Family Friendly 2-Day Cologne, Germany Itinerary: From Cathedrals To Chocolate

Looking for a quick weekend away from the Netherlands and in another country, I scanned the train lines for a spot that was a direct trip and wasn’t too long and found Cologne. Knowing very little about what we’d find there, I had no idea it is home to the most-visited landmark in all of Germany. A popular daytrip for people that want to see the Cologne Cathedral, the tallest twin-spired church in the world, we were happily surprised by not only the cathedral, but the old-district is beautiful, has plenty to do within walking distance, and has something for everyone making it very family-friendly.

One thing I do when creating our quick trip itineraries is find places to stay in areas where we will have plenty to do without taking any transportation. We get in, we stay for two days and just walk to see everything, and get out. This makes it really good, especially if you have kids who might need naps or downtime in between stops. In Cologne, you can easily find places to stay near the station and cathedral and there’s plenty to do in the area. Get ready for Cologne, Germany!

Get ready for a family-friendly Cologne itinerary ahead:

What To Know
Where To Stay
The Local Beer is Kölsch
Family Friendly Cologne, Germany Itinerary
Day 1: Cathedrals and Kölsch
Day 2: Fun and Fragrances

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What To Know

Cologne, Germany is situated in the North Rhine-Westphalia region and is a city teeming with history and charm. Nestled along the banks of the Rhine River, its central location in Western Germany makes it a hub for transportation and commerce. Home to over a million residents, Cologne, Köln in German, boasts a rich history dating back over 2,000 years. When we planned our trip to Cologne, we honestly knew nothing about the city but just picked a place that would be a direct train from Amsterdam.

When we stepped out of the station, we were greeted by what the city is most renowned for, its iconic Cologne Cathedral. The cathedral is a towering Gothic masterpiece that has dominated its skyline for centuries and is why people make daytrips from all around to the city. The cathedral’s construction began in the 13th century, and it stands as a symbol of the city’s enduring spirit, having withstood the trials of time and war. With a blend of ancient architecture, vibrant cultural institutions, and a lively atmosphere, Cologne invites visitors to explore its heritage while savoring modern delights, from its famous Kölsch beer to its diverse museums and galleries.

Where To Stay

Hilton Cologne

This is where we opted to stay. Just around the corner from the station and cathedral, a Hilton is always comfortable. The staff was very attentive and helpful. We checked in early and dropped our bags and were able to get right out and about. The rooms are quite spacious with tall ceilings and a big bed as well as sofa to relax on. Loved that there was both a bathtub and a shower stall as well.

You can book a room on Booking.com or on Agoda.com.

The Local Beer is Kölsch

Kölsch is a clear, light, and crisp lager and it’s pretty much the only beer you’ll want to order unless you want some looks. Just ask for beer and this is what will be served… in rather tiny glasses I should mention. Kölsch beer is always served in small .2L glasses called a Stange and this is to make sure it’s served at the optimal cold temperature to enjoy it.

Because the glasses are smaller, you’ll notice that beer servers, called Köbes, with these specific beer trays, called a Kranz, that carry about 15 glasses at a time are constantly whisking through the room taking the empty glasses and handing out full ones to refill you. They’ll quickly jot down a tally on a coaster at your table to keep track of how many you’ve enjoyed. This refilling process will continue to happen until you put a coaster ON TOP of your glass. This will tell the server you’re done. Don’t forget to do this or you’ll just keep getting more beer.

For those alcohol connoisseurs among us, something of interesting note is that Kölsch is the only beer in Germany to have a special protected geographical status, similar to Bourbon from Kentucky or Champagne in France. In order to be called a Kölsch:

Brewers must brew the beer according to the Kölsch Konvention put forth by the members of the Köln Brewery Association.
Kölsch must also be brewed according to the Reinheitsgebot, or German purity law.
The brewery must be within 30 miles of Köln.

Family Friendly Cologne, Germany Itinerary

Day 1: Cathedrals and Kölsch

Prepare for lots of eating but also lots of climbing on your first day in Cologne. The cathedral is the must-see and the first thing on the itinerary for the day.

Morning: Cologne Cathedral

Start your first day in Cologne with a visit to the magnificent Cologne Cathedral, or Kölner Dom, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. It’s not just a stunning place of worship; it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Germany’s most-visited landmark as mentioned earlier. The cathedral took over 600 years to complete and is home to the Shrine of the Three Kings, a precious relic from the biblical Magi. Marvel at the intricate details of the façade and don’t forget to climb the south tower for panoramic views of the city.

