Cologne Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Hohenzollern Bridge which includes a bridge, a church or cathedral and night scenes
Cologne
Cologne
Cologne
Alter Markt

For lovers of museums, historic attractions, beer and chocolate, this exceptional city on the banks of the Rhine River delivers an unforgettable visit.

Captivating Cologne is largely centred around its breathtaking cathedral, yet there is so much more to unearth in this historic city. With Romanesque and Gothic treasures, contemporary architecture and museums, festive beer halls and celebrations throughout the year, a range of attractions await the curious traveller.

Things to do in Cologne

First-time visitors should first stop at the Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the pride of the city. Its towering spires and intricate façade recall the medieval era and showcase the city’s rich religious heritage.

Be sure to cross the Hohenzollern Bridge, adorned with countless love locks, on your way to the Chocolate Museum. Here, chocoholics can learn about the 5,000-year-old history of cocoa, from the mystical ceremonies of Central America to the luxury chocolate drink that European aristocracy so loved.

Take a walk on the Rhine River Promenade, which stretches from the Zoo Bridge to the Severin Bridge. It’s a favourite of residents for its picturesque views of the city skyline and the numerous bars and restaurants located along the water.

For shopping, head to the streets of Schildergasse, Ehrenstrasse and Hohe Strasse, where you’ll find high-end boutiques, international brands and charming locally owned shops. In December, the historic Newmarkt square hosts the Cologne Christmas Market, a must-see for its festive ambience and traditional crafts and holiday treats. If you’re not in town over the holiday, consider visiting in February or March for the annual Carnival celebration, with masked balls, parades and parties.

Visit the chic Belgian Quarter for its laid-back ambience, off-mainstream fashions sold in shops housed in historic buildings, local jewellery boutiques and trendy pubs, café and restaurants that radiate the charm of traditional Brussels in the heart of Cologne.

Just a short distance away from Cologne, and perfect for a day trip, the city of Bonn pays homage to a musical genius at the Beethoven House. Learn about the life and legacy of the renowned composer.

Cologne’s history and culture

Cologne’s dedication to the arts is evident at the Museum Ludwig, where a diverse collection of modern and contemporary art is on display. Admire one of the world’s largest Picasso collections, as well as an extensive pop art assortment, masterpieces of Expressionism and the New Objectivity style and photography through the centuries. From here, move to the Wallraf-Richartz-Museum & Fondation Corboud, housing an incredible collection of medieval and Impressionist paintings.

Make time to visit the Museum of Applied Arts, where design objects are displayed in relationship to fine art, the glass collection at the Romano-Germanic Museum, the Museum Schunutgen, with its important sacred art from the medieval period, and Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum, known for its ethnological collection. The latter two museums are part of the Neumarkt museum district.

Explore the city’s 12 large Romanesque churches, set in a semi-circle around the city centre. Built between 1150 and 1250, and known for their rounded arches, pillars and columns, the structures include Great St. Martin’s Church in the Old Town, St. Andreas in the banking district and St. Kunibert in the northern section of the city.

Dining and nightlife in Cologne

Cologne’s culinary delights include the famous Kölsch beer that flows freely in local taverns and beer gardens in places like Alter Mark and Neumarkt. Sip a pint while savouring traditional cuisine such as Himmel un Ääd (Heaven and Earth), a dish blending mashed potatoes with applesauce and black pudding.

For after-dinner entertainment, consider a performance at the 1,300-seat Cologne Opera House, one of the most revered in Europe, or a show at the Live Music Hall, Gloria Theatre or Theatre am Dom. The Belgian Quarter and the Ehrenfeld areas provide a dynamic mix of bar and lounges.

Getting around Cologne

Fly into Cologne Bonn Airport, then rely on Cologne’s extensive public transportation network for fast and convenient travel around town. The KVB transport company hosts bus and tram lines throughout the city. The VRS network supports the S-Bahn and RegionalExpress trains.

Where to stay in Cologne

Kolumba-Diocesan Museum

Old Town Cologne

Cologne Cathedral and Schildergasse are a few top attractions in Old Town Cologne. Hop around the city on the metro at Heumarkt U-Bahn or Neumarkt U-Bahn and check out the area's stunning cathedral, stunning river views and popular shops.

Old Town Cologne
Rheinau Harbour

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.

Innenstadt
Cologne Cathedral

Altstadt-Nord

4.5/5(293 area reviews)

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.

Altstadt-Nord
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Deutz

3.5/5(32 area reviews)

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.

Deutz
Hohenzollern Bridge which includes a bridge, a church or cathedral and night scenes

Altstadt-Süd

4.5/5(106 area reviews)

Known for its ample dining options and fascinating museums, there's plenty to explore in Altstadt-Süd. You can visit top attractions like Chocolate Museum and Schildergasse, and jump on the metro at Severinstrasse U-Bahn or Poststrasse U-Bahn to see more of the city.

Altstadt-Süd
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Mülheim

3.5/5(29 area reviews)

Mülheim is a destination travellers 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.

Mülheim
Maritim Hotel Köln

Maritim Hotel Köln

Heumarkt 20, Cologne, NW
The price is £89 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
£89
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Cologne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,174 reviews)
"Great location. Right in the heart of town. The inside lobby was beautiful"

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

Maritim Hotel Köln
Novotel Köln City

Novotel Köln City

4 out of 5
Bayenstr. 51, Cologne, NW
The price is £91 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
£91
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Cologne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,029 reviews)
"Close to the City. Parking garage but to expansive. Breakfast good but to expensive. In general nice hotel. Friendly staff."

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Novotel Köln City
URBAN LOFT Cologne

URBAN LOFT Cologne

Eigelstein 41, Cologne
The price is £87 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
£87
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cologne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,184 reviews)
"Lovely staff"

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

URBAN LOFT Cologne
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Adina Apartment Hotel Cologne

Adina Apartment Hotel Cologne

Hans-Imhoff-Strasse 1, Cologne
Stay at this hotel in Cologne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (304 reviews)
"Nice property, unfortunately one the staff at the front desk, she is rude."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Adina Apartment Hotel Cologne
Numa Cologne Ehrenfeld

Numa Cologne Ehrenfeld

Venloer Straße 241-245, Cologne
Stay at this aparthotel in Cologne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Cologne Cathedral and Musical Dome are ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (66 reviews)
"overall a great experience"

Reviewed on 11 May 2025

Numa Cologne Ehrenfeld
Aparthotel Adagio Köln City

Aparthotel Adagio Köln City

Blaubach 3, Cologne, NW
Stay at this aparthotel in Cologne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,042 reviews)
"Very friendly and helpful staff."

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

Aparthotel Adagio Köln City
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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