The Perfect 3 Days Itinerary for Cologne

With our 3-day Cologne itinerary, you'll hit all the must-see spots & experiences this city has to offer — from the Cologne Cathedral and the artsy Belgian Quarter, to sipping Kölsch Beer in a traditional Brauhaus, cruising the Rhine river, and exploring a castle.

All that's left for you is to pack your bags and dive into exploring Germany's most fun-loving city! 👇

Day 1

Have Breakfast at Bastian's

I think Bastian's is one of the best bakeries in town. Plus it's just a 3-minute walk from Appellhofplatz station, and from there you can walk to nearly anywhere.

They are known for their "Bienenstich" (Bee Sting Cake) a delightful German cake made with layers of honey and almonds, generously topped with cream.

But if cake isn't your idea of the perfect breakfast – Bastian's freshly baked goods, from bread to rolls, are to die for. And they make everything in-house.

If you're feeling extra hungry, I'd recommend going for the Bastian De Luxe. It's a big breakfast basket packed with cold meats, salamis, cheeses, a hard-boiled egg, and even comes with honey and apricot jam.

📍Auf dem Berlich 3-5, 50667 Köln, Germany

Visit The Majestic Cologne Cathedral, A UNESCO World Heritage Site

After breakfast, make your way to the Cologne Cathedral. As the number one attraction in the city, snaking queues at its entrance are not uncommon. That said, you're likely to have an easier time in the morning.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site has stood proudly since its completion in 1880. [1] Indeed, its 515 feet tall and dark gothic spires are an recognizable icon of Cologne's skyline. 

Plus, its right next to the main train station in the Old Town area. So either walk from Bastian's (10 mins) or take a tram.

As you step inside, you're greeted by the impressive Shrine of the Three Wise Men. A magnificent reliquary, it's said to house the remains of the biblical Magi.

Your eyes will also be drawn to the large medieval windows. These stained glass windows are a sight to behold, casting colorful light throughout the space.

Note that the cathedral is free to enter, but some spaces charge a fee:

• The first is the treasury, known as the Domschatzkammer. It holds a collection of religious and ceremonial items, spanning the 4th to 20th century. Look out for a Gothic bishop's crozier from 1322 and a 15th-century sword, as well as St. Peter's staff and chains. Admission to the treasury ranges from €3 to €6.
• If you're fit enough, consider climbing the stairs up the south tower. The tower ascent also has an admission fee, similarly from €3 to €6. Once at the top, you're rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the Rhine River.

📍Domkloster 4, 50667 Köln, Germany

Peek Into A Roman Villa

Once you're done exploring the cathedral, make your way to the Römisch-Germanisches-Museum, conveniently located next door. If you peer through the large windows, you'll spot a massive (undamaged!) mosaic on the floor known as the Dionysus mosaic.

This impressive mosaic originally served as the dining room floor in a Roman villa from the 3rd century. It was uncovered in 1941 during the construction of the cathedral's air-raid shelter. [2]

As you look through the windows, you can also glimpse the tomb of Lucius Poblicius. This Roman legionary lived around 40 AD, and his nearly 15-meter-tall tomb is regarded as one of the best-preserved of its kind in the northern regions beyond the Alps. 

NOTE: This fascinating museum is currently undergoing renovations, but you should still be able to view the Dionysus mosaic and Poblicius's tomb from the outside through the museum's windows.

📍Roncallipl. 4, 50667 Köln, Germany

Walk Along The Hohenzollern Bridge

Just a 5 min walk away is your next stop: the Hohenzollern Bridge. This bridge, with its three arches spanning the Rhine River, is an iconic part of Cologne's cityscape, much like the Cologne Cathedral.

Over the years, the Hohenzollern Bridge has been covered in padlocks. Couples attach these locks to the bridge's railings, and drop the keys into the river below, signifying their eternal love.

If you're with your significant other, you're welcome to bring your own padlocks and take part in this heartfelt tradition, joining other couples on the bridge.

To honor the bridge's name, which pays homage to the House of Hohenzollern, the rulers of Prussia and German Emperors, you'll also notice statues of and emperors from the Prussian dynasty on both riverbanks.

