We have allocated three nights to stay in either Cologne or Düsseldorf in early May. The plan is to spend one day touring each city and then rent a car for one day and drive to Burg Eltz and time permitting, stop in Bonn. We're avid travelers in our early 40s and enjoy art, history and good food and drink. Neither of us has been to this area before.
So, what say you - do we base ourselves in Cologne or Düsseldorf?
I'm a big fan of Cologne.
I've stayed in both and was personally disappointed in Cologne - the city was more or less demolished in WWII and they restored the cathedral and churches, but most of the rest of the centre is obviously post-war and rather dull. By contrast Duesseldorf seemed to me to have more historic atmosphere.
We just returned from a 14 day trip in Germany and did a 3 day stay in Dusseldorf. One of the days included a day trip to Cologne from Dusseldorf which for us was enough time in Cologne.
I vote for Dusseldorf. Cologne is very dull, as mentioned. It also has a low-end feel.
Ooh, that must be why I like it.
Düsseldorf has made very good use of its riverfront and has a more pleasant pedestrianized old-town zone than Cologne does. I like it slightly better, but I'm not a gigantic fan of either.
Rather than Bonn, why not stop somewhere like Remagen? It's a very pleasant place for a self-guided walking tour and just south of Bonn.
https://www.remagen.de/Tourismus-_-Veranstaltungen/Stadtrundgang/
https://www.remagen.de/images/Tourismus/Info/Faltblatt_rundgang_kulinarisc...pdf
http://www.bruecke-remagen.de/index_en.htm
The Arp Museum in Rolandseck (just after Bonn and before Remagen) would likely interest you too:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g642105-d729455-Reviews-Arp_Museum-Remagen_Rhineland_Palatinate.html
In that area I always stay in Düsseldorf, it's also a junction center for the iCE, regional trains, S-Bahn and U-Bahn lines, IC train and the NJ night train. I know Düsseldorf much better which accounts for my choice.
Never been to Düsseldorf because I could never find any reason to see it. Been to Cologne 4 times. unfortunately. Trapped by river cruise itinerary.
Since you wan to go to Burg Eltz, think about extending that drive to the whoel Mosel Valley, one of the most scenic road trips in EU-- quint villages headlined by Bernkastle & Cochem. Also Cochem castle. Trier-- one time capital of the ROman Emplire & oldest city in Germany, and the drive along the river is top scenery.
I much prefer Cologne, which is not at all dull. Duesseldorf may have more night food and drink (I don’t call that “nightlife”, but some do), since it’s known as “Germany’s longest bar!” Both are nice, but Cologne has multiple world class museums of every type. Duesseldorf is a little more oriented to 20th Century art. It might also be cheaper.
Cologne is notable for so many major sights being walkable from the HBF. The Cologne cathedral leads all attractions in Germany for annual attendance.
Edit: Burg Eltz is not next door. How about a Rhine castle or the K-D boat middle Rhine? Train might be faster than car for that. Even Rick recognizes more than one castle!
https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/germany/rhine-valley
https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/read/articles/rhine-river-raging-with-history
I have been to Cologne two times and had a Great experience with the Museums and Cathedral which is world class and don't forget the Kölsch beer.
Mike
