3-Day Christmas Holiday Experience in Cologne, Germany

Cologne, Germany

3 days

Christmas market Köln
Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market
View of the Christmas city skating rink on background the Cologne Cathedral
Shopping people Christmas market at square near Kolner Dom
Most famous christmas market near Cologne Cathedral.

About Cologne, Germany

Experience the charm of Cologne, Germany, a city rich in history and culture. Marvel at the iconic Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore the city's 12 Romanesque churches. Stroll through the Old Town, with its traditional buildings and bustling breweries. Visit the Ludwig Museum to admire contemporary art or the Chocolate Museum for a sweet treat. Take a scenic cruise along the Rhine River and enjoy the vibrant nightlife in the Belgian Quarter. Cologne also hosts the famous Carnival, a week-long street festival full of parades and costumes. With its blend of ancient architecture, modern art, and lively festivals, Cologne offers a unique travel experience.

3-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring the Historic Heart of Cologne

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Cologne Cathedral. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit for its stunning Gothic architecture and panoramic views of the city from its south tower.

Lunch

Enjoy a traditional German lunch in the Old Town area. Try local specialties like bratwurst and sauerkraut.

Afternoon

After lunch, explore the charming streets of the Old Town. Visit the historic Great St. Martin Church and the Roman-Germanic Museum, which houses a large collection of Roman artifacts from the Cologne area.

Dinner

Have dinner in a local restaurant in the Belgian Quarter, known for its diverse food scene.

Evening

End your day at one of the city's Christmas markets. The one in front of the Cologne Cathedral is particularly popular, with over 150 stalls selling crafts, food, and mulled wine.

Morning

Start your second day with a visit to the Museum Ludwig, which houses a significant collection of modern art, including works by Picasso and Warhol.

Lunch

Have lunch in the trendy Ehrenfeld district, known for its vibrant street art and hip eateries.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon exploring the Ehrenfeld district. Visit the Cologne TV Tower and the Neptunbad, a historic spa and wellness center.

Dinner

Dine in a traditional brewery in the Altstadt-Nord district, where you can try Kölsch, the local beer.

Evening

Visit the Christmas market at Neumarkt, the city's oldest Christmas market. Here you can find unique gifts and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Morning

On your last day, visit the Chocolate Museum to learn about the history of chocolate and see how it's made.

Lunch

Have lunch in the Südstadt district, known for its laid-back vibe and excellent food scene.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon in the Rheinauhafen district, visiting the Kranhaus buildings and the German Sports and Olympic Museum.

Dinner

Enjoy your last dinner in Cologne in the hip Agnesviertel district, known for its eclectic mix of restaurants.

Evening

End your trip with a visit to the Harbor Christmas Market, located in the Rheinauhafen district. Enjoy the festive lights, music, and food as you reflect on your trip.

Attractions in Itinerary (9)

Cologne Cathedral

1
Cologne Cathedral

A renowned monument of German Catholicism and Gothic architecture, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Attractions
Monuments
Religious Sites
Architecture
Great St. Martin Church

2
Great St. Martin Church

The Great St. Martin Church is a Romanesque Catholic church that is one of the twelve Romanesque churches of Cologne. It is a prominent landmark with its distinctive crossing tower.

Religious Sites
Architecture
Landmarks
Roman-Germanic Museum

3
Roman-Germanic Museum

A museum with a collection of Roman artifacts from the Roman settlement of Cologne.

Museums
Cultural Experiences
Museum Ludwig

4
Museum Ludwig

Museum Ludwig is a modern art museum that houses a collection of pop art, abstract and surrealist art, and has one of the largest Picasso collections in Europe.

Museums
Cultural Experiences
Cologne TV Tower

5
Cologne TV Tower

The Cologne TV Tower, also known as Colonius, is a prominent landmark and attraction in Cologne. Standing at 266 meters, it offers panoramic views of the city and is a must-visit for tourists.

Attractions
Landmarks
Architecture
Neptunbad

6
Neptunbad

Neptunbad is a luxurious wellness and fitness center located in Cologne. It offers a variety of services including a gym, spa, and sauna. It is a great place to relax and unwind after a day of exploring the city.

Attractions
Entertainment
Sports
Chocolate Museum

7
Chocolate Museum

A museum dedicated to the history and production of chocolate.