📍Hohenzollern Bridge, 50679 Köln, Germany

Take A Walking Tour Of Old Town (Altstadt)

Strolling around the Old Town is a rite-of-passage for any tourist to Cologne. Here's some things we suggest you do here...

Spot Legendary Characters

Try to spot the characters of the Hänneschen puppet theater to the mythical Heinzelmännchen fountain. If you're sharp-eyed, you might even catch the notorious Kallendrescher figures, who cheekily reveal their bums at onlookers.

📍Am Hof 12-14, 50667 Köln, Germany

See The Historic Town Hall

Built from 1569 to 1573, the ancient Cologne Town Hall, known as Historisches Rathaus der Stadt, stands as unquestionably one of Cologne's most splendid structures.

You can enter for free, and its enchanting architecture often serves as a picturesque setting for weddings. Over the years, it has also hosted royalty, dignitaries, and famous personalities.

📍Rathauspl. 2, 50667 Köln, Germany

Lunch At A Brewery In The Alter Markt (Old Market)

The Alter Markt is considered Cologne's most traditional square with a long history. During the winter, one of Europe's largest Christmas markets is held here.

Delightfully, there's no traffic at this market. Meander freely among colorful buildings, shops, cafes and traditional pubs. Peters Brauhaus is a restaurant-slash-brewery steeped in Cologne history, and your recommended lunch spot.

Peters is one of the few breweries in the city that still makes its own Kölsch beer since 1847. It also serves up authentic regional dishes like Mettbrötchen (raw pork sandwich) and the Rheinische Soorbrode (beef marinated in raisin sauce with potato dumplings & stewed apples).

And don't forget wash it all down with a freshly-tapped glass of Kölsch beer made in-house!

📍Mühlengasse 1, 50667 Köln, Germany

Admire The Great St. Martin Church

Dating back to around 960 AD, Great St. Martin Church is one of Cologne's twelve Romanesque churches. Although the church suffered significant damage during World War II, it was later restored.

Today, the church stands as an iconic Cologne landmark with its crossing tower and a unique triconch plan. If you can, visit the crypt below which preserves remains of the old Roman chapel.

📍An Groß St. Martin, 50667 Köln, Germany

Take A Mesmerizing Rhine River Cruise

Probably one of the best ways to see Cologne is boarding one of those city cruise boats. There's nothing quite like admiring this beautiful city while gliding along one of Europe's most historic rivers.

From the comfort of your seat on the deck (or below the deck) you'll gaze at the Cologne Cathedral, pass under the Hohenzollern Bridge, wave at the Old Town, and enjoy the river views.

Most of these cruises take around 1.5 - 2 hours, and depart near the Hohenzollern Bridge. It's more convenient to book your cruise ticket online, although your hotel might be able to help you.

Dine on Famous Schnitzels at Bei Oma Kleinmann

For dinner, I suggest heading to Bei Oma Kleinmann! Their name comes up a lot when searching for good German food in Cologne, and for a good reason.

They're best known for their big, honking schnitzels so insanely delicious that you'll get angry when you start to feel full. 

I mean it, these schnitzels are large enough to send you into a blissful "food coma" - so don't plan to head to the clubs after.

📍Zülpicher Str. 9, 50674 Köln, Germany

Chill Out at HELLERS Beer Garden

If you don't want to end the night yet, then HELLERS is one of the most beautiful places to sit back and relax with a beer or apfelsaft.

Located in Volksgarten park, this chill beer gardens has views overlooking the pond. You even have the option to hire a pedal boat, which is nice for families with kids and  couples!

But what really sets HELLERS apart is that they brew their own organic craft beer, from Wiess and Bock, to Kölsch.

📍Volksgartenstraße 27, 50677 Köln, Germany

Day 2

Have Breakfast at The Radio Station

Funkhaus is a cafe, bar and restaurant located in the restored canteen of the WDR radio station, preserving its classy 1950s ambiance, replete with high windows and a back-lit bar.

Sitting at the terrace, you get a nice view of the majestic Cologne Cathedral. This restaurant is known to serve up a delectable lunch, but breakfast is undoubtably the prize here.

Start your morning with a stack of sugar-dusted pancakes, a decadent New York Cheesecake or barista-brewed coffee.

