Cologne 3-Day Trip Itinerary

Hotel Check-in

Check into your accommodation and drop off your luggage.

Settle in before starting your Cologne adventure.

Standard check-in time is usually in the afternoon. Confirm with the hotel for exact times.

Cologne Cathedral Visit

Explore the breathtaking Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Marvel at its Gothic architecture, stained glass windows, and ascend the South Tower for panoramic city views.

Entry to the cathedral is free, but there is a small fee to climb the tower or visit the Treasury. Remember it's Boxing Day, so it might be busy.

Hohenzollern Bridge Walk

Take a leisurely walk across the Hohenzollern Bridge, famous for its thousands of 'love locks' and offering fantastic views of the Rhine River and the cathedral.

A perfect spot for photos, especially as evening falls.

Wallraf-Richartz Museum

Immerse yourself in art history at the Wallraf-Richartz Museum, home to a significant collection spanning from the Middle Ages to the 19th century.

Check opening hours, as they might be reduced or extended for holidays. Booking tickets online might save time.

Dinner in Old Town

Enjoy a traditional German dinner at a restaurant in Cologne's charming Old Town (Altstadt).

Try local specialties like 'Himmel un Ääd' (heaven and earth) or a classic 'Schnitzel'.

Old Market & Great St. Martin Church

Wander through the historic Old Market (Alter Markt), soak in the atmosphere, and visit the impressive Great St.

Martin Church, another iconic Romanesque basilica in Cologne.

The Old Market often hosts seasonal markets, check if any are still running post-Christmas.

NS Documentation Centre

Gain a deeper understanding of Cologne's past during the Nazi regime at the NS Documentation Centre, located in the former Gestapo headquarters.

A powerful and somber experience.

This museum provides crucial historical context. Allow sufficient time for reflection.

Lunch Break

Enjoy a casual lunch at a cafe or bistro in the city center.

Many options available, from quick bites to more relaxed dining.

Relax at Claudius Therme

Unwind and rejuvenate at Claudius Therme, a beautiful thermal bath and sauna complex.

Enjoy various pools, saunas, and relaxation areas inspired by Roman bathing culture.

Bring swimwear and a towel. Saunas are often textile-free in Germany. Check their website for current admission prices and specific rules. It's easily reachable by public transport.

Rhine Riverside Walk

Take an evening stroll along the Rhine River promenade, enjoying the illuminated city skyline and the fresh air.

Perfect for a relaxing end to the day.

Dinner at a Brewery

Experience Cologne's famous 'Kölsch' beer culture at one of its traditional breweries (Brauhaus), serving hearty German fare.

Recommended to try Früh am Dom or Hofbräu Früh.

Käthe Kollwitz Museum

Visit the Käthe Kollwitz Museum, dedicated to the renowned German artist whose powerful works often depicted human suffering and social injustice.

A poignant and thought-provoking collection.

Basilica of St Mary in the Capitol

Explore the beautiful Basilica of St Mary in the Capitol, another of Cologne's twelve Romanesque churches, known for its impressive architecture and history.

A peaceful and historically significant site.

Last Cologne Lunch

Enjoy your final meal in Cologne at a local eatery, perhaps revisiting a favorite or trying something new.

Consider a 'Currywurst' for a quick and satisfying German snack.

Souvenir Shopping

Spend some time browsing for souvenirs or last-minute gifts along Hohe Strasse or Schildergasse, Cologne's main shopping streets.

Look for local crafts, Eau de Cologne, or delicious German chocolates.

Hotel Check-out & Departure

Check out from your hotel and prepare for your departure from Cologne.

Most hotels require check-out by noon. You might be able to request a late check-out or store your luggage at the hotel until your departure time.