How to Plan Your Excursion to Düsseldorf from Cologne

Are you interested in visiting Düsseldorf, but you’re not sure where to start? Look no further than this half-day private tour offered by Viator. With an expert guide to lead the way, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Düsseldorf’s most famous sites and learn about its rich history and culture. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your perfect visit.

Overview

This private tour from Cologne offers a personalized way to see the highlights of Düsseldorf in just half a day. You’ll start by meeting your guide in Cologne – either at your hotel or at a centrally located meeting point – and then make your way north to Düsseldorf. The cost of transit is not included in the price of the tour, so you’ll need to purchase your own train ticket. Once you arrive in Düsseldorf, your guide will lead you to the city’s most famous sites, including:- Old Town Hall

– Castle Tower (the only remaining part of the city’s historical castle)

– Arts Academy

– And more!Along the way, your guide will share fascinating stories and insights about the history and culture of Düsseldorf. After approximately three hours of sightseeing, you’ll head back to Cologne, where the tour will end at the same location where you started.

What’s Included

This private tour includes a licensed guide who will lead you through the highlights of Düsseldorf. The cost of your transportation to and from Cologne is not included, so you’ll need to purchase your own train ticket. Admission tickets to any attractions are also not included.

Meeting and Pickup

The meeting point for this tour is Cologne, either at your hotel or at a centrally located meeting point. If you’re meeting at your hotel, be sure to provide the address when you book the tour. The tour ends at the same location where you started.

What to Expect

During this tour, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the best of Düsseldorf in just half a day. Here’s what you can expect from each of the sites you’ll visit:

Old Town Hall

The Old Town Hall is one of Düsseldorf’s most famous landmarks. This Renaissance-style building was constructed between 1573 and 1577 and has served many purposes throughout its history, including as a courthouse and an archive. Today, it’s a popular destination for visitors who are interested in seeing its stunning architecture up close. The building is located in the main market square of Düsseldorf’s Altstadt (Old Town), which is also worth exploring for its charming cafes, boutiques, and street performers.

Castle Tower

The Castle Tower is the only remaining part of Düsseldorf’s historical castle, which was largely destroyed during World War II. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the city, including the Rhine River and the nearby countryside. Along the way, you’ll learn about the tower’s history and its significance to the city.

Arts Academy

Düsseldorf is known for its vibrant arts scene, and many famous artists have studied or taught at the Arts Academy throughout its history. During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the academy’s history and see some of the works of art created by its students and faculty. You’ll also learn about the broader art scene in Düsseldorf and the ways in which it has shaped the city’s culture.

Booking Information

Ready to book your excursion to Düsseldorf from Cologne? Head to the Viator website to book your tour. Don’t forget to purchase your train ticket separately and to arrive at the meeting point on time. With an expert guide to lead the way, you’re sure to have a memorable experience in this beautiful German city. Book the tour here

Frequently Asked Questions About Cologne

When it comes to traveling to new destinations, we all have certain questions in mind. Cologne is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany, and it is no different. In this blog post, we will try to provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Cologne.

1. What is Cologne known for?

Cologne is known for its vibrant carnival, Gothic architecture, and stunning cathedral. It is also known for its beer, which it has been brewing since the Middle Ages. Cologne is home to various international trade fairs, and people from all around the world visit the city to attend these events.

2. When is the best time to visit Cologne?

The best time to visit Cologne is during the spring or autumn season. The temperature during these seasons ranges between 10-20 C, and the city looks beautiful during this time of the year. Summer is also a good time to visit Cologne, but it can get crowded and expensive.

3. How can I get around in Cologne?

Cologne has an excellent public transportation system that includes trams, buses, and trains. You can also rent a bike to explore the city. The city is well-connected, and you can easily get around with any of these modes of transportation.

4. What are some of the must-visit tourist attractions in Cologne?

Cologne is a city with a lot of history and culture, and there are several places that you must visit when in Cologne. Some of the most popular tourist attractions are:

4.1 Cologne Cathedral

The Cologne Cathedral is one of the most stunning Gothic structures in the world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and attracts millions of visitors every year.

4.2 Chocolate Museum

The Chocolate Museum is a must-visit place for chocolate lovers. The museum showcases the history of chocolate-making, and you can also taste different varieties of chocolates.

4.3 Cologne Botanical Gardens

If you want to take a break from the city’s hustle and bustle, you can visit the Cologne Botanical Gardens. The gardens are home to various plants and trees and offer a peaceful retreat from the city.

5. What are the best places to shop in Cologne?

Cologne has several shopping centers and streets where you can find everything from high-end boutiques to street markets. Some of the best places to shop in Cologne are:

5.1 Hohe Strasse

Hohe Strasse is one of the busiest and most popular shopping streets in Cologne. It is home to several international and local brands.

5.2 Schildergasse

Schildergasse is another popular shopping street in Cologne. It is home to several department stores and fashion boutiques.

5.3 Neumarkt

Neumarkt is a charming shopping district in Cologne, with several small boutiques and shops selling unique items.

6. Is Cologne a safe city to visit?

Cologne is a safe city, and tourists rarely face any problems. However, like any other city, you should be careful with your belongings and avoid going to isolated areas late at night.

7. What are some of the best restaurants to try traditional German food in Cologne?

Cologne is known for its traditional German cuisine. Some of the best restaurants to try German food in Cologne are:

7.1 Brauhaus Malzmühle

Brauhaus Malzmühle is a traditional German restaurant that offers various local dishes such as sausages, roast pork, and sauerkraut.

