. One of the highlights of the museum is the Dionysus mosaic, which dates back to around AD 220/230 and was found in the basement of the Roman villa. As the mosaic could not be easily moved, the museum was designed around it, with inner courtyards mimicking the layout of the ancient villa.

In addition to the Dionysus mosaic, the museum also features the reconstructed sepulchre of the legionary Poblicius (about AD 40), an extensive collection of Roman glassware (the largest collection of locally produced Roman glass in the world), and an array of Roman and medieval jewellery. The museum also displays everyday objects from Roman Cologne, such as portraits, inscriptions, pottery, and architectural fragments.

The RGM is more than just a museum; it is also a research centre dedicated to preserving the Roman cultural heritage of Cologne and protecting historical monuments. It houses archives, an extensive documentation collection on historical monuments, and a specialist library with 30,000 volumes.

A visit to the Roman-Germanic Museum offers a unique insight into the Roman past of Cologne and is a great way to explore the city's rich history and cultural significance.

The Old Town

Cologne's Old Town, or Altstadt, is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. Known for its medieval flair and charming cobblestone streets, this historic neighbourhood is full of attractions, pubs, restaurants, and breweries. Here is a detailed itinerary for exploring the Old Town in four to six paragraphs.

Day 1

Start your day by visiting the iconic Cologne Cathedral. Construction on this Gothic cathedral began in 1248 and it is now one of the world's largest, finally completed in 1880. Admire the intricate architecture and be sure to go inside to appreciate the sheer size of the building.

Next, head to the Alter Markt, considered Cologne's most traditional square. Here, you'll find cosy pubs, outdoor seating, and markets selling handcrafted goods and local food. This is a great place to relax, people-watch, and soak in the atmosphere of the Old Town.

After exploring the Alter Markt, make your way to the Historic City Hall Tower, offering a terrific vantage point over the city. Then, visit the Romano-Germanic Museum to learn about ancient Roman relics and history.

Day 2

Begin your second day at the Wallraf-Richartz Museum, one of the major classical art galleries in Germany. Here, you'll find an extensive collection of medieval paintings, as well as art from the 16th to 19th centuries. The museum also boasts an impressive collection of Impressionist and Neo-Impressionist art.

Afterwards, explore the Museum Ludwig, located right next to the Cathedral. This modern art museum features a cross-section of art from the last 125 years, including pop art, Picasso, and German Expressionism.

If you're interested in fragrance, don't miss the Farina Fragrance Museum, where the world-famous Eau de Cologne was created in the 18th century. This guided tour will take you through the production methods and history of perfume-making.

Day 3

Start your day at the Romanesque Church of Great St. Martin, an imposing edifice from the Middle Ages. Then, walk over to the Pixies' Fountain, an architectural gem, and the Alter Markt, a bustling square perfect for people-watching and sampling local food.

In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll along the Rhine River. Enjoy the scenic views, or opt for a boat tour to see the city from a different perspective. Cross the Hohenzollern Bridge for panoramic views of the city, including the Cathedral, Media Harbour, and Rheinuferpromenade.

End your day at the Rheinpark, a large green space offering panoramic views of the river. Here, you can ride the Cologne Rhine Cable Car, or visit during winter for ice skating, thermal spas, and other wellness treatments.

The Rhine and Hohenzollern Bridge

The Rhine River snakes its way through the centre of Cologne, so it's no surprise that one of the best ways to see the city is on a boat tour. You'll get to admire Cologne's unique history and landmarks from the water, including the Hohenzollern Bridge.

The Hohenzollern Bridge (Hohenzollernbrücke in German) is a railway and pedestrian bridge that crosses the Rhine at kilometre 688.5. It's the busiest railway bridge in Germany, with over 1,200 trains passing through daily, connecting the Köln Hauptbahnhof and Köln Messe/Deutz stations. The bridge is also open to cyclists.

The bridge was constructed between 1907 and 1911, after the demolition of the old Cathedral Bridge, which could no longer 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 was inaugurated by Emperor Wilhelm II on 22 May 1911.

The bridge consists of three adjacent bridge parts, each with three iron truss arches in the longitudinal direction to accommodate four railway tracks. The total weight of the bridge is 24,000 tonnes, and its total length is 409.19 metres.

The Hohenzollern Bridge is famous for its thousands of love padlocks, which are said to symbolise the commitment and love of the couples who attach them. The custom began in 2008, and by 2015, the number of locks was estimated at 500,000, adding over two tons of weight to the bridge.

The bridge offers excellent views of the city across the Rhine. From the bridge, you can see the Cologne Cathedral, Media Harbour, Rheinuferpromenade, and Königsallee shopping boulevard. On the Deutz side of the bridge, you'll find the historical tracks embedded in the cobblestones, dating back to when cars and trams were allowed to pass over the bridge.

The Hohenzollern Bridge is a must-see when visiting Cologne, offering a juxtaposition of old and new, steel and stone, motion and rest, with the twinkling love locks lining the pedestrian bridges.

Cologne's food and drink scene

The city's brewery restaurants are a symbol of its traditions and culture. The Köbes, or waiters, will keep bringing you the local Kölsch beer until you say stop, and the Sauerbrauten, a type of pickled meat, is a delicacy. In a brewery restaurant, everyone is encouraged to chat and clink glasses with everyone else.

For a Michelin-starred experience, head to MaiBeck, an urban bistro with modern Cologne cuisine. The ingredients are sourced exclusively from local producers and the menu features sweet and sour elements that define the cuisine of the Rhine region.

For a unique cocktail experience, visit Bayleaf, located in the popular Belgian Quarter. Here, young chef de cuisine Daniel Gottschlich pairs his Michelin-starred dishes with ingenious cocktails crafted by head barman Michael Elter.

For a casual meal, Cologne's Botanical Garden is a great option. Here, you can enjoy a fantastic DIY breakfast guided by the charming Kirberg Catering team, surrounded by beautiful flowers and fountains.

If you're looking for a sweet treat, the Chocolate Museum is a must-visit. This family-friendly museum has interactive exhibits on cocoa farming and colourful ceramics from Central and South America. But the highlight is the enormous chocolate fountain and the chance to see vast mixers churning Lindt chocolate.

For traditional German cuisine, try Funkhaus, which has an upmarket cafeteria vibe and tasty dishes like salmon with hash browns. Bierhaus am Rhein is another great option, serving dishes like currywurst and offering outdoor seating by the river.

Cologne's beer halls are also worth a visit, with their lively atmosphere and local Kölsch beer. Fruh am Dom and Peters are two popular choices.

For breakfast, Aachener Strasse has a selection of hip café-cum-cocktail bars. Theater im Bauturm offers vegan specials and organic options, while Balthasar is an industrial-style space serving dishes like eggs benedict.

For a taste of slow food, Café Feynsinn is credited with starting this movement in Cologne. They use local ingredients to create dishes such as lamb tagine with couscous.

Finally, no visit to Cologne would be complete without trying the original Eau de Cologne. You can sample this world-famous fragrance at Number 4711 Glockengasse.

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