.png)
Cologne is Germany's 4th most populous city and is located on the left bank of the River Rhine in the North Rhine Westphalia state of Germany.
The city has had significant historical importance since medieval times and was a Military Area Command Headquarters during the Second World War. The city was severely damaged due to the bombing in the war and was also taken over by Americans in 1945.
The city has a lot to offer for historians, travelers, artists, fashion addicts, and party lovers in short. If you are planning a trip to Germany. It's a MUST-visit city to be included in your travel plans. It's one of our favorite cities in Germany.
I have been to Cologne several times but believe me this city always comes up with new surprises everytime.
How to reach Cologne:
By Air:
You can take a flight to Cologne-Bonn Airport. It has international and Domestic flights from Europe and you can use Skyscanner to find cheap flights. You can also use Omio, for Cheap bus, Train, and plane tickets.
By Train:
The train is a very convenient way reaching to Cologne. There are many various train choices, such as regional and high-speed trains are available.
If you're traveling within NRW state, I would suggest you take the Day ticket for one person and if you are in a group, there is also the option of buying a Day ticket for a group which highly decreases the cost per person incase, if you don't have Deutschland ticket.
By Bus:
You can also reach Cologne by bus, There are different options like Flixbus, Bla Bla bus etc, But it's not really a pleasant journey for us. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, you can check with different bus options.
Best Season to Visit Cologne:
I visited Cologne for the first time in August 2017 during my Euro Trip for 32 Days. Since then, I have visited Cologne in different seasons, and almost every season, it sparkles with its never-ending charm, and you don't wanna miss this out.
Best place to stay in Cologne:
Cologne has some excellent centrally-located hotels that provide great stay. Check out some options:
For first-time visitors: Altstadt or Deutz for easy access to sights and good views.
For young travelers and nightlife: Neustadt-Nord (Belgian Quarter) or Ehrenfeld.
For a local vibe: Südstadt.
Rheinauhafen: For Luxury travelers, design lovers, and business visitors.
But if you're spending more time in the city, you don't necessarily need a hotel or hostel. You'll also be able to find affordable and fully equipped rental apartments in the heart of the city.
To find apartments in Cologne, check out sites like Homelike and Airbnb. If you like the hustle and bustle of city life, we'd suggest staying in neighborhoods such as Altstadt, Heumarkt, Rudolfplatz, and Belgische Viertel.
How to commute within Cologne:
Public Transport:
Cologne offers a highly efficient public transportation system that includes trains, trams, buses, and the S-Bahn, providing convenient travel across the city. If you're planning to travel extensively, purchasing a day ticket or 48-hour ticket is a great option, allowing unlimited travel within the validity period.
These tickets can be used on all forms of public transport, making it easy to explore the city without worrying about separate fares.
Taxis & Uber:
Taxis are available throughout Cologne and can be booked via apps like FreeNow. Additionally, Uber is also available, particularly in the city center, providing another convenient option for getting around.
Things to do in Cologne:
1. Cologne Dome
When you go out from the Central Station of Cologne, you can see the magnificent Cologne Dome right in front of you.
The catholic dome is a tall building with twin towers and is declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Dome has a free entrance and is always crowded with tourists.
The church's interior is impressive, with beautiful paintings on the walls. For a 360-degree view of the city and the Rhine River, the narrow stairs take you to the top of the Cathedral.
2. Hohenzollern Bridge
The famous Hohenzollern Bridge is the most photogenic place in Cologne. The heavy bridge has train tracks and pedestrian walking, and it's used by thousands of people daily for commuting from one part of the city to another.
The iconic bridge is known for locking the love by putting the lock with your and your lover’s name.
There are countless locks on the bridge, and it’s really hard to find an empty place on the primary side. I would suggest looking at the empty place on the other side if you want to lock in your love.
We crossed the river and went to the other side of the river. It has a perfect spot to enjoy the sunset with a fantastic view of the river, bridge, and Cathedral.
