36 Hours in Cologne, Germany
Cologne (Köln), Germany seems to be a popular first trip for expats in Amsterdam, and it’s easy to see why. The 2,000-year-old city is centrally located making it easy to access from many major cities by train. Boasting impressive attractions, such as their ever popular Christmas market, annual carnival, and a Gothic Cathedral so overwhelming your eyes pop out of your head as soon as you emerge from the train station, it’s nearly impossible to not fall in love with Cologne.
If you only have a short trip planned, and you’re not visiting while the Christmas Market or carnival season are in full swing, don’t worry. There’s plenty to see and do in this Rhine River city, and here’s our guide on how to make the most of it.
Days 1 & 2:
Beer.
Just kidding…or not. I wouldn’t judge.
Day 1:
Breakfast:
Once the most modern radio house in Europe, Funkhaus was built in 1948 on the rubble left behind by WWII. Positioned in the heart of Cologne, it’s the perfect place to start your day. Order an Aperol Spritz and the “LebensArt”-Frühstück. You’re welcome.
Enjoy the street musicians in the square as you visit the bakery across the street. Eat all the bread. Disclaimer: If you need to walk off the cheese beforehand, and I don’t personally know what that’s like, but you’ll also find that you are next to one of Germany’s top ten most popular shopping districts. Go crazy.
Take a beer stop at a traditional brauhaus as you make your way towards the Rhine River. Früh, founded in 1904, has a massive patio ideal for drinking Kölsch in the sunshine (If you can find a seat.) The beer continues to flow here whether you order another or not, so if you’ve reached your carb quota, just place your coaster on top of your glass.
Walk to the Rhine and jump on an hour long boat tour. There are gorgeous views of the city, and you can actually snap a picture of the Cathedral in its entirety. The tour is in both German and English.
Head into Old Town to explore along the cobblestone alleys and enjoy a late lunch at one of their many Italian or quintessential German restaurants.
Indulge at the Chocolate Museum located in the Rhine Harbor. Apparently they present the history of chocolate dating back 5,000 years. We wouldn’t know because we went straight for the CHOCOLAT Grand Café to eat and drink our fill of Lindt chocolate. No regrets. I’m sure the museum is nice though?
You’ll need a nap now.
Apertifs, dinner, late night drinks – All can be found in the trendy Belgian Quarter. We were feeling thai food, which there definitely isn’t a shortage of, but the streets are literally lined with whatever food your heart desires.
Day 2:
Breakfast:
Visit Café Bauturm for brunch and enjoy a delicious coffee with your locally sustainable and high-quality meal.
Drop your bags off at the train station in one of the seemingly magic, Harry Potteresque lockers.
Climb the steps to the Cologne Cathedral, which first began building over 700 years ago. Marvel at the intricate design and stained glass, while also indiscreetly taking pictures of butts. Or is that just us?
Finish your trip with more Kölsch at Peter Brauhaus, where you can continue to take in the magnificence of the Cathedral from the cobblestone patio. Prost!
