Cologne, Germany Weekend Itinerary

3 Days in Cologne: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary

From towering medieval cathedrals to quirky museums dedicated to chocolate, mustard, and modern art, Cologne (or Köln, as the Germans say) is a city that never fails to surprise. Located on the wide banks of the River Rhine, this is a city with a fascinating past that stretches back to the Roman era. 

Cologne has 2,000 years of history for you to explore. Founded as a Roman Colonia (from which we get the name Cologne) in the first century BC, the city is best known for its glorious Romanesque churches and twin-spired Gothic cathedral. Cologne Cathedral is the tallest cathedral in the world, and it’s a sight that pilgrims continue to cross continents to stand in awe of.

Cologne has many more claims to fame. This is the fabled birthplace of Eau de Cologne and the home of Kölsch beer (which you can order in the many Brauhauses in the Old Town), while the Museum Ludwig is packed with modern artwork by famous artists like Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol. Simply put, with only 3 days in Cologne, you’ll barely scratch the surface of the best things to do here.

Visit Cologne in summer when the River Rhine is serene, and you’ll find the parks play host to music festivals, including the popular Caribbean-themed Summer Jam, which attracts music lovers from across the world. Visit in winter, and Cologne’s Altstadt (Old Town) is a veritable winter wonderland. Fairytale spires dot the skyline, while Cathedral Square is the scene of the great Cologne Christmas Market.

With so many things to see and do, a weekend in Cologne is never enough. A 3-day getaway is a fantastic place to start, though, and you might just find yourself booking a return trip sooner rather than later. If you’re planning a German city break, then keep reading as we reveal the perfect Cologne itinerary!

If you’re still deciding where to stay then make sure to check out our article on the best boutique hotels in Cologne!

How to Spend a Weekend in Cologne, Germany

Getting Around Cologne

Getting Around Cologne, Germany: Weekend Itinerary

With a population of over 1 million people within the city limits and as many as 3.6 million inhabitants in its wider urban area, Cologne is an ever-expanding metropolis of districts and suburbs. Luckily, the city’s many districts are also well connected by public transport, and it’s easy to get from one sight to the next with a little forward planning. 

What’s our top tip for getting around, though? Buy the Köln Card. This tourist card allows for the free use of public transport within Cologne, as well as free or discounted entry to many of the city’s best sights and attractions. 

The closest airport is Cologne-Bonn Airport, which is conveniently located just a 30-minute train ride from the city center. You can jump on the regular S-Bahn or Regional Express (RE) trains to the central Hauptbahnhof, with fares costing as little as 3 Euros each way (or free, if you bought the Köln Card). 

Taxis and Ubers are plentiful, although the costs will stack up if you’re using them to get around. The buses and trams are easy to use, while the relatively flat city offers a welcome layout for cyclists.

In the Altstadt, which is situated on the left bank of the River Rhine, you’ll find it’s super easy just to walk around the main sights in Cologne’s beautiful Old Town. In fact, our 3-day Cologne itinerary can be accomplished (and enjoyed!) using a combination of walking and public transport, so we highly recommend investing in that Köln Card!

Hop On, Hop Off Sightseeing Bus Ticket

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Cologne Itinerary – Day 1

We love Cologne because it’s that rare city that seamlessly merges history, contemporary culture, and good old-fashioned fun. This is a city that’s as much about the events, restaurants, and beer houses as it is about sightseeing, so our first-day itinerary involves as much eating and drinking as it does ticking off bucket list sights. 

Altstadt (Old Town)

3 Days in Cologne Itinerary: Altstadt

Your first day in Cologne begins in the Altstadt, where you’ll spend your day strolling from art gallery to Brauhaus as you enjoy the best of the city’s traditional Old Town. The Altstadt is the historic heart of Cologne, and many of the buildings can be traced back centuries to the Middle Ages. Much of the city was destroyed during World War II, and although the Altstadt had to be rebuilt from the rubble, you’ll still get those distinctly medieval vibes as you’re wandering around.

Cologne 3 Day Itinerary Weekend Guide: Hauptbahnhof

You can reach the Altstadt by making your way to Cologne Hauptbahnhof, which is conveniently located next to Cologne’s mighty cathedral on the left bank of the River Rhine. We recommend joining a walking tour of the Altstadt on your first morning in the city. Free walking tours start by the cathedral, and you’ll be immersed in the city’s history as you stroll from one sight to the next.

Visit the Historic Old Town of Cologne

Cologne Cathedral

Weekend in Cologne 3 Days Itinerary: Cologne Cathedral

Walking tours will take in the major sights, but if you decide to go it alone instead, then your first stop will be Cologne Cathedral. You can’t miss it. 