If you’re visiting over a weekend, you want to do this first thing as a lot of daytrippers come later in the day. On top of that, on Sundays when there are services, you can’t go inside and can only enter between 1:00pm and 4:00pm and even then can’t enter the tower narthex until after 8:00pm. Mass takes priority so, if you’re visiting on a weekend, I highly recommend visiting the cathedral first thing on your Saturday schedule. Doing this will also really wake everyone up and get them hungry for their first brauhaus for lunch.

The tower, which is a must climb before or after taking in the beautiful interior of the cathedral has a separate entrance. When standing facing the main entrance of the cathedral, turn to your right and walk towards Roncalliplatz. After just a few meters, you will see a flight of steps leading down beside the south tower. These steps are marked ‘Dom-Turm / Parkhaus / Toiletten’ (which means ‘cathedral tower/car park/toilets’). The entrance to the tower is at the bottom of these steps.

Though the tower is very tall, the climb up, if you’re in good shape and your kids can carry themselves, takes about 10-15 minutes. Our little person is 8 and had no problem traipsing up to the top. The stairwell is narrow and if people are coming down, you’ll want to pause and navigate carefully so there’s no tumbles, but it’s doable. When you stop going round and round, you’ll enter a space and think you’re done. You are not. Sit for a moment though on the stone seating and catch your breath before you continue the climb up just a bit more to see the spectacular views out over the city. It’s really breathtaking.

Address: Domkloster 4, Köln, Germany
Cathedral Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00am ~ 5:00pm; Sunday: 1:00pm ~ 4:00pm
Mass Schedule: Monday – Saturday: 6:30 am, 7:15 am, 8:00 am, 9:00 am, and 6:30 pm; Sundays: 7:00am, 8:30am, 10:00am, 12:00pm, 5:00pm, 7:00pm
Tower Hours: March – April: 9:00am ~ 5:00pm; May – September: 9:00am ~ 6:00pm; October: 9:00am ~ 5:00pm; November – February: 9:00am ~ 4:00pm
Admission: Cathedral entrance is free. Tower tickets: Adults: €6, Children: €3, Family tickets: €12

Lunch: Brauhaus Früh am Dom

After exploring the cathedral, head over to Brauhaus Früh am Dom for a traditional German meal. This historic brewery and restaurant is known for its delicious Kölsch beer, a local specialty, and you’ll be hard pressed to find it not bustling with people as it’s the most popular brauhaus in the area, but just step in find an empty table and grab it. Don’t be afraid to go for a wander inside.

There are hallways and various rooms upstairs, as well as downstairs. Though wildly popular with tourists, locals also eat here which is a good sign as any traveler knows. We sat next to a local guy and just ordered what he ordered. Pair your beers with hearty German fare like sausages, schnitzels, and sauerkraut and you’ll be filled and happy. The food was good, the service was great, and the interior was beautiful.

Address: Am Hof 12-18, Köln, Germany
Hours: Every day: 10:00am ~ Midnight (Closes at 11:00pm on Sundays)

Afternoon: Museum Ludwig

Stroll over to Museum Ludwig, located right next to or behind the cathedral. This museum is a treasure trove of modern and contemporary art, featuring works by iconic artists like Pablo Picasso (They actually have one of the largest Picasso collections in all of Europe.), Andy Warhol, and Roy Lichtenstein. Their impressive collection includes Pop Art and German Expressionism. A great museum filled with things to see, start from the top and work your way down so you see the must-see pieces and then if the kids are too tired to do the basement, you’ve seen what you really need to see at the very least. When you’re at the top floor, you can also step out onto two separate rooftop areas for views as well.

Address: Heinrich-Böll-Platz Köln, Germany
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00am ~ 6:00pm
Admission: Adults: €12; Free for minors under 18.

Evening: Hohenzollern Bridge and Peters Brauhaus

Take a leisurely walk over the Hohenzollern Bridge, famously adorned with countless love locks, providing a beautiful view of the city and the Rhine River. As the sun sets, make your way back to the Old Town and end your day with dinner at Peters Brauhaus. This traditional brewpub offers a cozy atmosphere with a must see Art Deco style stained-glass ceiling. The pork knuckle was phenomenal, perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. We considered going back the next day because it was so good but decided we had to try other places. Also, for the kids, they do have some staples like spaghetti just in case they need something a little simpler for dinner.

