Dusseldorf or Cologne?

I've only been to Cologne. We were also on a cruise, and we were there a day. I didn't think it was dirty at all. I enjoyed the cathedral and the area around it. I had a little walking tour that I had pulled from a guidebook. I would make sure to cross the bridge (with the padlocks) for the view of Cologne/cathedral from the other side of the river.

One interesting thing about Cologne is that except for the cathedral, the town was pretty much decimated during WWII. There were some interesting signs with photos. So, of course the buildings are all newer because the town was rebuilt.

I don't really like beer, but Cologne is known for kolsch beer. Its a lighter more summery beer. We made sure to try some.

Has your friend been to Rome or Naples? Some people are shocked at the appearance of those cities. I rather like the edginess. Also, in terms of Dussledorf/Cologne, it could all depend on where the ship could dock. Our recollection is that we were pretty much docked in Cologne city center, which was attractive and made site seeing quite convenient.

I genuinely like Cologne. I would trust Chatgbt only as far as I could throw an IBM 360.

To me, Dusseldorf felt "grittier" as in more urban-like than Cologne. I don't mean that in a bad way. Just more modern, more lived-in, if that makes any sense.

I stayed in Dusseldorf and did a day trip to Cologne. We did the typical 6 hour stuff that you mentioned: cathedral, chocolate factory, great lunch at Brauerei zur Malzmühle, a bit of shopping in that central district, Kolsch sampling in alstadt. Fun but touristy.

I chose Dusseldorf over Cologne because it felt a bit different than the other German cities we were visiting. Little Tokyo is a cool little area and offers an alternative over the typical German fare. D has a more upscale shopping experience if that's your thing. I liked D's alstadt better than C. It actually felt more like an outdoor party.

The Düsseldorf waterfront is nicely developed with cool places to eat and drink and adjacent to that is a smallish but lively old-town zone that is patronized by lots of Düsseldorfers that want to see and be seen. The rest of Düsseldorf is mostly uninspiring cityscape and really isn't all that interesting for visitors, IMHO.

Cologne has of course the Cathedral, Germany's most visited landmark. Also there is an assortment of museums, including the NS Documentation Center:

https://www.cologne-tourism.com/arts-culture/sights/detail/ns-documentation-center

https://www.cologne-tourism.com/arts-culture/museums

Cologne and D'dorf have both felt a little rough around the edges to me at different times. Which one? Depends on your interests.

We really like the older, quaint, charming villages/cities. We don't really want to spend a lot of time shopping (maybe browse a few shops) but willing to try some beer.

I was recently in both cities. I preferred Cologne if only because there was more to do there with the cathedral and art museums. I also highly recommend a visit to Schloss Augustusburg, which is an easy 20-minute train ride from Cologne.

The two cities have a similar vibe. I would not describe either as gritty. Both cities were decimated during WW2 and rebuilt in a modern style, so they lack some of the charm that you find in other European cities, but I thought both were still nice. As with most German cities, some homeless, high, and/or mentally ill people will be encountered, typically near or in the train stations. Some might come up and ask you for money. However, both cities are still ten times cleaner and safer feeling than American cities. I can't imagine anyone feeling uncomfortable in either city unless you are someone that just doesn't feel comfortable in any urban area.

Dusseldorf has the edge on beer in my opinion, if that matters to you, with their alt style being much more interesting than Cologne's kolsch style, but that's all subjective of course!

Good points here. I also stayed in Düsseldorf (for business) and did a day trip to Cologne. Neither is really gritty IMO. Actually, the Kö in Düsseldorf is one of Germany's top addresses for upscale shopping. Overall I thought Düsseldorf is more elegant and upscale than Cologne. If you like smaller towns have a look at Kaiserswerth in the northern suburbs of Düsseldorf and Gerresheim in the east. I liked both.

Cologne was more crowded when I visited, especially the main touristy area around the cathedral, Hohe Straße etc. I saw the cathedral and two other amazing Romanesque churches (which it is famous for), had a time at cafe Jansen by Fassbender and strolled all across the old town. Did not have time for museums, but I know there are a couple very good ones in Cologne.

