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Is One Day in Cologne Enough? Absolutely!
If you’re wondering whether one day is enough to explore Cologne, rest assured—it’s plenty of time to soak in the city’s highlights without feeling rushed.
During my stay in Frankfurt, I wanted to mix things up with some easy day trips by train, and Cologne turned out to be the perfect choice!
Cologne has so much to offer, but with only one day, I had to be selective about what to see. At the top of my list were the breathtaking Cologne Cathedral and the charming Old Town.
Since it was my first time in the city, and I was traveling solo, I didn’t want to overwhelm myself by trying to do too much.
By the end of the day, I ended up experiencing more than I had planned.
You’ll be surprised how much you can see and feel in just one day!
Table of Contents
What to See with One Day in Cologne
The beauty of Cologne is that its main attractions are close to the train station, close to each other, and easily reached by walking.
This is everything I was able to see on my 1 day in Cologne:
- Cologne Cathedral
- 4711 House
- Fruh am Dom
- Old Town
- Town Hall
- Great St. Martin Church
- Ludwig Museum
- Fishmarkt and Rhine River
- Hohenzollern Bridge
Cologne One Day Itinerary
Are you ready to make the most of your one day in Cologne Germany? Here’s my guide on how I did it and what I recommend.
Morning: The Cologne Cathedral
Start your day with an unforgettable experience at the iconic Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom).
If you’re arriving by train, you’re in luck—the cathedral is literally right outside the door of the train station. I’ll never forget how magical it felt the first time I saw it. The train station has this massive glass wall, and as I walked toward the exit, the cathedral started to appear, bit by bit, like watching a puzzle come together.
Let me tell you, you’ll be in awe of its sheer size and beauty! As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s the tallest twin-spired church in Europe, and it’s impossible to ignore.
The fact that this masterpiece took over 600 years to complete—starting in 1248 and finally finished in 1880—makes it even more remarkable.
Once inside the cathedral, the sheer scale takes your breath away. The ceilings seem impossibly high and the stained glass windows flood the space with soft, colorful light.
Don’t stop there though. Be sure to make your way all the way to the back. In the back, tucked in behind the alter, you’ll see a stunning golden sarcophagus.
Inside are the relics of the Three Magi – yes, those Three Magi!
When I was there, I heard so many people walking by wondering what was inside. They had no idea. There’s a descriptive sign but unless you know German or researched beforehand, you wouldn’t know.
What’s even more incredible to think about is that this entire cathedral was built to hold these sacred relics!
The Treasury in Cologne Cathedral is a hidden gem that often gets overshadowed by the cathedral itself, but it’s an absolute must-see. Nestled down in the basement, this treasure trove holds centuries of ecclesiastical art and relics, including ornate chalices, golden reliquaries, and intricately crafted medieval artifacts.
You can also climb the cathedral’s tower for breathtaking views of the city. But if you’re like me, you might prefer to simply gaze up at the spires and quietly congratulate yourself for avoiding the 500+ steps of cardio.
Cost: Free to enter the Cathedral and 6 euros to enter the Treasury.
Time: My train arrived about 10AM and I spent 1 1/2 hours in the Cathedral and Treasury.
Mid-Morning: 4711 Eau de Cologne
After exploring the cathedral, take a short walk to the 4711 House, home to the original Eau de Cologne.
It’s a charming place to learn about this iconic fragrance, and you can even pick up a small bottle as a souvenir. I’m not a perfume or fragrance person but I couldn’t resist dabbing a little behind my ears—because why not feel fancy while wandering?
Did you know that people used to drink this stuff? Me neither but they did!
The story of 4711 Eau de Cologne began in October 1792, when Wilhelm Mülhens received a secret recipe for “miracle water” as a wedding gift.
This miracle water was originally intended for both internal and external use, and Mülhens initially marketed it as a medicinal health drink, undiluted or mixed with wine.
Crazy to think about, right?!?!
In 1794, during the French military’s occupation, a French general ordered all houses to be sequentially numbered. Mülhens’ house was assigned the number 4711. And that name that stuck – 4711.
Then, in 1810, Napoleon decreed that all medicinal products must publicly disclose their ingredients. To protect his secret recipe, Mülhens rebranded his miracle water as a fragrance, giving birth to the 4711 Eau de Cologne we know today.
Cost: Free to window shop.
Time: I arrived about noon and spent 15 minutes here.
Afternoon: Old Town and Lunch
Next, take some time to wander through Cologne’s Old Town (Altstadt) and find lunch.
This part of the city feels like stepping back in time with its cobblestone streets and colorful gabled houses.
As you walk, keep an eye out for the Heinzelmännchen Fountain. It tells the tale of Cologne’s mischievous house elves. The story goes that these elves used to help the city’s craftsmen complete their work overnight—until one curious tailor’s wife scared them away forever.