The calmness of the place made me indulge in my thoughts and took me to another world. It is the best place for meditation. After enjoying the amazing view,
3. Cologne Old Town or Cologne (Altstadt)
You can enjoy walking through the street of Old Town cobbled streets lined with traditional buildings and boutiques. In Cologne's Old Town, you can start with Old Market Square also known as Alter Markt which is surrounded by traditional houses and cafes where you can enjoy people strolling.
You can also visit St. Martin Church, which is a Romanesque masterpiece. You can also go to the historic Town Hall (Kölner Rathaus) and Heinzelmännchen Fountain.
Cologne is a city where the famous Cologne Eau de Cologne was invented in 1709 by Johanna Maria de Farina. There is also an original Cologne shop and Farina Fragrance Museum where you can buy the famous Eau de Cologne.
You can also go for the perfume museum tour and it's a best way to learn about the making and testing of different fragrances and also get some free samples as a Souvenir.
You can also visit Heumarkt squares which turn into a Christmas fairyland. The old town also has the best shopping streets with all the best and most affordable brands for the shoppers.
You have many options to find the things according to your choice and price range. It also has a shopping mall for indoor shoppers.
You can also visit Neumarkt which is one of Cologne’s largest public squares and it has different cafes and restaurants. The square is also famous for its Christmas market.
4. Museum Ludwig
Museum Ludwig is one of the museums located in Cologne's old town near the Cologne Cathedral and it's famous for its impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. The museum has a collection of great artists like Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Roy Lichtenstein.
You can also find masterpieces from the movements like Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, and German Expressionism. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions. The ticket cost € 13,90 when we visited but now the cost maybe changed.
5. Walk on the bank of the Rhine River Promenade
You can walk along the bank of the Rhine as it's picturesque with colorful old houses and views of the Rhine. It's one of the most photographed locations in the city. There are lots of cafes and restaurants located on the bank.
Throughout the year, the Rhine promenade becomes a lively hub for various events, including outdoor markets, seasonal stalls, festivals, and firework displays, especially during holidays and the famous Cologne Carnival.
6. Cruise in River Rhine
A must-do activity in Cologne is a boat trip on the River Rhine. Many cruising companies are set on the bank of the Rhine River, offering within the city and cruises to surrounding areas and cities such as Dusseldorf.
We opted for a city cruise with a guided tour. The Cruise cost me € 11, but if you are a student in Germany, it costs € 6. (the price might be increased). It was a cruise tour for an hour and covered all the city's famous spots across Rhine.
Your trip to Cologne is not completed without a Cruise on the River Rhine, and this activity must be included in your "Things to do in Cologne, Germany" list.
With the guided audio, you can also learn about the history and importance of the cologne. There's also a party cruise option aswell in the evening.
7. Visit to Chocolate Museum
For chocolate lovers, you can experience the fantastic Chocolate Museum in Cologne. The museum has exhibited the origin of chocolate beans and its history and also presented the machines that are being used for the production of chocolates.
You can see the live preparation of chocolate. For us, the most fantastic thing was the chocolate fountain and tasting the yummiest chocolates.
Don’t forget to buy your favorite chocolate from the Museum shop. There's also a café in the museum where we can enjoy our favorite hot chocolate drinks.
8. EL-DE Haus (NS-Dokumentationszentrum)
EL-DE Haus takes you back to the dark Nazi era and Cologne's history during WWII. The building once served as the headquarters of the Gestapo in Nazi Germany. Today, it exhibits the persecution and suffering of people during the Nazi regime.
9. Köln Triangle
The Köln Triangle is an observatory deck which provides a 360 degree of Cologne. You can see an amazing view of all the iconic architecture like Cologne Cathedral, the Rhine River, and Old Town. The best time to go is at sunset,
10. Rhinepark
Rhinepark is located on the opposite bank of the Rhine River and it's a perfect spot to escape from the hustle of the city and enjoy a picnic or walk. The park is best for the kids as they have playgrounds and miniature.
