Cologne on a Budget: A 2-Day Adventure

Exploring the beauty of Cologne without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Exploring Cologne on a limited budget is possible, thanks to the city's affordable public transportation and a range of free activities. Stop by the iconic Cologne Cathedral, wander throughout the charming Old Town, and take a stroll along the river Rhine. For budget-friendly eats, head to local markets and food trucks for delicious and wallet-friendly bites.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the City

  • Start off the day at the iconic Cologne Cathedral. Take in the stunning Gothic architecture and climb to the top for a breathtaking view of the city.
  • Wander through the Old Town, lined with colorful, quirky buildings, charming cafes, and inviting shops.
  • Enjoy a local lunch at Brauhaus Sion, where you can taste traditional Kölsch beer and delicious schnitzel.
  • Visit the Museum Ludwig, home to a vast collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by Picasso and Warhol.
  • Explore the relaxing Rheinpark, complete with beautifully landscaped gardens, fountains, and stunning river views.
  • Finish the day with dinner at traditional German restaurant, Lommerzheim, where you can indulge in hearty portions of sauerkraut, pork knuckle, and potato dumplings.
  • Hotel recommendation: Stay at the budget-friendly Meininger Hotel Köln City Center for a comfortable stay with a great location.
Day 2

Adventure and Culture

  • Start the day with a thrill at the Phantasialand amusement park, located just a short drive from Cologne.
  • Head back into town to marvel at the Roman-Germanic Museum, featuring artifacts from ancient Roman times.
  • Grab lunch at Schmitz, a local favorite that serves up mouth-watering burgers and fries.
  • Spend the afternoon at the Wallraf-Richartz Museum, showcasing stunning works of art from the Middle Ages to the modern era.
  • Relax with a drink at a local beer garden, such as Prinz Ferdinand, and enjoy the traditional German atmosphere.
  • End the night on a high note with a visit to the Funkhaus Bar, where you can dance the night away to live music.
  • Hotel recommendation: Stay at the airy Hotel Santo for a comfortable room and central location within walking distance of many attractions.
  • Cologne, Germany, offers a multitude of experiences for every kind of traveler. From exploring the stunning architecture of the city, to indulging in traditional German cuisine, to experiencing the thrill of amusement parks, a two-day stay is just enough to get a glimpse of what this vibrant city has to offer.

Length of stay

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to reach Cologne, Germany by plane is to fly into Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN). Many airlines offer direct flights to CGN from major cities in Europe and beyond.

Car

Driving to Cologne is a great option as the city is well-connected to the rest of the country by the German autobahn. If you are driving from another country, you can take the A1 or A61 highways, which connect Cologne to the Netherlands and Belgium.

Train

Getting to Cologne by train is easy as the city has one of the best train connections in Germany. Cologne's main station is Cologne Hauptbahnhof, which is located in the city center and serves both national and international destinations.

Boat

While there are no direct boat connections to Cologne, you can take a river cruise down the Rhine to nearby cities like Bonn or Düsseldorf and then take a train or bus to Cologne. Cologne also has a large port, the Rheinauhafen, where you can dock your boat and explore the city.

Bus

Traveling to Cologne by bus is an affordable option with many coach companies operating routes to the city. The main bus station in Cologne is the Cologne Central Bus Station (ZOB), located near the train station and the city center.

Destination

Cologne

This city may not be spelled like the perfume, but it sure does smell just as good. Get ready to experience Cologne, a place where your senses will be tickled in more ways than one.

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