3 Days in Cologne, Germany: An Easy Itinerary

Hello, again, my darling adventure seekers. Writing to you again from my local library, where I’ve been soaking in some quiet time after a month of travels. This post, much like my recent vibe, is all about taking it easy and enjoying the little moments. If you caught my previous posts on the 7 Best Things To Do Solo in Cologne, Germany post, or Solo Traveling: Experiencing Cologne’s Fairy Tale Christmas Market, you’ll know I had a bit of a cold during my travels. So, this time around, I took things slow and easy in Cologne, Germany.

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3 Days in Cologne, Germany: An Easy Itinerary

While I had to be gentle with myself during my time in Germany, I’m not complaining one bit. It didn’t dampen my spirits at all, and I’m already itching to return to Cologne, just as much as Munich. Someday, I hope to rent a car and explore the Black Forest, but for now, let me share my laid-back Cologne experience.

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

My train ride from Brussels to Cologne was the most embarrassing train ride of my life. Packed cabin, overflowing luggage, and a nose that refused to stop running – talk about a memorable journey! Everyone was so kind and I was able to get my suitcase into an overhead seat but it fell halfway through the journey! I was mortified but thankful the man who was sitting above it got off just before.

Despite the chaos, the picturesque countryside views made it all worthwhile.

Transportation

Once in Cologne, the transportation system was a piece of cake compared to Brussels. The rail link system was amazing and, from the station to my Airbnb in Südstadt, was a breeze. They had ticket stations on every platform and the transit themselves.

Pro tip: Grab an all-day pass but don’t lose it! It’ll be good for buses and rail. Perfect for rainy days.

Accommodations

My cozy craftsman 1-bedroom Airbnb in the heart of Südstadt was the perfect retreat after a long travel day. Surrounded by quaint cafes and nestled within the sweetest neighborhood Christmas market, it felt like a dream come true. After a quick grocery run and an evening stroll, I called it a night to prepare for the adventures ahead.

Day 2: Discovering Cologne

The morning started with a steaming cup of herbal tea and biscuits I picked up from the REWE the night before. I love trying local foods abroad! This day was extra special because I booked an early morning photoshoot at the iconic Cologne Cathedral. I had the best photographer – our stroll through the streets not only resulted in stunning Christmas Market photos but also a friendship! As we exchanged stories and recommendations, I couldn’t help but feel immersed in the city’s energy.

After our photo session, I retraced my steps back to my apartment, pausing to snag a sandwich and change my clothes before venturing back out to explore the Christmas Markets solo. I opted for a leisurely walk instead of public transit and found so many hidden gems along the way. If you read my recent post on Fitness On the Road: Staying Active During Solo Travel, walking is one of my favorite low-cost activities.

Shockingly enough, I found out I have a distant relative who lives outside of Cologne, which led amazing rendezvous at Café Il Barista Südstadt. We had the tastiest pastries while getting to know each other. I got a blackberry and strawberry tarts! Later, I treated myself to Thai food at Rim Kong, and it was exactly what I needed to kick the rest of my cold out. I’m pretty sure their homemade ginger tea did the trick!

Day 3: The Chocolate Factory and Museum

Day three was one of my most walkable days but it was also one of the coldest and rainiest. I took my time getting ready and then took a leisurely stroll to the Schokoladen Lindt Chocolate Museum, the perfect opportunity to explore Cologne’s charming streets. Once at the museum, I was greeted by another unexpected Christmas Market! Opting to buy tickets online, I bypassed the huge queue to get in, granting me more time to indulge in the chocolatey delights within.

One of the best things about traveling solo is how easily you can sneak through crowds, especially through museum halls. I loved learning about chocolate-making and savored every single sample I was given. They gave me another handful of chocolates but I regret not grabbing a few more in the gift shop before leaving.

Since this was my final full day, I decided to be kind to myself in preparation for the following day of travel. I walked back to the main square again to do some last-minute souvenir hunting, grabbed some sweet treats from the markets, and then headed back to the apartment to cozy up for the rest of the evening (with my book and a cup of tea). It was the perfect medicine. I was right as rain the next day and ready to continue my travels onto Münich.

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Cologne was such a unique experience because I didn’t do a lot. It was the one city I went to that I was forced to take care of myself because I wouldn’t feel better if I didn’t. There were so many other things I had wanted to do, see my post on 7 Best Things To Do Solo in Cologne, Germany for more. However, I also don’t regret not doing a lot because it made me feel the most at home.

I got to experience a suburb of a German city and blend in with the locals. Everyone was also incredibly kind to me. It’s the city I am dying to go back to the most from this 3 week European Christmas Market excursion.

Thanks for joining me on this journey through Cologne, Germany. If you’ve experienced the charm of Köln or have any travel tips to share, I’d love to hear from you! Until next time, happy travels!