Cologne 5 Days
Day 1: Historical and Cultural Highlights
Morning:
1. Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom): Start at the iconic Cologne Cathedral. Climb the south tower for a panoramic view of the city.
2. Roman-Germanic Museum (Römisch-Germanisches Museum): Adjacent to the cathedral, this museum showcases Cologne’s Roman heritage.
Late Morning:
3. Hohenzollern Bridge (Hohenzollernbrücke): Walk across this famous bridge, known for its love locks, and enjoy views of the Rhine River.
Afternoon:
4. Old Town (Altstadt): Stroll through the historic Old Town, visiting landmarks such as the Great St. Martin Church and exploring quaint cobblestone streets.
5. Ludwig Museum (Museum Ludwig): Explore this museum’s impressive collection of modern art, including works by Picasso, Warhol, and Lichtenstein.
Late Afternoon:
6. Cologne City Hall (Kölner Rathaus): Check out the historic city hall and the surrounding area.
Evening:
7. Dinner in Old Town: Enjoy a traditional meal at a local brewery (Brauhaus), such as Früh am Dom or Gaffel am Dom, and try Kölsch, Cologne’s famous beer.
Day 2: Museums and Riverside
Morning:
1. Chocolate Museum (Schokoladenmuseum): Start your day with a visit to this unique museum on the banks of the Rhine, where you can learn about the history of chocolate and enjoy some samples.
Late Morning:
2. Rheinauhafen District: Explore this modern riverside district with its striking architecture, including the famous Kranhäuser buildings.
Afternoon:
3. Cologne Cable Car (Kölner Seilbahn): Take a ride over the Rhine for spectacular views of the city and river.
4. Botanical Gardens Flora (Flora und Botanischer Garten Köln): After the cable car, spend a relaxing afternoon in these beautiful gardens.
Late Afternoon:
5. Cologne Zoo (Kölner Zoo): Adjacent to the botanical gardens, visit one of the oldest and most renowned zoos in Germany.
Evening:
6. Dinner in the Belgian Quarter (Belgisches Viertel): Head to this trendy neighborhood for dinner and nightlife, with plenty of stylish bars, restaurants, and cafes.
Day 3: Day Trip to Bonn
Morning:
1. Travel to Bonn: Take a short train ride to Bonn, the former capital of West Germany.
2. Beethoven House (Beethoven-Haus): Visit the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven, now a museum dedicated to his life and works.
Afternoon:
3. Bonn Minster (Bonner Münster): Explore this historic church in the heart of Bonn.
4. Museum Mile (Museumsmeile): Choose one of the museums along this famous stretch, such as the Haus der Geschichte or the Kunstmuseum Bonn.
Late Afternoon:
5. Return to Cologne: Head back to Cologne in the late afternoon.
Evening:
6. Relax and Dine: Have dinner in a different part of Cologne, such as the Südstadt district, known for its diverse culinary scene.
Day 4: Further Exploration in Cologne
Morning:
1. St. Gereon’s Basilica (Basilika St. Gereon): Visit this stunning, less-visited church known for its unique decagon design.
2. NS Documentation Center (NS-Dokumentationszentrum): Learn about Cologne’s history during the Nazi era in this sobering but important museum.
Afternoon:
3. RheinEnergieSTADION: If you’re a football fan, take a tour of the stadium, home to FC Köln.
4. Rheinpark: Spend a relaxing afternoon in this large park on the banks of the Rhine, perfect for a leisurely walk or picnic.
Evening:
5. Dinner and Rhine River Cruise: End your day with a scenic evening cruise on the Rhine River, which often includes dinner and live music, offering a unique perspective of the city’s illuminated skyline.
Day 5: Day Trip to Aachen or Phantasialand
Option 1: Day Trip to Aachen
Morning:
1. Travel to Aachen: Take a train to Aachen, known for its impressive cathedral and historic sites.
2. Aachen Cathedral (Aachener Dom): Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site, the coronation church of many German kings.
Afternoon:
3. Aachen Town Hall (Rathaus Aachen): Explore the historic town hall with its beautiful architecture and historical significance.
4. Elisenbrunnen: Visit this famous fountain, a symbol of Aachen’s spa culture.
Late Afternoon:
5. Return to Cologne: Head back to Cologne in the late afternoon.
Evening:
6. Relax and Dine: Enjoy your last dinner in Cologne at a restaurant of your choice, savoring local cuisine.
Option 2: Phantasialand
Morning:
1. Travel to Phantasialand: Head to one of Germany’s most popular theme parks, located in Brühl, a short distance from Cologne.
All Day:
2. Enjoy the Park: Spend the day enjoying the various rides, shows, and attractions in Phantasialand.
Evening:
3. Return to Cologne: Head back to Cologne in the evening and have a relaxing dinner.