7.2 Gaffel am Dom

Gaffel am Dom is a popular restaurant that offers traditional German delicacies such as schnitzel, bratwurst, and potato salad.

7.3 Fruh am Dom

Fruh am Dom is another traditional German restaurant that serves local beer and dishes like liver dumplings, roast pork, and potato pancakes.

8. What is the local language spoken in Cologne?

The local language spoken in Cologne is German. However, most people in the city can speak English, especially in areas that attract many tourists.

9. What is the currency used in Cologne?

The currency used in Cologne, and the rest of Germany, is the Euro.

10. What is the nightlife like in Cologne?

Cologne has a vibrant nightlife, and there are several bars, pubs, and nightclubs where you can enjoy drinks and music. Some of the popular nightlife spots in Cologne are:

10.1 Alter Markt

Alter Markt is a lively square with several bars, pubs, and restaurants. The square is especially vibrant during festivals and events.

10.2 Heumarkt

Heumarkt is another popular nightlife spot in Cologne, with several bars and clubs playing different genres of music.

10.3 Friesenstrasse

Friesenstrasse is a trendy neighborhood in Cologne with several bars and clubs.

Conclusion

Cologne is a beautiful city with a rich culture and history. In this blog post, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about Cologne, from the best time to visit to the must-visit tourist attractions. We hope that this information will help you plan your trip to Cologne and make the most of your visit. Remember to stay safe, have fun, and enjoy your trip to this stunning German city!

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Cologne

Cologne, also known as Köln in German, is a city in western Germany that is well known for its history, culture, and stunning architecture. When visiting Cologne, it’s important to know the various attractions, interesting neighborhoods, and exciting activities you can enjoy during your stay. In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of fun and engaging things to do while in Cologne, Germany.

1. Visit Cologne Cathedral

Cologne Cathedral is one of the most popular tourist attractions not only in the city, but in the entire country. It is a masterpiece of architecture and is the most visited tourist attraction in the city. The cathedral is located in the center of Cologne, on the River Rhine, and it is open to visitors daily from 6am – 9pm.

How to Get There?

To get to Cologne Cathedral, you can take a train or a bus from the airport or a train station. You can also reach the location by driving or by taking a taxi. The cathedral is easily accessible using public transportation through the Köln Hauptbahnhof (central train station) or by taking a tram or bus to the Dom/Hauptbahnhof stop.

What to Do There?

At the cathedral, you’ll have the opportunity to take a tour, visit the observation platform (which costs extra), and even attend a Mass. The guided tour takes approximately 90 minutes and is offered in different languages. The observation platform provides a sensational view of the city, as it overlooks the Rhine River and the old town.

2. Explore the Old Town (Altstadt)

Cologne’s old town, also known as Altstadt, is one of the most charming districts of Cologne, characterized by its winding streets, picturesque house fronts, and cozy cafes. The architecture dates back to the medieval period with the oldest building from 1190.

How to Get There?

Altstadt is centrally located in the city and can be easily reached by public transportation from any part of Cologne. Trams and buses run regularly to “Heumarkt” and “Dom” stations which are located on the edge of the old town.

What to Do There?

While exploring Altstadt, there are many things you can do, such as visiting the Twelve Romanesque Churches, for example, which are known for their incredible Romanesque architecture. Another must-visit attraction is the Old Market Square, the hub of activity in the city. You’ll also find boutique shops, traditional German restaurants, and outdoor markets where you can purchase souvenirs and gifts.

3. Relax at the Rhine Park

The Rhine Park is a beautiful and scenic park located on the banks of the river, offering relaxing views of the city and river. The park spans more than 40 hectares and features clean green spaces, sculptures, a climbing garden, and gorgeous gardens.

How to Get There?

The best way to reach the Rhine Park is by tram or bus. From Heumarkt or Dom stations, take the tram or bus and get off at Rheinpark. Another option is to take a leisurely stroll along the riverbank from Altstadt.

What to Do There?

Rhine Park is a perfect place to relax and enjoy nature. You can stroll through the gardens, take a picnic, or enjoy a bike ride. There is also a Kolumba Art Museum nearby, with a large collection of art pieces worth visiting.

4. Visit the Chocolate Museum

The Cologne Chocolate Museum is a popular attraction that showcases the history, production, and enjoyment of chocolate. This ‘kidult’ museum is great for kids and adults as you can learn about chocolate and even taste it!

How to Get There?

The museum can be accessed via public transportation, and the closest stop is at the Heumarkt. You can also reach the museum by taking a river tour.

What to Do There?

In the museum, you’ll have the opportunity to see a real chocolate production line, learn about the techniques involved in making chocolate, and sample some sweets. It’s an interactive experience that is both educational and fun.

5. Take a River Cruise

Cruising down the River Rhine is one of the most enchanting experiences you can have in Cologne. During the cruise, you can get a sense of the city’s rich history as the boat passes under many of the city’s bridges and historic landmarks. You can also enjoy dinner, drinks, or dancing on board.

How to Get There?

Cruises can be booked through various tour operators and can be accessed from the riverside near the Altstadt. Alternatively, you can book a cruise ahead of time online.

What to Do There?

While cruising, enjoy the stunning views of the city and the Rhine River. Some cruises offer commentary about the history and geography of the area, while others provide entertainment such as live music and dinner.

Final Thoughts

Cologne has so much to offer its visitors. With these five activities, you can easily fill a day or even a weekend trip. Whether you take in the beauty of the cathedral, stroll through the streets of the old town, relax in the park, satisfy your sweet tooth at the chocolate museum, or take a river cruise, your visit will be unforgettable. We hope our guide has helped you plan your ideal trip to Cologne!