Travel around Cologne with Bobby
Day 1Cathedrals and Cobblestones: A Grand Welcome to Cologne
The moment I arrived in Cologne, the first thing that greeted me was the towering spires of the Cologne Cathedral. It’s hard to describe just how massive and breathtaking this Gothic masterpiece is until you’re standing right in front of it. I spent a good portion of my morning exploring the cathedral—climbing the 533 steps to the top for a panoramic view of the city was a workout, but totally worth it. The details inside the cathedral, from the stained glass to the relics of the Three Kings, were mesmerizing.
For lunch, I decided to stop by Früh am Dom, one of the city’s oldest breweries, where I had my first taste of Kölsch, the local beer. Light, refreshing, and served in small glasses—it paired perfectly with my hearty plate of Rheinischer Sauerbraten, a traditional marinated pot roast.
In the afternoon, I strolled down to the banks of the Rhine River. The promenade was lively with street musicians and locals enjoying the warm weather. I took a river cruise, which was a relaxing way to see the city from a different perspective. By evening, I wandered through the Old Town’s narrow streets, popping into some local shops before heading back to my hotel near the Altstadt.
The Cologne Cathedral is a must, and don’t skip the climb to the top for the view. When it comes to food, try Kölsch beer with any traditional dish—it’s a perfect match!
Day 2Art and Ancient History: Diving into Cologne’s Culture
After a solid breakfast at my hotel, I was ready to dive into Cologne’s rich cultural side. I kicked off the day at the Museum Ludwig, home to an impressive collection of modern art, including works by Picasso and Warhol. The museum’s layout is fantastic—spacious yet intimate enough to feel personal. Even if you’re not a huge fan of contemporary art, the exhibits here are fascinating and beautifully curated.
Next up was the Roman-Germanic Museum, which transported me back to ancient times. Cologne, once a Roman settlement, is filled with fascinating archaeological finds. The museum’s highlight? The 1,900-year-old Dionysus mosaic floor. It’s massive, and you could easily spend hours admiring the detailed craftsmanship.
For lunch, I ventured to Gilden im Zims, another classic spot in the city center, where I indulged in Himmel un Ääd (Heaven and Earth), a hearty mix of mashed potatoes, apple sauce, and blood sausage. This dish was surprisingly delicious and gave me the energy I needed for the afternoon.
In the evening, I decided to get a taste of Cologne’s nightlife. I headed to the Belgian Quarter, a trendy part of town with plenty of bars and cafes. I found a cozy spot called Seiberts—famous for its cocktails. It was the perfect way to wind down after a day of cultural exploration.
Lunch at Gilden im Zims was a real treat, with Himmel un Ääd (Heaven and Earth) giving me a taste of authentic Cologne flavors. The combination of mashed potatoes, apple sauce, and blood sausage was surprisingly delicious. It was hearty and filling, giving me energy for the rest of the day.
Food
The hotel continued to serve its purpose well, with a comfortable bed and a quiet night’s sleep. Its proximity to museums and restaurants made it easy to get around without needing much transport. While the decor was simple, it had everything I needed for a good rest.
Accomodation
Exploring the Museum Ludwig and the Roman-Germanic Museum gave me a fantastic insight into Cologne's rich cultural history. The modern art collection at the Museum Ludwig was impressive, while the ancient Roman artifacts in the Roman-Germanic Museum were equally captivating. Both museums offered an excellent cultural deep dive.
Activity
If you’re into history, the Roman-Germanic Museum is a hidden gem you shouldn’t miss. And for nightlife, the Belgian Quarter has something for everyone, from laid-back bars to stylish cocktail lounges.
Day 3Markets, Mosaics, and Memories: A Perfect Farewell
For my final day, I decided to keep things a bit more laid-back, starting with a morning visit to the Cologne Chocolate Museum. This place is a chocolate lover’s paradise! Not only do you get to learn about the history and process of making chocolate, but you can also sample it fresh from a chocolate fountain. Watching the intricate process of praline-making in real-time was a fun treat, and I couldn’t leave without grabbing a few souvenirs from the gift shop.
Afterward, I made my way to the nearby Fischmarkt, which is as colorful as it is historic. The pastel-painted buildings, paired with views of the Rhine, make this spot picture-perfect. I grabbed a quick lunch from a nearby food stand and just soaked in the atmosphere.
In the afternoon, I visited the Shrine of the Three Kings back at the Cologne Cathedral, this time taking my time to appreciate the details I might have missed on the first day. I also made a quick stop at the Hohenzollern Bridge, famous for its love locks. Walking across the bridge with the view of Cologne’s skyline in the background was a perfect ending to my trip.
For my final dinner in Cologne, I went to Peter’s Brauhaus, another local favorite. I couldn’t resist ordering Mettbrötchen (a raw minced pork sandwich), which sounds strange but is a local delicacy that’s worth trying. Paired with another round of Kölsch, it was a perfect last meal in the city.
I had an unforgettable experience at Peter’s Brauhaus for dinner, where I tried the local delicacy Mettbrötchen (raw minced pork sandwich). The flavors were unique and surprisingly good, especially when paired with Kölsch beer. It was an adventurous choice, and I'm glad I tried it!
Food
By day three, I felt quite at home in my hotel. It wasn’t luxurious, but it was cozy and functional. Its location continued to be a big plus, especially since I could easily walk to the Old Town and the Rhine. A consistent and pleasant stay overall.
Accomodation
The Cologne Chocolate Museum was the perfect way to wrap up my trip. Watching pralines being made and sampling chocolate straight from the fountain was such a fun and delicious experience. The Fischmarkt with its colorful houses provided a lovely final stroll along the Rhine, capturing the charm of Cologne one last time.
Activity
The Cologne Chocolate Museum is not just for kids—it’s a fun experience for adults too! And if you’re a foodie, don’t shy away from trying Mettbrötchen—it’s a unique, authentic Cologne dish.
Summary of My Trip
Through Bobby's eyes
My experiences
As Bobby, my time in Cologne was an incredible mix of history, culture, and modern city vibes. The city offers something for every kind of traveler—whether you're fascinated by ancient history, in awe of Gothic architecture, or simply looking to enjoy a relaxed riverfront walk. It’s a city that balances its rich past with a vibrant, forward-thinking atmosphere, making it a memorable stop for any traveler.
On my first day, I dined at Früh am Dom, a traditional brewery that serves classic German fare. I tried the Rheinischer Sauerbraten, a marinated pot roast that was tender and packed with flavor. The refreshing Kölsch beer was the perfect complement to the meal. A solid introduction to Cologne's hearty cuisine.
Food
I stayed at a hotel near the Altstadt (Old Town), which offered easy access to all the main attractions like the Cathedral and the Rhine. The room was comfortable and well-maintained, though not overly luxurious. It had all the essentials for a pleasant stay and was reasonably priced for the location.
Accomodation
Climbing the 533 steps of the Cologne Cathedral to reach the top was a highlight of my day. The view over the city was absolutely stunning, and exploring the interior of the cathedral was equally fascinating. A walk along the Rhine promenade and a river cruise wrapped up my day beautifully.
Activity