This imposing Gothic cathedral has twin spires that rise to lofty heights of 157 meters (515 feet). Dating back to the 13th century, the cathedral is a dedicated UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Shrine of the Three Magi (said to contain the bones of the Three Wise Men that visited Jesus). 

3 Days in Cologne Weekend Itinerary: Cologne Cathedral

This iconic attraction receives thousands of pilgrims a day. You can tackle the 533 steps leading to the top of the cathedral, where you’ll not only have sweeping views of the Old Town but be atop the tallest cathedral in the world!

Marvel at the Great Cologne Cathedral

Museum Ludwig 

After admiring the view, head back down to Cathedral Square – which is where, in winter, you’ll find Cologne’s most popular Christmas market – then make your way to the nearby Museum Ludwig. This is a real cultural highlight because this art gallery is dedicated to 20th-century modernism, expressionism, and pop art. In addition to Warhols and works by Jasper Johns, Museum Ludwig also hosts the third-largest collection of Picasso paintings in the world.

Halve Hahn

Cologne 3 Day Itinerary Weekend Guide: Halve Hahn

By now, you’re going to be famished. It’s time for a Halve Hahn, a classic Cologne sandwich that’s prepared using rye bread, gouda cheese, pickles, mustard, and onions. Cathedral Square is close to traditional Brauhaus-style pubs and eateries, and we recommend popping into Brauhaus Fruh am Dom or Brauhaus Sion for a hearty lunch. You can even try a Kölsch, but there will be more of that later, too. 

Alter Markt

3 Days in Cologne Weekend Itinerary: Alter Markt

After lunch, walk deeper into the Altstadt, admiring the old architecture and the odd Roman remains as you make your way to the Alter Markt. Here you’ll find the City Hall, one of the oldest buildings in Cologne, while you’ll also be in a prime position to start visiting Cologne’s 12 Romanesque Churches. 

The oldest of these catholic churches traces its origins to the 10th century AD, so feel free to visit as many as you desire this afternoon as you get lost in the historic streets of the Altstadt. 

Your final stop of the afternoon is the Wallraf-Richartz Museum. With a history dating back to 1824, this is one of the oldest museums in Cologne. Inside, you’ll find one of Germany’s most impressive collections of fine art, with works from as far back as the Middle Ages on display. There are Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Impressionist galleries to peruse, so take your time as you work up an appetite for dinner.

It’s your first night in Cologne, and nothing will beat an evening at the Brauhaus. This is the traditional Cologne-style pub, and many of the best Brauhauses have that distinct old-world feel to them. 

Peters Brauhaus

Weekend in Cologne 3 Days Itinerary: Peters Brauhaus

You’ll find plenty of great Brauhauses in the Altstadt (indeed, you would have visited one earlier for lunch). We recommend the traditional charms of Peters Brauhaus or Brauhuas Zum Prinzen. These pubs are all about the Kölsch, the local style of beer that can only be brewed in Cologne. 

Kölsch is a distinctive type of pale beer that’s only served in a tall glass named a Stange. Be warned, because there’s a lot of tradition behind Kölsch. Once you’ve sat down at your table, you’ll be continually served Kölsch after Kölsch without having to ask. The server will mark down the number of beers you’ve had, and they’ll only stop serving when you place a coaster on top of your empty Stange!

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Cologne Itinerary – Day 2

You might fancy a lazy morning after an evening on the Kölsch. However, if you’re up bright and early, then we suggest spending the first part of Day 2 of your trip to Cologne exploring the city’s urban greenery. 

Despite being Germany’s fourth-largest city, Cologne has a surprising number of outdoor spaces, including the Volksgarten, Friedenspark, and Hiroshima-Nagasaki Park. There’s a long green belt to the west of the Altstadt, where there are plenty of opportunities for a morning walk, cycle, or run.

Toward late morning, make your way back to the Altstadt, where it’s time to delve a little deeper into Cologne’s history. While you’ll be familiar with the city’s medieval architecture by now, less remains of Cologne’s Roman origins. 

Romano-Germanic Museum

Weekend in Cologne: Romano Germanic Museum

At the Romano-Germanic Museum, though, you’ll learn more about the founding of Cologne as a Roman colony on the Rhine 2,000 years ago. The museum’s exhibition includes archeological finds from the Roman era, including mosaics, tools, weapons, and more. 

After a history-filled session at the museum, you’ll be raring for a bite to eat. Carrying on with the Roman theme, you could try a spot of Italian cuisine at Ristorante Alfredo. If you’re a fan of the hearty German dishes, then head to the riverside terrace at Haxenhaus, where you can order huge plates of crispy pork knuckle while sipping on local brews. 

Mustard Museum

3 Days in Cologne Itinerary: Mustard Museum
Image courtesy of Mustard Museum

You might want to skip the condiments at lunchtime because your next destination is the intriguing Mustard Museum. This unusual site is one of the oldest working mustard mills in Europe, with a history dating back to 1810. 

