Cologne, Germany

Cologne

A twin-spired cathedral by the Rhine and traditional Kölsch beer halls.

  • All year
  • 1 night
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Things to do

2 days in Cologne

Day 1

  1. MorningVisit the cathedral and climb the 533 steps of the south tower.
  2. AfternoonVisit the Museum Ludwig, then walk across the Hohenzollern Bridge with its love locks.
  3. EveningDrink Kölsch in a traditional brewery hall, served in small glasses that keep coming.

Day 2

Visit the Chocolate Museum, or day-trip to Bonn or the Rhine Valley.

What to eat

Kölsch beer and Himmel un Ääd, black pudding with mashed potato and apple.

Local tips

Make the most of Cologne

Beat the crowds

The cathedral is busiest midday. Climb the tower early, before the groups arrive.

Best photo spot

The cathedral and the Hohenzollern Bridge, covered in love locks, from the other side of the Rhine.

Getting there

The main station is right next to the cathedral. Trains connect with all of Germany.

Don't miss nearby

Bonn and the castle-lined Rhine valley are easy day trips.

Good to know

Climbing the cathedral tower takes over 500 steps. The local beer, Kölsch, is served in small glasses that keep coming.

Secret spots

3 secret spots near Cologne

Our most hidden places around Cologne: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of Cologne to take with you.

66 km away
82 km away
78 km away
Unlock the secret spots · €2.99+ VAT · one payment, valid for a year

Plan your visit

Getting to Cologne

Getting there

  • Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN)15 km away
  • Düsseldorf Airport (DUS)40 km away
  • Aachen65 km away
  • Maastricht90 km away

The centre is best explored on foot. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeAll year
TypeCity
Good forOld towns & architecture, Food
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay1 night
CountryGermany

Questions

Cologne: good to know

Is Cologne worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like historic old towns and food. A twin-spired cathedral by the Rhine and traditional Kölsch beer halls.

How many days do you need in Cologne?

Plan 1 night. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Cologne?

You can visit all year. The cathedral is busiest midday. Climb the tower early, before the groups arrive.

How do you get to Cologne?

The nearest airport is Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN), about 15 km away. The main station is right next to the cathedral. Trains connect with all of Germany.

What is there to see near Cologne?

Nearby hidden places include Aachen (64 km), Valkenburg (80 km) and Cochem (89 km).

Day trips from Cologne: 10 hidden places nearby
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