Cologne is a great city to visit year-round with its festive Christmas market in the winter, lively carnival in the spring, and numerous festivals throughout the summer. No matter when you visit, there’s always something to do in Cologne. So whether you’re looking for things to do in Cologne in one day or you have a whole weekend, this post has you covered when putting together your Cologne weekend itinerary. This guide covers all the best things to do in Cologne, from top attractions to lesser-known gems. So, whether you’re looking for culture and history, or just want to relax in a beautiful city there is something for everyone. whether you’re looking to explore the city’s rich history or take in its modern culture, we hope this gives you some inspiration when deciding what you want to do in this charming city.
What Activities To Add To Your Cologne Weekend Itinerary?
There’s plenty to do in Cologne, Germany on a weekend – whether you’re looking to explore the city’s rich history or take in its modern culture. Here are some ideas of things to do during a weekend in Cologne:
Visit the Cologne Cathedral: Built in the 12th century, this massive Gothic cathedral is one of the most famous landmarks in Cologne. It’s also one of the tallest churches in the world, so it’s definitely worth a visit.
Take a walking tour of the city: Explore Cologne’s vibrant streets and learn about the city’s history and culture on a walking tour.
Take a stroll through Old Town: The Old Town is the historic centre of Cologne and it’s full of charming cobbled streets and traditional German architecture. It’s the perfect place to wander around and explore!
Visit the Museum Ludwig: The Museum Ludwig is one of the most important museums of contemporary art in Germany. It houses a large collection of works by artists like Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Cindy Sherman.
Visit the Chocolate Museum: Cologne is famous for its chocolate, so be sure to visit the Chocolate Museum! Here you can learn all about the history and production of chocolate, and of course, taste some delicious samples!
Go on a Rhine cruise: The Rhine River runs through Cologne and there are many different cruises.
Relax with a local Kölsch beer: a light crisp larger which originates in Cologne.
Where to stay in Cologne Germany?
This city is huge, and there are a lot of different areas to choose from. Therefore, it can be tough to know where to stay. If you’re looking for a place to stay that’s close to the action, you might want to consider staying in the Altstadt (Old Town). This is the historic centre of the city, and it’s where you’ll find a lot of tourist attractions. If you’re looking for something a bit more laid-back, you might want to stay in Ehrenfeld or Nippes. These are great areas for exploring the local shops and cafes. And if you’re looking for a place to stay that’s a bit more outside of the city, you might want to consider staying in one of the suburbs. There are a lot of great options to choose from.
Whether you’re looking for a place to crash for a few nights or you want to stay for a longer holiday, Cologne has a lot to offer in terms of accommodation. There are plenty of hotels, hostels, and Airbnb options to choose from, so you’re sure to find something that fits your needs and budget.
If you’re looking for a cheap and cheerful option, you can’t go wrong with a hostel. There are plenty of great hostels in Cologne, including the a&o Köln Dom Hostel, which is located right in the city centre. If you’re looking for something a bit more luxurious, there are plenty of great hotels to choose from. The Hilton Cologne is a great option if you’re looking for a 4-star hotel, and the Hyatt Regency Cologne is a great 5-star option.
What and Where to Eat in Cologne, Germany?
Cologne is a foodie city with a lot to offer. From traditional German dishes to international cuisine and not forgetting fresh seafood, you’ll find something to suit your taste in Cologne. And with a variety of restaurants to choose from when planning your Cologne weekend itinerary, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to eat.
If you’re looking for a traditional German meal, you can’t go wrong with schnitzel. This dish is usually made with pork, but you can also find chicken or veal schnitzel. It’s usually served with potatoes and gravy or sauce.
Here are a couple of places you should check out:
Brauhaus Sunner im Walfisch: This restaurant is known for its traditional German food, and it’s a great place to try some of Cologne’s signature dishes.
Fischmarkt: If you’re looking for fresh seafood, this is the place to go. The Fischmarkt is a fish market located right on the Rhine, and it’s a great place to get your hands on some of the freshest seafood in Germany.
KAMPS: This is a great place to head if you want to grab a quick lunch (either to eat in or take out). Sandwiches, pretzels and light bites are plentiful and delicious .
Shopping in Cologne, Germany
Cologne is a beautiful city in Germany that is known for its great shopping. There are plenty of high-end stores, as well as more affordable options. You can find just about anything you’re looking for in Cologne, from clothes to electronics to souvenirs.
If you’re looking to do some serious shopping, then you’ll want to head to Schildergasse. This is the most famous shopping street in Cologne, and it’s full of high-end stores. If you’re looking for more affordable options, then you can try the Hohe Strasse or the Breite Strasse. These streets are full of smaller shops and boutiques.
How to Get Around Cologne, Germany?
If you’re looking to get around Cologne, Germany, there are a few options available to you. The city has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses, trams, and trains. You can also rent a bike or walk to get around. Cologne is a large city, but the main touristy area is compact. Therefore getting around on foot is easy.
If you’re renting a car, be aware that parking can be difficult to find in the city centre. It’s best to park in a parking garage/ car park or on the outskirts of the city and use public transportation to get around.
No matter how you choose to get around, Cologne is a beautiful city to explore.
Nightlife in Cologne, Germany
Looking for a good time in Cologne Germany? Then you’ll want to check out the city’s lively nightlife. Cologne has a wide range of bars and clubs to suit all tastes, and there’s always something going on. So whether you’re looking to drink, dance or just have a good time, you’ll find it all here.
Clubbing is big in Cologne, and there are plenty of clubs to choose from. If you’re looking to dance the night away, then head to one of the city’s many techno clubs. For a more laid-back atmosphere, there are also a number of bars and clubs that offer live music which range from cosy local pubs to chic cocktail bars.
We hope this post helps you when putting together a Cologne weekend itinerary.