Take a tour, and you’ll learn how mustard was made as far back as the 15th century before seeing firsthand the historic techniques that are still used to make the museum’s high-quality mustard today. If you’ve been enjoying the local sandwiches (which are always covered in mustard!), then you’ll love this quirky stop in Cologne, not least because you can try historic mustard recipes used back in the medieval era. 

If mustard isn’t your thing, then why not spend the afternoon at the fascinating Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum instead? This unique institution is an ode to the diversity of the world’s different cultures. Exhibitions offer a glimpse into different cultures and ways of life around the world, including New Zealand, Indonesia, and the USA.

The River Rhine

Cologne 3 Day Itinerary Weekend Guide: River Rhine Cruise

We’ve still got one more activity for you on Day 2 of your 3-day trip to Cologne. A River Rhine cruise. This is one of the highlights of any Cologne getaway, and you’re going to love spending the afternoon sailing up and down the river as you gaze across the city’s beautiful skyline. 

There’s nothing quite comparable to seeing the twin spires of the Cologne Cathedral from the water, while you’ll also have the best view of the famed Hohenzollern Bridge as you cruise right on under it. You might want to try and coincide your river cruise with sunset (cruises are normally an hour long), but whatever the time of day, you’re going to love the experience. 

After your cruise on the River Rhine, head back to your hotel and freshen up in preparation for the evening. By now we’re sure you’ve had your fill of Cologne’s Brauhauses, so instead, we suggest booking a table at one of the city’s many fine dining restaurants. You can go all out, too, and enjoy a sumptuous tasting menu at one of Cologne’s Michelin-starred restaurants.

Your options include Ox & Klee, where dinner is a theatrical performance made all the better by delectable cuisine. They want you to “experience” the taste, and you can choose between an 8- or 12-course “Ox Menu” (consisting of meat and seafood) or the 8- or 12-course “Klee Menu” (all vegetarian). 

For a taste of 19th century Paris in Cologne, head to the two Michelin-starred institution that is Le Moissonnier. Serving patrons since 1897, the retro bistro vibes hide a serious wealth of culinary expertise and taste. 

Relax on a Rhine River Cruise

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Cologne Itinerary – Day 3

Before you know it, you’re on Day 3 of your Cologne itinerary, and yet you’ll be finding that there’s still much more you need to see in the city. Start your day with an easy stroll along the River Rhine or a light breakfast at your hotel, and prepare yourself for what’s going to be a slightly intense, yet incredibly eye-opening, morning.

NS Documentation Center of the City of Cologne

3 Days in Cologne Itinerary: NS Documentation Center of the City of Cologne

Day 3 begins with a stop at the NS Documentation Center of the City of Cologne. Germany’s World War II history is still raw, in many respects, and while you might have already learned how much of the city was destroyed by Allied bombing during the conflict, less visible is the Nazi history. 

That changes when you walk into what was once the headquarters of the Gestapo (the Nazi secret police) in Cologne, which is now a moving memorial, museum, and warning from the past.

Cologne 3 Day Itinerary Weekend Guide: NS Documentation Center of the City of Cologne

The museum is primarily a memorial to the victims of the Nazi regime, and in particular, those from Cologne who suffered under the Gestapo. The museum also attempts to show what life was like in Cologne during the Nazi era, while explaining the sequence of events that allowed the Nazis to rise to power, before dragging Europe into war and genocide. 

You can see the cells where prisoners were kept, learn more about the modern research being carried out in the documentation center, and touch upon one of the darkest periods of Cologne’s modern history. 

You’ll need the whole morning to fully appreciate the NS Documentation Center of the City of Cologne – and be prepared for an emotional visit. Afterward, make your way back to the banks of the River Rhine, where a more lighthearted afternoon awaits you at Cologne’s famous Chocolate Museum

Explore the NS Documentation Centre

Chocolate Museum

Weekend in Cologne 3 Days Itinerary: Chocolate Museum

This is one of the city’s most famous attractions, and it’s a must-see on your 3-day trip to Cologne. We expect you’re feeling a little peckish at this point in the day, too, so you’ll appreciate all those free samples as you tour through the world of German chocolate. 

The museum is located on the wonderful Rheinauhafen Peninsula, overlooking the River Rhine, where you’ll learn all about the history of chocolate dating back to the earliest Mesoamerican civilizations in South America. 

3 Days in Cologne Weekend Itinerary: Chocolate Museum

You’ll stroll through a tropical forest, where real cacao trees are grown under artificial conditions, as you see how the Maya and Aztecs made the first drinking chocolate. Learn how chocolate came to Europe, then uncover the story of the museum’s founder, Hans Imhoff, who pioneered German chocolate after World War II. 

