Cologne, Baby! The Ultimate 4-Day Family Adventure Guide

Discover family fun and cultural wonders in Cologne, Germany!

19 July 2023

Cologne, Germany offers a perfect destination for a family-friendly trip, blending history with modern attractions. Visit the iconic Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which towers above the city and offers breathtaking views from its observation deck. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Rhine River, explore the Chocolate Museum, and indulge in tasty local treats while embracing the warm and welcoming atmosphere of this charming city.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Welcome to Cologne, Baby!

  • Drop your bags at Hyatt Regency Colognea swanky riverside haven. The views of the Rhine River and Cologne Cathedral are simply "smurftastic"!
  • Visit Cologne Cathedralthe behemoth of Gothic architecture will make you feel like a mere Smurf! Don't forget the selfie with its towering spires.
  • Explore the Chocolate Museumsatisfy your sweet tooth and learn about the history of cocoa. Rumor has it, there's a chocolate fountain you can dive into!
  • Take a stroll along the Rheinboulevardgrab a "Kölsch" (local beer) and revel in the breathtaking panorama of the city. Smurf-tastic views guaranteed!
  • Enjoy a traditional dinner at Brauhaus Frühthe food is hearty and delicious, just like your grandma's cooking. Dig into some sauerbraten and get your dancing shoes ready for the waiter's funny antics.
Day 2

Cologne with the Family Magic

  • Start your day with a visit to Phantasialanda theme park that'll make you squeal with joy! Dare to ride the Talocan swing, and don't forget the cotton candy.
  • Discover the Hidden Secrets of the Cologne Old Townwander through narrow cobblestone streets, stumble upon quirky shops, and soak up the charming medieval atmosphere.
  • Delve into history at Roman-Germanic Museumunearth ancient artifacts and marvel at the perfectly preserved Dionysus mosaic. That's some time-traveling Smurf stuff!
  • Take an enchanting boat tour on the Rhine Riverlisten to tales of legendary castles and picturesque vineyards that will transport you to a fairy tale land.
  • Treat the family to dinner at Die Fette Kuhsink your teeth into their legendary burgers, where flavor explosions will make you go "Mamma mia!" It's smurfalicious!
Day 3

Artistic Adventures in Cologne

  • Visit Wallraf-Richartz-Museumlet Monet's water lilies take your breath away and Van Gogh's Starry Night mesmerize your artistic soul. Prepare to be transformed!
  • Dive into modern art at Museum Ludwigget lost in Warhol's pop art and be mesmerized by Dalí's surreal masterpieces. Is this real life or just a Smurf's dream?
  • Delight in a picnic at Stadtgartengrab some local goodies, settle under the trees, and let the kids run wild while you soak up the tranquil beauty of the park.
  • Discover the Cologne Cable Carhop aboard and soar above the city, capturing aerial views that will leave you feeling like a Smurf flying on a cloud.
  • Savor dinner at Gasthaus Em Kölsche Boorimmerse yourself in a laid-back atmosphere and feast on traditional Kölsch dishes. You'll leave saying, "Em Kölsche Boor, I love you!"
Day 4

Farewell, Cologne!

  • Explore the Cologne Zooembrace your inner Tarzan and swing through this enchanting jungle filled with exotic creatures. Don't forget to watch those mischievous monkeys!
  • Climb aboard a Rhine River cruise to admire the stunning countryside and wave goodbye to Cologne's golden spires one last time. It's time to say "Tschüss" Cologne, until we meet again!
  • Make a final stop at Früh am Domsavor a goodbye breakfast complete with freshly baked pastries and a steaming cup of coffee. It's the perfect ending to your Cologne adventure.
  • Auf Wiedersehen! Remember, life is meant to be smurfy!

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

A Romantic Day in Cologne: A Perfect Getaway

Experience a romantic excursion to Cologne, Germany, with your loved one, and fall in love with the city's stunning architecture and charming atmosphere. Indulge in a candlelit dinner by the Rhine River, sip on locally-brewed Kölsch beer, and visit the breathtaking Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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.

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.

4-Day Romantic Trip to Charming Cologne, Germany

Cologne, Germany is a charming city with a romantic flair, offering a blend of history and modernity. From wandering along the cobbled streets to watching the sunset over the Rhine River from the famous cathedral, couples will find plenty of opportunities for romance. With cozy restaurants and bars, couples can end their nights with a glass of Kölsch beer while enjoying the twinkling lights of the cityscape.