Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Cologne?

Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Cologne?

Many visitors spend one to three days in Cologne during their visit. If you're not sure how much time you might need here, we have the answers because there's so much to see and do. This city offers a number of attractions to explore, including the museums and landmarks, the big city activities, the nightlife, and the many shops.

Cologne is a city that combines both modern and historic features in a very compatible and fun style. From the impressive Cologne Cathedral to the many museums and outdoor spaces along the river, Cologne offers something for everyone. The city is also well connected to the rest of Germany and Europe with a very popular train station right in the heart of town.

Do you have one or two days to visit Cologne? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is one day enough time in Cologne?

With only one day, you might feel a bit pressed for time when it comes to exploring the main attractions. After all, Cologne, a big city brimming with sights and attractions, holds immense popularity among tourists. To fully embrace Cologne, a longer visit is better. Most travelers tend to allocate one to three days to browse the museums, enjoy the city's energy, take advantage of the local nightlife, and browse the shops. Nevertheless, if your schedule is limited, we can provide some suggestions to maximize your visit.

How to spend a day in Cologne

Don't miss the Cologne Cathedral during your trip to Cologne, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

This city is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. Head to one of the many beerhalls to check out the local nightlife scene. Make sure you try the local beer, Kölsch. Some of the most popular places for night include Ona Mor, Pepe, and Engel & Weiss.

Cologne is a very walkable city. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. If you stick to the Old Town and nearby neighborhoods, you'll be able to explore easily on foot.

Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Cologne?

A weekend offers a good amount of time to enjoy much of what Cologne has for visitors. In addition to the museums and landmarks and big city activities, visitors can enjoy the shopping, charming old town, and food. By staying a night or two, you'll be able to take advantage of the most interesting activities found here.

How to spend 2 days in Cologne

With a weekend (two to three days) in Cologne, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.

Plenty of amazing museums and famous landmarks make Cologne a special place to visit. Spend at least one full day visiting the sights that are appealing to you. At the heart of the city is Cologne Cathedral, which is stunningly intricate and highlights High Gothic architecture. It is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Other famous sights around town include Cologne City Hall, the Wallraf-Richartz & Ludwig Museums, and Hohenzollern Bridge.

A few tour suggestions include:

Aachen Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour ($7)
The Chocolate Museum Cologne Entrance Ticket ($17)
Cologne Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour ($7)

You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. The food scene consists mostly of brewhouses and pubs, where you'll find local cuisine. There are also a number of international restaurants around town if you want something a little different. In particular, you'll find many Turkish kebab shops near the train station. Local dishes from Cologne include Halve Hahn (an open face sandwich), Hämmche (pork with sauerkraut or potatoes), and Mettbrütche (minced pork bread roll). For a sweet treat, there is no shortage of donut shops with decadently decorated toppings.

A few tour suggestions include:

Köln Südstadt kulinarisch – Die Food Tour ($48)
Colonia Tour: Explore Cologne by Segway with brewery beer tasting ($87)
Cologne Wine Tasting and Tour with an Expert ($214)

Public transit in Cologne is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the city quite easily. KVB operates the system that includes trains, trams, and buses. The city is also easily connected to other nearby towns so it makes a great base for exploring the entire area.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Cologne, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.