Museums
Food and Drink
Kranhaus buildings

8
Kranhaus buildings

The Kranhaus buildings are a set of three 17-story buildings in Cologne. They are a prime example of modern architecture and are a popular attraction for tourists.

Attractions
Architecture
German Sports and Olympic Museum

9
German Sports and Olympic Museum

The German Sports and Olympic Museum is a museum dedicated to the history of sports and the Olympics. It features a variety of exhibits and interactive displays, making it a must-visit for sports enthusiasts.

Attractions
Museums
Sports

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Himmel und Ääd

Himmel und Ääd

A traditional Cologne dish, Himmel und Ääd (Heaven and Earth) combines mashed potatoes (earth) and apple sauce (heaven) with blood sausage and onions. It's a hearty dish that reflects the city's rustic culinary heritage.

Kölsch

Kölsch

Kölsch is not just a beer, it's a part of Cologne's identity. Brewed only in Cologne, this top-fermented beer is served in small, thin glasses and has a bright, crisp taste.

Rheinischer Sauerbraten

Rheinischer Sauerbraten

A classic dish from the Rhineland, Rheinischer Sauerbraten is a pot roast, usually of beef, marinated before being slow-cooked. It's often served with red cabbage and a type of dumpling known as Kartoffelklöße.

Flönz

Flönz

Flönz is a type of blood sausage that's a staple of Cologne's cuisine. It's typically served with onions and is a key ingredient in the local dish Himmel und Ääd.

Reibekuchen

Reibekuchen

Reibekuchen are Cologne's version of potato pancakes. They're often served with apple sauce and are a popular street food, especially during the city's Christmas markets.

Mettbrötchen

Mettbrötchen

Mettbrötchen is a raw pork sandwich, a popular snack in Cologne. It's typically seasoned with salt and pepper, and topped with onions.

Halve Hahn

Halve Hahn

Despite its name, which translates to 'half a chicken', Halve Hahn is actually a rye roll with cheese, onions, and mustard. It's a classic Cologne snack often enjoyed with a glass of Kölsch.

Rievkooche

Rievkooche

Rievkooche is another name for Reibekuchen, the potato pancakes that are a popular street food in Cologne. They're often served with apple sauce or black bread.

Leberwurst

Leberwurst

Leberwurst is a type of liver sausage that's popular in Cologne. It's often spread on bread and served as a snack or light meal.

Kartoffelsalat

Kartoffelsalat

Kartoffelsalat is a traditional German potato salad. In Cologne, it's often made with vinegar, oil, and broth, and served as a side dish.

Apfelstrudel

Apfelstrudel

Apfelstrudel is a type of apple strudel that's popular in Cologne. It's made with thin pastry, filled with apples, and often served with cream or ice cream.

Glühwein

Glühwein

Glühwein is a mulled wine that's especially popular in Cologne during the winter months. It's typically made with red wine, spices, and citrus fruits, and served hot.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Cologne, Germany is between May and September when the weather is warm and pleasant. This period is perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. However, if you're interested in experiencing the city's famous Carnival, plan your visit in February. Keep in mind that December is also a popular time due to the enchanting Christmas markets, but it can be quite cold.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

New Year's Day

January 6

Sat

Epiphany (regional holiday)

March 29

Fri

Good Friday

March 31

Sun

Easter Sunday (regional holiday)

April 1

Mon

Easter Monday

May 1

Wed

May Day

May 9

Thu

Ascension Day

May 19

Sun

Whit Sunday (regional holiday)

May 20

Mon

Whit Monday

May 30

Thu

Corpus Christi (regional holiday)

August 8

Thu

Peace Festival in Augsburg (Bavaria)

August 15

Thu

Assumption of Mary (regional holiday)

September 20

Fri

German World Children's Day (Thuringia)

October 3

Thu

Day of German Unity

October 31

Thu

Reformation Day (regional holiday)

November 1

Fri

All Saints' Day (regional holiday)

November 20

Wed

Repentance Day (Saxony)

December 25

Wed

Christmas Day

December 26

Thu

Boxing Day

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

Cologne has an extensive public transportation network that includes trams, buses, and trains. The Kölner Verkehrs-Betriebe (KVB) operates most of the city's public transportation. You can use the same ticket for all forms of public transport in Cologne.

Ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft are available in Cologne. These services can be a convenient way to get around the city, especially if you're traveling in a group or have a lot of luggage.

Cologne is a bike-friendly city with many dedicated bike lanes and bike-sharing programs. You can rent a bike from one of the many rental shops in the city or use a bike-sharing app like Nextbike.

Renting a car can be a good option if you plan to explore the surrounding areas of Cologne. However, parking can be difficult and expensive in the city center. Also, Cologne has a low-emission zone, so make sure your rental car meets the necessary emission standards.

Taxis are readily available in Cologne, either at taxi stands, hailed on the street, or booked via phone or app. They offer a convenient but more expensive way to get around the city.

Cologne's city center is compact and most of the major attractions are within walking distance of each other. Walking is a great way to explore the city at your own pace.

Cologne is located on the Rhine River, and river cruises are a popular way to see the city. You can take a short cruise around the city or a longer cruise to nearby towns and vineyards.

Cologne's central train station, Köln Hauptbahnhof, is a major transportation hub. From here, you can take regional and long-distance trains to other parts of Germany and Europe.

Electric scooters are available for rent in Cologne. Companies like Lime and Bird offer app-based rentals. They are a fun and quick way to get around, but remember to follow the city's rules for scooter use.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

Currency€ EUR

Time zoneUTC+1

Driving sideRight

Emergency phoneAmbulance and Fire: 112; Police: 110

Drinking waterYes

Power sockets

Power socket type CPower socket type F

Voltage230 V

Things to know about Cologne, Germany as a first time visitor

1

Cologne is located in the western part of Germany, in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

2

The city is known for its rich history, dating back to the Roman times.

3

Cologne is the fourth largest city in Germany, with a population of over 1 million people.

4

The official language is German, but English is widely spoken especially in tourist areas and hotels.

5

The currency used is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always handy to have some cash.

6

Cologne has a temperate-oceanic climate. The average temperature in summer (June to August) ranges from 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C), while in winter (December to February) it ranges from 30°F to 45°F (-1°C to 7°C).

7

Public transportation in Cologne is excellent. It includes trams, buses, and the S-Bahn (suburban train).

8

Cologne is known for its beer, called Kölsch. It's a light, clear beer with a bright, straw-yellow hue.

9

Tipping is customary in Cologne. It's typical to round up to the nearest Euro in casual establishments, or tip 10-15% in more upscale places.

10

Cologne is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +1). During daylight saving time (last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October), it's two hours ahead (GMT +2).

11

Cologne is a safe city, but like any major city, it's advisable to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night or in less crowded areas.

12

The city is very pedestrian-friendly, with many areas in the city center closed to cars.

13

Cologne has a vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars, clubs, and live music venues.

14

The city is also known for its love of Carnival, a festive season that starts on November 11th at 11:11 a.m. and ends on Ash Wednesday.

15

Cologne is a great city for shopping, with a range of options from high-end boutiques to quirky vintage shops.

16

The city has a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets, from luxury hotels to budget hostels.

17

Cologne has a diverse food scene, with many restaurants offering both local and international cuisine.

18

The city is also known for its art scene, with many galleries and museums.

19

Cologne has a strong LGBT community, with many events and venues catering to this demographic.

20

The city is also a hub for media and broadcasting, with many TV and radio stations based here.

Basic German to know as a first time visitor

English phrase

Native phrase

Pronunciation

When to use it

Hello

Hallo

ha-lo

Greeting someone

Goodbye

Auf Wiedersehen

owf vee-der-zayn

Saying goodbye

Please

Bitte

bit-te

Making a request

Thank you

Danke

dahn-ke

Showing gratitude

Yes

Ja

ya

Agreeing or confirming

No

Nein

nine

Disagreeing or denying

Excuse me

Entschuldigung

ent-shool-dee-goong

Getting attention or apologizing

I don't understand

Ich verstehe nicht

ish fer-shtay-uh nikht

When you don't understand something

Do you speak English?

Sprechen Sie Englisch?

shprek-en zee eng-lish

Asking if someone speaks English

I'm sorry

Es tut mir leid

es toot meer lite

Apologizing

Where is...?