This is all great input. Sounds like differing opinions on the 2 cities so I'll have to talk it over with my hubby and then decide. Thanks everyone.

Yeah, as you can tell, it really depends on your expectations and what types of things you want to do. I don't think that you can go wrong with either one, they are in about the same category so far as appeal, things to do, and historical interest, not top destinations, more middle tier, with Cologne getting a bit more love and more tourists, at least Americans/Canadians. The good thing is, since they are only 20 minutes apart (almost an hour by slow train) you can easily day trip to one from the other and make your own judgement.

Cologne has dozens of great museums! Their shopping streets are fantastic. Your friend must not have done much research.
There is certainly more to see here than the cathedral. Beautiful neighborhoods too.

We decided to take the excursion to Cologne for the day. Thanks everyone for your input!

Sam is showing his age! But I agree completely. I'm glad you've let reality overule AI, it's worth noting that in the Wales forum yesterday there was a detailed plan created by Chatgpt and almost every line of it was badly wrong. It's only a matter of time before that nonsense persuades somebody to walk across quicksand!

Ms. Jo brought up museums. One that the tour guide talked about was Römisch-Germanisches Museum Köln. https://roemisch-germanisches-museum.de/Homepage. It's known for roman glass and also there was a large mosaic floor. The museum is right by the cathedral which really is a don't miss.

If you are looking for museums in Cologne, we really liked the Ludwig Museum, which is a collection of modern art: https://www.museum-ludwig.de/

We decided to take the excursion to Cologne for the day. Thanks
everyone for your input!

Great choice. I've traveled to both many times and you can't go wrong with either. Would you share what is planned for the excursion? We can provide input on actives for any free time that you may have that day.

Be aware that Kolsch is served in smallish (for Germany) glasses, about 10 ounces. When you finish your beer and set it down the waiter will come to your table and give you another without asking...fabulous if you want to keep drinking. To get them to stop you place your beer coaster on top of your empty glass. And, don't pocket that coaster as a souvenir right away. The waiter will have kept a tally of food and drink on your coaster and you'll need it to pay your bill.

Great tip on the Kolsch beer. Thanks for that.
Unfortunately the excursion from our ship that afternoon is only 4 hrs total, including drive time. We don't arrive in this area until noon.
Dusseldorf 4 hrs (1hr bus ride RT, 2 hr walking tour, 1 hr free time)
Cologne 4hrs (1h45m bus RT, 1h15m walk, 1 hr free time)

The reason I hesitate to do the Cologne excursion is because we'll be on the bus almost 1/2 of the time. I so wish we had more time. That's one of the downsides of a river cruise. They do allow more time at the last 2 stops in France. Just wish they did that for all of them.

Dusseldorf includes: Walking tour of Dusseldorf... One of the highlights of the walking tour will include the Königsallee shopping street known for having stores of famous designers. Enjoy the local beer called “Altbier” in one of the lively brewhouses before you head back to the ship. Will see St. Lambertus Church, Old Town, Town Hall, Castle Tower, Carlsplatz + Brewhouse.

Cologne includes: Explore the highlights of Cologne, see the most famous places of Cologne's City Center
and Old Town including Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall; the Fishmarkt, which dates back to the 12th
century and the Great St. Martin Church. With the tour ending at the Cathedral Square, you'll have a chance to admire the cathedral. Spend your free time visiting some of the old-fashioned shops lining the streets.

Well, I hate shopping and do not have a love of beer. I'd go to Cologne. The cathedral is stunning. Have I stressed the cathedral? ;)

So, is the Koln Dom worth the extra bus time to Cologne? Or, do you want a leisurely stroll along Konigsallee and through the Old Town in Dusseldorf? IMO that is what your decision comes down to. Personally, if I had only been to Germany once I would have wanted to see the Dom. Having been to Germany many times I prefer the beer in Dusseldorf and the museums in Cologne. However, you won't have time to see the Roman (temporary location), Wallraf-Richartz and Ludwig museums. I plan to go back to both cities in the next couple of years and don't need to pick just one.

