Are you looking for a cool European destination for your next city trip and want to stay relatively close to home? We have the perfect tip for you: a city trip to Cologne!
This dynamic German city is not far from the Dutch border. In just a few hours, you can enjoy shopping, visiting museums, and soaking up culture while savoring a delicious pretzel. There are also many attractions in Cologne that are worth visiting. Think of the Ludwig Museum, Cologne Cathedral, and the Cologne Zoo.
If you’re planning your city trip to Cologne in the winter months, you definitely shouldn’t miss the Christmas market in Cologne. It is always organized between mid-November and late December. For the current dates, it’s best to check the website of the Cologne Christmas Market. In 2022, the Cologne Christmas Market is organized between November 17 and December 23.
Tip: Want to know more about Christmas markets in Germany? Quickly read our article with the best tips!
City trip to Cologne: How to get there?
Cologne is very accessible from the Netherlands. You don’t need to fly there; you can simply drive there yourself. Don’t feel like driving? No worries! You can also take the train or travel by a bus service like Flixbus to Cologne.
City trip to Cologne by car
The duration of the drive to Cologne by car naturally depends on your location. If you’re traveling from Eindhoven, you’ll be there in an hour and a half. If you’re coming from the north of the country, say Groningen, the drive takes three and a half hours. It’s best to calculate the distance from your departure location to Cologne via Google Maps.
City trip to Cologne by train or bus
There are various public transport options that can take you to this vibrant German city. Convenient and often also affordable. From Utrecht, you can book the train called Nightjet. This provides a direct connection to Cologne in two and a half hours. A return ticket costs about €75. If you prefer to pay less and don’t mind transfers, you can also book a return ticket to Cologne for just €45. The journey then takes between 4 and 5 hours.
Additionally, you can also travel to Cologne by bus. The Flixbus has various pick-up points in the Netherlands. This is the most economical option. You can book a return ticket starting from €15.
City trip to Cologne: What to do?
Once you arrive in Cologne, it’s time to explore the city. Fortunately, there are many different attractions in Cologne that you can visit and plenty of activities to undertake. Below is a list of the most popular attractions and activities you shouldn’t miss during your city trip to Cologne!
Das Kölner Rathaus
Das Kölner Rathaus is the old town hall of Cologne. It is one of the best-preserved and most beloved medieval buildings in the city. If you love architecture and are a fan of different design styles, this is a building you must visit. The Gothic towers, the special tower clock, and the unique facades are a true delight for the eyes. You can visit the Kölner Rathaus from Monday to Saturday. It is freely accessible, although not every room can be visited.
Cologne Cathedral
This is the largest and most famous church in Cologne. It is also the largest church in all of Germany. The construction of the church took 5 centuries, and you will therefore discover various architectural styles. If you visit the Cologne Cathedral, it is recommended to actually go inside. Although viewing the building from the outside is already a special experience, there is even more to see and do inside. You can buy a combo ticket to visit both the treasury and climb the south tower. This costs you €8 in total. Be sure to wear your sneakers, as climbing the tower requires quite a few steps. The tower has 509 steps. Once at the top, you have a fantastic view over the city. Definitely worth doing during your city trip to Cologne!
Cologne Christmas Market
If you travel during the winter months, you have a good chance of visiting the special Cologne Christmas Market. The Christmas market in Cologne is one of the largest and most popular Christmas markets in Germany and even in all of Europe. Each year, the dates for this Christmas market can vary slightly. In 2022, the Cologne Christmas Market is organized between November 17 and December 22.
What makes the Christmas market in Cologne so special is its size. There are over 300 small Christmas stalls where you can buy the cutest Christmas decorations and accessories. You definitely shouldn’t miss the delicious Christmas snacks and mulled wine here. You can enjoy this unique Christmas market almost throughout the entire city center. Many squares and streets are transformed into a winter wonderland. The inner city is brightly lit, and just walking through these streets gives you a warm Christmas feeling. Walk from the Old Market to the New Market, pass the Rudolfplatz, and end at Cologne Cathedral. This way, you’ll be sure to catch every corner of the Cologne Christmas Market.
The Old Town of Cologne
The Old Town of Cologne is the historic center of Cologne. Until World War II, this city center was the largest in all of Germany. During World War II, a large part of the city center was destroyed, and only a few parts have been restored. A lot of money has been invested in the restoration of the Alter Markt and the Neuemarkt. Here you can find dozens of hotspots. From cozy cafes to local restaurants. It is not only a tourist attraction but also the perfect place to make new local friends. It is a very lively district where you can also enjoy yourself in the evening hours. The Old Town is a must-see during your city trip to Cologne.
Cycling in Cologne
Cologne is one of the cities where you can enjoy cycling. The cycling landscape in Cologne is very similar to ours. Many bike paths, quiet city centers, and a city where you don’t have to worry about cycling safety. Through Baja Bikes, you can book the Cologne Highlights Bike Tour that takes you on a 3-hour excursion past various attractions. You cycle with your private guide past various Cologne hotspots. You will pass the Rheinpark, Cologne Cathedral, the Zoobrücke, the Skyline, and more. You cover about 15 kilometers, and there is also room to take regular breaks during the excursion. During the break, you can take some photos and enjoy your view. You can also ask your guide all your questions about the history of the city of Cologne.
If you are in Cologne during the period when the Christmas market is also organized, book the Cologne Christmas Special Bike Tour. We can guarantee that this will be the coziest and most atmospheric bike ride you have ever undertaken!