Day-by-day eating plans for Cologne: weekend classics, family routes, vegan plans, on-a-budget editions.
Day-by-day plans
One Day: Classic Kölsch and Brauhaus Cologne
- ★ 4.2
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Day 1
- Morning
- Start with a croissant and cafe at the Breite Strasse boulangerie before the Cathedral morning crowds arrive.
- Afternoon
- Walk south to Vor Wieden for Reibekuchen at the city's most famous potato-pancake kiosk.
- Evening
- End in Cologne's oldest independent brewery at Friesenstrasse. Halve Hahn with Kölsch in the chestnut garden or the historic Aula.
Weekend: Belgian Quarter and Fine Dining
- ★ 4.2
-
Day 1
- Morning
- Start at Friesenplatz with the T-Rex breakfast burrito and house-roasted specialty coffee.
- Afternoon
- Afternoon coffee at the corner of Brüsseler Platz; the best terrace in the neighbourhood for watching the Belgian Quarter's cosmopolitan crowd.
- Evening
- Dinner at one of Germany's very few authentic Burmese restaurants: mohinga fish noodle soup and coconut curry on Brüsseler Strasse.
StopsKaffeesaurusTibet MomoHallmackenreutherMandalay Burmese
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Day 2
- Morning
- Weekend brunch in the 1950s salon at Aachener Strasse; the Frühstück platter with house coffee.
- Afternoon
- Afternoon wine tasting at the old town wine bar with a glass from Henne's carefully compiled natural and classic list.
- Evening
- Dinner at Cologne's only two-Michelin-starred restaurant in the middle Kranhaus tower: the full eight-course tasting menu above the Rhine.
StopsSalon SchmitzNennillo Pizza al TaglioHENNE.WeinbarOx & Klee
Budget Three Days: Student Cologne
- ★ 4.2
-
Day 1
- Morning
- Start at Ehrenstrasse with a dark rye roll and coffee from the 1875 family bakery.
- Afternoon
- Take the U-Bahn to Nippes for the afternoon Wochenmarkt at Wilhelmplatz: market Reibekuchen, Turkish cheese stalls and the city's most authentic neighbourhood.
- Evening
- Student-mile falafel at Zülpicher Strasse. A fully loaded wrap under €5.
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Day 2
- Morning
- Organic filter coffee and a slice of Rührkuchen at the eco-certified Ehrenfeld cafe.
- Afternoon
- Ehrenfeld's craft brewery tap room opens from 18:00; arrive for the first of the evening Helios Kölsch and a seasonal special.
- Evening
- Late gyros on the Zülpicher mile. The best pork gyros pita in Cologne under €8.
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Day 3
- Morning
- Morning croissant and coffee at epi Boulangerie for under €8.
- Afternoon
- Afternoon Currywurst mit Pommes at Heumarkt 59 in the Altstadt.
- Evening
- Take the U-Bahn to Keupstrasse for Cologne's most acclaimed döner. Worth the journey for the quality.
Book food experiences in Cologne
Plan the trip
Making a trip of these plans? Where to stay in Cologne, what to book ahead, and a car for the day trips. Prices and availability open on each partner's site.
- Zen HotelsPlaces to stay in Cologne · from USD 109 a nightSee stays
- Leonardo HotelsPlaces to stay in CologneSee stays
- Minor HotelsPlaces to stay in CologneSee stays
- City GameTickets and tours to book aheadSee tickets
- GoWithGuideTickets and tours to book aheadSee tickets
- VIP CarsCar hire for the day trips · from USD 22.61 a daySee cars