After spending a few days exploring the small town of Bonn, I decided to head up to Cologne, Germany to get a feel for one of Germany’s bigger cities. I had only one day to see the city before heading back to Brussels, so I wanted to tick off all the major attractions Cologne has to offer. As it turns out, this city is quite lovely and you can easily cover the basics with just one day in Cologne.
If you’re planning a visit but only have one day, here are 9 things to do in Cologne that you can easily do in one day, as well as where to eat on a budget and where to stay!
One Day in Cologne: Things to Do
Heumarkt
Back in the day, Heumarkt (or, Haymarket) is where they traded hay along with other goods. You can also find some traditional breweries selling the famous Kolsch beer in this area. There is a convenient tram stop here, which makes it a great starting point for your one day in Cologne. Here you’ll get your first taste of the lovely blend of old and modern architecture that is present throughout the city. This is also one location of Cologne’s Christmas Markets, so if you visit in winter time, be sure to check it out.
Alter Markt
Continuing North, you’ll find yourself in the middle of Alter Markt. During the Middle Ages, this was the center of the city. Weekly trade markets took place here, along with court rulings and public executions. With the Old Town Hall still located here, you’ll definitely get a feel for historical Cologne. In the middle of the square you’ll see a fountain statue of Jan von Werth, who was a general during the Thirty Years’ War.
Insider Tip: If you look closely at the top of house #24 (across from the Historical Town Hall) you will see Kallendresser- a sculpture of a man with his pants down, squatting. It is thought this was meant to be a statement directed towards the political goings on inside the Town Hall.
Fisch Markt
Towards the East, along the Rhine River you’ll come to the iconic and lovely FischMarkt. These slender, colorful buildings are some of the most attractive and picturesque in the Cologne area. There is great seating here along the Rhine River if you’re looking for a spot to relax as well.
The Chocolate Museum (Das Schokoladen Museum)
Chocolate fans will love this museum, full of all things chocolate! Visitors can learn about how cocoa is grown, harvested, and made into the delicious treat we love. There is also a fully functioning production facility and chocolate workshop inside, so you can see how the cocoa is turned into candy! You can even make your own candy bar, or just stick with the free samples that are given out! Entry to the museum costs €11.50 for adults and €9 for students.
Deutzer Bridge
Triangle Tower
After you cross to the other side of the bridge, head to Triangle Tower (also called the Cologne Triangle). This hidden gem in Cologne allows you access to the top of the tower for incredible views over Cologne city. The Panorama experience costs only €3 and includes an elevator ride to the top and unlimited time at the top of the tower (but don’t get crazy…)
This experience is much preferred to climbing the 533 steps to the top of the Cathedral, but not many people know about it yet. Hooray for less crowding and leg cramping!
Hohenzollern Bridge
Once you finish taking in the views, it’s time to cross the famous Hohenzollern Bridge. The original bridge was built between 1907 and 1911. However, in 1945, German soldiers blew up the bridge to prevent Allied troops from using it to access and attack the city of Cologne. The bridge was reconstructed in 1959.
But perhaps one of the more well-known factoids about the bridge is that it is one of the world’s few Love Lock bridges. For the last several years, couples have placed padlocks on the bridge as a symbol of their everlasting love. There are over 400,000 padlocks attached to the bridge and it is estimated that these locks add an additional 2 tons of weight to the bridge.
Cologne Cathedral
The other end of the Hohenzollern Bridge will lead you to the back end of the Cologne Cathedral. The iconic symbol of the city reaches almost 160 meters high (about 530 feet). You’re welcome to go inside, but I quite honestly enjoyed viewing the outside the best. After a construction period of 632 years- yep, that’s not a typo– it’s hard not to spend a long time looking at all the detail of this building.
As mentioned before, you can climb to the top of the cathedral, but there is no elevator, so you have to climb up all 533 steps, then climb back down at the end. It’s up to you, but once you’re at the top, you don’t even get to see the most impressive part of Cologne’s skyline (because you’re inside it.) The cost of the Tower Climb is €4 for adults and €2 for children.
Rhine River Cruise
There’s really no better way to end your one day in Cologne than by relaxing on a cruise down the Rhine River. There are several companies that run different cruises on the river. You’ll want to do a little research to decide which cruise is best for you. If you’re visiting during the summer months when there are more tourists in the city, you will want to buy your tickets in advance.
Insider tip: If you spent time in Bonn, Germany and still have a valid Bonn Regio Card, you are eligible for some discounts on your Rhine River cruise!
RELATED » A Budget-Friendly 48 Hours in Bonn, Germany
Where to Eat in Cologne on a Budget
German Pretzels
If you’re looking for a light snack in Cologne, and don’t want to spend a lot or sit down at a restaurant, it is easy enough to pop into the nearest bakery for a German Pretzel! The pretzels are soft and just a bit salty, and will only set you back a euro or two!
Fruh am Dom
Want to try some traditional German foods without spending a lot? Fruh am Dom is a huge restaurant, close to the Cologne Cathedral. Serving lots of German foods at a reasonable price, this is a popular spot for visitors. There are lots of different rooms inside, decorated in different ways, but I recommend grabbing a seat outside if the weather is nice!
