How long does it take to see Cologne? Hamburg?

Question

I've got 3 free days on a rail pass from my job in Germany. This weekend, I'd like to see at least 2 other German cities. I've already seen Berlin; I was leaning towards Cologne, Hamburg, and Munich. I definitely want to see the latter two, and I will spend Saturday and Sunday in Munich. My coworkers say I can see Cologne in an hour. I just have to step outside of the train station, see the cathedral, walk around a bit, and that's it. Is this true? Also, if I do that, I'd be in Hamburg from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Is this enough time to see things that I "must see"? If I don't go to cologne, I can spend from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM there.

Also, are there any suggestions on what I should do in these 2/3 cities?

Answer 1

You say that you definitely want to see Hamburg.  So, forget about Cologne.

Not because it is not worth it, but because you can spend three wonderful days in t his city, so leave it for next time and enjoy Hamburg.  That city by itself deserves a few days.

Answer 2

I don't know what Ich&I is talking about. Last time I was there you could do that round in a few minutes since our air heroes destroyed everything....

Answer 3

sorry i have never been to hamburg, but spend a while in cologne see the river and learn about why it was named cologne. its a cute place! you will need lots of time in munich! at first i thought it was a little country town but when i got out to see the nightlife it was amazing! you have to go to a bar there of course, and have one of their pretzels. i definately think you should take time to go to cologne and explore. its really a cool place. not sure if you have been there but rothenburg is really cool too, made me feel like i stepped back into medival time.....i spent 7 hours there and it was MORE than enuf...i actually got bored spending 7 hours there. make sure you go inside the cathedral in cologne! its breathtaking! nothing like it its as must see! lucky you get to work there. i loved germany

Answer 4

Cologne Attractions:

The Cologne Cathederal -

Cologne's Gothic Cathederal is one of its top attractions. It took over 600 years to build and is a UNESCO world heritage site. Conveniently located right next to the train station. In 2000, the Cathederal treasures were placed in a historic vaulted chamber so folks could view them easier. If you can climb 509 steps you'll get a good view of Cologne on the observation platform. Open 6am to 7:30 pm for viewing, except during mass. Bring a wide-angle lens if you want to get it all in the picture, or you'll end up with an impressionistic shot like this picture of the Cologne Cathederal and its soaring spires.

Rhine Boat Trips -

lots of day trips and longer excursions are available. Ask at the tourist office.

Visit the house of 4711, the Original Eau-de-Cologne - Wilhelm Mulhens marketed a concoction called Aqua Mirabilis on the basis of its stimulating and refreshing effect (splash it on or drink it, it didn't matter). It later got to be know as the first Eau de Cologne when French Revolutionary troops sent it home for gifts to the family. Glockengasse, in the city centre between the cathedral and Neumarkt, opposite the opera house.

Have a brew and a bite to eat in the Altstadt (old town) - Cologne is definately a beer city with their own beer styly called Kölcsh, a pale top fermented beer that must be brewed in the Cologne metoopolitan area. While most of the breweries in the city center are gone, you can still enjoy a beer with other tourists at a pub in the Altstadt.

Visit the Roman-German Museum (Romisch-Germanisches Museum) - See Roman antiquities from the first through fourth centuries--and the 230 foot long mosaic showing Dionysus, the Roman god of wine. Highly recommended.

Answer 5

´´My coworkers say I can see Cologne in an hour´´

that reminds me of pro chinese visiters who spend 1 hour in munich, 40 minutes in rome,50 minutes in paris etc

you need at least 1 year to feel the spirit and understand it in any german city

just follow your heart and you will find interesting things