Cologne - The Metropolis on the Rhine

Cologne is polarizing: some say it is the most beautiful city in Germany on the Rhine. Others say that Cologne is run-down, dirty, and overrated. However, the city on the Rhine has much to offer, is multicultural, and especially true locals with their Kölsch dialect are just originals.

Are you wondering 'What can I do in Cologne?' Here are the answers with all travel tips for Cologne briefly and succinctly. For detailed information and tips, just click the?? links.

If you have not been to Cologne yet, you should check out which sights in Cologne you absolutely must see. For 'repeat offenders,' there are insider tips for Cologne. Hannah has lived in the Rhineland metropolis for many years and loved the city. For business travelers, there are tips on how to explore Cologne in one day.

Our Cologne tips help everyone to learn the best about their city trip to Cologne! Enjoy!

Here we have summarized the most important information for Cologne that you should know before your trip.

Traveling to Cologne is relatively easy; you have the choice between car, train, plane, or long-distance bus.

If you are traveling by car, you should definitely obey the speed limit. Around Cologne, there are speed cameras everywhere, so save the fine for a few extra Kölsch instead. Also, there seem to be more one-way streets in Cologne than in any other city in Germany. Avoid traveling to Cologne by car.

The train is more environmentally friendly and less stressful.

WARNING: Currently, long-distance buses are only operating to Leverkusen or to Cologne/Bonn Airport due to legal regulations. If you consider this mode of travel, be sure to plan enough time to get into the city center. Personally, I would always recommend taking the train; there is also a good S- and U-Bahn network in the city that takes you everywhere.

Cologne, the metropolis on the Rhine with its unique 2,000-year history, has something to offer every visitor. Whether it's the countless Romanesque churches, diverse museums, or simply the lovable local culture you want to experience-I'm sure you'll just love Cologne! At least, that's how I felt when I visited the city for the first time. Today I'll reveal which sights you should definitely see during your first visit to Cologne.

You should travel by train. Not just for environmental reasons, but also to avoid the chaos on the roads with a car. Additionally, there are many speed cameras in and around Cologne. Save that money for a few glasses of Kölsch instead.

By train, you'll arrive right in the center at the main station. This is located directly by the Cathedral and the Cathedral square in the old town.

Ideally, start your city exploration at the main station on the Cathedral square. From here, all the attractions are easily reachable on foot: the Cathedral, Town Hall, Rat Tower, Museum Ludwig, Groß St. Martin, Rheinauhafen, and the old town.

The city of Cologne stretches on both sides of the Rhine. Colonians say the left bank is the 'real side.' Here are the top sights as well as nightlife areas (Veedel) and shopping miles. The right side of the Rhine is derogatorily referred to as the 'wrong side' with 'Schäl Sick.' Here lie Deutz, Kalk, Mülheim, Leverkusen, and the not so loved Düsseldorf. Additionally, the LVR Tower (Cologne Triangle) is on the right bank. For me, you have the best view of Cologne, the Cathedral, and the Rhine from here.

The Cologne Card is a ticket that saves you money on admission to attractions. Instead of buying a ticket for public transportation, the Cologne Card is worth it. It includes public transportation as well as up to 50% discounts for entries at attractions.

You can order the Cologne Card online, but you need to pick it up at the Cologne Tourism Office directly at the Cathedral/Main Station. Address: Cologne Tourism, Cardinal-Höffner-Platz 1, 50667 Cologne.

Check before your trip to Cologne whether there is a major trade fair taking place or if a long weekend is approaching. Because then the city, especially the old town and the Cathedral, gets very crowded. If possible, try to avoid weekends and visit the mentioned attractions early in the morning or just before closing.

If a fair is taking place in Cologne, hotel prices are significantly higher than normal. Be flexible and check your travel times.

For initial orientation, we like to take tours. Either by bicycle or on foot. We also do food tours to discover places through culinary experiences. For Cologne, we recommend a brewery tour.

We recommend these city tours:

The spirit of Cologne is contagious. No wonder millions of visitors rave about how enthusiastic they are. Colonians are generally open and helpful, chatting freely in their dialect, and when once a year it's 'Kölle Allaf,' the whole city goes into emergency mode.

But now let's get started with the attractions and highlights you should not miss in Cologne. Which building waits first is not a secret tip, but the visit is certainly worth it!

The best guidebook for Cologne is the DuMont direct. It offers plenty of tips for your visit to Cologne. Well organized and visually appealing. A must-buy!

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Alternatively, I recommend the 'Best City in the World Travel Guide' for Cologne by Marco Polo. Why do I recommend this guide without owning it myself? Because it was written by my esteemed colleague Ralf Johnen, who lives in Cologne.

More great guides for Cologne if you enjoy having a book in hand:

Cologne is the typical trade fair city. Therefore, whether you are traveling during the week or planning a weekend visit to the Rhine, you should definitely check that there is no large event taking place. Then, accommodation prices explode, especially in the city center and around Cologne-Deutz.

In Cologne, there are countless hotels and hostels. However, during trade fair times, it can get quite expensive. For those who do not want to rely on an Airbnb offer, I can recommend these hotels/hostels.

The Lindner City Plaza at Friesenplatz has come up with something particularly beautiful. Here, you find individually designed floors that reflect Cologne in all its facets. My favorite floor is #urbancologne in street-art style. In terms of location, design, and value for money, the Lindner City Plaza is simply perfect.

As a luxury hotel in a top location, I can recommend this one: Hotel am Wasserturm in the old town. A great address where the roommate of a friend once worked.

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