Driving routes, distances and day-trip ideas nearby.
A ready week, day by day: highly rated places, lunches, tours and trips out of town. Ratings and opening hours come from Tripadvisor, distances are real driving distances.
An unhurried first day: the centre on foot, one landmark and a quiet dinner near where you're staying. Don't plan anything far — after travelling, getting your bearings matters more.
All day
A free day — the market, the waterfront, the next neighbourhood over.
Hotel check-in is usually from 2pm — if you arrive earlier, most places will store your luggage.
The fullest day: two or three key places back to back. Start early — queues build by midday at the popular ones, and the light is better for photographs after lunch.
All day
A free day — the market, the waterfront, the next neighbourhood over.
Carry some cash for markets and small cafés — cards are not taken everywhere.
A day for what needs time and attention: museums, historic quarters, and lunch somewhere locals actually go.
Afternoon
Street Art Tour Köln Ehrenfeld
5.0· 34from €28
Street Art Tour Köln Ehrenfeld — rated 5 from 34 reviews.
Many museums close on a Monday or Tuesday — check the opening hours before you set out.
Get beyond the city: the nearby towns and countryside are usually what stays with you. A rental car is the practical way — public transport on these routes is slow and infrequent.
All day
Koln
Koln is null km from Cologne, about 0m by car. Leave in the morning so you're back before dark.
Book the car ahead: in season there is little left and the counter price is higher.
Rent a car in CologneA free day. Go back to wherever you wanted to linger, and add one or two places from the list you haven't reached.
Afternoon
City Tour per Rikscha in Cologne
5.0· 31from €62
City Tour per Rikscha in Cologne — rated 5 from 31 reviews.
Carry some cash for markets and small cafés — cards are not taken everywhere.
A good day for a guided tour: a guide tells you what the signs don't, and takes the driving off your hands.
All day
Bonn
Bonn is 30 km from Cologne, about 38m by car. Leave in the morning so you're back before dark.
Book the car ahead: in season there is little left and the counter price is higher.
Rent a car in CologneA calm finish: a favourite spot once more, some shopping, a late lunch. Leave yourself room before the airport.
Afternoon
Aachen Walking Tour: Explore Top Sights & Hidden Gems
5.0· 11from €67
Aachen Walking Tour: Explore Top Sights & Hidden Gems — rated 5 from 11 reviews.
Allow twice what the map says for the airport run — it is never the quiet hour when you need it.
Within a ~2.5h drive of Cologne.
Where you can drive from Cologne.
Tap a place for photos, opening hours and reviews
Top attractions
Restaurants and cafés
Street Art Tour Köln Ehrenfeld
€28
City Tour per Rikscha in Cologne
€62
Aachen Walking Tour: Explore Top Sights & Hidden Gems
€67
Echoes of War: A National Socialism and Cologne WWII Tour
€15
Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom
from €251 / night
Adina Apartment Hotel Cologne
from €108 / night
Ruby Ella Hotel Cologne by IHG
from €112 / night
AMERON Köln Hotel Regent
from €88 / night
Source — Tripadvisor
Authentic Italian trattoria.
A fairly authentic feeling Italian eatery with a short, simple but very well-chosen menu. Simple Italian dishes very well done. Very convenient for nearby hotels but cheaper and more interesting then they are.
The best stay in Germany
We had fabulous stay at the hotel. The rooms were great, clean, quiet and we had great sleep. The view of the Kölner Dom from our Dom Suite was spectacular. The staff were very friendly. Made us feel so welcome. One of the staff look like the famous Billy Connolly, he was so helpful and friendly. We are really enjoy ou…
Super tasty
Super tasty food and well served. You must get the Nachos Original. A little pricey but the portions are big for two.
perfect
The perfect location for visiting both Messe and city centre. Ready access from parking Contipark and trainstation. Excellent room with a tiny kitchenette and even a washing machine! Excellent soundproofing as well.