Wondering how many days to spend in Cologne, Germany? Here is a travel guide to help you decide the length of your trip and plan your Cologne tour around this wonderful city.
Read my guide on Visit Cologne For everything you need to know about visiting the German city.
Cologne has many attractions. The city is a treasure trove of Romanesque churches, Roman ruins, atmospheric bars, chic cafes, spanning bridges and more.
It is this variety of attractions that makes Colon a wonderful tourist destination for all types of travelers.
But given the countless places to visit in Cologne, how many days do you need to spend in the city to explore it all?
This is an important question that I am going to answer in this guide. I will also list some of the unforgettable attractions of Cologne, Top things to do in Cologne Some include Hidden things to see in Cologne. Read ahead.
How many days in Cologne Germany?
Spread over 405.2 km² and hosting many fascinating attractions, Colon is best discovered within 3 days.
Of course there are those who claim that one day is enough. But when you’re in the city to breathe in the melodious blend of ancient, medieval and modern, there’s no way you can get through it all in one day.
You want to take your time and enjoy every aspect of the city. Avoid skimming the surface, lest you miss out on offbeat and hidden places.
a 3-Day Cologne Itinerary It will also give you time to indulge in the simple pleasures of shopping for souvenirs, sampling local drinks, and spending more time guilt-free at a few stops.
Also, if there are long queues (think Cologne Cathedral), the waiting time won’t mess up your time management.
You can also consider staying longer To discover its unusual attractions hidden away like the Schwarz sculptures or the Chandelier Hall. If that sounds like a possibility, you can extend your Cologne trip to 5 or even 7 days for more extensive expeditions.
Read on to get ideas on what places to visit in Cologne during your trip.
Best places to see in Cologne Germany (in 2, 3, 5 and 6 days)
It may not be Berlin or Munich, but there’s still plenty to see and do here. Here’s a road-map of places to see in Colon that you can follow or use for inspiration to ensure an outstanding holiday.
What to do in Cologne in 3 days?
“So, you’re telling me I can travel to Cologne for an extended weekend?”
Yes – absolutely.
As I did, 3 days are enough to get the best of this strange city. In this apparently short visit, you’ll be able to explore Colon’s famous attractions.
The most important thing is to choose a hotel strategically located near tourist hotspots. I would advise you to stay in Old Town and consider accommodations like QVEST or Hopper Hotel.
Being within walking distance of major tourist attractions, multiple eateries and hobnobbing spots can save you a lot of travel time, allowing you to cover more ground.
Here’s the big, gorgeous travel guide. No, it doesn’t just include Roman cathedrals, we can’t spend all our time in cathedrals when there’s beer and chocolate to eat.
Here are some top things to do with it 3 days in Cologne.
Historic Altstadt (Old Town) tour
Perhaps, the Altstadt is the most Instagrammable region in Cologne with its number of historical sites and attractions.
Well, make sure to wear comfortable shoes when you hit the ground running in Old Town. It is a unique district Cologne is known for its cathedral; However, you can too Spend a day enjoying Kölsch beer Or Trying the Halver Hen Sandwich here
Tracing the Rhine, the place is dotted with other precious places to explore. Use the list below to decide which ones you want to visit or skip.
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Romanesque Church of Great St. Martin: An imposing building of the Middle Ages
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Historic City Hall Tower: A terrific vantage point
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Romano-Germanic Museum: Collection of Ancient Roman Relics
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Wallraf Richartz Museum: An art gallery displaying medieval Cologne paintings
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Museum Ludwig: An exhibition of modern art, including the work of Picasso
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A shower of pixies: An architectural gem
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Alter Markt: A bustling square for people watching while sampling the local food
A casual riverside day
After spending time exploring historical treasures in the charming Altstadt, it’s worth letting your feet relax a bit. So, why not enjoy some aimless saunters along the Rhine?
Better yet, why not spend time close to nature and recharge your energy for the next adventure?
Before you dismiss the thought as boring, hear me out on these alternative things to do in Cologne. You don’t just have to sit idly in the park or stand on the bridge.
you can Cross the Rhine in an old boat at the golden hour. Stay a while and you will see thousands of cargo ships moving around you.
