Timeline
14:39
Visit the Basilica of the Holy Apostles while it is open for sightseeing. This Romanesque church is quietest in the morning, allowing you to appreciate the cloverleaf-shaped choir and the 67-meter-high west tower without the midday crowds.
15:39
Grab lunch at Borsalino, an affordable Italian-style restaurant just a short walk from the basilica. It is open from 11:30 on weekdays, making it a reliable spot for a relaxed meal before your walk.
17:39
Walk to the Hohenzollern Bridge, also known as the Locking Bridge. This viewpoint offers a straight path view of the Rhine and is famous for the padlocks attached to its railings. The bridge is about 25 minutes from the basilica, but a direct route from your lunch spot is quicker.
18:39
End your evening at Brauerei Malzmühle, a pub located near the bridge. Arrive just as the sun sets (18:39) to enjoy a drink with a view of the river and the city lights beginning to turn on.
Local tip
The basilica is only open for sightseeing outside of service hours. Check the schedule for mass times if you are visiting on a Sunday or holiday. The walk from the basilica to the bridge is pleasant but takes about 25 minutes; you can take a shorter route from the restaurant area.
Check before you go
- Borsalino is open Mo-Th 11:30-24:00, Fr 11:30-03:00, Sa 09:00-03:00, Su 09:00-24:00.
- Brauerei Malzmühle is open 10:00-22:00.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Cologne (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).