Wo ist...?

vo ist

Asking for directions

Bathroom

Toilette

toi-let-te

Looking for a bathroom

Help

Hilfe

hil-fe

In case of emergency

Food

Essen

es-sen

Looking for a place to eat

Water

Wasser

vas-ser

Asking for water

Beer

Bier

beer

Ordering a beer

Wine

Wein

vine

Ordering wine

Check, please

Die Rechnung, bitte

dee reck-noong bit-te

Asking for the bill

How much does it cost?

Wie viel kostet das?

vee feel kos-tet das

Asking the price of something

Good night

Gute Nacht

goo-te nakht

Saying goodnight

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Underwear (3 pairs)

  • Socks (3 pairs)

  • T-shirts (3)

  • Pants/Jeans (2 pairs)

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Sweater or Jacket

  • Pajamas

  • Swimwear (if planning to swim)

  • Raincoat or umbrella (depending on the season)

  • Toiletries

  • Travel-size shampoo and conditioner

  • Travel-size body wash

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Deodorant

  • Razor and shaving cream

  • Hairbrush or comb

  • Makeup and makeup remover (if applicable)

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Travel-size first aid kit

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport

  • Driver's license (if planning to rent a car)

  • Health insurance card

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Hotel and flight reservation confirmations

  • Credit and debit cards

  • Cash in local currency (Euros)

  • Guidebook or map of Cologne

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone

  • Charger for smartphone

  • Universal power adapter

  • Headphones

  • Camera (if not using smartphone camera)

  • Charger for camera

  • Portable power bank

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Snacks for travel

  • Travel pillow and blanket

  • Earplugs and eye mask

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Travel-size laundry detergent

  • Books or e-books for leisure reading

  • Travel-size umbrella

  • Luggage lock

Weather Conditions

When planning a trip to Cologne, Germany, it's important to consider the city's temperate oceanic climate. The weather can be quite unpredictable, so it's always a good idea to check the forecast before you pack. The warmest months are typically July and August, with average high temperatures around 73°F (23°C). However, it can occasionally get up to 86°F (30°C), so be sure to pack lightweight clothing and sunscreen. Outdoor activities and sightseeing are ideal during this period, but remember to stay hydrated. In contrast, the coldest months are usually January and February, with average low temperatures around 32°F (0°C). It can sometimes drop to 23°F (-5°C), so warm clothing, including coats, hats, scarves, and gloves, are essential. Despite the cold, winter can be a magical time to visit, especially if you're lucky enough to experience Cologne's famous Christmas markets. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are generally mild, with average temperatures ranging from 45°F to 64°F (7°C to 18°C). These seasons can be quite rainy, so don't forget to pack a waterproof jacket or umbrella. These periods are perfect for those who prefer less crowded tourist spots and more comfortable temperatures. Regardless of when you visit, remember that Cologne's weather can change quickly, so it's always a good idea to pack layers and be prepared for both rain and shine. Enjoy your visit to this vibrant and historic city!

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

6° / -1°

January is the coldest month in Cologne, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Be sure to pack warm clothing.

February

7° / -1°

February is still quite cold, with temperatures slightly higher than January. Snowfall is possible, so pack accordingly.

March

11° / 2°

March sees the beginning of spring, with temperatures starting to rise. However, it can still be chilly, especially at night.

April

15° / 5°

April is a pleasant month to visit Cologne, with mild temperatures. However, there can be occasional rain showers.

May

19° / 9°

May is a great time to visit Cologne, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. It's perfect for outdoor activities.

June

22° / 12°

June is the start of summer in Cologne, with long, sunny days. It's a great time for sightseeing and exploring the city.

July

24° / 14°

July is the hottest month in Cologne, with temperatures often reaching the mid-20s. It's perfect for enjoying the city's beer gardens and outdoor events.

August

24° / 14°

August is another hot month, similar to July. It's a great time to visit the Rhine River and enjoy outdoor activities.

September

21° / 11°

September sees the start of autumn, with temperatures starting to drop. However, it's still warm enough for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

October

17° / 7°

October is a pleasant month to visit Cologne, with mild temperatures. However, there can be occasional rain showers.

November

12° / 3°

November is a chilly month in Cologne, with temperatures dropping significantly. Be sure to pack warm clothing.

December

7° / 0°

December is a cold month in Cologne, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. It's a great time to visit the city's famous Christmas markets.

Did you know?

Did you know that Cologne is the fourth largest city in Germany, after Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich?

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