The museum is now owned by Lindt, and you’re going to love indulging in their classic chocolate selections at the Chocolate Grand Cafe, where cakes, chocolates, drinks, and pancakes await you. 

Get a Chocolate Museum Ticket

Hohenzollern Bridge 

After lunch (or just chocolate) at the Chocolate Grand Cafe, you can take a walk north along the river. You’ll pass the Altstadt one last time, then arrive at the Hohenzollern Bridge. This monstrous work of engineering is one of Cologne’s most distinctive sights, and if you take the pedestrian route over the river, you can add a padlock to the legions of lockets, locks, and mementos left on the bridge by couples and lovers in the past. 

Cross the Hohenzollern Bridge

Köln Triangle

Cologne 3 Day Itinerary Weekend Guide: Koln Triangle

On the other side of the Hohenzollern Bridge, you’ll find yourself by the Köln Triangle. This 103-meter-tall (338-foot-tall) building isn’t quite as tall as the Cologne Cathedral on the opposite bank, but the view from the top is easily the best in the city. Make your way to the observation deck, take in the panorama, then return to your hotel, relax, and slowly get ready for another exceptional dinner in Cologne. 

Cologne’s dining scene really is eclectic, and on your last evening in the city, another fine dining experience is too good an opportunity to pass up. Your third evening is all about enjoying Cologne’s fusion cuisine scene, which is a beautiful testament to the multicultural nature of modern Germany. 

3 Days in Cologne Weekend Itinerary: Koln Triangle

We’ve got several options for you to consider. Prunier Cologne is a Michelin-guide listed restaurant that serves up exquisite caviar and French classics in a modern setting. Sahila, with one Michelin star, draws heavily on Middle Eastern recipes, and Taku – also with one Michelin star – serves up Asian degustation menus in a traditional 19th-century German hotel. 

You may have felt like you’re a world away from the Brauhaus on your third evening in Cologne, but after dinner, why not head into the Altstadt for a final session of Kölsch in the local pubs?

Enjoy Panoramic Views from the Köln Triangle

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What to do if you have more than 3 days in Cologne

If you have more than 3 days to spend in Cologne, then you’ll love these fantastic day trips from the city:

Brühl

3 Days in Cologne Itinerary: Bruhl

The town of Brühl is just a 30-minute drive from central Cologne, and it’s home to theme parks and palaces. This is where you’ll find Phantasialand, a family-friendly theme park perfect for day trips. You can also visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Augustusburg and Falkenlust palaces, which date back to the 18th century. 

Bonn

Cologne 3 Day Itinerary Weekend Guide: Bonn

Follow the River Rhine south, and you’ll soon reach Bonn, another German city of Roman origins that became the capital of West Germany from 1949 until the country was reunified in 1990. Learn more at the House of the History of the Federal Republic of Germany, see the Beethoven House (this is the home city of Beethoven, the famed composer), and visit Bonn Minster, which is a beautiful work of Romanesque architecture. 

See the Main Attractions of Bonn

Schloss Drachenburg

3 Days in Cologne Weekend Itinerary: Scholss Drachenburg

If you love a fairytale castle, then visit Schloss Drachenburg. Located in the countryside near Bonn, this beautiful castle was built in the 1880s in the romantic style popular at the time. 

Aachen

Weekend in Cologne 3 Days Itinerary: Aachen

Take a train east, and within an hour you’ll be in the glorious medieval city of Aachen, which sits right on the border with both Belgium and the Netherlands. This was once the seat of Frankish Kings and Holy Roman Emperors, and the cathedral easily rivals that of Cologne. Traditionally, Aachen was also a spa city, and thermal bathing is a pastime very much still enjoyed today. 

Discover Aachen’s Highlights

Dusseldorf

Weekend in Cologne: Dusseldorf

Escape the medieval vibes found south of Cologne, and instead, head north to experience the modern skyline of Dusseldorf. Admire the view from the Rhine Tower, stroll along the Rhine Embankment Promenade, and explore Hofgarten. 

Experience Düsseldorf from the Rhine

There you have it! The perfect 3-day Cologne itinerary. How will you spend a weekend in Cologne? 


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About the Author:

  • Richard Collett

    Richard is an award-winning travel writer based in Southwest England who’s addicted to traveling off the beaten track. He’s traveled to 75 countries and counting in search of intriguing stories, unusual destinations, and cultural curiosities.

    Richard loves traveling the long way round over land and sea, and you’ll find him visiting quirky micronations and breakaway territories as often as he’s found lounging on a beach (which is a lot).

    When he’s not writing for BBC Travel, National Geographic, or Lonely Planet, you can find Richard writing for the Wandering Wheatleys or updating his off-beat travel blog, Travel Tramp.

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