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Cologne

Germany, Europe

Cologne, a vibrant city on the Rhine River, is renowned for its stunning Gothic Cathedral, the Kölner Dom, which boasts breathtaking spires and rich history. Visitors can wander through the charming Old Town, indulge in the local Kölsch beer, and explore over 30 museums including the famous Ludwig Museum, showcasing modern art. Cologne's lively carnival attracts millions yearly, making it an ideal destination for both culture enthusiasts and partygoers alike.

Quick facts

Target stay

3-4 days

Type

City

Vibe

History

Airport

Koln Bonn

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit

11 Best Things to Do in Cologne

1. Visit Cologne Cathedral

Marvel at this stunning Gothic masterpiece and UNESCO site.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

1.5 hrs

2. Explore the Old Town

Wander through charming streets filled with history and culture.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

2 hrs

3. Rhein River Cruise

Enjoy scenic views of Cologne from the water.

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Booking required

1 hr

4. Cologne Chocolate Museum

Learn about chocolate history and enjoy delicious samples.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

1.5 hrs

5. Visit the Museum Ludwig

Explore modern art collections, including Picasso's works.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

2 hrs

6. Cologne Carnival

Join locals in this vibrant and festive celebration.

Seasonal

Family-friendly

No booking required

3 hrs

7. Cologne Zoo

Visit a diverse range of animals in a beautiful setting.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

2 hrs

8. Check out the Belgian Quarter

Experience trendy shops, cafes, and nightlife in this area.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

2 hrs

9. Taste Kölsch Beer

Savor the local beer style in authentic breweries.

Available all year

Adults only

No booking required

1 hr

10. Visit the NS Documentation Centre

Understand the impact of the Nazi regime in Cologne.

Available all year

Adults only

No booking required

1.5 hrs

11. Take a Day Trip to Bonn

Explore the historic city and birthplace of Beethoven.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

5 hrs

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

Expected (~5-10%)

Tapwater

Generally safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

High

LGBTQ+ safety score

10 (#8 globally)

Cost

Expensive

Currency

Euro

Majority religion

Christian

Language

German

(50-80% speak English)

Best dishes to try

Sauerbraten

Marinated pot roast, slow-cooked. (National dish)

Bratwurst

Grilled sausage, often served with mustard.

Schnitzel

Breaded and fried meat cutlet.

Currywurst

Sausage with curry ketchup, popular street food.

Black Forest Cake

Chocolate cake with cherries and cream.

Phrases to learn

English

German

Hello

Hallo

(Hah-loh)

Yes/No

Ja / Nein

(Yah / Nine)

Thank you

Danke

(Dahn-keh)

Excuse me

Entschuldigung

(Ent-shool-dee-goong)

How much?

Wie viel?

(Vee feel)