Comprehensive 9-Day Itinerary Exploring Essen, Düsseldorf, and Cologne

Day 1: Essen Arrival & Culture

Essen, Germany on May 21, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Nord

Start your day with a hearty German breakfast including freshly baked bread and local specialties at this popular café in central Essen.
EUR10, 1h

9:45am

Visit Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing Essen’s industrial history through impressive architecture and exhibitions. Open 10am-6pm.
EUR12, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Glaswerkstatt im Redecker

Enjoy a light lunch featuring fresh salads and homemade cakes in this charming café near the Zollverein complex.
EUR15, 1h

2:30pm

Museum Folkwang

Visit one of Germany’s finest art museums known for its impressive collection of 19th and 20th-century art. Open 10am-6pm, closed Mondays.
EUR14, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Stresa

Dine on upscale Mediterranean cuisine in a cozy atmosphere, perfect to relax after a day of sightseeing.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 2: Essen Nature & History

Essen, Germany on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bäckerei Kamps

Grab freshly baked pastries and coffee at one of Essen’s beloved bakery chains to fuel your day ahead.
EUR8, 45m

9:00am

Grugapark

Enjoy a morning stroll through this extensive botanical garden and park with themed gardens, sculptures, and greenhouses. Open 9am-8pm.
EUR5, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Café Extrablatt Rathaus

Casual lunch near Essen’s city hall offering a variety of both local and international dishes in a lively setting.
EUR18, 1h

1:30pm

Villa Hügel

Tour this historic villa, former home of the Krupp family, surrounded by beautiful parklands. Opens 10am-5pm, closed Mondays.
EUR8, 2h

5:00pm

Evening walk in Innenstadt

Explore Essen’s vibrant city centre with shops, bars, and cafés for some light evening shopping or aperitifs.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Zur alten Dreherei

Experience traditional German cuisine and hearty Ruhrgebiet specialities in a welcoming rustic dining room.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 3: Düsseldorf Exploration Begins

Düsseldorf, Germany on May 23, 2025

7:30am

Travel from Essen to Düsseldorf

Take a direct train from Essen Hauptbahnhof to Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof, a quick 30-minute journey.
EUR15, 30m

8:30am

Breakfast at Bazzar Caffè

Enjoy a modern breakfast with quality coffee and fresh pastries in Düsseldorf’s city centre.
EUR12, 1h

9:45am

Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen (K20)

Visit this prestigious modern art museum featuring works by Picasso, Klee and others. Open 10am-6pm, closed Mondays.
EUR12, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Uerige

Sample traditional Altbier and Rhineland specialities in a lively historic brewery setting.
EUR20, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Altstadt

Walk through Düsseldorf’s old town, known as the 'longest bar in the world', with many pubs, shops, and historic sites.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Rheinuferpromenade Walk

Enjoy a scenic stroll along the Rhine river promenade with picturesque views and street artists.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Brauerei Schumacher

Complete your day with hearty traditional German dishes and local craft beer at this iconic Düsseldorf brewery.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 4: Art & Shopping

Düsseldorf, Germany on May 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Hüftgold

Start with a stylish café offering artisan coffee and freshly made breakfast specialties.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Museum Kunstpalast

Discover fine arts ranging from medieval to modern, including glass art and sculptures. Open 10am-6pm.
EUR10, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Takumi

Enjoy exceptional Japanese ramen and small plates at this highly rated restaurant in Düsseldorf's Japanese quarter.
EUR18, 1h

1:30pm

Shopping on Königsallee

Browse luxury boutiques, designer shops, and elegant arcades along Düsseldorf’s famous Königsallee shopping street.
Free, 3h

5:00pm

Relax at Hofgarten

Enjoy some quiet time in Düsseldorf’s central park, a lovely spot to unwind after shopping.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Im Schiffchen

Taste elegant French cuisine in a sophisticated riverside setting, a Michelin-starred culinary experience.
EUR60, 2h
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Day 5: Cultural Depth

Düsseldorf, Germany on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bäckerei Hinkel

Enjoy traditional German breakfast offerings in a renowned Düsseldorf bakery.
EUR10, 45m