11. Cologne’s Belgian Quarter (Belgisches Viertel)
The Belgian Quarter is a trendy neighborhood that has boutique shops, cozy cafes, and street art and is famous among locals and international tourists. It's also famous for its nightlife.
12. Flora und Botanischer Garten
If you want to explore the lush green park to escape into nature then Flora und Botanischer Garten is for you. It has gardens with different themes and plants of over 10,000 species.
13. Cologne Zoo
The Cologne Zoo is the oldest zoo in Germany and it was founded in 1860. It has animals from elephants to birds and aquariums. The zoo is located near Rhinepark and Botanical Gardens and you can spend an entire day exploring it.
14. Cologne City Museum (Kölnisches Stadtmuseum)
The Cologne Stadtmuseum reflects the rich history of city from its Roman origin to its present day. It has an exhibition that includes artwork, artifacts, and historical documents.
15. Seilbahn in Cologne
Do you imagine riding over the Rhein? Cologne also offers a cable car ride also known as Seilbahn from where you can enjoy the beautiful view of the Rhein River, Cologne Cathedral, and Rheinpark.
16. Grand Mosque of Cologne
You can also experience modern Islamic architecture at the Grand Mosque of Cologne. It has a large glass dome and Minarets and you can also take a guided tour to learn about the Muslim community in Cologne.
17. Wallraf-Richartz Museum
The Wallraf-Richartz Museum has a collection of medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque art. You can find the work of artists like Rembrandt, Rubens, and Monet.
18. Cologne Media City
Cologne Media City is a major center for the media and entertainment industry, home to broadcasters like WDR and RTL. It fosters creativity and innovation across film, TV, and digital media.
19. Musical Performance Moulin Rouge
The musical Moulin Rounge in Cologne is inspired by the Moulin Rouge Paris performance with lavish costumes, dazzling sets, and vibrant performances. It presents the glam and bohemian world of Paris and the passionate love affair between Moulin Rouge cabaret, and Christian, a young writer.
20. Discovering Roman Ruins in Cologne
Most of the people may not know about it. Cologne used to be a Roman settlement it was founded in 50 AD by the Romans and they named it after the wife of Emperor Claudius, The city became one of the most important Roman centers located along the Rhine River. You can find Roman ruins and archaeological sites which reflect the history of the city. Check out these sites during your trip to Cologne:
a. Praetorium
Praetorium used to be the official residence of the Roman Governor in the province of Germania. You can find the remains of the Grand Palace under the city hall.
b. Roman Sewer System
You can also find the impressive work of Roman engineering under the city street in the Roman sewer system. It was built in the 1st century AD and drained the water from the streets and buildings. You can visit the Roman Sewer system on a guided tour.
c. Roman Tower (Römerturm)
The Roman Tower is one of the most preserved Roman Tower and it used to be a part of the city’s defensive walls which were built in 70-90 AD.
d. The Roman-Germanic Museum
The Roman-Germanic Museum is located near the Cologne Dome and it has artifacts from the Roman period, including pottery, tools, jewelry, and statues.
21. Shopping malls in Cologne
a. Köln Arcaden
The Köln Arcaden is located in the Kalk district and it's the largest shopping mall in Cologne with retail shops for fashion. electronics and home goods.
b. Rhein-Center
The Rhein-center is located in Weisen has multiple floors and offers the ultimate shopping experience.
c. Neumarkt Galerie
The Neumarkt Galerie is located near Neumarkt Square and it has boutique stores, beauty stores, and different dining options.
d. DuMont Carré
DuMont Carré is a small shopping mall located near the shopping street of Cologne at Schildergasse and it has a mix of shops, luxury brands, and cafes.
22. Cologne Christmas Market
Cologne hosts the most beautiful Christmas markets and is ranked 3rd among the most famous Christmas Markets in Germany and 6th best in the World. It starts from November until December and hosts millions of guests from all over Germany and the world.
