Köln 3-Day Itinerary

Archaeological museum showcasing Roman Cologne's history, including the original Dionysus mosaic floor from a 3rd-century villa.

🕐 Tue–Sun 10am–5pm (Wed until 8pm). Closed Mon.

💡 Free entry on first Thursday of each month. Check the Roman harbour remains outside the museum—they're always accessible.

Exhibits Roman artefacts from Cologne's past, including the Dionysus mosaic and Roman glassware. Currently in temporary location near the Dom.

🕐 Tue–Sun 10:00–17:00, Mon closed

💡 Free entry is limited to certain days—check the museum website for current free days (often first Thursday). Otherwise €9. Allow 1 hour.

Hartis Cafe · ££

Kahnstation im Blücherpark · ££

Fine art museum with works from the Middle Ages to early 20th century, including a strong collection of German Expressionists and Impressionists.

🕐 Tue–Sun 10am–6pm (Thu until 9pm). Closed Mon.

💡 Free entry for under-18s. Free on first Thursday of the month after 5pm. Otherwise, €9 standard (or ask about the KölnTicket which covers multiple museums).

15th-century Gothic town hall with a free-to-view courtyard and the 1404 'Platzjabbeck' figure on the clock. The surrounding cobbled square hosts a daily market (fruit, flowers, cheese) and outdoor ca

🕐 Courtyard: Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00, Sat 09:00–14:00; closed Sun

💡 Go on a Saturday morning when the farmers' market is busiest – you can sample fresh produce for free. The Rathaus tower tour costs a few euros but the courtyard is free.

Large riverside park on the right bank of the Rhine, with lawns, rose gardens, and the 60m-tall 'KölnTriangle' viewing platform (€3, optional). Great for a picnic or a stroll along the embankment.

🕐 Always open

💡 The best free view of the cathedral is from the Deutzer Brücke footpath just before the park. Bring a blanket and buy a beer from a kiosk; locals gather here on sunny evenings.

Massive Gothic cathedral with twin spires and stunning stained-glass windows. Entry to the main nave is free; the tower climb costs a few euros.

🕐 Daily 6:00-20:00

💡 Go early at 8am to avoid crowds. The treasury (paid) has medieval relics worth seeing if you have time.

Café Franck

Tolin

Massive Gothic cathedral and UNESCO site. The main nave and chapels are free to enter. Climb the 533-step south tower for a panoramic view of the city and the R

💡 Go on a weekday morning to avoid queues for the tower (€6, 2024 price, but entrance is free). The treasury and guided tours cost extra.

The towering Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO site with twin spires reaching 157m. Climb the south tower's 533 steps for panoramic city views over the Rhine.

💡 Arrive before 10am to dodge queues for the tower climb—the spiral staircase gets tight mid-afternoon.

Massive Gothic cathedral and UNESCO site. Soaring columns, stained glass, and the Shrine of the Three Kings. Entry to the main nave is free.

💡 Climb the south tower (533 steps, €6) for panoramic views over the Rhine. Go on a clear morning for best light and fewer crowds.

Large riverside park on the east bank of the Rhine, with lawns, flower beds, and a funicular up the hill for views.

💡 Pack a picnic and catch the sunset from the top of the park near the Monheimsweg. Free funicular runs every 15 minutes.

El Barrio

Miyu