Weekend in Cologne: The Perfect 2 Days Itinerary

Welcome to your ultimate Cologne weekend itinerary!

Whether it's your first time visiting or you've been here before, our carefully crafted two-day itinerary ensures you'll experience the very best of Cologne — from its iconic landmarks like the magnificent Cathedral, to Kölsch tastings, to exploring the hipster Belgian Quarter.

Let's start! 👇

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 Cologne Cathedral

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.

The cathedral is hard to miss. 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. [1]

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: The 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 Love 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

Check Out Contemporary Art at 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. [2]

Their diverse collection includes works by famous artists like Dali, Warhol, and Picasso and 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!

Alternative Activities in Cologne

Hop Between Breweries & Sip Kölsch Beer

A brewery, or brauhaus, is like a pub, except that they brew their own Kölsch beer. A majority of locals you meet will likely have their favorite brand of Kölsch, as each brewery does it slightly differently.

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 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.

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.

The building's basement, where the Gestapo set up ten prison cells, is a chilling reminder of the past.

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

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 Weekend

Get The 48-Hour KölnCard

The KölnCard is the official tourist card of Cologne, and helps you save money when you visit museums, attractions, take tours, shop and eat in the city — great for budget travelers.

Importantly, it also lets you ride on public buses and trams for free!

The 48-hour card is only €18 (individual) or €38 (group card for up to 5 persons).

How much can you expect to save?

• Say, you visit Museum Ludwig, the Roman-Germanic Museum, the Chocolate Museum, and take one of the selected city cruises, you can expect to save around €11 with the KölnCard.
• Then, a 2-day train & bus ticket costs around €16, but with the KölnCard you get unlimited public transportation.
• So you can see how the KölnCard can pay for itself twice over.

Should you get the KölnCard?

• Yes, if you plan to visit several attractions, AND...
• Yes, if you plan to use public transport, like traveling to other districts like Ehrenfeld, the Cologne Zoo or the Belgian Quarter. Otherwise, most of Cologne's attractions are within walking distance of each other.
• Yes, if you're traveling in a group of up to 5 people. You can get the 48-hour Group KölnCard for €38, so when you split the cost, it can get as low as €7.60 per person. That makes it a fantastic deal.

Research Open Hours And Days

To make the most of your Cologne trip, it's essential to do some research about open hours and days for the places you plan to visit.

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, be aware of certain public holidays where 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!

Plan Time Efficiently

With so much to see and do in this vibrant city, it can be easy to get sidetracked or overwhelmed.

Start by identifying key attractions and experiences you want to have during your trip. Then, research their opening hours and days ahead of time so that you don't miss out on anything due to last-minute closures.

If you're taking public transport, it's a good idea to carve out some buffer time as delays aren't uncommon in Cologne.

Book Restaurant Reservations Ahead

Cologne is full of foodies, and the best restaurants are often fully booked by evening time! If you don't want to wait in a queue, then it's wise to book restaurant reservations ahead of time.

This is even more important if you're visiting during any celebratory holidays like New Year's Eve or during Carnival.

Dress Comfortably For Walking

Exploring Cologne requires a lot of walking, so it's crucial to dress comfortably.

Make sure to pack comfortable shoes suitable for long walks as you explore the Old Town (cobblestones can be uncomfortable to walk on) or walk through charming neighborhoods like the Belgian Quarter.

When planning your wardrobe, consider packing versatile pieces that can be worn in various weather conditions. In Cologne, temperatures can fluctuate throughout the day, so layers are essential.

Don't forget a lightweight raincoat or umbrella if traveling during the wetter months.

Getting Around Cologne

Getting around Cologne is easy and convenient with various options such as walking, public transportation, and bicycling.

Walking

Walking is a popular way to get around Cologne. The city is pedestrian-friendly and its compact size makes it easy to explore on foot.

Walking also gives you the opportunity to discover hidden gems and landmarks that you might have missed if you were relying solely on public transportation.

Additionally, walking can be a great way to burn off calories from our hearty Rhineland dishes or sweet treats from the Chocolate Museum!

Public Transportation

Getting around Cologne is easy and convenient, thanks to its well-connected public transportation system.

The Kölner Verkehrs-Betriebe (KVB) operates a network of trains, trams, and buses that run frequently throughout the city from early morning until late at night. [3]

Public transportation in Cologne is divided into seven zones, with the 1b ticket being your best bet if you're planning on staying within city limits.

This ticket covers unlimited journeys on all modes of transport for up to 90 minutes after validation.

Alternatively, if you have the KölnCard, you get free unlimited rides all over the city!

Bicycling

Bicycling tours are an excellent option to explore Cologne and its stunning surroundings. Many companies offer bike tours around Cologne city.

A typical tour includes a visit to the famous Cologne Cathedral and exploring the Germanic-Roman Museum and art at Museum Ludwig.

The circuit connects the Rhine, Ahr, and Erft rivers in a network that boasts beautiful views along the route.

If you prefer to cycle on your own, then don't worry, because bike rentals are available in Cologne! Radstation on Breslauer Platz offers bike rentals from €10 a day. 

Conclusion: A Memorable Weekend In Cologne, Germany

Two days in Cologne gives you the perfect combination of history, art, food and nightlife that the city has to offer.

To ensure a successful weekend in Cologne, plan your time efficiently, research open hours and days of attractions ahead, use the KölnCard for discounts on public transportation and admission tickets, book restaurant reservations in advance to avoid long waits, and dress comfortably for walking around the city.

With our tips for planning your itinerary and getting around, you can make the most of your short trip to this beautiful city.

If you have one more day in Cologne, then check out our 3-days itinerary here. Alternatively, see our One Day in Cologne Itinerary.

Related: How Many Days In Cologne is Enough?