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18 Days in Cologne and Berlin Itinerary
Last updated: 2024 Jun 14Exploring Cologne's Rich History
Morning
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom). This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe and offers breathtaking views from its towers. The intricate Gothic architecture and stunning stained glass windows are sure to leave you in awe.
Afternoon
After exploring the cathedral, head to the Roman-Germanic Museum (Römisch-Germanische Museum) which is located nearby. This museum houses an impressive collection of Roman artifacts, including mosaics, jewelry, and everyday items that provide a glimpse into ancient life. For lunch, enjoy some local cuisine at Köln, known for its delicious traditional dishes.
Evening
In the evening, take a leisurely stroll through Cologne Old Town (Altstadt). The charming cobblestone streets are lined with historic buildings, shops, and cafes. Stop by one of the local bars for a refreshing Kölsch beer before heading to dinner at Nordrhein-Westfalen, where you can savor more regional specialties.
Bedtime
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Museums and Chocolate Delights
Morning
Begin your day with a visit to the Museum Ludwig, home to an extensive collection of modern art including works by Picasso, Warhol, and Lichtenstein. The museum's contemporary architecture is also worth admiring.
Afternoon
Next, indulge your sweet tooth at the Cologne Chocolate Museum (Schokoladenmuseum). Learn about the history of chocolate production and enjoy some samples along the way. For lunch, head to Deutschland for a delightful meal featuring both international and local flavors.
Evening
In the evening, explore more of Cologne's cultural scene with a visit to the Farina Fragrance Museum, where you can learn about the history of Eau de Cologne. Afterward, unwind with dinner at one of Cologne's top restaurants or cafes.
Bedtime
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Art and Scenic Views in Cologne
Morning
Kick off your day with a visit to the vibrant Ehrenfeld district for the Street Art Walking Tour Köln Ehrenfeld - Walls of Wonder. This tour showcases some of Cologne's best street art and murals.
Afternoon
After exploring Ehrenfeld, make your way to the famous Hohenzollern Bridge (Hohenzollernbrücke). Walk across this iconic bridge adorned with love locks while enjoying stunning views of the Rhine River. For lunch, try out one of Ehrenfeld’s trendy cafes or eateries.
Evening
In the evening, delve into Cologne’s nightlife starting with dinner at a cozy restaurant followed by visiting one or two local bars or lounges.
Bedtime
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Historical Tours and Local Flavors
Morning
Start your morning with an insightful tour at EL-DE Haus, which served as Gestapo headquarters during WWII. This museum provides a poignant look into Cologne’s wartime history.
Afternoon
Continue your historical exploration by joining a guided walking tour such as Cologne Old Town Historical Walking Tour with GEO Epoche. This tour will take you through key historical sites in Cologne’s old town area. Enjoy lunch at another highly-rated restaurant or cafe in town.
Evening
Conclude your day by experiencing Cologne’s vibrant culinary scene once again—perhaps trying out another recommended restaurant from our list—and then relax over drinks at one of Cologne’s atmospheric bars.
Bedtime
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Cologne's Unique Experiences
Morning
Begin your day with the Cologne Crime Tour Self-guided Crime Trail. This self-guided tour takes you through some of Cologne's most intriguing crime scenes, providing a unique perspective on the city's history.
Afternoon
After your crime tour, head to the Cologne-Nippes Gourmet wine tasting with cheese platter. This delightful experience allows you to sample some of the region's finest wines paired with delicious cheeses. For lunch, visit a nearby cafe or bistro for a light meal.
Evening
In the evening, enjoy a fun and entertaining night at Cologne Best Stand-up comedy with laugh guarantee. Afterward, have dinner at one of Cologne's top restaurants or cafes.
Bedtime
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Exploring Cologne's Art and Culture
Morning
Cologne Street Art Walking Tour in the Ehrenfeld District is a great way to start your day. This tour will take you through some of the best street art in Cologne, showcasing the city's vibrant artistic scene.