Note: You can also book the city tour on the Hop On Hop Off bus and explore different parts of the city with a guided tour.
Cologne also has the best Light Festival every year in July. Every July, the Rhine is lightened with mind-blowing fireworks and welcomes the Kölners and people from other cities to enjoy the summer festivity.
Restaurants in Cologne:
i) Hard Rock Café
For Hard Rock Café fans, Cologne is among those German cities that offer you the Hard Rock Café experience. The typical Hard Rock Café with great ambiance and live music makes your dining experience incredible.
The Hard Rock Café is located in the City Center of Cologne and can be accessed quickly and with ample space to sit and relax. it's one of the finest Hard Rock Cafés, I have visited in Europe.
ii) St Louis
If you're looking for the best breakfast options, then you should try out St Louis. It has a vast spread menu and we ordered pancakes with maple sauce.
iii) 3H's Burger and Kitchen
Based on my experience, I would suggest the best burger place in Cologne called 3H’s. They have the best burgers and fillets combos and they have also opened their restaurant in other cities.
iv) Royal Punjab Restaurant
Being an authentic Punjabi and Desi food lover, we recommend the Royal Punjab Restaurant. The restaurant has the best taste, with the perfect fusion of spices, a great ambiance, and friendly staff. You have to try their Biryani and Butter chicken.
v) Beirut Restaurant
The Beirut Restaurant is also an excellent place for Arabian food lovers. The restaurant is located in the heart of Cologne and is always full of people. Sometimes you have to wait for your turn to get into the restaurant but it's also highly recommended to try this restaurant during your trip to Cologne, Germany.
vi) Mangal Burger
If you're looking for a good burger in Cologne, Mangal Burger is a good place to go. It has different options for beef, chicken, and vegetables with a yummy side sauce and fries.
vii) Bona’me
It's a Turkish restaurant chain and is located in many cities in Germany like Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Dortmund. The restaurant has a wide range of Turkish and Middle Eastern dishes like Pide which is Turkish flatbread Pizza, Kofte which is grilled meatballs, Meze, salad, and grilled meats and vegetables.
One of the most unique concepts of the restaurant is that they have an open kitchen with a modern ambience and you can watch your food being prepared.
ix) Mangal Turkish
The Mangal Turkish offers a traditional Turkish Grill dished from Adana Kebab, Shish Kebab, and Lamp chops with side dishes like Bulgur with grilled vegetables and flatbreads.
x) EatDOORI
EatDOORI is an Indian restaurant located in the vibrant streets of the Belgian District of Cologne. It has a great ambiance and food like curries, tandoori, and street food which is also available in Vegetarian and vegan.
Ending Note:
Cologne offers a full experience from the city vibes to the peak of Roman culture, from the food scene to nightlife. You should at least plan 3-4 days in Cologne.
Things to do in Cologne:
1. Cologne Dome
2. Hohenzollern Bridge
3. Cologne Old Town or Cologne (Altstadt)
4. Museum Ludwig
5. Walk on the bank of the Rhine River Promenade
6. Cruise in River Rhine
7. Visit to Chocolate Museum
8. EL-DE Haus (NS-Dokumentationszentrum)
9. Köln Triangle
10. Rhinepark
11. Cologne’s Belgian Quarter (Belgisches Viertel)
12. Flora und Botanischer Garten
13. Cologne Zoo
14. Cologne City Museum (Kölnisches Stadtmuseum)
15. Seilbahn in Cologne
16. Grand Mosque of Cologne
17. Wallraf-Richartz Museum
18. Cologne Media City
19. Musical Performance Moulin Rouge
20. Discovering Roman Ruins in Cologne
21. Shopping malls in Cologne
22. Cologne Christmas Market
Great Post! I'd love to visit here, I love all the pictures! happy Travelling! https://airlinespolicy.com/cancellation-policy/turkish-airlines-cancellation-policy/