Train Amsterdam Cologne

Visiting the city of Cologne

Cologne is a fascinating city with something to offer every visitor. From historic sites to modern entertainment, exciting shopping and dining destinations, there is much to see in and around the city. Best of all, getting around is easy thanks to Cologne's efficient public transportation system.

Visit Cologne in three days

Are you planning on visiting Cologne soon? A train from Amsterdam to Cologne takes only a few hours, with a frequent service throughout the day. Book your Amsterdam to Cologne train journey today and experience many of the city's best attractions with this three-day itinerary.

Day One: Exploring central Cologne

Only a short walk south of Cologne Central Station you will find the magnificent Cologne Cathedral. Construction on this Gothic-style building began in the mid-13th century and wasn't completed until over 600 years later. Today the cathedral is one of the most iconic structures in Cologne. It is free to visit and the perfect place to start your exploration of the city.

Right next door to the cathedral sits the Romano-Germanic Museum. This archaeological museum houses a vast collection of artefacts from Cologne's early beginnings as a Roman settlement over 2000 years ago. Of particular interest are the massive Dionysis mosaics dating back to the 3rd century AD and the well-preserved sepulchre of Lucius Poblicius.

Head east to Hohenzollern Bridge, the iconic triple-arched bridge that spans the Rhine River. With a length of almost 700 km, the bridge is an impressive piece of architecture that affords amazing views of the Rhine and the surrounding city. Along the bridge, you will also find thousands of padlocks, left by couples over the years to signify their love and devotion.

Across the bridge, you will find Rheinpark, one of the most beautiful public parks in Cologne. The park is the perfect place to take a relaxing afternoon stroll and features a variety of attractions including an open-air theatre, cable car, beach club and Roman-style public bath.

Day Two: Visiting the historic old town of Cologne

Start your day with a visit to Museum Ludwig, just a short distance east of Cologne Cathedral. Museum Ludwig contains a vast collection of modern art, including works by famous artists such as Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and Pablo Picasso. In fact, the museum has over 900 works by Picasso alone, making it one of the largest collections of his art in the world.

Once you have had your fill of art, head south to Altstadt, Cologne's old town district. This is the historic heart of Cologne, filled with cobblestone streets and preserved buildings that date back to medieval times. This is the perfect opportunity to join a walking tour of the area, with many free and informative tours available.

Of particular interest is the impressive 16th-century Cologne City Hall, one of the oldest such buildings in Germany, the Romanesque-style Great Saint Martin Church, which has stood on the site for over a thousand years and the lively traditional market at Alter Markt. 

Finish your second day with a scenic cruise down the Rhine River. Head to Hohenzollern Bridge and enjoy amazing views of Cologne and its attractions from one of the city's popular cruise boats. Cruises last around two hours and offer everything from romantic sunset cruises to more informative guided boat tours.

Day Three: A look at modern Cologne

Begin your final day in Cologne with a visit to one or more of the city's smaller museums. To learn about the history of Cologne during the Second World War, visit EL-DE Haus, also known as the National Socialism Documentation Centre. The museum is housed in the city's former Gestapo headquarters, and while confronting it is still an important part of Cologne's history.

Another museum worth checking out is the Fragrance Museum. Housed in an 18th-century perfumery, here you can learn how the distinctive fragrance named after the city was invented. The Cologne Chocolate Museum is a must for fans of all things sweet, while the Mustard Museum showcases how a variety of traditional mustard recipes are made.

There are plenty of options for entertainment in Cologne. If you are a football fan, pay a visit to RheinEnergie Stadion, home of FC Cologne. For fans of classical music, perhaps try taking in a show at the Cologne Opera House. If electronic dance music is more your scene, Bootshaus is one of the most popular clubs in Germany.

Take some time to explore the colourful street art in Cologne's trendy Ehrenfeld district, which is easily reachable via the city's light rail network. Head to the Belgian Quarter for some boutique shopping and fine dining, and finish off the day with a visit to the Koln Triangle just over the Hohenzollern Bridge. Head up to the observation deck on the 29th floor for some amazing 360-degree views of the city at sunset.

What to see and do around Cologne station

Fortunately, many of Cologne's most popular attractions are within easy walking distance of Cologne Central Station. These include Cologne Cathedral, the Romano-Germanic Museum, Museum Ludwig, Altstadt and Hohenzollern Bridge.

There are also plenty of great cafés and restaurants nearby to choose from. Some popular choices are the brewery and restaurants at Brauhaus Sion and Gaffel am Don, the classic recipes available at Haxenhaus and the traditional street café fare of Cafe Reichard.

Shopping and entertainment facilities are also available in and around the station. There is a shopping complex within the entrance area of the station that houses over 70 shops. The station also joins Wartesaal am Dom, a major event centre that hosts everything from conventions to popular music acts.