9:30am

Visit Schloss Benrath

Tour the elegant 18th-century Baroque palace and its extensive gardens. Opens 10am-5pm, closed Mondays.
EUR8, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Gasthaus im Ständehaus

Enjoy refined German cuisine in a historic setting located in a charming park area.
EUR25, 1h

2:30pm

Classic Remise Düsseldorf

Explore an automotive museum and historic vehicle centre showcasing vintage cars and exhibitions. Open 10am-6pm.
EUR10, 2h

5:00pm

Leisure time in MedienHafen

Visit the modern harbour area with striking architecture, trendy bars, and restaurants.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Fischrestaurant Meerbar

Delight in fresh seafood dishes with a view of the harbour in this contemporary restaurant.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 6: Last Day in Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf, Germany on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Langen

Enjoy breakfast in this stylish café offering a great variety of homemade sweet and savoury options.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Nordpark and Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum

Combine a visit to the beautiful botanical gardens at Nordpark with the adjacent aquatic zoo and natural history museum. The zoo opens at 9am and closes at 6pm.
EUR12, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Schlüsselkönig

Taste traditional Rhineland dishes in a friendly, cosy atmosphere in the city centre.
EUR20, 1h

2:30pm

Free time for last-minute shopping or café visits

Use this time to explore any area you enjoyed or discover new shops and cafés before departure tomorrow.
Variable, 2h

6:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Brauerei Zum Uerige

Experience the traditional Altbier and famous local dishes one last time in a lively setting.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 7: Cologne Arrival & Cathedral

Cologne, Germany on May 27, 2025

8:00am

Travel from Düsseldorf to Cologne

Take a direct train from Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof to Cologne Hauptbahnhof which takes about 30 minutes.
EUR15, 30m

8:45am

Breakfast at Café Reichard

Enjoy breakfast with a superb view of Cologne Cathedral in this historic café located in the city centre.
EUR12, 1h

10:00am

Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom)

Explore this magnificent Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Germany’s most visited landmarks. Open 6am-7:30pm.
EUR5, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Früh am Dom

Experience traditional Kölsch beer and local dishes at this iconic brewery just steps from the cathedral.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Museum Ludwig

Visit this renowned museum featuring modern art, including a large Picasso collection. Open 10am-6pm, closed Mondays.
EUR12, 2h

4:30pm

Walk along the Rhine River Promenade

Enjoy a relaxing riverside walk with views of Cologne’s skyline and numerous cafés to stop at if desired.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Haxenhaus zum Rheingarten

Savour robust German dishes including pork knuckle in a traditional and charming riverside setting.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 8: Cologne Museums & History

Cologne, Germany on May 28, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Bauturm

Delight in a relaxed breakfast offering a range of freshly made options in a cosy café atmosphere.
EUR10, 1h

9:45am

Roman-Germanic Museum

Discover Cologne’s Roman history through extensive archaeological collections and artefacts. Open 10am-5pm.
EUR5, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Café Rico

Enjoy delicious sandwiches and salads in a popular local café situated near the museum quarter.
EUR15, 1h

1:30pm

Chocolate Museum (Schokoladenmuseum)

Explore the art and history of chocolate-making with interactive exhibits open 10am-6pm daily.
EUR13, 2h

4:00pm

Explore Old Town (Altstadt) Shops and Streets

Wander through narrow streets packed with shops, bakeries, and historic squares highlighting Cologne’s character.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Peters Brauhaus

Relish traditional Cologne dishes and locally brewed Kölsch beer in a welcoming brewery setting.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 9: Cologne Leisure & Departure

Cologne, Germany on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Schamong

Begin the day with an indulgent breakfast in a historic café known for its charming ambiance.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Visit Cologne Zoo

Spend a relaxing morning at the zoo featuring a range of animals and lovely grounds. Open 9am-6pm.
EUR20, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Gilden im Zims

Enjoy a final traditional German lunch with excellent beer selections in a historic brewery near the Old Town.
EUR20, 1h

1:30pm

Free time for souvenir shopping or last exploration

Use remaining time before departure to revisit favourite spots or purchase souvenirs.
Variable, 2h
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