Cologne lies on the banks of the Rhine River and is Germany’s fourth largest city. Its long and fascinating history has given the city a distinctive charm a towering cathedral, medieval marketplace and grand old buildings sit alongside modern office blocks. Cologne is a hot spot for tourism, as well as media and business. It is famous worldwide for the scent Eau de Cologne, first produced here in 1709. It’s also known as being one of the most liberal cities in Germany.
One of the most popular areas for visitors is the picturesque Old Town, which was almost completely reduced to rubble during World War II. Cologne was one of the most heavily bombed cities in Germany, but it has been painstakingly rebuilt. The historic center, including the Alter Markt (Old Market), has been restored to its pre-war heritage and the surviving old buildings, such as the famous Cologne Cathedral, carefully preserved. A more modern attraction, but still one of the oldest of its kind in Germany, is the Cologne Zoo.
Cologne today is known for being a major cultural center and is famous for its Winter Carnival, held in February. There’s also plenty of activity throughout the year thanks to the city’s vibrant arts scene, countless galleries and more than 30 museums. The Museum Schnütgen houses an extensive collection of medieval art in an 11th-century Romanesque church. Visit the Museum für Angewandte Kunst (Museum of Applied Art) and browse through thousands of design objects, from a Mies van der Rohe chair to a retro vacuum cleaner.
If you want to practice your German, Cologne is a great place to do so as the locals are known for their welcoming nature. English is also widely spoken here, especially by younger people, and tours and information in English are available for all of the city’s main attractions.
Getting around Cologne is easy with the efficient and affordable public transport network, which includes trams, buses and trains. There is an English language feature on ticket machines. Renting a bike is another great way to see this city rentals are available from the northern side of the main train station.
Cologne
Where to stay in Cologne
Old Town Cologne
Known for its stunning cathedral, stunning river views, and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Old Town Cologne. Top attractions like Cologne Cathedral and Hohe Strasse are major draws. Catch the metro at Heumarkt U-Bahn or Neumarkt U-Bahn to see more of the city.
Innenstadt
Known for its stunning cathedral and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Innenstadt. Check out top attractions like Cologne Cathedral and Old Market, and jump on the metro at Heumarkt U-Bahn or Appellhofplatz Breite Strasse U-Bahn to see more of the city.
Altstadt-Nord
Known for its stunning cathedral and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Altstadt-Nord. Check out top attractions like Cologne Cathedral and National Socialist Documentation Center, and jump on the metro at Appellhofplatz Breite Strasse U-Bahn or Heumarkt U-Bahn to see more of the city.
Deutz
Museums, shopping, and river views highlight some notable features of Deutz. Make a stop by Cologne Triangle or LANXESS Arena while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Deutzer Freiheit U-Bahn or Deutz Koelnarena U-Bahn to get around town.
Mülheim
Mülheim is a destination travelers like for its museums, and you might hop aboard the metro at Am Emberg U-Bahn or Im Weidenbruch U-Bahn to explore sights like Palladium.
Lindenthal
Noted for its bars and lake views, there's plenty to explore in Lindenthal. Top attractions like RheinEnergieStadion and Melaten-Friedhof are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Duerener Strasse - Guertel U-Bahn or Wuellnerstrasse U-Bahn to see more of the city.
Reviewed on May 13, 2024
Reviewed on May 7, 2024
Reviewed on May 12, 2024
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Reviewed on May 17, 2023
Popular places to visit
Cologne Cathedral
Marvel at the Gothic architecture and the shrine of the three wise men at one of the largest churches in the world.
RheinEnergieStadion
Catch an event at RheinEnergieStadion during your trip to Cologne. Stroll along the riverfront in this culturally rich area, or check out its local chocolate shops.
LANXESS Arena
Catch an event at LANXESS Arena during your trip to Cologne. Amble around this culturally rich area's riverfront or experience its fascinating museums.
Chocolate Museum
Delve into the delectable history of chocolate and sample the confectionary as you find out about the different ways that it is produced around the world.
Cologne Zoo
This is one of the country’s oldest zoological gardens, and has the biggest collection of animals in Germany.
Old Market
The city’s former marketplace is now a lively spot known for its café culture and carnivals.
Things to do
Cologne: Old Town Highlights Walking Tour
Discover the LGBT side of Cologne with a Local
Cologne: Brewery Tour with 3 Kölsch Beer Tastings
Cologne: 3-Hour Guided Bike Tour
Cologne: TimeRide VR Time Travel Experience Ticket
Reviews of Cologne
5/5 - Excellent
Easy to get around, small enough to do major attractions in 2 days tops.
5/5 - Excellent
Lots to do. Very salable.
5/5 - Excellent
Amazing city with a special charm.
3/5 - Okay
A short walk along Eigelstein street to the Eigelstein-Torburg gate, once you pass under the railway line is a pleasant surprise. The architecture, atmosphere and civilised restaurant prices compared to central station or shopping mall direction.
3/5 - Okay
Didn’t like at all, not much to look.
5/5 - Excellent
Wonderful city
