Cologne, Germany, is a captivating city known for its striking Gothic architecture and vibrant cultural scene. Dominated by the magnificent Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its twin spires and intricate facade, the city offers a rich historical and artistic heritage. Nestled along the Rhine River, Cologne boasts charming medieval streets, lively squares, and a plethora of museums and galleries. Its energetic atmosphere is further enhanced by bustling markets, diverse culinary experiences, and a thriving nightlife. With its blend of historical grandeur and modern vibrancy, Cologne stands as a dynamic and inviting destination.
If you're a local seeking a weekend escape, read on. With a wide selection of nearby destinations, both domestic and international, there's something for everyone. Here are some weekend getaway ideas for residents in the Cologne, Germany area, all accessible within a direct 4-hour flight. Best of all, these trips can be enjoyed without the need to take annual leave (perfect for those working Monday to Friday, 9 to 5). It all comes down to what you wish to do at your chosen destination.
Berlin, Germany (BER) - 1 Hour 10 Minute Flight
Why go?
Explore Berlin's dramatic history, cutting-edge architecture, and dynamic cultural scene.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Berlin
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Eurowings from CGN - See flight deals
Ryanair from CGN - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €50+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Barcelona, Spain (BCN) - 2 Hour 10 Minute Flight
Why go?
Explore Barcelona’s unique blend of Catalan culture, innovative architecture, and vibrant street life.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Barcelona
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
easyJet from CGN - See flight deals
Vueling from CGN - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €20+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Vienna, Austria (VIE) - 1 Hour 30 Minute Flight
Why go?
Indulge in Vienna’s world-renowned music scene, imperial history, and enchanting coffee house culture.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Vienna
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Ryanair from CGN - See flight deals
Eurowings from CGN - See flight deals
Austrian from CGN - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €20+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Lisbon, Portugal (LIS) - 3 Hour 10 Minute Flight
Why go?
Discover Lisbon's enchanting blend of traditional heritage and contemporary culture, set against a backdrop of seven sun-drenched hills.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Lisbon
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Ryanair from CGN - See flight deals
Eurowings from CGN - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €20+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
London, England (LHR, LGW, STN, LTN, LCY, SEN) - 1 Hour 10 Minute Flight
Why go?
London is a bustling metropolis packed with world-class museums, diverse neighborhoods, and historical landmarks.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in London
When to go?
Summer
Who can fly you there?
Ryanair from CGN - See flight deals
Eurowings from CGN - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €20+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Prague, Czech Republic (PRG) - 1 Hour 10 Minute Flight
Why go?
Wander through Prague's fairy-tale streets, historic architecture, and experience its lively beer culture.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Prague
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Eurowings from CGN - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €50+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Athens, Greece (ATH) - 3 Hour Flight
Why go?
Step back in time in Athens, where ancient history stands side by side with a lively, modern metropolis.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Athens
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Ryanair from CGN - See flight deals
Aegean from CGN - See flight deals
Eurowings from CGN - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €30+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Valletta, Malta (MLA) - 2 Hour 45 Minute Flight
Why go?
Valletta offers a compact historic city, steeped in history and surrounded by the Mediterranean’s blue waters.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Malta
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
easyJet from CGN - See flight deals
Ryanair from CGN - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €30+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Dublin, Ireland (DUB) - 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
Enjoy Dublin’s literary pubs, historical treasures, and the warm hospitality of its people.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Dublin
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Aer Lingus from CGN - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €10+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Santorini, Greece (JTR) - 3 Hour 10 Minute Flight
Why go?
Experience breathtaking sunsets and stunning volcanic landscapes in Santorini, a jewel of the Aegean.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Santorini
When to go?
Summer
Who can fly you there?
Eurowings from CGN - See flight deals
TUI Airways from CGN - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €50+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Dubrovnik, Croatia (DBV) - 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
Visit Dubrovnik for its stunning Old Town encircled by massive stone walls and the sparkling Adriatic Sea.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Dubrovnik
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Eurowings from CGN - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €50+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Stockholm, Sweden (ARN) - 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
Stockholm spreads across islands connected by bridges with a historic old town and vibrant modern culture.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Stockholm
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Ryanair from CGN - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €30+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Porto, Portugal (OPO) - 2 Hour 50 Minute Flight
Why go?
Porto charms with its stately bridges, historic port wine cellars, and a beautiful riverside area.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Porto
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Ryanair from CGN - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €30+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Valencia, Spain (VLC) - 2 Hour 30 Minute Flight
Why go?
Valencia blends history, culture, and modernity, with stunning architecture and a famous paella scene.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Valencia
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Ryanair from CGN - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €20+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Split, Croatia (SPU) - 1 Hour 50 Minute Flight
Why go?
Step into the past within the walls of Diocletian's Palace in Split, a vibrant Adriatic port with rich history.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Split
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Eurowings from CGN - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €40+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pisa, Italy (PSA) - 1 Hour 40 Minute Flight
Why go?
Pisa is renowned for its iconic Leaning Tower, beautiful duomo, and vibrant student culture.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Pisa
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Eurowings from CGN - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €50+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Skopje, North Macedonia (SKP) - 2 Hour 30 Minute Flight
Why go?
Experience Skopje's fascinating blend of Ottoman and European influences, visible in its architecture and monuments.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Skopje
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Wizz Air from CGN - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €40+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Corfu, Greece (CFU) - 2 Hour 25 Minute Flight
Why go?
Corfu features lush scenery, stunning beaches, and a blend of Venetian, French, and British influences.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Corfu
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Ryanair from CGN - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €20+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
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