{"id":1385,"date":"2023-03-12T10:10:50","date_gmt":"2023-03-12T09:10:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hellobranzostudio.com\/?p=1385"},"modified":"2024-07-04T13:50:31","modified_gmt":"2024-07-04T11:50:31","slug":"what-to-do-in-cologne-in-2-days","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hellobranzostudio.com\/en\/2023\/03\/12\/what-to-do-in-cologne-in-2-days\/","title":{"rendered":"What to do in Cologne in 2 days?"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/1″][uncode_breadcrumbs text_lead=”small” separator=”triangle”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/3″][uncode_info_box items=”Date,Reading_time,Categories,Author|no_avatar|inline_avatar|display_prefix”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_row_inner limit_content=””][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″][vc_icon icon=”fa fa-twitter” icon_color=”color-jevc” heading_semantic=”h2″ uncode_shortcode_id=”609285″ icon_color_type=”uncode-palette” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fintent%2Ftweet%3Furl%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fhellobranzostudio.com%2Fen%2F2023%2F03%2F12%2Fwhat-to-do-in-cologne-in-2-days%2F%26text%3D%26via%3D|target:_blank”][\/vc_icon][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″][vc_icon icon=”fa fa-facebook” icon_color=”color-jevc” uncode_shortcode_id=”628974″ icon_color_type=”uncode-palette” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fsharer%2Fsharer.php%3Fu%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fhellobranzostudio.com%2Fen%2F2023%2F03%2F12%2Fwhat-to-do-in-cologne-in-2-days%2F|target:_blank”][\/vc_icon][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″][vc_icon icon=”fa fa-whatsapp” icon_color=”color-jevc” heading_semantic=”h2″ uncode_shortcode_id=”795829″ icon_color_type=”uncode-palette” link=”url:whatsapp%3A%2F%2Fsend%3Ftext%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fhellobranzostudio.com%2Fen%2F2023%2F03%2F12%2Fwhat-to-do-in-cologne-in-2-days%2F|target:_blank”][\/vc_icon][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″][vc_icon icon=”fa fa-envelope-o” icon_color=”color-jevc” heading_semantic=”h2″ uncode_shortcode_id=”275470″ icon_color_type=”uncode-palette” link=”url:mailto%3A%257Bemail_address%257D%3Fsubject%3D%26body%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fhellobranzostudio.com%2Fen%2F2023%2F03%2F12%2Fwhat-to-do-in-cologne-in-2-days%2F%2520|target:_blank”][\/vc_icon][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_raw_html]W3dwbWxfbGFuZ3VhZ2Vfc2VsZWN0b3Jfd2lkZ2V0XQ==[\/vc_raw_html][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/1″][vc_custom_heading heading_semantic=”h1″ text_size=”h1″ uncode_shortcode_id=”906064″]Visit Cologne: 10 places and activities to see and do in 2 days<\/span>[\/vc_custom_heading][vc_custom_heading text_color=”accent” heading_semantic=”h4″ text_size=”h4″ separator=”yes” separator_color=”yes” uncode_shortcode_id=”168718″ text_color_type=”uncode-palette”]Contents<\/span>[\/vc_custom_heading][uncode_list larger=”small” uncode_shortcode_id=”645054″]<\/p>\n

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  1. Getting to Cologne<\/a><\/li>\n
  2. Cologne Cathedral<\/a><\/li>\n
  3. Museum Ludwig<\/a><\/li>\n
  4. Hohenzollernbr\u00fccke<\/a><\/li>\n
  5. Cologne View<\/a><\/li>\n
  6. Along the Rhine<\/a><\/li>\n
  7. Old market<\/a><\/li>\n
  8. Chocolate museum & Ferris wheel<\/a><\/li>\n
  9. Kranh\u00e4user Rheinauhafen<\/a><\/li>\n
  10. Overkill<\/a><\/li>\n
  11. Ehrenfeld & Belgian district<\/a><\/li>\n
  12. Bonus: What to do around Cologne? Visit D\u00fcsseldorf<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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    I took advantage of my vacations at the beginning of the year to go back to Germany to discover D\u00fcsseldorf and Cologne; indeed, Cologne is located at about 30 minutes by train from D\u00fcsseldorf, so to make a stopover there was interesting! I spent 2 days in Cologne during which I mainly walked around; I had listed some museums but the exhibitions of the moment did not interest me much. In this article, I share with you different spots and tips on what to do in Cologne alone or with someone else, including places to walk and districts to visit, as well as what to do around the city (e.g. visit D\u00fcsseldorf<\/a>) or how to get there. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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    Getting to Cologne<\/span><\/h2>\n

