A two-day trip to Cologne allows you to see the main sights without an exhausting marathon of sightseeing. It’s best to group the attractions by neighbourhood, leaving time for Gothic architecture, museums and views of the Rhine, meals, a rest after the coach journey, and the flexibility to change plans if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Before you set off
Save your arrival address, an offline map and directions to your accommodation. If the coach arrives early, check whether you can leave your luggage somewhere. Check the official city tourism website for current opening times and tickets for paid attractions.
Day one: the historic centre
Start with Cologne Cathedral, the Hohenzollern Bridge and the Old Town. Don’t try to visit every museum: choose one main paid attraction, and spend the rest of the first day on a walking tour. That way, you’ll see more of the city and won’t be tied to a tight schedule.
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The evening of the first day
Set aside some time for a leisurely dinner and a short stroll through the main streets. If you’ve been travelling through the night, getting an early night is better than visiting yet another far-flung attraction. Check the last public transport service back to your accommodation before leaving the city centre.
Day two: another side of the city
Continue your route from the Ludwig Museum, the Rheinboulevard and a themed museum of your choice. Alternate between indoor venues and open spaces: this helps to avoid overloading your itinerary and leaves a contingency in case of rain. Booking may be advisable for popular museums or viewing platforms, but always check the current guidelines.
Transport and budget
First, assess the distances on a map: it’s often more convenient to walk around much of the city centre. For outlying areas, check the local fare system. A day ticket is only worth it if you’re planning several journeys, so compare it with single-journey fares on the transport operator’s official website.
Preparing for a bus journey
Tips for travelling to Germany and checking your documents are summarised in this RedRay article. It’s handy to check what to pack for a long journey against the hand luggage list, and you can find available journeys on RedRay.
Return journey
On the day of departure, double-check the time, the bus station address and the platform number. Set off with plenty of time to spare, especially if you need to change buses or check in luggage. Keep your ticket, passport and mobile phone with you, rather than in a large suitcase.
A quick checklist
- two groups of locations by district;
- one main paid attraction per day;
- an offline map and ticket;
- allowance for the weather and downtime;
- plenty of time before the return coach.