4-Day Romantic Trip to Charming Cologne, Germany

Experience old-world charm and modern romance in Cologne, Germany.

22 April 2023

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.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Romantic Getaway

  • Checked into the chic Hotel Savoy 4.4
    10 photos

    SAVOY Hotel

    4.4 (540)

    Turiner Str. 9, 50668 Köln, Germany

    Spa,Lodging

    Luxe rooms & suites with free Wi-Fi, plus an upscale restaurant, a sleek lounge & a rooftop terrace.

    savoy.de

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    , where we were greeted with complimentary chocolates and a bottle of sparkling wine.
  • Wandered the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, marveling at the gothic architecture of the Cologne Cathedral 4.8
    10 photos

    Cologne Cathedral

    4.8 (59916)

    Domkloster 4, 50667 Köln, Germany

    Tourist attraction,Museum

    Landmark Gothic cathedral with a huge facade, plus guided tours & Rhine views.

    koelner-dom.de

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    .
  • Took a romantic river cruise along the Rhine, sipping on local Kölsch beer and watching the sun set over the city.
  • Enjoyed a candlelit dinner at Im Schiffchen 4.4
    10 photos

    Em Scheffge

    4.4 (239) • $$

    Severinstraße 104, 50678 Köln, Germany

    Restaurant,Food

    em-scheffge.de

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    , a Michelin-starred restaurant serving innovative French cuisine.
  • Ended the night with a cocktail at the hotel's rooftop bar, overlooking the twinkling lights of Cologne.
Day 2

Arts and Culture

  • Visited the famous Museum Ludwig 4.5
    10 photos

    Museum Ludwig

    4.5 (6463)

    Heinrich-Böll-Platz, 50667 Köln, Germany

    Tourist attraction,Museum

    The formerly private collection of Peter Ludwig, with paintings, ceramics, sketches & prints.

    museum-ludwig.de

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    , which houses an impressive collection of modern art by artists such as Picasso, Warhol, and Lichtenstein.
  • Explored the quirky street art scene in the Belgian Quarter
    8 photos

    Belgisches Viertel

    Belgisches Viertel, Köln, Germany

    Neighborhood,Political

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    , snapping photos of colorful murals and graffiti.
  • Toured the Roman-Germanic Museum 4.3
    10 photos

    House of Studies of the Romano-Germanic Museum

    4.3 (3)

    Am Hof 23, 50667 Köln, Germany

    Museum,Point of interest

    roemisch-germanisches-museum.de

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    , where we learned about Cologne's ancient history as a Roman colony and saw artifacts such as mosaics and statues.
  • Attended a concert at the stunning Cologne Philharmonic Hall 4.7
    10 photos

    Cologne Philharmonie

    4.7 (3103)

    Bischofsgartenstraße 1, 50667 Köln, Germany

    Point of interest,Establishment

    Symphonic & chamber concerts in a dramatic, amphitheater-style performance space with a pipe organ.

    koelner-philharmonie.de

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    , known for its top-notch acoustics and futuristic architecture.
  • Dined at the lively Lommerzheim brewery 4.7
    10 photos

    Gaststätte Lommerzheim

    4.7 (3740) • $

    Siegesstraße 18, 50679 Köln, Germany

    Bar,Restaurant

    lommerzheim.koeln

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    , enjoying hearty German dishes like pork knuckle and sauerkraut, paired with refreshing Kölsch beer.
Day 3

Day Trip to Bonn

  • Hopped on a train to nearby Bonn
    10 photos

    Bonn

    Bonn, Germany

    Locality,Political

    bonn.de

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    , the former capital of West Germany and birthplace of Beethoven.
  • Walked along the picturesque Rhine promenade 4.6
    10 photos

    Rheinpromenade Köln-Deutz

    4.6 (348)

    Hermann-Pünder-Straße 1A, 50679 Köln, Germany

    Park,Point of interest

    koeln.de

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    , taking in views of the river and the Seven Hills 4.5
    10 photos

    Seven Hills

    4.5 (45)

    Kennedystraße 14, 51147 Köln, Germany

    Restaurant,Food

    sevenhills-restaurant.de

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    of the region.
  • Visited the Beethoven House museum 4.3
    10 photos