Later you can go to this The iconic Hohenzollern Bridge For some more aesthetic pictures of the city. From the bridge, admire outstanding views of the Cologne Cathedral, Media Harbour, ReinuferpromenadeAnd Königsallee Shopping Blvd.
A nice place to go after the bridge would be scenic Rainpark. This vast green oasis is home to the Cologne Rhine cable car, which offers panoramic views of the river.
If you visit the park during winter, you’ll also find an ice-skating rink, a soothing thermal spa, and other wellness treatments.
A satisfying gastronomical journey
Cologne boasts an eclectic food scene with its long list of al-fresco cafes, rooftop eateries and fine-dining restaurants.
Here is a list of Cologne restaurants near the cathedral to make your gastronomical experience in the city unforgettable.
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Hans Stubb: Chic cafe next to Cologne Cathedral serving French cuisine
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Le Moissonnier: A two Michelin star restaurant with vintage wines
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FRÜH am Dom: Romanesque-style brewery overlooking Cologne Cathedral
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Gaststätte Lommerzheim: A cult bar with a beer garden
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Peter’s Brauhaus: An unusual restaurant serving authentic German cuisine
Look! you said Even an extended weekend can be enough to create an incredible Cologne itinerary.
This Cologne 3 day tour will not be too overwhelming as you will be able to see these sites at your own pace.
What to do in Cologne for 5 days?
Can’t get enough of the charming city? Here are some more, I say, some better places to visit that are overshadowed by famous tourist spots.
These hidden gems in Cologne will unveil the non-traditional, quirky side of the city.
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The Belgian Quarter | The trendiest neighborhood famous for Belgian waffles, street art, Scotia spirit, homage cafes and exciting nightlife.
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Ossuary in the Church of St. Ursula | A holy place with a golden chamber filled with the bones of 11,000 virgins.
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Farina Fragrance Museum | While in Cologne, smell three-centuries worth of cologne at this museum.
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St. Peter’s Glock | Get a selfie with the world’s largest bell in the background.
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Claudius Therme | A place to relax, sample healthy food and receive beauty treatments.
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Cologne Segway Tour | A great way to visit 20 places and attractions in just 3 hours.
You can try to fit (some) of these places into a 3-day itinerary, but it’s better to extend the stay entirely.
Cologne trip planner for 6 days vacation
There is so much to discover in a small town! Even 6 days will fly by and you will wonder if even these were enough. Why? Because here’s what else you can see in Cologne.
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viewed from Colon triangle
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Graffiti art on a Street Art Bike Tour
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On white powdery sand Sonnenschein EtageThe highest beach in Cologne
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Ten thousand varieties of plant species at Flora and Botanical Garden
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WWII Bomb bunkers
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Unlikely Chandelier Hall In sewer tunnels
Cologne Travel Tips | Things to consider when planning your Cologne trip
When visiting this architectural masterpiece, consider the length of your vacation, budget and interests to decide where you will stay and travel in the city.
I’ve answered the most pressing questions with my best options for inspiration.
Where to stay in Cologne?
With all types of travelers in mind, here are 6 of the best places to stay in Cologne.
Check out Airbnb if you plan to stay in Cologne for 3 days or more.
What is the best time to visit Cologne?
Weather-wise, autumn (September – October) is the best time to visit Cologne. Hotel rates are also cheapest during these months.
However, to experience Cologne’s energetic side, visit in November when carnival season begins and winter gives way to ice-skating and hot baths.
Getting around the colon
Cologne offers many cheap travel options, from public transport to bicycles.
The city also offers coloncard Which also lets you explore its attractions at a cheaper rate.
Last words on how much time to spend in COlon
Even if you stay for 3 weeks, the cologne will make sure you have a blast. Being a melting pot for buildings, museums, delicious food, green areas, vibrant nightlife, carnivals and street art, it guarantees that you will never get bored.
However, if you make every second count, you can experience the best of Cologne in just 3 days.
I hope this well-curated guide helps you decide how many days to spend in Cologne while giving you an idea of how to spend them.
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