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    As mentioned, staying in D\u00fcsseldorf allowed me to make a stopover in Cologne, all in only 30min by train. Indeed, I was able to get to Cologne by taking a train, previously booked on the Omio mobile application, from D\u00fcsseldorf central station.
    \nOmio, like Trainline, is a service that allows you to search, compare and book various types of tickets (train, bus, plane) via their website or mobile application. Both interfaces (web\/app) offer a simple and pleasant user experience; personally, I tend to use the mobile app as it is more convenient and accessible in real time, especially when it comes to downloading\/validating your ticket, being kept up to date on the latest events or simply booking your ticket.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    Let’s get back to the trip. Also mentioned in my previous article<\/a>, a one-way trip from D\u00fcsseldorf to Cologne costs about ten euros and about twenty euros for a classic round trip (in second class, without any option or insurance).<\/span>
    \nFrom France, for example from the capital, it is possible to go to Cologne by train (allow 3h30 of travel), Thalys in particular, for a rather correct price, and even interesting if you plan a little in advance and according to the period; besides the train, the car, or even the bus for the most courageous, are alternatives.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/1″][vc_custom_heading separator=”yes” separator_color=”yes” uncode_shortcode_id=”342172″]<\/p>\n

    Cologne Cathedral<\/span><\/h2>\n

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    Address: Domkloster 4, 50667 K\u00f6ln, Germany<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

    The cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in front of the main train station; both for its location and for its style and size (it is a 157m high gothic cathedral) you can’t miss it. Seeing such a building directly from the station, you may be like me, a strong impression. In addition to its style and size, I was intrigued by its black color due to a fire that took place in 1945; it has not been cleaned in memory of the event. Would you like to visit the cathedral? You can find all the information (hours, rules, etc.) here<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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    Museum Ludwig<\/span><\/h2>\n

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    Address: Heinrich-B\u00f6ll-Platz, 50667 K\u00f6ln, Germany<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

    The Ludwig Museum is one of the two museums within a 5-minute walk of the cathedral and one of the most important museums in the city. It has a large collection of photographic works (presented in temporary and permanent exhibitions); in fact, the museum holds one of the largest and most important collections of 19th and 20th century photographs in Europe. It also houses a collection of works from the 20th century to the present day, including the largest collection of Pop Art in Europe, the third largest collection of Picassos in the world, and one of the most important collections of German Expressionism. <\/span><\/p>\n

    It is necessary to count approximately 15\u20ac for an adult ticket (purchase possible on line<\/a> as on the spot) and to note that the museum is closed on Monday.<\/span><\/p>\n

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    The other museum (close to the cathedral) mentioned earlier is the Germanic Roman, it might interest you if you are into archaeology. If you are into ethnology, I invite you to visit the Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum<\/a>. If you are into medieval painting, I invite you to visit the Wallraf-Richartz Museum<\/a>. Finally, if you are into sculpture, I invite you to visit the K\u00e4the Kollwitz Museum<\/a>; I had mentioned the sculptor in a previous article about things to do in Berlin<\/a> when I saw her work “the mother holding her dead son”. <\/span><\/p>\n

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    Hohenzollernbr\u00fccke<\/span><\/h2>\n

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    Address: Hohenzollern Bridge, 50679 K\u00f6ln, Germany<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

