Exploring Frankfurt And Cologne: A Week-Long Adventure

If you're planning a trip to Germany, you might be wondering how many days to spend in Frankfurt or Cologne. Both cities are worth visiting and offer a unique experience.

Cologne is a charming city and a great destination for anyone wanting to experience German history, food, and culture without the crowds of Berlin or Munich. Two days in Cologne is the ideal amount of time to spend in the city, allowing you to explore its highlights and immerse yourself in its atmosphere. You can visit the riverfront, walk through the Old Town, and see the famous Cologne Cathedral.

Frankfurt, on the other hand, is a bustling financial hub with a modern feel. Two days in Frankfurt is also sufficient to see the main sights, including the Old Town, museums, and the Palmengarten. However, if you have more time, a third day can be spent exploring local favourites, such as the city forest or the Berger Straße.

So, whether you choose to spend two or three days in each city, you're sure to have a memorable trip filled with new experiences and insights into German culture.

Exploring Cologne's Old Town

Cologne's Old Town (Altstadt) is a lively part of the city with a rich historical legacy. During World War II, 95% of Cologne was destroyed, and the Old Town ceased to exist. However, the city was reconstructed at the end of the war, and today, it stands as a bustling neighbourhood with a mix of medieval flair and modern conveniences. Here is a guide to help you explore and make the most of your time in Cologne's Old Town.

Getting There

Cologne's Old Town is easily accessible by public transport. You can get off at the Dom/Hbf stop, or if you're driving, there are car parks in the city centre, such as the one near Groß St. Martin (Große Neugasse) or under Heumarkt (Markmannsgasse 1-3).

Key Attractions

Cologne Cathedral

The Cologne Cathedral is an iconic landmark and a must-see attraction. This UNESCO-listed Gothic masterpiece is the tallest twin-spired church in the world. It houses the relics of the Three Wise Men and features exquisite treasures like the 10th-century Gero-Crucifix and the Madonna of Milan, a wooden sculpture believed to possess miraculous powers.

Roman-Germanic Museum

Take a peek at the Roman mosaic at the Roman-Germanic Museum (Römisch-Germanisches Museum). Through a window, you can glimpse a fine mosaic floor that once adorned the dining room of a Roman merchant, depicting scenes from the life of Dionysus.

Hohenzollern Bridge

Hohenzollern Bridge (Hohenzollernbrücke) is a busy railway bridge and a tourist magnet. It's famous for its love locks, where couples inscribe their names and lock their devotion symbolically. The bridge also offers a fabulous view of the Cologne Cathedral from the other side.

The Squares of Cologne Old Town

Explore the squares of the historic centre, such as Fischmarkt, the former fish market, and Alter Markt (Old Market Square). Alter Markt is considered Cologne's most traditional square, spanning almost 5,500 square metres. It features a 19th-century fountain commemorating Jan von Werth, a victorious army general, and his unrequited love story.

Cologne's Rathaus (Town Hall)

Visit Cologne's historic Town Hall, located a stone's throw away from the Cathedral. The complex includes the core building, a town hall tower, a Renaissance arbour, and an administrative wing. The Town Hall has a rich history, with over 800 years of building documented.

The Farina Fragrance Museum

Discover the world-famous Eau de Cologne at the Farina Fragrance Museum. Located in the original 18th-century production rooms, the museum showcases production methods, historical exhibits, and equipment used to create this iconic fragrance.

The Wallraf-Richartz Museum

The Wallraf-Richartz Museum is the oldest museum in Cologne and one of Germany's major classical art galleries. It boasts an extensive collection of medieval paintings and art from the 16th to 19th centuries, as well as Impressionist and Neo-Impressionist masterpieces.

St. Gereon and Groß St. Martin Churches

Cologne is known for its 12 Romanesque churches, two of which are St. Gereon and Groß St. Martin. St. Gereon stands out for its gravity-defying decagonal dome, while Groß St. Martin impresses with its modern, minimalist interior and distinctive exterior of slender turrets and a central spire.

Food and Drink

Cologne is famous for its food and beer. Sample the local brew, Kölsch, in one of the city's traditional breweries (Brauhaus). Brauerei zur Malzmühle, a family-owned brewery at Heumarkt, is a recommended spot. For food, head to the historic apple cider gardens or restaurants in the Sachsenhausen area, such as Daheim im Lorsbacher Thal.

Visiting the Cologne Cathedral

The Cologne Cathedral is a must-see when in the city. It is Germany's most visited landmark, attracting up to 20,000 visitors a day. The cathedral is located right outside the city's main train station. Exit the station, and you will see its towering Gothic structure to your right.

Opening Hours and Entry Fee

The cathedral is open daily from 6 am to 8 pm. Visiting hours for tourists are from 10 am to 5 pm on Mondays to Saturdays and 1 pm to 4 pm on Sundays. Entry to the cathedral is free. However, there is a fee to access the tower and treasury. The tower is open from 9 am to 4 pm in winter, 9 am to 6 pm in summer, and 9 am to 5 pm in spring and autumn. The treasury is open from 10 am to 6 pm.

What to See

The Cologne Cathedral boasts many impressive features, including flying buttresses and spitting gargoyles. It is also home to one of the oldest Biblical-themed stained glass windows in Europe, dating back to the 14th century. Another highlight is the Shrine of the Three Wise Men, which is believed to be the largest reliquary in the Western world. The shrine is located behind the High Altar and encased in a gold gilt case.

