Cologne 12-Day Itinerary

  • Day 1: Cologne Cathedral
    12 minutes (1.1 miles) from Cologne Central Station

    Cologne Cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece and one of the most iconic landmarks in Cologne. The cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to many treasures, including the Shrine of the Three Wise Men.

  • Day 2: Ludwig Museum
    19 minutes (1.5 miles) from Cologne Cathedral

    The Ludwig Museum is one of the best art museums in Europe and is home to works by Picasso, Warhol, and Lichtenstein. The museum's collection covers the 20th century and is a must-see for art lovers.

  • Day 3: Rheinpark
    17 minutes (1.2 miles) from Ludwig Museum

    Rheinpark is a beautiful park that offers stunning views of the Rhine River. The park has plenty of walking paths, bike trails, and picnic areas, making it a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

  • Day 4: Kolumba Museum
    17 minutes (1.2 miles) from Rheinpark

    The Kolumba Museum is a modern art museum that is built on the ruins of a Gothic church. The museum's collection features art and artifacts from the Middle Ages to the present day, making it a fascinating place to explore for history lovers.

  • Day 5: Chocolate Museum
    21 minutes (1.6 miles) from Kolumba Museum

    The Chocolate Museum is a fun and interactive museum that explores the history and production of chocolate. Visitors can learn about the chocolate-making process and even sample some chocolate treats.

  • Day 6: Botanical Garden Flora
    13 minutes (1 mile) from Chocolate Museum

    The Botanical Garden Flora is a beautiful garden that features a variety of plants and flowers from around the world. The garden also has several exhibitions and events throughout the year, making it a great place to visit no matter the season.

  • Day 7: Wallraf-Richartz Museum
    21 minutes (1.7 miles) from Botanical Garden Flora

    The Wallraf-Richartz Museum is a must-see for art lovers, featuring an impressive collection of European art from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. The museum's collection includes works by Rembrandt, Rubens, and other famous artists.

  • Day 8: Cologne Zoo
    18 minutes (1.6 miles) from Wallraf-Richartz Museum

    The Cologne Zoo is one of the best zoos in Germany, featuring over 10,000 animals from around the world. Visitors can see everything from elephants to penguins and even visit the Zoo's aquarium and insectarium.

  • Day 9: Romano-Germanic Museum
    14 minutes (1.1 miles) from Cologne Zoo

    The Romano-Germanic Museum is a fascinating museum that explores the history of Cologne, from Roman times to the Middle Ages. The museum is home to several important artifacts, including the famous Dionysus mosaic.

  • Day 10: Phantasialand
    32 minutes (10 miles) from Romano-Germanic Museum

    Phantasialand is a popular amusement park that offers something for everyone, from thrill rides to family attractions. The park is divided into several themed areas, including China Town and Africa.

  • Day 11: Museum Ludwig
    11 minutes (0.8 miles) from Phantasialand

    The Museum Ludwig is another great art museum in Cologne, featuring a collection of modern and contemporary art. The museum's collection includes works by Picasso, Pop Art, and Abstract Expressionism.

  • Day 12: Hohenzollern Bridge
    10 minutes (0.7 miles) from Museum Ludwig

    The Hohenzollern Bridge is an iconic bridge that crosses the Rhine River and offers beautiful views of Cologne. The bridge is also famous for the thousands of love locks that adorn its railings.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Cologne Cathedral (1.5 hours, free)
  • Ludwig Museum (2-3 hours, €13)
  • Rheinpark (2 hours, free)
  • Kolumba Museum (1-2 hours, €8)
  • Chocolate Museum (1-2 hours, €12)
  • Botanical Garden Flora (1-2 hours, €7)
  • Wallraf-Richartz Museum (2-3 hours, €13)
  • Cologne Zoo (3-4 hours, €19)
  • Romano-Germanic Museum (1-2 hours, €8)
  • Phantasialand (1 day, €56)
  • Museum Ludwig (2-3 hours, €13)
  • Hohenzollern Bridge (1 hour, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: €152

Transportation

To get around Cologne, visitors can use the city's extensive public transportation system, which includes buses, trains, and trams. One-day and multi-day tickets are available, and prices start at €8.50 for a one-day ticket. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available, but can be more expensive.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to nearby cities like Bonn or Dusseldorf. If you have less time, consider skipping the Romano-Germanic Museum or the Kolumba Museum. Also, be sure to try some of Cologne's famous local beer while you're here!

Airports

Cologne is served by Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN), which is located about 9 miles southeast of the city center. The airport is a hub for several airlines, including Eurowings and TUIfly, and offers flights to destinations throughout Europe and beyond.

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