Itineraries for Your Trip to Cologne
2 Days in Cologne for First Timers
During the two years my best friend was living in Amsterdam, I saw more of Western Europe than ever. After spending several weekends among the windmills and winding canals of the Dutch capital, we decided to set our sights further afield and meet in any European city we could get cheap flights to.
Visiting Cologne fast became one of our favourite ways to spend a weekend, thanks to its stunning architecture, lively bars, and prime position on the banks of the Rhine River. Plus, the German city’s compact size means that two days in Cologne will ensure you hit the sightseeing sweet spot. Here’s what to see and do.
Cologne sees its fair share of rain, even during the summer, so be sure to have an umbrella with you at all times.
If you only have time for one thing, make it the showstopping Cologne Cathedral.
Kick off 48 hours in Cologne by getting your bearings in Cologne Old Town, characterized by its Romanesque churches and pastel-painted buildings. Snap photos of the impossibly quaint Alter Markt square, look at the padlocks on Hohenzollern Bridge, and admire the exterior of Museum Ludwig, famous for its modern, wave-like exterior. Bear in mind that most Cologne museums are closed on Mondays.
Dedicate your afternoon to Cologne’s crowning glory: the UNESCO–listed Cologne Cathedral. This Gothic masterpiece took more than 700 years to complete, and it shows—the cathedral is nothing short of spectacular inside and out. You can climb the 533 steps to the top of its towers for panoramic city views.
Few places in Europe are as famous for their beer as Germany, so spend your first evening visiting some of Cologne’s beloved brewhouses on a beer tour. This tour teaches you how to navigate the city’s drinking scene etiquette and, crucially, how to indicate you’ve drunk your fill.
Now you’ve explored Cologne on foot, it’s time to admire the city from a fresh perspective during a cruise on the mighty Rhine River. From the water, spot the spires of Gross St. Martin, a famous Romanesque church, and sail past the renowned Cologne Chocolate Museum, a working chocolate factory guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Spend your afternoon in a different part of the city on a bike tour that swaps centuries-old history for Cologne’s contemporary creative scene. Pedal through hip, multicultural quarters such as Ehrenfeld and Brüsseler Platz to spot street art and murals that are hard to find on your own.
Tonight, toast your time spent in the Cathedral City at IceBar Cologne, where the temperature is set to way below freezing, and the bar is built entirely from ice blocks. You’re sure to have built up an appetite, so conclude your Cologne vacation with some of its hearty fare: a hearty plate of suurbrode (braised meat) with sauerkraut (fermented cabbage) is the perfect way to warm up.