Or treat your group to the full works, a Cologne breakfast (Kölner Treff Frühstück) — a smorgasbord of breads, butter, smoked ham, salami, three kinds of cheeses, jam and coconut yogurt with fresh fruits.

📍Wallrafpl. 5, 50667 Köln, Germany

Admire The Contemporary Art Collection At The Museum Ludwig

You might not expect to find a world-class museum in Cologne, but if you enjoy modern art you'll be impressed by Museum Ludwig.

Just a 4 minute walk from Funkhaus, this museum houses an extensive collection of paintings, ceramics, sketches, and prints by some of the most renowned artists of the 20th and 21st centuries.

One of the highlights of visiting the Museum Ludwig is its impressive Pop Art collection. You'll be able to view some of Warhol's most famous works, including "Marilyn," "Campbell's Soup Cans," and other pieces that defined an entire movement in American art history. [3]

If you're an art lover, you should be prepared to sink at least 2-3 hours here!

📍Heinrich-Böll-Platz, 50667 Köln, Germany

Grab a Turkish Kebap For Lunch

Did you know Cologne has a vibrant Turkish community? This has given rise to many amazing Turkish eateries popping up all over the city, and Kebapland is one of them!

This is where we recommend you go for lunch, as the next suggested stop is in nearby hipster Ehrenfeld district.

You can smell the mouth-watering aroma of charcoal-grilled meats from the moment you step onto Venloer Straße.

We love the Adana Kebap. Succulent minced lamb is expertly spiced, skewered and grilled over burning charcoal.

It's phenomenal, and you'll have to mentally debate if you should order another (to be fair, the portions aren't that big)!

📍Venloer Str. 385, 50825 Köln, Germany

Explore Cologne's Street Art

The best street art can be found in the quirky Ehrenfeld neighborhood, plastered around walls of buildings, homes and hidden alleyways. They're everywhere you look!

You can walk around on your own, but to really get to know the context and stories behind them, you'll want a trained guide.

Usually these guides are local artists themselves, who've personally lived in Cologne and know the people behind these art pieces.

I tend to recommend this street art bike tour by Colonia Aktiv, however they only do morning tours (as far as I can tell).

An alternative are these afternoon walking street art tours offered by independent locals — they are pricier, but the group sizes are more intimate.

When it's hot outside, pop by Die Eisdielerin on Venloer Straße, for the best vegan ice cream in Cologne!

Have Dinner & Drinks At The Belgian Quarter

Similar to Ehrenfeld, the Belgian Quarter (Belgisches Viertel) is one of the coolest parts of Cologne. It's a relaxed and enjoyable place to shop and explore, especially in the evenings.

The Brüsseler Platz, a square, happens to be the unspoken meeting point for younger folks, lined with an amazing array of trendy bars (and some of the hottest restaurants) - not to mention the beautiful St. Michael church.

For dinner, you'll be spoilt for choice. From Tigermilch which serves first-class Peruvian cuisine to the unforgettable Vietnamese resto Lúa by Danny, the sheer number of international choices reflects Belgisches Vietel's cosmopolitan character.

To round off the evening, you'll find a lineup of great bars where you can relax after a full day of exploring.

You won't regret heading to Little Link or Seiberts; both bars craft top-notch cocktails with a creative twist, making them the perfect spot to conclude your second day in Cologne!

Day 3

Take A Day Trip To Bonn or Drachenburg Castle

A day trip out of Cologne can take you to the charming town of Bonn in just 30 minutes or the magnificent Drachenburg Castle in 1.5 hours!

Bonn

Bonn was once Germany's capital city before reunification in 1990, but it's best known as the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven. [5]

And as you wander through its picturesque streets, you'll discover museums and monuments dedicated to celebrating Germany's most famous composer.

In addition to its musical heritage, Bonn is also renowned for its historical landmarks and scenic views along the River Rhine.

Spend some time exploring the 18th century Poppelsdorf Palace or taking in the quiet greenery at Kottenforst Nature Reserve – all just minutes away from bustling city life.

Drachenburg Castle 

Under two hours from Cologne, this romantic Victorian castle stands majestically on the hills of Königswinter, offering magnificent views of the Rhine River and surrounding landscapes.

