These cities are beautiful and very liveable, with fairly affordable housing, parks with green spaces everywhere. Cologne is bigger and has a lot more character, better, more varied nightlife and culture. Düsseldorf has better shopping and is more bourgeois. 

They’re not far from each other, it is advisable to board a train if you want to visit Cologne from Dusseldorf, it’s only about 21-minute ride.

That’s not all…..There are lots of interesting tourist attractions you should explore in these cities! 

Firstly, head to Cologne’s tall church, and that’s the Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The cathedral is also known as the Dom and is a Gothic masterpiece that took over 600 years to build. It is one of the tallest churches in the world and is known for its stunning architecture and treasure-filled reliquaries.

Another thing to do in Cologne is to visit the Kingdom of Sweets. It is located on the banks of the Rhine. This place is a great option for those with a sweet tooth or an interest in food history.

If you need a place to relax, just head over to Flora Köln….. It is no accident that the ‘palace in the park’ is considered the top address for social events in Cologne. With its rooms, including the magnificent festival hall and the elegant rooftop lounge, Flora Köln offers a wealth of ideas and space, not only for family celebrations such as weddings or anniversary celebrations, but also for seminars, larger social events such as gala events, parties, concerts,, and even stylish banquets.

Get a whiff of the place where Eau de Cologne was born. Learn about perfume essences and attraction, and let your nose lead you through history, at the Fragrance museum . You can visit the shop and purchase without a tour, but the history of the place makes it much more interesting. On the tour, one also gets to smell some of the ingredients used and see parts of the building not otherwise open to the public. At the end of the tour, you’d be given a tiny bottle of perfume (valued at about the same cost as the tour).

If you like Chinese hot pot, then San Gu Mao Zeit is a place you must not miss. It’s near the main station on the other side of the Dom.

Your trip to Cologne is not complete if you haven’t seen the Cologne triangle. It’s totally okay if you’re scared of heights- maybe you wouldn’t need to see it. But if you’re one of those whose trip isn’t complete without rooftop view yet, you should be at the top of the cologne triangle. Ticket is about 5 Euros & you can pay at the spot. The views are breathtaking- do not miss this spot!

Now, let’s head over to Dusseldorf. In summer time, you should consider a boat trip down the Rhine River. The 45-minute cruise has several operators leaving from Burgplatz pier, some with optional free-flow booze options. You’ll get to see the glass panels of the Rheinturm and soak up the stunning view. 

The Rheinturm is the best viewpoint in the city, as well as Düsseldorf’s tallest tower. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can lean against the slanting glass panels from the observation deck and look down on the whole city. You can visit throughout the day or night, but for the most impressive views, you should aim for dusk.

Walk the Rheinuferpromenade from the Parliament building down to the docks, and there you will find the popular cyclists, groups of friends lazing on the grass, and anybody out for a stroll. You will find a warm communal vibe along this pedestrianized riverside walk. The whole route is lined with popular landmarks, including St. Lambertus church and Burgplatz, with the Schlossturm tower. If you fancy a break, you’re never more than a few minutes from the next bar or coffee shop.

Around the festive season, Burgplatz hosts a charming Christmas Market with thousands of shops and snack vendors. All lit up in lights, it’s a magical sight.

Which city will you visit first, Cologne or Düsseldorf?

The beauty is that you don’t have to choose because the cities, as they are quite close to each other, with a short train ride. You can head over to one after the other to enjoy the interesting view.