The best things to do in Cologne – 48 Hour Travel Itinerary

So you’re heading to Cologne? Great choice! Here’s a quick summary of the best things to do in Cologne, and what we did with 48 hours in the city.

A Short Overview of Cologne

Cologne is Germany’s fourth-largest city. Despite this, it’s super easy to get around and you won’t struggle to find the main attractions! This makes it perfect for a weekend break or short trip as there is a lot to see and do! 

From chocolate and beer lovers to history and architecture geeks, due to the wide variety of things to do here, there’s something for everyone to do in Cologne. 

Getting to Cologne

The best and quickest way to get to cologne is to fly especially since flights from Manchester (UK) take just over an hour and there are tonnes of budget options available from under £50.

Check out Skyscanner and Google Flights to compare flight prices and times, this will help to find the best deals and options that work for you.

Once you arrive at Cologne airport you’ll need to get to the city. The best, cheapest and quickest way is by train, it costs €3 per person and the station is located within the airport. Go check out my guide on getting around Cologne for more info.

Where to stay in Cologne?

Cologne being a modern city has hundreds of accommodation options, this means that there are plenty of hotels available for any budget or taste. We stayed in the Ibis Budget hotel which was a short walk from the main attractions (around 15-20 minutes) and we found it perfect for what we needed. If you’re willing to pay a little more or hunt down an airbnb then you’ll be able to get a little closer.

The best and cheapest ways we found to book accommodation in Cologne are through Airbnb and booking.com.

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Day 1

After arriving in ‘Koln Hbf‘ (the central train station), the city really is yours to explore. Head out of the station and take a stroll around to get your bearings. You’ll immediately be able to see Hohenzollern Love bridge and the Cathedral.