Built in the late 19th century as a private villa but styled as a palace, the castle features Disney-esque turrets and ornate architecture that make it one of the most enchanting castles in Germany!

Alternative Activities in Cologne

Try The Traditional Kölsch Beer At Local Breweries And Beer Halls

No visit to Cologne is complete without trying the traditional Kölsch beer at one of its famous brewery restaurants, or "Brauhäuser".

This distinct style of beer is light, crisp and refreshing with a slightly bitter taste.

There are more than 25 brands of Kölsch on the market, but less than half the number of breweries that produce it.

That's why hopping between breweries and doing Kölsch tastings is a popular activity in Cologne.

You can absolutely do this on your own, but it's better to have a local who can show you the "ropes" so you don't feel like a fish out of water.

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth At The Famous Chocolate Museum

For those with a sweet tooth, the Chocolate Museum in Cologne is an absolute must-visit for all ages.

First of all, you get chocolate from start to end. There's a little treat at the entrance, another delicious wafer dipped in the chocolate fountain, and a freshly-made piece at the end. Our children were overjoyed!

One entire floor of the museum is like a scene straight out of Willy Wonka's factory too, where they can watch and learn about the fascinating chocolate-making process.

On the top floor, there's a games room for kids, and comfy seats for tired adults. We ended the trip with a souvenir of our own, a personalized bar of chocolate from the "chocolate bar"!

The chocolate museum is one of the most popular attractions here, which means their ticket queues can stretch to over an hour.

📍Am Schokoladenmuseum 1A, 50678 Köln, Germany

Get Up Close With Animals At The Cologne Zoo

Cologne Zoo is one of the best in Europe, and is a chance to get up close and personal with over 10,000 animals.

The ticket price even includes admission to the aquarium, which is really value-for-money because many other zoos separate the prices.

The petting zoo has baby animals who you can feed as well, which is quite a special experience especially for animal lovers.

Families can rent pull-carts for tired tots, allowing them to rest. Parents can also enjoy a break too, at the large playground near the elephant park.

Just be warned that ticket lines can be really long, so highly recommend that you reserve your tickets online if you can.

📍Riehler Str. 173, 50735 Köln, Germany

Self-Guided Cologne Scavenger Hunt

Cologne's newest trend seems to be scavenger hunts.

Such tours blend a walking tour and riddle-solving, allowing you to explore the city while engaging in thrilling tasks and quizzes.

This fun-filled scavenger hunt costs just a few euros, and takes you through the Old Town, Cologne Cathedral, Great St. Martin Church and lesser-known attractions like the the Fishmarket and Heinzelmännchenbrunnen.

At every new location you discover, the game unveils a little story behind it. Even though I'm quite familiar with Cologne, I still found myself learning something new.

Experience The History And Art Of Perfumery At The Fragrance Museum

The Cologne Cathedral isn't the only thing that put this city on the global map – the famous fragrance known as Eau de Cologne played a role too.

Naturally, the Fragrance Museum in Cologne is devoted to the man behind it all, Giovanni Maria Farina.

The Farina-House itself is steeped in history as it was here that Johann Maria Farina first created Eau de Cologne over three centuries ago.

Visitors can take a guided tour where they will learn about the ingredients used to make cologne and how it is made.

Plus, you get a little bottle of the scent to take home, which was a delight, given that our tickets were already very affordable! [6]

👋 Do you know that the KölnCard offers 50% off the Farina Fragrance Museum?

📍 Obenmarspforten 21, 50667 Köln, Germany

Enjoy A Relaxing Spa Day At Claudius Therme

If you're looking for a way to warm up indoors in Cologne, Claudius Therme should be at the top of your list. Its main attractions are its thermal pools, filled with warm mineral-rich water sourced from a natural thermal spring!

This popular spa is located right in the heart of Rheinpark, and offers free water gymnastics and underwater music classes which are held in the evenings and on weekends.

Also take a chance to visit one of the saunas. They are a BIG part of German culture, and seen as good for health and vitality!

🚨 FYI - Foreigners tend to be surprised nudity is required at German saunas. Don't worry though – there are areas in Claudius Therme where you can wear a towel or a swimsuit if you're uncomfortable!