    Third spot located a few minutes away from the Ludwig museum and the central station, the Hohenzollern bridge. First, I made a note to go there when I was in Cologne, now that it’s done, I decided to include it in this article. On the one hand because it allows to enjoy, during and after its crossing, a new view on the landscape (and in particular on the cathedral) and thus new photographic opportunities; on the other hand because it allows to access a spot which will be discussed below (Cologne View). Last but not least, crossing the bridge allows to observe the thousands of padlocks attached by couples and friends who decided to seal their love or friendship; it is even called the “lovers’ bridge” (s\/o the Pont des Arts in Paris, which was previously decorated with thousands of padlocks). <\/span><\/p>\n

    Once on the other side you can enjoy the view from the Cologne View and\/or take a walk along the Rhine.<\/span><\/p>\n

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    Cologne View<\/span><\/h2>\n

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    Address: Ottopl. 1, 50679 K\u00f6ln, Germany<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

    Being a fan of this type of view, it was natural that this spot was included in the list. Take the elevator and find yourself 28 floors up in a few moments; while doing so, and hoping the weather is clear, you can admire the city and several of the spots in this article (the cathedral, the Rhine, the Hohenzollern bridge, the Ferris wheel, etc.). Please note the presence of glass which may cause some reflections on your photos. To enjoy this attraction, you will have to pay 5\u20ac.<\/span><\/p>\n

    I would have liked to go to the Colonius Tower and share my experience with you, but as far as I know, it is not open to the public, so you will have to be satisfied with the outside, which is what I did.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/1″][vc_custom_heading separator=”yes” separator_color=”yes” uncode_shortcode_id=”212805″]<\/p>\n

    Along the Rhine (Rheinpromenade K\u00f6ln-Deutz)<\/span><\/h2>\n

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    Address: Hermann-P\u00fcnder-Stra\u00dfe 1A, 50679 K\u00f6ln, Germany<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

    Another nice and simple spot to walk; walk along the Rhine. Getting there early is the best thing to do, I’m sharing the info with you because it’s just us. By going there in the morning I had been able to carry out my walk in the biggest calm because there were only some people, on the other hand the sun was well with the appointment, as much to say to you that the moment was more than pleasant and the taken photos interesting. I also advise you to take advantage of this stroll to sit on a bench, in the morning or at sunset, in order to better appreciate the moment. At the end of the walk, I took the bridge (Deutzer Br\u00fccke) to go back to the other side and reach the next spot.<\/span><\/p>\n

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    Old market<\/span><\/h2>\n

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    Address: Alter Markt 18, 50667 K\u00f6ln, Germany<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

    Once you cross the bridge (Deutzer Br\u00fccke) you have two options, go left to explore the old market or go right to the Ferris wheel and the chocolate museum (both located in the Rheinauhafen district); between us, I did both. Let’s start with the old market; I found the area to have a certain charm and fit well into my exploration of the city. It’s like going back in time because the cobbled streets or the colorful half-timbered buildings let us guess and plunge us into a past era. When you go there, you will find a series of stores, restaurants and bars; however, the most interesting thing, from my point of view, is the style of the said buildings and the color palette of the latter.<\/span><\/p>\n

    In addition, in winter, a few steps away, there is the large square where the Christmas market is held.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/1″][vc_custom_heading separator=”yes” separator_color=”yes” uncode_shortcode_id=”785907″]<\/p>\n

    Chocolate museum & Ferris wheel<\/span><\/h2>\n

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    Address: Am Schokoladenmuseum 1A, 50678 K\u00f6ln, Germany<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

    I went to this corner not for the chocolate museum, but to take pictures of the Ferris wheel that was right behind it. However, if you want to trace the history of chocolate, you will have to pay 13.50\u20ac for an adult ticket; also note that the museum is closed on Mondays.<\/span><\/p>\n

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    Kranh\u00e4user Rheinauhafen<\/span><\/h2>\n

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    Address: Im Zollhafen, 50678 K\u00f6ln, Germany<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