Convida
German food just not really your thing? Convida serves “Californian Mexican” foods at a low price! Their make-your-own burritos are delicious and offer a different flavor than you can find at most Cologne restaurants. You can get a burrito, a burrito bowl, a salad, or warm quesadillas for less than €8!
Where to Stay in Cologne
Is one day in Cologne just not quite enough? There are a crazy amount of different hotel options in the city. However, if you want to stay somewhere that’s different than your average hotel, check out Die Wohngemeinschaft Hostel. This place is more than just a hostel. Each room is uniquely decorated, and you can choose between shared dorm rooms or private rooms.
RELATED » Hostel Takeover: Hostel die Wohngemeinschaft
Read Reviews on TripAdvisor | Book Die Wohngemeinschaft Hostel
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31 Comments
Awesome post! I have so much of Germany left to explore, and you have convinced me to add Cologne to the list. It sounds like a great mix of culture and history!
Cologne looks beautiful! I never thought of visiting but I’m in love with the gothic architecture. Must visit one day 🙂
Cologne is one of my favorite cities – not just in Germany, but in the world! You managed to see many of the major sights, but it’s definitely a city that deserves more time! The neighborhoods just a little outside the main touristic center are super cool and really fun to explore. Definitely go back if you can!
Oooh! Good to know! I spent most of my time in nearby Bonn, but seeing the other parts of Cologne would be great! Any neighborhoods in particular that you’d recommend?
Looks like such a beautiful city I dont think one day would be enough for me!
Cologne looks like such a beautiful, charming city! I’m totally in love with that gothic architecture and pastel colored buildings!
Oh! The FischMarkt looks like an old place of tales, with that small and colourful buildings! Lovely!
And it’s right behind a great church that remembers some Italian duomos, right? Probably a nice place to visit also.
Thank you for this nice city to visit next time I’m in Germany.
I spent a long weekend in Cologne a few years back with my friend and her hubby and two kids. It was my first holiday with kids so I was a bit wary but they loved it (especially the Chocolate Museum!) and the city ended up really surprising me too 🙂 Gutted I missed out on the Triangle Tower though, I never even heard about it before reading this! And those Fischmarkt houses are absolutely adorable, aren’t they?
My dad live in Cologne for a short period of time but I never went. Now I slightly regret it. Maybe I will have a chance to see this city one day, seems so beautiful from the images you posted!
I know little about Cologne so I enjoyed reading this. I love the look of the colourful houses! 533 steps is a lot to get to the top of the Cathedral! I think I’d still go for it though just to see the views from the highest point.
Planning a trip to Germany this year, this is going to be very useful. Wonderful tips!!
I’d love to go back and see more of Germany – a day in Cologne looks pretty perfect! River cruises are a lovely way to see a city.
All so beautiful! I’ve only ever been to Munich, Heidelberg, and Frankfurt… and I did all that in only 2 days! lol I definitely need to explore Germany more!
Woah, that’s an intense trip! I haven’t seen much of Germany, so I’ll probably have to go back too 🙂
Cologne looks so pretty! I love the bright houses and love locks. Also I think I’d love this city since it has a river running through it, just makes it that much nicer. Definitely have to visit here! Even if just for a day
Great travel guide! Cologne seems like a nice city, especially the architecture is really beautiful.
Thank you for sharing such a great and useful information with the internet 🙂 The pics in this blog post are just amazing, they made me to travel to those places. I will surely plan next trip to these places soon this vacations 🙂 Good job keep posting such articles 🙂
Never visited this city, but I can’t wait to go there some day. Germany is truly beautiful!
Isn’t it? I can’t wait to see more of Germany!
The houses are so colourful and cute. I’ve never been but now I want too!
What a cool day. I’ve never been to Cologne, although I’ve visited several other European cities. Looks like an interested place to visit
Great post! I feel like doing the tour in the city of Cologne though I have never been there. Seems like you covered everything there is to see. By the way, I thought Bonn is bigger than Cologne.
Last year I visited Germany but didn’t have time to make it to Cologne. So sad since it looks like a delightful city with tons to do. I fell in love with the Rhine River area and would like to back to explore more. The weather didn’t cooperate when we were there (pouring rain) so couldn’t make the most of our days there.
So sorry about the weather. When I was in Cologne it was bright, sunny and warm except for the 5 minutes that it started randomly hailing!
Cologne looks absolutely beautiful!
Had no idea Cologne was so charming! Thanks for the smart recommendations.
Finally someone else who likes Cologne! I had a lovely time there over New Years last year. The city was so magical with all the Christmas markets. This post just reminded me of how magical it was 🙂
Aww…jealous! I would LOVE to see Cologne at Christmas time!
Such beautiful pictures. Have not spent time exploring Germany and Cologne looks like a great place to spend the days. I’m surprised they have not taken down the padlocks on Love Lock bridge. That’s a lot extra weight! Fun to read!
Oh wow… one day in Cologne. I was planning to go there while the country but thought I have to stay at least 3 days. BUT you got everything covered:)
Hi Brianna,
Congratulations ! You really enjoyed Cologne.
You don’t live in Germany but you have already looked at the real sight: you have already seen the most beautiful and oldest cathedral in Germany. The Cathedral is more beautiful at night with lots of colors. I live in Germany, I was there 10 years ago. Cologne is very nice in my eye. I forgot: yes pretzel ( Brezel in Köln) I like to eat too.
Cheers !