What a pity I didn’t use a Tripbod on my trip to Cologne. I could  have used some local knowledge to plan my long weekend, which despite great effort in situ, turned out to be unremarkable.
How not to plan a long weekend in Cologne
My boyfriend, T and I recently went for a weekend away in Cologne. Stupidly, we didn’t do any research before buying our tickets; being a Tripbod, I should know better! We just booked the flights because there was a sale on Germanwings and we didn’t really consider the possibility that it might not be a very exciting place to visit.
Cologne has one star attraction, its cathedral, a huge, imposing structure that is one of the few buildings that did not get flattened during World War II. It is certainly worth a visit, perhaps a day trip, but having seen it and wandered the old town to fill up on schnitzel and Kolsch, we were rather at a loss for what to do with the rest of our time there, 3 days in total.
On the second day we decided to take the train to a castle nearby that T had read about online, Schlösser Augustusburg und Falkenlust. It was raining when we arrived, which was a pity, since the gardens were one of its main attractions and we only had one umbrella. We went inside to do a tour of the interior instead, but they only do tours in German and, as neither of us were too keen on a guided tour anyway, we decided to save the 5-er and get back on the train.
‘Missing the boat’ in Bonn
Next stop, Bonn. Bonn is a pretty little town and we had a pleasant stroll around, but here the problem was a lack of people. Sunday lunchtime and there was absolutely no one about! The situation was so dire that I agreed to find a bar where we could watch the Grand Prix; having such an event on in the background at home is my idea of an exceedingly dull Sunday, fancy agreeing to find a venue to watch it on holiday. When the race was over, we went in search of lunch (more schnitzel and Kolsch), but as the only customers in the beerhouse we soon grew tired of each other’s company and headed back to Cologne.
Museums in Cologne
One of the other things Cologne does have to offer is museums and art galleries. This is one of the few things I had read up on beforehand. Sadly, though, without a trusty Tripbod at the other end, I did not read anywhere that all the museums are all closed on Mondays. Schoolboy error, we had left the best till last and now we found ourselves… well, where do you think? In a beerhouse, eating schnitzel and drowning our sorrows in yet more glasses of Kolsch.
Victoria Brown, Tripbod, London.
Victoria Brown can give you a personalized itinerary or advice on things to do in London, she specializes in cheap and fantastic places to eat and local festivals and events.
To connect with a Tripbod in Cologne for local information and advice before you go, contact Bod Central: [email protected] or call +44 208 144 9021
