While the Cathedral tops everyone’s must-see list in Cologne, there’s so much more to discover! As the fourth largest city in Germany, Cologne offers a refreshing mix of rustic history and modernity. There are plenty of museums, parks and churches and even the chance to sail over the Rhein in a cable car. Here’s my itinerary to help you make the most of one day in Cologne!
I loved my time in Cologne, the city is full of personality with a great mix of old and new. There’s so much to do and see, that’s why I’ve made my one day in Cologne itinerary to help you get a taste of what the city has to offer!
One day in Cologne: What to do, see and visit
What you need to know
- Is one day enough in Cologne? If you just want to see all the major attractions, I think one day in Cologne is enough for this.
- How many days do you need in Cologne? If you really want to explore everything the city has to offer I think 3-4 days in Cologne is plenty!
- What is there to do in Cologne in one day? There’s so much to do in Cologne, but if you only have one day I recommend getting in as many of the big tourist spots as you can. They’re well known for a reason and are must-visits!
Public transportation in Cologne
I found the public transportation in Cologne to be really good. It’s all operated under the KVB network, so one ticket covers your ride on any bus and subway train in your travel zone. I recommend checking out the zone maps and ticket pricing but if you’re only staying within Cologne a ticket in zone 1B covers you. I found Cologne to be walkable, but there are 3 main types of public transportation:
- U-Bahn: This is the underground subway that does peak above ground at some points.
- S-Bahn: Think U-Bahn but more overground. The ‘S’ actually stands for Schnellbahn (fast train) although it isn’t any faster than the U-Bahn.
- Bus: Cologne is really well connected by bus if the subway can’t get you where you want to go a bus probably can,
You can buy tickets online, via the KVB app and at any station. If you buy a physical ticket you must remember to validate your ticket at the machines on the stations!
Map of attractions in Cologne
How to use this map: Click on the markers for more information about each destination. The blue line shows the fastest walking route between each point. To save this map to your Google Maps, click the star in the top left corner.
A morning in Cologne
Kölner Dom – Cologne Cathedral
You can’t say you’ve been to Cologne unless you’ve been to see the Cathedral, it’s pretty impossible to miss actually. Built over seven centuries and standing at 157m tall, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit. Step inside, and you’re greeted by a spectacle of stained glass, intricate carvings, and the revered Shrine of the Three Wise Men.
For a small fee, you can also climb 533 steps up the tower for panoramic views, or explore the treasury below, housing relics from the Cathedral’s past. You simply can’t spend one day in Cologne without visiting the Cathedral!
Kölner Rathaus – Cologne City Hall
The next stop on your one day in Cologne is the city’s town hall, Germany’s oldest City Hall. Be sure to check out the Council Tower which features over 120 sculptures featuring notable figures from Cologne’s history. The face of a colourful bearded man may catch your eye just below the clock face, this is Platzjabbeck. Be sure to time your visit as every hour on the hour he’ll stick his tongue out at you as the bells chime!
Fischmarkt – Cologne Fishmarket
If you’ve searched for Cologne online, you’ve probably seen Fischmarkt’s pretty pastel buildings. They’re almost as famous as the Cathedral! Although no longer a fish market, the square now houses some great pubs and restaurants. There’s also the Fishwives’ Fountain, an ode to the area’s past.
Groß St Martin Kirche – Great St. Martin Church
The backdrop to all those Fischmarkt photos and a stone’s throw away from the Cathedral is Great St. Martin Church. One of the city’s twelve Romanesque churches, the church’s main tower has become a staple in the Cologne skyline flanked by its four turrets. Its huge interior casts an imposing and contemplative atmosphere.
While not as flashy as some other churches, it became my favourite in Cologne. It’s quiet, and peaceful and has some incredible stained glass windows. If you only have one day in Cologne I highly recommend visiting!
Hohenzollern Bridge – Love Lock Bridge
Stretching 409m over the Rhine, Hohenzollern Bridge is another must-see if you only have one day in Cologne. Now synonymous with its love locks, the bridge is thought to be home to several hundred thousand declarations of love and friendship in the form of padlocks. Built between 1907 and 1911 the bridge hosts around 1,500 train crossings a day making it Germany’s busiest railway bridge!