Afternoon
Cologne Discover the Ehrenfeld Street Art Scene by Bike offers another perspective on Cologne's street art. After your bike tour, enjoy lunch at one of Ehrenfeld’s trendy cafes or eateries.
Evening
Cologne Musical Theater Bachelorette Event @ Himmel & Kölle is a fantastic way to spend your evening. Enjoy dinner at one of Cologne’s top restaurants before heading to this entertaining event.
Bedtime
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Historical Insights and Scenic Tours
Morning
Cologne WWII Sites with Optional EL-DE Haus Private Tour provides an in-depth look into Cologne’s WWII history. This tour includes visits to significant sites and an optional private tour of EL-DE Haus.
Afternoon
Cologne City Highlights Segway Tour is a fun way to explore more of Cologne’s landmarks. After your Segway tour, enjoy lunch at another highly-rated restaurant or cafe in town.
Evening
Cologne Beerhistorical guided walking tour with tasting is perfect for beer enthusiasts. Learn about Cologne’s beer history while sampling different brews along the way.
Bedtime
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Relaxation and Scenic Views
Morning
Start your day with Cologne Melaten Cemetery Celebrities and Curiosities. This guided tour will take you through one of Germany’s most famous cemeteries where many notable figures are buried.
Afternoon
Continue exploring with Hard Rock Cafe Cologne, which offers not only great food but also interesting rock memorabilia. Enjoy lunch here while soaking up its unique atmosphere.
Evening
End your day by visiting Hohenzollern Bridge (Hohenzollernbrücke) again for an evening stroll across this iconic bridge adorned with love locks while enjoying stunning views of Rhine River.
Bedtime
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Cologne's Hidden Gems
Morning
Start your day with the Cologne Guided Tour of Melatenfriedhof. This tour offers a deeper insight into the history and notable figures buried in this famous cemetery.
Afternoon
After the tour, head to Cologne Chocolate Museum (Schokoladenmuseum) for a sweet treat. Learn about the history of chocolate production and enjoy some samples along the way. For lunch, visit a nearby cafe or bistro for a light meal.
Evening
Cologne Best Stand-up comedy with laugh guarantee is perfect for an entertaining evening. Afterward, have dinner at one of Cologne's top restaurants or cafes.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Cologne.
Art and Culture in Cologne
Morning
Cologne Street Art Walking Tour in the Ehrenfeld District is a great way to start your day. This tour will take you through some of the best street art in Cologne, showcasing the city's vibrant artistic scene.
Afternoon
Cologne Discover the Ehrenfeld Street Art Scene by Bike offers another perspective on Cologne's street art. After your bike tour, enjoy lunch at one of Ehrenfeld’s trendy cafes or eateries.
Evening
Cologne Musical Theater Bachelorette Event @ Himmel & Kölle is a fantastic way to spend your evening. Enjoy dinner at one of Cologne’s top restaurants before heading to this entertaining event.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Cologne.
Historical Insights and Scenic Tours
Morning
Cologne WWII Sites with Optional EL-DE Haus Private Tour provides an in-depth look into Cologne’s WWII history. This tour includes visits to significant sites and an optional private tour of EL-DE Haus.
Afternoon
Cologne City Highlights Segway Tour is a fun way to explore more of Cologne’s landmarks. After your Segway tour, enjoy lunch at another highly-rated restaurant or cafe in town.
Evening
Cologne Beerhistorical guided walking tour with tasting is perfect for beer enthusiasts. Learn about Cologne’s beer history while sampling different brews along the way.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Cologne.
Morning
Start your day with Cologne Melaten Cemetery Celebrities and Curiosities. This guided tour will take you through one of Germany’s most famous cemeteries where many notable figures are buried.
Afternoon
Continue exploring with Hard Rock Cafe Cologne, which offers not only great food but also interesting rock memorabilia. Enjoy lunch here while soaking up its unique atmosphere.
Evening
End your day by visiting Hohenzollern Bridge (Hohenzollernbrücke) again for an evening stroll across this iconic bridge adorned with love locks while enjoying stunning views of Rhine River.
