Old Town (Altstadt) is the heart of Cologne and a great place to start your exploration of the city. You can wander through the cobbled streets, lined with colourful buildings, and admire the intricate architecture. Then, head to Cologne Cathedral, the city's most iconic landmark. This towering Gothic structure is a masterpiece of intricate stonework, stained glass, and sculptures. You can climb up the 509 steps to the top of the south tower to enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Start your day at the Römisch-Germanisches Museum, located near the Cologne Cathedral. This fascinating museum showcases the history of the Roman Empire in Germany. Next, head over to the Museum Ludwig to see their impressive collection of contemporary and modern art. Finally, no trip to Cologne is complete without a visit to a beer hall, so head over to the Früh am Dom brewery to taste a glass (or two) of delicious Kölsch beer, a local speciality.
Start your day at the Cologne Zoo, located on the banks of the River Rhine. Widely regarded as one of the best zoos in Germany, it is home to over 10,000 animals from around 700 different species. After spending a few hours with the animals, head over to the riverbank for a relaxing Rhine River Cruise. This will give you the opportunity to see the city from a different perspective and admire the stunning architecture along the waterfront.
If you have extra time, consider visiting Chocolate Museum, which showcases the story of chocolate and its production, or Flora and Botanical Garden, the botanical garden in the city. To shorten your trip, you can remove either the museum or the zoo & river cruise depending on your preference. If you want a more local experience of the city, consider visiting the neighbourhood of Ehrenfeld or the Belgian Quarter.