Altstadt – Old Town
While many of the sites you’ve visited contribute to Cologne’s Altstadt, there’s plenty more to explore. The area is a maze of narrow alleys, cobblestone streets, and timbered buildings, transporting you back in time. Outside the Rathaus is Alter Markt, the city’s second-largest square filled with pubs, shops and restaurants.
If the weather isn’t on your side or you’re just looking to explore some history there’s the Farina Fragrance Museum, home of Eau de Cologne as well as Museum Ludwig. There’s also the development of the archaeological zone where ancient Roman palace ruins are being uncovered. If you only have one day in Cologne you have to spend some time wandering around the Altstadt!
An afternoon in Cologne
Flora and Botanical Gardens
To start your afternoon head to the Botanical Gardens, one of my favourite spots in Cologne. With over 12,000 plant species, ponds, waterfalls, a lily garden, and greenhouses, it’s a paradise, especially on a sunny day. If you’re there from January to April, don’t miss the Camellia exhibition—a greenhouse bursting with blooms. I caught it during my visit, and it was definitely a highlight!
Kölner Seilbahn – Cable cars over the Rhine
Just across the road from the Flora and Botanical Gardens, you’ll find a unique way to get across the Rhine: cable cars. The nearly 1km ride lasts about 5 minutes, costing five euros for a one-way trip. Enjoy incredible views of the city—how many can say they’ve breezed over the Rhine in a cable car? I thought this was a lot of fun and is absolutely worth trying if you only have one day in Cologne!
RheinPark
The Cable cars take you straight into Rheinpark on the opposite bank of the Rhine, one of Cologne’s most popular parks. The park has plenty of open space, beautiful flower beds, sculptures and fountains. There’s also a sizable playground, cafes, and even a narrow-gauge train. Whether you prefer strolling by the water or lounging on the grass with amazing views of the Cathedral and Hohenzollern Bridge, there’s something for everyone.
If you only have one day in Cologne and the sun is shining this is a must-visit!
An evening in Cologne
Rhine river cruise
While Cologne is beautiful by day, taking in the sites as the sun sets and you sail down the Rhine is an entirely different experience. You’ll pass by sites such as the Cologne Cathedral as well as several of the Romanesque Churches and Hohenzollern Bridge. There are lots of cruises to pick from, here are just a few:
- 2-hour evening cruise on the Rhine River: Take in the sights from the open-top deck or head below for a drink and live music. This cruise sets the perfect ambience for a relaxing evening in the city.
- All-Inclusive Evening Cruise: If you’re looking for dinner and a view this is it. Enjoy an all-inclusive buffet featuring lots of traditional German dishes then relax with a Kölsch beer as you watch the city go by.
Got more time?
Cologne walking tour
If you only have one day in Cologne and want to learn all about the city, a walking tour is a great option. Discover the cities tumultuous past while visiting all the major landmarks! Here are a few options:
- Self-guided walking tour – Horrors of WWII: If you’re interested in Cologne’s political past as well as the role in played in WWII this is for you. This self-guided tour allows you to explore by yourself and at your own pace.
- The Walkings – Free walking tour: Hit up all of the top sites in Cologne on this free walking tour. Your tour guide will tell you all you need to know with interesting stories on the city’s history.
Christmas markets
Cologne transforms into a festive wonderland over the holiday season with plenty of things to see and do. Visit a Christmas market, ride on the Ferris wheel, go ice skating and get warm by a fire with a glass of mulled wine. If you’ only have one day in Cologne’re visiting during the festive period you have to check out a Cologne Christmas market!
Schokoladenmuseum Köln – Chocolate Museum
A chocolate lover’s dream, the Chocolate Museum is a great option if you’re looking for more to do during your one day in Cologne. You’ll see the entire production process from beginning to end within the factory, including a walk through the tropical greenhouse!
Summary
I loved my time in Cologne, visiting one day will definitely leave you wanting to stay for more. There’s so much history to explore, especially if you love visiting old churches. I hope my guide will help you get to know the city, even if you only have 24 hours in Cologne!