Bedtime
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Transition to Berlin
Morning
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast in Cologne before catching a train to Berlin. The journey takes around 4-5 hours, so sit back and enjoy the scenic views along the way.
Afternoon
Upon arrival in Berlin, check into your hotel and take some time to relax. Once you're settled, head out for a late lunch at Restaurant Tim Raue, known for its innovative Asian-inspired cuisine.
Evening
In the evening, take a stroll through the vibrant neighborhood of Kreuzberg. Explore its eclectic mix of street art, shops, and cafes. End your day with dinner at Nobelhart & Schmutzig, which offers a unique dining experience focused on locally sourced ingredients.
Bedtime
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Berlin's Historical Landmarks
Morning
Begin your exploration of Berlin with a visit to the iconic Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor). This neoclassical monument is one of the city's most famous landmarks and has played a significant role in German history.
Afternoon
Next, head to the nearby Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe (Holocaust Memorial). This poignant memorial consists of 2,711 concrete slabs arranged in a grid pattern and serves as a powerful reminder of the atrocities committed during WWII. For lunch, dine at Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer, located within walking distance from these sites.
Evening
In the evening, visit Reichstag, Germany's historic parliament building. Take an elevator ride up to its glass dome for panoramic views of Berlin's skyline. Afterward, enjoy dinner at Grill Royal, known for its excellent steaks and riverside location.
Bedtime
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Museums and Art in Berlin
Morning
Start your day with a visit to Museum Island (Museumsinsel), home to several world-renowned museums including the Pergamon Museum and Neues Museum. Spend your morning exploring these cultural treasures.
Afternoon
After immersing yourself in art and history, head over to Hackescher Markt for lunch at one of its many trendy cafes or restaurants. In this area you can also explore boutiques and galleries that showcase contemporary art.
Evening
In the evening, visit East Side Gallery, an open-air gallery featuring murals painted on remnants of the Berlin Wall by artists from around the world. Conclude your day with dinner at Cookies Cream, offering delicious vegetarian cuisine.
Bedtime
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Parks and Relaxation in Berlin
Morning
Begin your day with a relaxing walk through Tiergarten Park, one of Berlin's largest green spaces. Enjoy its beautiful landscapes, monuments, and serene atmosphere.
Afternoon
For lunch, head over to Charlottenburg district where you can dine at one of its charming cafes or bistros before visiting Charlottenburg Palace (Schloss Charlottenburg). This baroque palace is surrounded by stunning gardens perfect for an afternoon stroll.
Evening
In the evening explore more local flavors by dining at Katz Orange, known for its creative dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.
Bedtime
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Berlin's Modern Attractions
Morning
Start your day with a visit to the Berlin TV Tower (Berliner Fernsehturm). This iconic structure offers panoramic views of the city from its observation deck. It's a great way to get a sense of Berlin's layout and see all the major landmarks from above.
Afternoon
After enjoying the views, head over to Berlin Zoo and Aquarium. This is one of the oldest and most famous zoos in the world, home to a wide variety of animals. For lunch, dine at one of the nearby cafes or restaurants within the zoo complex.
Evening
In the evening, explore Berlin's vibrant nightlife starting with dinner at Hugos Restaurant, which offers stunning views of the city along with its gourmet cuisine. After dinner, you can visit some local bars or lounges to experience Berlin's famous nightlife.
Bedtime
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Farewell to Berlin
Morning
Berlin Alternative Culture Walking Tour & Photoshoot is a perfect way to start your last day in Berlin. This tour will take you through some of Berlin's most unique neighborhoods, showcasing its alternative culture and street art.
Afternoon
Rent a license-free boat to discover Berlin from the water offers a relaxing afternoon activity. Enjoy cruising along Berlin’s waterways while taking in sights from a different perspective. For lunch, pack a picnic or stop by one of the riverside cafes.
Evening
Berlin East Berlin Food and History Walking Tour is an excellent way to conclude your trip. This tour combines delicious food tastings with historical insights into East Berlin’s past. Enjoy your final dinner at one of East Berlin’s top restaurants before heading back.
Bedtime
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