Address: Mühlengasse 1, Köln, Germany
Hours: Monday – Thursday: 11:30am ~ 11:00pm; Friday – Saturday: 11:30am ~ Midnight; Sunday: 11:30am ~ 9:30pm

Day 2: Fun and Fragrances

After a day of history and food, today is one the kids might enjoy the most; river walks and chocolate topped with a sniffing test.

Morning: Rhein River Walk and Frankenwerft

Start your second day with a scenic stroll along the Rhine River. Enjoy the picturesque views of the river and the Cologne skyline. Along the way, make a stop at the quaint Frankenwerft, a historic square with charming buildings and outdoor cafes. It’s an ideal spot for some leisurely morning coffee. There are a number of cafes and restaurants all near each other so it’s not difficult to find a place to take a seat. The meander down the river is quite nice and quiet here whether you’re looking at the water or the historic buildings.

Address: Frankenwerft 31-33, Köln, Germany

Lindt Chocolate Museum, Cologne, Germany

Visit: Lindt Chocolate Museum

Continue your riverside walk to the Lindt Chocolate Museum, a paradise for chocolate lovers. If you have children, this will definitely be one of the top spots for them. Learn about the history of chocolate, see the chocolate-making process, and indulge in some delectable samples. They hand out chocolate at the beginning, in the middle, and at the end so enjoy as you go. This museum offers an interactive and sweet experience for all ages and there is a children’s guide with questions they should answer along the way to complete a puzzle which keeps them focused on the information at hand.

Address: Am Schokoladenmuseum 1A, Köln, Germany
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00am ~ 6:00pm
Admission: Adults: €16; Minors: €10; Children under 6 are free; Family ticket: €42. (There’s a slight discount on those rates if you’re visiting on a weekday.)

Mustard Museum and Mustard Shop, Cologne, Germany

Lunch: Mustard Museum and Mustard Shop

As I was looking for places near the chocolate museum to eat lunch, I came upon the Mustard Museum across the street and was like this is absolutely up our alley and though small and very much just a shop of mustard, it’s got sausages too so you can have your lunch and try all of the various mustards they produce. This unique shop celebrates the history of mustard production in Cologne.

Enjoy a tasty bratwurst with a variety of mustards, including local specialty Kölscher Senf. We tried them all though and the shopkeeper is very friendly and will provide plenty of information on mustard and production should you, or your kids have them. I had no idea that mustard isn’t supposed to be refrigerated… well good mustard. Similar to kimchi, it ferments in a pot, so of course, we bought a little mustard pot. This was a perfect light meal to start the day as we’d filled up on all of the brauhaus food the day before.

Address: Holzmarkt 79-83, Köln, Germany
Hours: Every day: 10:00am ~ 6:00pm

Duftmuseum im Farina Haus, Cologne, Germany

Afternoon: Duftmuseum im Farina Haus

Immerse yourself in the world of fragrances at the Duftmuseum im Farina Haus. This museum and shop is located in the historic house where the world’s first Eau de Cologne, “Farina 1709,” was created. While you can stop in at any time, I highly recommend joining one of their guided tours that takes you down below the shop to the cellars to learn more about the history and the very interesting fight between 4711 and Farina for naming rights.

The 45 minute tour is not only interesting from the historical perspective, but if you have kids, I’m sure they’ll enjoy the last part of the tour in which everyone sits in the cellars and sniffs various scents trying to guess which is which. My daughter had great fun trying to see if her nose knows. On top of that, if you’re looking for a souvenir to take home, this is perhaps the best place to get something. Cologne from Cologne. Even if you can’t buy something though, they a free sample bottle for everyone that takes a tour.

Address: Obenmarspforten 21, Köln, Germany
Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00am ~ 6:00pm; Sunday: 11:00am ~ 5:00pm
Tours: https://farina.org/
- You can sign up for a tour on their website. Tours are offered in a variety of languages so find the one that suits you. For us, the English tours were offered in the afternoon which suited this schedule. If you need another language, you might need to change around the itinerary a bit.

Evening: Gaffel am Dom

Conclude your two-day adventure with a satisfying dinner at Gaffel am Dom. This brewery and restaurant is another great place to experience Kölsch beer and enjoy local cuisine but it’s a bit different in style as it’s one massive open space or hall. We found the service to be very friendly and helpful and the food was great. This one being right across from the cathedral and near the train station makes it especially ideal if you’re only visiting for one day as well or are waiting for your train and want to hang out a bit.