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

Experience the charm of Cologne without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

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.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the Historic District

  • Check-in at A&O Hotel and Hostel Cologne Hauptbahnhof, a budget-friendly option with a great location.
  • Stroll through the Altstadt (Old Town) and admire the stunning Cologne Cathedral.
  • Snap a few photos at the Hohenzollern Bridge, famous for its love locks.
  • Visit the Romano-Germanic Museum and learn about the city's Roman past.
  • Have dinner at Brauhaus Sion, which has been serving traditional German fare and beer since 1318.
Day 2

Art & Architecture

  • Head to the Museum Ludwig and see works by Picasso, Warhol, and other modern masters.
  • Take a break at the Chocolate Museum and indulge in some sweet treats.
  • Walk along the Rheinauhafen, a modern harbor district with impressive architecture.
  • Visit the Käthe Kollwitz Museum, dedicated to the prolific German artist.
  • Have a drink at the 25hours Hotel Bar, a trendy spot with panoramic views of the city.
Day 3

Parks & Gardens

  • Take a morning stroll through the picturesque Rheinpark and enjoy views of the river.
  • Rent a bike and explore the greenbelt area of Cologne, which includes the Königsforst and Grüngürtel parks.
  • Visit the Flora and Botanical Garden, a stunning display of flora and fauna.
  • Have lunch at the charming Brauhaus am Schloss, which serves traditional pub fare in a beautiful setting.
  • Catch a concert or show at the Philharmonie, one of Germany's premier concert halls.
Day 4

Beer & Bratwurst

  • Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Café Buur, a cozy spot in the Belgian Quarter.
  • Take a brewery tour of Früh am Dom and sample some of their famous Kölsch beer.
  • Visit the Cologne Food Market and taste locally produced foods from vendors.
  • Have dinner at Brauerei zur Malzmühle, a traditional brewery with excellent beer and bratwurst.
  • Experience Cologne's vibrant nightlife with a visit to the Alter Markt and Friesenstraße areas.
Day 5

Day Trip to Bonn

  • Take a train or bus to Bonn, a charming city just 25km south of Cologne.
  • Visit the Beethoven-Haus museum where the famous composer was born.
  • Walk along the picturesque Rhein promenade and enjoy the scenic views.
  • Have lunch at Oliveto, a cozy Italian restaurant in the city center.
  • Visit the Museum Koenig, which showcases fascinating exhibits on nature and its evolution.

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

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