Lunch Options
Old Town has plenty of great spots to enjoy lunch. And if you’ve found the Heinzelmännchen Fountain, you’ll be right by one of them – Fruh.
For an authentic Cologne experience, Früh am Dom is the way to go. Fruh opened in 1904 and is Germany’s second largest brewpub! Hofbrauhaus in Munich is the largest.
You’ll find traditional hearty German food here like sausages, schnitzel, and their famous rye bread. Even if you decide not to eat lunch here, having a Kolsch is a must!
You can’t go to Cologne and not have a Kolsch!
Kölsch is a light and crisp beer brewed only in Cologne. It’s a local favorite, and Früh is one of the best places to enjoy it!
Insider tip: The waitstaff will keep refilling your glass until you place your coaster over it. Yes, it’s a bit like a drinking game, except you’re trying to stop the flow!
Town Hall and Great St. Martin Church
After lunch, continue exploring Old Town’s highlights.
Stop by the Cologne Town Hall. It’s one of the oldest Town Halls in Germany.
Its Gothic tower is particularly striking and just sort of magically appears as you walk through the streets. If you’re lucky, you might even hear the carillon bells chiming.
The building still functions as a town hall so there’s not really anything to see inside other than administrative offices.
From there, head to the Great St. Martin Church.
One of the quirky details of the Church is the small clock on its facade, near the top of the tower. It’s easy to miss if you’re not looking for it, but there’s a fun surprise if you can find it—a figure that sticks its tongue out!
Legend has it that the tongue is meant to mock the Cologne Cathedral, part of a centuries-old rivalry between the church communities. I don’t know whether the story is true or not but it sure is a fun little detail to see on a church.
Late Afternoon: Ludwig Museum
Next, make your way to the Ludwig Museum, located next to the cathedral. This museum houses a pretty impressive collection of modern art, including works by Picasso, Warhol, and Lichtenstein.
The museum also has a patio cafe with views of the cathedral.
Cost: 13 euros
Time: I arrived here about 3:00PM and spent 1 1/2 hours in the museum.
Evening: Fischmarkt and Dinner with a View
For dinner, head to the Fischmarkt area, a colorful and picturesque part of the Old Town along the Rhine River.
The Fischmarkt, or Fish Market, was once the bustling center of Cologne’s fish trade. During medieval times, merchants would sell fresh fish brought in from the Rhine.
While the market itself no longer operates, the area is still full of historical charm and is lined with restaurants overlooking the water.
And, if you’re visiting in the winter, their outdoor seating areas are enclosed with heaters. So you can still enjoy the view!
You may have already wandered over to the Fischmarkt area as you were exploring Old Town earlier. If so, you know how close it is to pop on back over for dinner. It’s only about a six minute walk from the Ludwig Museum.
Photo by Ertabbt www.pexels.com
After Dinner: Hohenzollern Bridge
End your day with a walk across the Hohenzollern Bridge, famous for its thousands of love locks. If the timing is right, you’ll be crossing over around sunset or after dark, when the Cologne Cathedral is all lit up.
The love lock tradition is simple: couples inscribe their names or initials on a padlock, lock it to the bridge, and toss the key into the Rhine as a symbol of their unbreakable bond.
I couldn’t help but think, here I am, a divorcée surrounded by locks proclaiming eternal love. I laughed, thinking, “Well, at least no one has to worry about me throwing a key into the Rhine!”
Still, the view of the Cathedral towering over the city and the shimmering river below was undeniably romantic.
Cost: Free
Time: I spent less than 30 minutes on the bridge. The train station is next door, so it’s convenient to hop on the train back to Frankfurt.
Other Things to Do in Cologne
If you have extra time or want to tweak your itinerary, consider these additional activities:
- Chocolate Museum: Learn about the history and production of chocolate at this interactive museum by the Rhine. I didn’t go inside since I’d visited the one in Switzerland and knew I’d eat way too much chocolate, but it’s a popular spot for visitors.
- Shopping: Cologne has some fantastic shopping areas, including Schildergasse and Hohe Straße, where you can find everything from international brands to local boutiques. Perfect for souvenir hunting or indulging in a little retail therapy.
Getting to Cologne
Cologne is incredibly well-connected by train, making it the perfect destination for a day trip.
If you are coming from Frankfurt, there are two ICE train routes. One goes along the Rhine and takes 2 1/2 hours. The other goes inland and only takes an hour.
If you have the time, take the morning ICE train that goes along the Rhine. You’ll go through the most scenic part of the Rhine and get to see all the castles!
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Have you been to Cologne or plan to visit? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below!
