We are flying into Brussels on the 18th and plan to stay most of the day. We were planning to take the train to Cologne that night and stay for the Festival of Lights, leaving on the 20th.
Would it be best to stay one night in Brussels, then take the train over in the morning for a full day and night in Cologne to see the Cathedral and enjoy the fireworks or should we get to Cologne the night before? Not sure just how crazy and crowded the city gets for this festival.
We currently have hotel reservations for both nights in Cologne - but were thinking of giving ourselves one full day in each city.
Thoughts?
Posted by
Columbus, OH, USA
2026 posts
Oops. I guess this isn't about Chanukkah after all!
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10230 posts
Lol Denny! That's what I thought when I read the title too!
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32812 posts
me too .....
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
I would leave your plan as-is, with two nights in Cologne. The 18:25 ICE departure from Brussels is easy to buy now at an advance-discount rate of 39 euros per person through DB (or does not need reservations if you're using a railpass). The last direct train leaving Brussels is the Thalys at 19:28. Either one takes less than 2 hours.