    In addition to the Ferris wheel, I took advantage of being in the Rheinauhafen district to stop in front of the Kranh\u00e4user (translated “crane houses”). The Kranh\u00e4user is a complex of three buildings, housing offices, apartments and a hotel, about 61 meters high, whose shape resembles a crane, a direct reference to the neighborhood. Indeed, Rheinauhafen is a former harbor that has been redeveloped to become a (posh) district where there are now restaurants, galleries, apartments and other buildings; despite its rehabilitation some cranes are still present as a reminder of the past.<\/span><\/p>\n

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    Overkill<\/span><\/h2>\n

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    Address: Hahnenstra\u00dfe 20, 50667 K\u00f6ln, Germany<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

    Change of neighborhood, atmosphere and activity; go to Overkill. The shop opened in October 2021 and is located in an area with many other stores of all kinds, fast food, restaurants and more so be prepared for some traffic. I had already been to the Overkill\/Overkill Women shops located in Berlin<\/a>, so it seemed natural to go through this one. In this previous article<\/a> about sneaker and streetwear shops in Berlin, I mentioned some facts about Overkill. In particular its origins and its numerous collaborations; in addition, different elements that have made Overkill a key player in the sneaker and artistic world.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Once there, you’ll find a not-so-large but interesting selection (including the latest coveted releases), and more products are available in the online store.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”834221″]<\/p>\n

    I also took advantage of being in the area to do two things, on the one hand, to make a visit to Carhartt<\/a>, Taschen<\/a> and Titus<\/a> on the other hand, to get to the Weltstadthaus<\/a>. This is not to enter the building (because inside is the Peek & Copenhagen store) but rather to see and enjoy the photographic potential of the building, designed by architect Renzo Piano, whose organic shape is similar to a whale or a ship.<\/span><\/p>\n

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    Ehrenfeld & Belgian district<\/span><\/h2>\n

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    Address: Hahnenstra\u00dfe 20, 50667 K\u00f6ln, Germany<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

    Here are two neighborhoods you should add to your list of places to walk in Cologne. The Ehrenfeld neighborhood has a lot of street art; how much art will you be able to find? If you’re interested in this aspect, I share with you this blog article<\/a> that helped me to find street art in different neighborhoods; moreover, the blog also lists other places like places to have brunch or to go to thrift shops. Note that the central mosque of Cologne<\/a> is located in this area. Second district, the Belgian district. The district is in the same spirit as the previous one and<\/span> is known to be festive!<\/span><\/p>\n

    [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/1″][vc_custom_heading separator=”yes” separator_color=”yes” uncode_shortcode_id=”184941″]<\/p>\n

    Bonus: What to do around Cologne? Visit D\u00fcsseldorf<\/span><\/h2>\n

    [\/vc_custom_heading][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”183320″]The proposed spots can be done in 1 to 2 days or even 3 depending on the time you have, the way you want to organize your agenda and the additional spots you could add. If time permits and if you are interested in the idea, you could visit one or more cities around Cologne, like D\u00fcsseldorf, Duisburg or Essen.<\/span><\/p>\n

    D\u00fcsseldorf for example is only 30 minutes away by train, the city has a lot to offer, be it for culture, architecture, entertainment and so on. <\/span>To give you an idea, as far as architecture is concerned, there are several projects by renowned architects such as the Neuer Zollhof production by Franck Gerhy or the Colorium by William Allen Alsop. Beyond these large-scale projects, I particularly appreciated the presence of different styles (baroque, gothic, contemporary) and the mix of old and new. In terms of culture and entertainment, there are many museums, galleries and places worth visiting, such as the NRW Forum, the Museum Kunstpalast, the K20 (and potentially K21), a walk along the Rhine, a visit to the old town, a ride on the Ferris wheel, a boat trip or a visit to the TV tower; there is no shortage of possibilities. So, are you tempted? I invite you to read my complete article: what to do in D\u00fcsseldorf?<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

    [\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image media=”1290″ media_width_percent=”100″ uncode_shortcode_id=”134178″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/1″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”820076″]I hope this article has given you some ideas on what to do in and around Cologne or has helped you make your decision. If you want to go further while staying in Germany, I invite you to check my articles on D\u00fcsseldorf<\/a> and\/or Berlin<\/a>!<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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