    Beethoven-Haus Bonn

    4.3 (3919)

    Bonngasse 22-24, 53111 Bonn, Germany

    Museum,Tourist attraction

    18th-century house where Beethoven was born, with exhibits including his manuscripts & last piano.

    beethoven.de

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    , where we learned about the composer's life and works.
  • Strolled through the charming Altstadt district
    10 photos

    Köln-Altstadt-Nord

    Köln-Altstadt-Nord, Cologne, Germany

    Sublocality level 2,Sublocality

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    , admiring the half-timbered houses and quaint shops.
  • Ate lunch at Petersberg Restaurant 4
    10 photos

    Restaurant Rheinterrassen

    4 (60)

    Petersberg, 53639 Königswinter, Germany

    Restaurant,Food

    grandhotel-petersberg.steigenberger.de

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    , a historic castle on a hill overlooking the city, and tried the local specialty of Bonn
    10 photos

    Bonn

    Bonn, Germany

    Locality,Political

    bonn.de

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    cherry tart.
Day 4

Market Madness

  • Explored the bustling Cologne Central Market 4.5
    10 photos

    Old Market

    4.5 (10841)

    Alter Markt 18, 50667 Köln, Germany

    Tourist attraction,Point of interest

    Historic town square with a variety of shops, restaurants & bars, plus a famous Christmas market.

    altermarkttreff.de

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    , sampling local delicacies such as fresh bread, cured meats, and cheeses.
  • Admired the colorful flowers and produce at the weekly farmers' market, held just outside the cathedral.
  • Shopped for souvenirs in the quirky boutiques and vintage shops of the Ehrenfeld district
    10 photos

    Ehrenfeld

    Ehrenfeld, Cologne, Germany

    Sublocality level 1,Sublocality

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    .
  • Toured the Museum of Chocolate 4.3
    10 photos

    Cologne Chocolate Museum

    4.3 (30629)

    Am Schokoladenmuseum 1A, 50678 Köln, Germany

    Museum,Tourist attraction

    Exhibits tracing the history of chocolate, from the Aztecs to today, housed in waterside museum.

    schokoladenmuseum.de

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    , where we learned about the history and science of chocolate-making and indulged in plenty of samples.
  • Ended our trip with a cozy dinner at Wein am Rhein 4.4
    10 photos

    Wein am Rhein

    4.4 (80)

    Johannisstraße 64, 50668 Köln, Germany

    Restaurant,Bar

    maximilianlorenz.de

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    , a charming wine bar and restaurant serving Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in a rustic setting.

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

Discover Cologne's Charm in One Perfect Day

A trip to Cologne, Germany as a tourist would offer the chance to explore the city's rich history, with its stunning Gothic-style cathedral, Romanesque churches, and medieval Old Town. Visitors can sample delicious local cuisine, such as Kölsch beer and hearty sausages, at traditional beer halls and restaurants. The city is also famous for its lively carnivals and numerous cultural events throughout the year, making it a vibrant and exciting place to visit.

Cologne Carnival: A Whimsical 3-Day Family Adventure!

A family friendly trip to Cologne, Germany offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and amusement. Start your journey by exploring the iconic Cologne Cathedral, a stunning masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Immerse your kids in a fun-filled day at the Chocolate Museum, where they can learn about the history of chocolate and even create their own personalized bars. Wrap up the trip by strolling along the vibrant Rhine River promenade and enjoy the lively atmosphere, street performances, and stunning views of the city.

Budget-friendly Fun in Cologne: A 5-day Journey

Cologne, Germany offers plenty of affordable attractions for budget-conscious travelers. Visiting its iconic Cologne Cathedral, wandering around the Altstadt (Old Town), and exploring the charming Rheinauhafen district are all free and enjoyable experiences. Hostels and budget hotels provide affordable accommodation options, and visitors can also sample local cuisine at affordable prices through street vendors and traditional taverns.

5 Days of Fun in Cologne, Germany

As a tourist visiting Cologne, the first thing to see is the breathtaking Cologne Cathedral, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is best known for its historic old town, which is home to traditional German pubs and a vibrant nightlife scene. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing stroll along the Rhine River, shop for souvenirs, and taste Authentic German cuisine.