Cologne on a Budget: 3 Days of Fun!

Discover Cologne's charm without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Explore the charm of Cologne, Germany on a limited budget by taking a stroll along the Rhine river, which offers stunning views of the city's skyline. Visit the Gothic-style Cologne Cathedral, which is free to enter and marvel at its impressive architecture. Spend your evenings in the lively Old Town, where you can indulge in authentic German cuisine and local beer at budget-friendly prices.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Discovering Cologne's History

  • Start your day with breakfast at Cafe Fassbender on Eigelstein. Try their famous butter pretzel and latte macchiato.
  • Visit the Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvel at its Gothic architecture and stained glass windows.
  • Explore the Roman-Germanic Museum to learn about the city's ancient history and see artifacts from the Roman era.
  • Walk along the picturesque Hohenzollern Bridge and watch the lock bridge ritual.
  • End your day with dinner at Brauhaus Sion, a traditional brewery that serves delicious German cuisine. Try the bratwurst and Sion Kölsch beer.
  • Hotel recommendation: Motel One Köln-Mediapark. Affordable, modern and within walking distance to the city center.
Day 2

Art and Relaxation in Cologne

  • Start your day with a visit to The Museum Ludwig, an impressive modern art museum near the Cathedral.
  • Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and relax at the Aqualand water park. Try the sauna and thermal baths.
  • Head to the Belgian Quarter for some window shopping and coffee at Bonanza Coffee Roasters. This trendy cafe serves the best coffee in town.
  • Visit the Wallraf-Richartz Museum to see impressive collections of art that spans from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.
  • End your day with dinner at Haus Scholzen, a cozy local restaurant that serves classic German dishes like rouladen and potato pancakes.
Day 3

Exploring Alternative Cologne

  • Start your day with breakfast at Cafe Buur, a charming cafe that serves homemade pastries and fresh juice.
  • Visit the KölnTriangle to get a panoramic view of the city skyline.
  • Go on a street art tour to discover the city's urban art scene. Check out the Ehrenfeld district for the best pieces.
  • Take a break at the Chlodwigplatz Farmers Market. Try the fresh baked bread and stop by the flower stand.
  • End your day with dinner at Haxenhaus, a traditional German restaurant that serves delicious pork knuckle and sauerkraut.
  • Hotel recommendation: Hostel die Wohngemeinschaft. Quirky and colorful budget accommodation with a mix of private and shared rooms.
  • Cologne has something for everyone: history, art, relaxation, and the unexpected. Enjoy your three day stay in this lively and vibrant German city.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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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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Number of days

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Rendezvous in Cologne: A Romantic 5-Day Getaway

Cologne in Germany is a charming destination for couples who want to ignite the flames of romance. Its stunning cathedrals, enchanting old town, and the breathtaking Rhine riverside create an atmosphere of love and passion that is almost palpable. From savoring the traditional cuisine to browsing the quaint shops and strolling hand in hand along the cobbled streets, a romantic getaway to Cologne will be an unforgettable experience for any couple.

Cologne on a Budget: A 2-Day Adventure

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.

Cologne Chronicles: The Ultimate 2 Day Family Adventure!

A family-friendly trip to Cologne, Germany promises a fantastic blend of history, culture, and fun activities for all ages. You can explore the magnificent Cologne Cathedral, with its stunning architecture and breathtaking views from the top. Take a leisurely stroll along the Rhine River, visit fascinating museums like the Chocolate Museum, and enjoy delightful parks and playgrounds throughout the city.

The Fantastic Family Day Trip to Cologne, Germany

A family friendly trip to Cologne, Germany offers a diverse range of activities for all ages. Visitors can explore the picturesque Old Town and marvel at the iconic Cologne Cathedral, which offers panoramic views of the city. Additionally, families can enjoy a visit to the Chocolate Museum, take boat tours along the Rhine River, and visit the Cologne Zoo for an unforgettable wildlife encounter.