Climbing the Tower

If you want to climb the Southern Tower, you will find the ticket office, a small museum, and steps leading to the observation deck on the opposite side of the building from the main entrance. The climb involves a steep 533 steps via a spiral staircase, so it is not recommended for those with health issues or claustrophobia. The final part of the climb involves walking on a wooden staircase. The view from the top offers a 300-degree outlook of the city, although it is partially obscured by safety netting.

History

The construction of the cathedral began in 1248, although there has been a Christian church on the site since the 4th century. The impetus for the construction was believed to be the relics of the Three Wise Men, which were brought to Cologne in 1164. The cathedral was finally completed in 1880, with the two towers being the last parts finished. It is the tallest twin-spired church in the world and the second tallest church in Europe, standing at 157 meters tall.

A day in Frankfurt's Old Town

Frankfurt's Old Town, or "Neue Alstadt", is a must-visit destination for anyone spending time in the city. The area has a rich history, with evidence of Roman settlements and a Carolingian imperial palace in the Archaeological Gardens. The Old Town was almost entirely destroyed during World War II, but thanks to the collaborative work of the community and local authorities, it has been meticulously reconstructed to its former glory.

Start your day by getting to know the layout of the Old Town with a self-guided walking tour. Wander through the picturesque buildings and alleyways, taking in the unique blend of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Classical architecture. Make sure to check out Römerberg, a public square and popular spot that is home to the iconic Römer, Frankfurt's city hall. If you're visiting around Christmas, don't miss the annual Christmas fair held in the square outside the City Hall, attracting thousands of visitors from all over the world.

After exploring the Old Town, head to the Struwwelpeter Museum, hidden in the laneway “Hinter dem Lämmchen”. Here, you can learn about Heinrich Hoffmann, the Frankfurt physician who created the famous "Shock-Haired Peter" in 1844.

For lunch, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants to choose from in the Old Town. Try Café Das Herz von Frankfurt, Café Moenus, or Wirtshaus am Hühnermarkt for a taste of German cuisine and culture.

In the afternoon, visit one of the many museums in the area. The Historisches Museum (History Museum) is a great option, with exhibits recounting the momentous events that have shaped the city. The museum houses several permanent exhibitions featuring cultural and historical objects, as well as temporary exhibits.

As the evening draws in, head back to Römerberg to watch the sunset behind the historic buildings. Then, finish your day with dinner and drinks at one of the many restaurants and bars in the Old Town, such as Daheim im Lorsbacher Thal in the Sachsenhausen area.

While it is possible to see Frankfurt in a day, two days and one or two nights is the ideal amount of time to fully explore the city and its surrounding areas. This gives you enough time to visit the Old Town, as well as some of the other top attractions that Frankfurt has to offer.

Touring museums in Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a city with a rich cultural heritage, and its museums are a testament to that. The city has over 20 museums, and you can easily spend a day or more visiting them. Here is a suggested itinerary for a day of museum-hopping in Frankfurt.

Start your day at the Städel Museum, which houses a vast collection of European paintings from the 1400s to the present, including masterpieces by Monet, Rubens, and Picasso. The museum also features temporary touring exhibits to keep things fresh and is worth a few hours of exploration.

Next, make your way to the MMK MUSEUM for Modern Art, where you can explore contemporary artistic expressions and translations of the pulse of our times. From there, head to the nearby MMK TOWER and ZOLLAMT to witness how modern artists push the boundaries of what is possible in art.

After a lunch break, continue your cultural journey at the Giersch Museum at Goethe University, which showcases artistic research. Then, immerse yourself in art beyond the traditional at the Frankfurter Kunstverein and Portikus. For a lighter take on art, visit the Caricatura Museum, where art and humour meet, and then view artistic stories at the Fotografie Forum Frankfurt.

End your day at the Museum of Applied Arts, where you can see how art intersects with everyday life. This museum showcases how art and craftsmanship come together in our daily lives.

If you have more time in Frankfurt, there are plenty of other museums worth visiting, including the German Film Museum, the Senckenberg Natural History Museum, the Museum Judengasse, the Jewish Museum, and the Historisches Museum Frankfurt, each offering its own unique perspective and charm.

A day in Sachsenhausen, Frankfurt

Sachsenhausen is a district in Frankfurt, Germany, located south of the Main River. It is known for its culinary specialties, museums, and nightlife. Here is an itinerary for spending a day in Sachsenhausen.

Morning: Exploring the Neighbourhood

Start your day by walking through the narrow cobblestone pathways of Sachsenhausen, admiring the architecture of the neighbourhood. Head to Affentorplatz in the northeast side of Sachsenhausen, where you will find several blocks filled with bars and restaurants. This area is especially lively during the summer nights.

Afternoon: Museum Hopping

After lunch, make your way to the Museumsufer or Museum Embankment, located at the north end of Sachsenhausen on the Main River. Here, you will find a high concentration of museums showcasing fine art and niche exhibits. Visit the Städel Museum for traditional fine art or explore the Museum for Communication to see telephone and postal service artefacts, including a large stamp collection.

Evening: Nightlife and Dining

As the sun sets, Sachsenhausen comes alive with its vibrant nightlife. Head back to the lively bars and restaurants in the Affentorplatz area or explore the alfresco dining options along Rittergasse. Sample Frankfurt's regional specialties, including the famous Apfelwein (apple wine), which has been produced in the region for over 250 years.

Getting Around

Sachsenhausen is spread out, so the best way to get around is by using the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, or tram. Don't forget to wear comfortable shoes, as the cobblestone streets can be challenging for walking long distances.

With its mix of cultural attractions, dining options, and nightlife, a day in Sachsenhausen offers a memorable and enjoyable experience in Frankfurt.

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