Welcome to Cologne, one of the oldest cities in Germany and home to the tallest cathedral in the world. I had a chance to go there on a school trip when there were borders between France and Germany. We went with two coaches and one teacher had the great idea to keep everyone’s ID card or passport. When we got to the borders, the first coach (with the passports) had gone and left us waiting for hours at the border for someone to come back with our passports. In the end, we spent 30 minutes in Cologne!
So, when I realised that Cologne was on the way to our road trip, after Bremen, I had to pin it on the map and finally explore it! We only stayed for 24hrs but I’m grateful for it! It is long enough to see the key attractions which are suitable for adults and children. And I hope this guide helps you make the most of your day in Cologne from morning til evening.
Start Your Day: Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom)
We kicked off our family adventure in Cologne by parking at the car park near the Cologne Cathedral, one of Europe’s most magnificent architectural wonders. It is one of the tallest cathedrals I have seen in my life and it is impressive to see it in person. Can we take a moment to appreciate the wide-angle option on our camera? Arriving early, not only lets you secure a good parking spot but also lets you admire the cathedral’s stunning Gothic architecture in the quieter morning hours.
If you’re up for a bit of a climb, the cathedral’s towers offer a challenge with over 500 steps. Beware that the staircase is quite tight and the stairs can be worn out. So, I would go if I was in good health. But reaching the top rewards you with a view of Cologne’s cityscape.
After exploring the cathedral, the square offers a perfect spot to take a break and plan your next move. With your car parked nearby, you can get snacks and supplies or go further into the city’s heart without hassle. We opted to hop on a sightseeing bus.
Mid-Morning: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Once you’ve absorbed the grandeur of Cologne Cathedral, start your next adventure by boarding the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. The stop is conveniently located on Burgmauer Street, opposite the cathedral’s entrance. And you can settle in for a scenic ride around Cologne’s key attractions.
As the bus makes its way through the city, you can enjoy the flexibility and comfort of this option. You and your family can stay on board for the full loop, listening to the audio commentary which is available in multiple languages about the city’s history and culture. Or you can hop off at any of the stops to explore attractions that pique your interest.
The bus route is designed to give you an overview of Cologne, passing by iconic landmarks, charming districts, and cultural hotspots, whether it’s the historic Old Town, the riverside promenades, or the shopping areas. The open-top deck provides an excellent advantage for taking photos.
This tour saved us energy and time. The flexibility to hop on and off means you can tailor the day to your pace and interests.
Afternoon Adventure: Imhoff-Schokoladenmuseum (Chocolate Museum)
As we near the afternoon, get off the bus at the best stop in Cologne: the Schokoladenmuseum, more popularly known as the Chocolate Museum. It is situated along the banks of the Rhine. This museum offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of chocolate.
when starting your tour, you’re greeted with free lindt chocolate, setting the tone for what’s to come. The museum offers a fascinating journey through the history of chocolate, from its origins as an ancient Aztec beverage to its global status as a treat. The displays explaining the process of making chocolate from beans to bars are informative. There are interactive exhibits to keep children and adults engaged as well as a trail.
One of the highlights for any visitor is the opportunity to taste chocolates throughout your visit. At different stations, the staff offer samples of freshly made chocolates. These are a hit with kids.
Don’t miss the chocolate fountain, where molten chocolate cascades down and you can dip wafers. The museum also runs workshops where you can craft your chocolate creations.
This afternoon stop is very much a treat for the taste buds as well as an educational experience that offers insight into the art and science of chocolate making. We can safely say that we had our fill of chocolate.
Late Afternoon: Visit to the Cologne Central Mosque
Make your way to one of Cologne’s most impressive modern landmarks, the Cologne Central Mosque. It is known for its exceptional architecture and stands as a symbol of the cultural diversity in Cologne.
Designed by the German architect Paul Böhm, the mosque features stunning glass windows the length of the mosque and two high minarets. It is a stark contrast with the traditional Gothic and Romanesque landscape of the city. From far away, you can see that the windows form the word “Allah” in Arabic.
Visiting the mosque offers a unique opportunity for families to immerse themselves in an important aspect of Islam. The mosque’s interior feels very serene, with its vast prayer hall adorned with calligraphy and a large chandelier that bathes the space in a warm light.
There are shops and restaurants available on the lower ground floor and a car park below it.
Guided tours are available, providing insights into the mosque’s construction, its role in the community, and the basics of Islamic practices. They offer a deeper understanding for visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
For anyone visiting, it’s important to respect cultural norms. If you are not familiar with Muslim customs, you must remove your shoes before entering the prayer areas and wear modest clothing, including a scarf for women. The mosque staff are welcoming and ready to help.
From the Cathedral to the Chocolate Museum and the Central Mosque, you’re bound to have a diverse experience. You can tailor your itinerary to suit your family’s pace and preferences. For example, we would have loved to explore the “Cologne Botanical Garden”, which is free and the “Cologne Zoo” right opposite. Note that the “hop-on hop-off bus” stops at both sites.
More trips to Germany
If you enjoyed this blog, you might want to check out another: “One Day, One Family: Uncovering Bremen’s Magic in a Day”
Cologne is a low emission zone so only cars with a green sticker are allowed to drive in the city. You can order your sticker here. If it’s too late, you can stop at a Dektra centre like we did on the motorway. If your vehicule doesn’t qualify, you can always use the city’s “Park and Ride”.