📍Sachsenbergstraße 1, 50679 Köln, Germany

Witness Cologne's Grim Past At EL-DE Haus

Located just 8 minutes away from Cologne Cathedral by foot, the EL-DE Haus was once the headquarters of the Gestapo, a notorious Nazi organization.

You can spend anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours exploring, but be prepared for a sobering and thought-provoking experience.

To enter EL-DE Haus, also known as NS-Dokumentationszentrum, you only have to pay a modest fee of 4.50€ (those with a KölnCard get a further 20% off).

TIP: If you don't understand German, highly recommend renting an audio guide for 2€ to gain a deeper understanding of this dark chapter in history.

📍Appellhofpl. 23-25, 50667 Köln, Germany

Enjoy A Performance At The Stunning Cologne Opera House

To round off your day of exploration, consider catching a performance at the breathtaking Cologne Opera House!

Known for fabulous acoustics, a great orchestra, talented directors, and acclaimed singers, it's hailed as one of the finest opera houses in Germany.

They've got tickets for classical concerts, operas, ballets, and more, so it's a classy way to spend your time in Cologne. [4]

Dance Away at Bootshaus

Bootshaus is a Cologne techno powerhouse that has been creating quite a buzz and for good reason.

It's recently claimed the top spot as the best nightclub in Germany, even securing the eighth position globally, according to DJ Mag.

There's no strict dress code; according to them "everything goes, nothing is a must" This laid-back approach can result in an eclectic crowd.

One key to Bootshaus' enduring popularity is its resident DJs, all hailing from the local Cologne scene. They include the likes of Björn Grimm, Brandon, Dave Replay, Elle Rich, Emin, Kevin Arnold, Marco Franica, and Oliver Magenta.

📍Auenweg 173, 51063 Köln, Germany

Tips For Maximizing Your Perfect Cologne 3-Day Itinerary

Purchase A KölnCard For Discounts On Attractions And Public Transportation

If you're planning a 3-day itinerary in Cologne, I'd recommend purchasing the KölnCard - this is the official card for tourists to help them save money while traveling Cologne: 

• It offers discounts up to 50% at many museums, restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions in the city...
• Plus free unlimited public transport rides.

The KölnCard can be purchased online before your trip, and group tickets are available for groups of three to five people.

It comes in 24-hour or 48-hour versions, so you can choose how many days you want covered. 

So if you want to experience all that Cologne has to offer while enjoying steep discounts and complimentary public transport around the city, getting a KölnCard makes the most economical sense.

Research Open Hours And Days

Don't bank on attractions in Cologne being open everyday! For instance, many museums in Cologne are closed on Mondays, so make sure to check their schedules beforehand.

Some restaurants may be closed one day a week, or are only open from late afternoon, like Bei Oma Kleinmann.

Lastly, on certain public holidays the whole city practically takes a day off — such as Good Friday, German Unity Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

It may be hard to find businesses open on these dates!

Conclusion: 3 Days Itinerary in Cologne

In conclusion, a 3-day Cologne itinerary is the perfect way to experience all that Cologne has to offer — you'll hit all the "must-see" items like the Cologne Cathedral and traditional Brauhäuser visits, as well as some off-the-beaten-track stuff, such as exploring the Belgian Quarter and Schloss Drachenburg.

Even if our itinerary doesn't suit you, there's still many more activities for every kind of traveler in Cologne!

Related:

• 1 Day in Cologne Itinerary
• 2 Days in Cologne Itinerary
• How Many Days In Cologne is Enough?

Key Takeaways

• On the first day of your 3-day trip to Cologne, take a walk through history and visit the majestic Cologne Cathedral, walk across the Hohenzollern Bridge for breathtaking views, enjoy a boat ride along the picturesque Rhine River, and explore the ancient Old Town.
• On the 2nd day, admire the contemporary art collection at the Museum Ludwig and explore the hipster Belgian Quarter's street art and spend some time shopping and indulging in the nightlife.
• On the third day of your 3 days in Cologne, take a day trip to Bonn or visit the stunning Drachenburg Castle.
• Try the traditional Kölsch beer at local breweries and beer halls, experience the history and art of perfumery at the Fragrance Museum, and purchase a KölnCard for discounts on attractions and public transportation.