This city might not be your first choice for a quick getaway or a long layover. It isn’t the most touristy place, but it hides charm, a Gothic giant, and some unforgettable secrets. We only had 24 hours here—thanks to an incredibly cheap flight to Thailand—but it turned out to be a mini adventure we didn’t expect.
Now, the city we’re talking about is Cologne, Germany‘s fourth-largest city and the biggest in North Rhine-Westphalia. The Rhine runs through it, connecting the city to the sea and shaping its history, culture, and charm. And if you’ve got extra time, other fascinating cities like Düsseldorf, Bonn, and Aachen are just a short ride away.
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Explore the Gothic Giants and Hidden Corners of the City
#1 The Dom – Cologne’s Gothic Giant
If there’s one thing you absolutely cannot miss in this city, it’s the Dom—Cologne’s towering Gothic masterpiece. Standing at an astonishing 157.4 meters, it was once the tallest building in the world (1880–1884) and took over 600 years to complete. Its spires dominate the skyline, making it visible from almost anywhere in the city. It is easily one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Europe.
Inside, the cathedral hides treasures and stories waiting to be discovered. The golden box holding the supposed remains of the Three Kings is just one of its secrets. Every corner of the Dom—from the intricate stained glass to the soaring arches—tells a story of ambition, faith, and artistry.
Visiting the Dom is like stepping back in time, and it immediately immerses you in Cologne’s history and grandeur. Start your 24-hour adventure here, and you’ll understand why this Gothic giant is the heart of the city.
#2 Cologne walking tour
If you only have one day in Cologne, starting your itinerary with a walking tour is best. It’s the best way to explore a new place quickly! Our tour started in the Rudolph Platz and ended next to the Dom.
It was a good way of going directly to some of the best places in Cologne with someone who knew those places and talked a bit about them. We went to the Belgian quarter (the most expensive neighborhood in Cologne), the Roman wall, the defensive tower, the city hall, the Rhine margin, the Eau de Cologne original store, and its first “copy.”
You can book a walking tour here.
#3 Eau de Cologne
If there’s one thing that Cologne is famous for, it’s the Eau de Cologne or the Water of Cologne. We don’t think we need to explain what it is 🙂
In Cologne, you can go to the original store (by Giovanni Maria Farina) that invented it and to the ones that first copied it (the 4711 Cologne). Curiously, the copy is now more famous than the original, and we actually liked the 4711 Cologne better.
Furthermore, in the 4711 shop, there’s a fountain of Eau de Cologne! And you can try it 🙂 It was cool and definitely something different to do in Cologne.
#4 Cologne Triangle
The Cologne triangle is a massive triangular building with nothing particularly special about it. However, you can go to the rooftop and get the most beautiful view of Cologne.
It’s definitely worth the visit.
#5 Take a cruise on the Rhein
The Rhein is undoubtedly essential in Cologne and even in Germany. The river flows through some of Germany’s important cities and populated areas.
In Cologne, you can take a cruise to enjoy the beautiful and romantic views. There are longer cruises that go along the Middle Rhine, considered a UNESCO heritage site. If you have time, this is a great option to see one of the most wonderful parts of Germany.
If you don’t, plenty of other shorter cruises take 1 to 3 hours and include lunch or dinner.
How to get to Cologne from the Airport?
If you only have 24 hours in Cologne, you can’t lose much time on transportation. Luckily for you (and us), the transports are fantastic!
Getting the S13 or S19 trains at the Airport will take about 15 minutes to get to the central station. The central station is ideally located, next to the Dom, with many hotels and hostels nearby. From there, you can walk everywhere, and thus you won’t need to worry about any other transport.
In Conclusion, 24 hours in Cologne is enough for the basics and a perfect stopover. We were able to go almost everywhere we wanted and never felt rushed. We didn’t even need to take public transport inside the city. Everything we described was within walking distance.
On the downside, it was very cold, so we didn’t get out at night. Nonetheless, the city boasts a large student community, which brings a vibrant atmosphere and lively nightlife. Again, as in almost every other German city, we found the people very friendly and engaging. We don’t know why Germans have a reputation for being unfriendly and unhelpful.
After exploring Cologne’s walking streets, tasting its famous Eau de Cologne, and seeing the city from above, you’ll realize that even in just 24 hours, this city leaves a lasting impression. From Gothic giants to hidden corners along the Rhine, a short visit can be surprisingly memorable.
If you have the opportunity to spend one day in Cologne, don’t miss it!