As for beer, in Dusseldorf my one stop would be Uerige for their alt bier. The are near the Marktplatz/Rathaus. Alt beer translates to old beer. The brewing history of alt bier predates the development of the modern German lagers in the late 1800's. It is very malty when compared to the more hoppy IPAs so popular in the US today. In Cologne it would be Fruh am Dom. As its name suggests, it is a short walk from the cathedral. Kolsch is a very bright and refreshing beer. Great at the end of a walking tour.

Have a wonderful time!

Thanks again everyone for all the great input. It's much appreciated.

It is fair to ask if the fact that the Dom/Cathedral in Cologne has the highest "turnstile count" of any attraction in Germany means that you must see it! I suspect that many visitors don't have the time to visit the (not "free") Treasury downstairs, which is also really good. I love Cologne and have been there (two or three nights) twice. I spent two nights in D'Dorf. D'Dorf is slightly better known for Modern and Contemporary Art, but Cologne has both.

It was very helpful to learn the timing details of your bus trip from the ship. Have they told you in what city the ship actually docks? Both rides seem very long. There is so much to see in Cologne that I'm not sure I'd bother with a taste of Kolsch. But another factor is your comfort level with finding and going into a bar and buying a few beers. (This is actually very easy, whether you are comfortable in German or not, but I just mean to raise it as a decision-making distraction!)

I trust you understand that in tour-writing English, "admire the Cathedral" means that they are not going to escort you in and give you a tour. I always have book like Rick's or Lonely Planet Germany, so I don't really need a tour guide for a stop like that. (Dom is free admission, or was when I went there last.)

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/germany/can-i-see-enough-of-cologne

The other practical vote for Cologne is that SO MUCH is only "steps" from the Cathedral. A little more walking is required in D'Dorf. But an hour of free time only really permits one museum and some more walking. One thing I did, which took over an hour alone, was to seek out the viewpoint of Turner's painting of Cologne that's at the Frick Collection in NYC:

https://collections.frick.org/objects/136/cologne-the-arrival-of-a-packetboat-evening?ctx=3d995b4ebf516cf299a5a87216b6cc06bd8bb0b5&idx=4
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/germany/can-i-see-enough-of-cologne

We stopped in Düsseldorf on a river boat cruise too. I disliked Düsseldorf and wished we stopped at Koln instead. It was ordinary, an outdoor shopping mall street, dirty side streets and just devoid of any appearance of charm or character. I was in Koln many years ago and I remember it being a nicer place than Düsseldorf.

Having been to both I actually found Duesseldorf more architecturally attractive than Koeln, although as other people have said they both needed heavy rebuilding after WWII. I suspect that the judgements you quoted were all about brief stays in the immediate area around the cruise docks.

I suspect the high visit rate for Koeln Dom is because it's literally just across the street from the railway station, and Koeln Hbf is a major changing point for people travelling in/out/through Germany so there are a lot of people with time to spare between trains.

Thanks for the additional input.
We have decided that, even though it is a farther bus ride, we will go to Cologne instead of Dusseldorf.
Thanks for all the input everyone.

It has just been reported on this newsboard that a 12-Euro entrance fee will begin for the Cologne Cathedral on July 1, 2026. While this MIGHT reduce crowding, it also seems certain to increase waiting time. I wonder if they will add the Treasury for free? If you have to choose options while buying the ticket, it will be even slower.

I wonder if they will add the Treasury for free?

No, of course not. Ticket options:

• Tower (A) 8€
• Treasury (B) 8€
• Combi Tower+Treasury (A+B) 12€
• Cathedral interior (C) 12€

You're probably on your trip by now, but maybe you're still getting on the internet. Given your time restraints, I was going to enthusiastically recommend going to the Roman-German museum which is right next door to the cathedral. Unfortunately, it is closed for renovation. Some of the collection has been moved to another location half a mile away, but the added walking time probably means you wouldn't have enough time there to make it worthwhile. Also, one of the most interesting things about that museum is that it was built because when they were excavating the area for a different intended project, they discovered an intact Roman mosaic floor, and they literally built the museum around it. So that is currently not available at all.

Have a great trip. I love river cruises!