Cologne, Germany

Essential Cologne Information

• Language: German (English widely spoken in tourist areas)
• Currency: Euro (€)
• Timezone: Central European Time (CET) UTC+1 (UTC+2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October)
• Best Time to Visit: April to October for mild weather; November for Christmas markets; February for Carnival
• Tipping: 5-10% is customary in restaurants if service is not included

Top Neighborhoods in Cologne

Altstadt (Old Town)

Central Historic Sightseeing

The heart of Cologne, Altstadt is home to the iconic Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral) and many historic buildings. This area is perfect for sightseeing, with its narrow cobblestone streets, traditional beer halls, and picturesque squares. It’s easily accessible from Köln Hauptbahnhof, the main train station.

Ehrenfeld

Trendy Nightlife Local

A vibrant, multicultural district known for its street art, hip cafes, and alternative music scene. Ehrenfeld offers a glimpse into Cologne’s creative side and is popular among young locals and visitors alike. Reach Ehrenfeld via U-Bahn lines 3 and 4 from the city center.

Belgisches Viertel (Belgian Quarter)

Trendy Shopping Nightlife

A fashionable neighborhood filled with boutique shops, trendy bars, and excellent restaurants. The Belgian Quarter is the place to be for shopping, dining, and nightlife. It’s easily accessible via tram lines 3, 4, and 16 from the city center.

Südstadt

Local Family Quiet

A charming residential area with a village-like atmosphere, Südstadt is known for its beautiful parks, family-friendly cafes, and local markets. It offers a quieter, more authentic Cologne experience. Reach Südstadt via tram lines 15 and 16 from the city center.

Deutz

Sightseeing Central Modern

Located on the right bank of the Rhine, Deutz offers stunning views of the Old Town and cathedral. It’s home to the Koelnmesse exhibition center and LanxessArena, making it a hub for business and events. Deutz is easily accessible via S-Bahn from Köln Hauptbahnhof or by walking across the Hohenzollern Bridge.

Must-See Sights in Cologne

• Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral): A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most impressive Gothic cathedrals in Europe.
• Museum Ludwig: Home to one of the largest Picasso collections in Europe and many works of pop art and contemporary pieces.
• Römisch-Germanisches Museum: Showcasing Cologne’s Roman heritage with an impressive collection of artifacts.
• Hohenzollern Bridge: Famous for its thousands of love locks, offering great views of the cathedral and river.
• Heinzelmännchenbrunnen: A fountain depicting the legendary gnomes of Cologne, located near the cathedral.

Hidden Gems of Cologne

• Melaten-Friedhof: A beautiful historic cemetery with stunning sculptures and peaceful walking paths.
• Neptunbad: A beautifully restored Art Nouveau bathhouse offering spa treatments and thermal baths.
• Köln-Ehrenfeld Bunker: A World War II bunker turned into an art space with stunning murals.
• Rheinauhafen: A modern harbor district featuring the iconic Kranhäuser (Crane Houses) and waterfront restaurants.
• Kolumba Museum: A unique art museum built on the ruins of a late-Gothic church, showcasing religious and contemporary art.

Food Highlights: Must-Try Dishes

• Himmel un Ääd: A traditional dish of mashed potatoes, apple sauce, and black pudding.
• Halver Hahn: Despite its name meaning “half a chicken,” it’s actually a rye roll with cheese, mustard, and pickles.
• Kölsch: The local beer, served in small glasses called “Stangen” in traditional beer halls.
• Rheinischer Sauerbraten: A pot roast-style dish marinated in vinegar and served with a sweet-sour sauce.
• Spekulatius: Spiced shortcrust biscuits traditionally eaten around Christmas time.

7 Essential Tips for Visiting Cologne

1. KölnCard: Consider purchasing this card for free public transport and discounts on attractions.
2. Climb the Cathedral Tower: For panoramic city views, but be prepared for a challenging 533-step climb.
3. Visit during Carnival: Experience the city’s famous Carnival celebration in February if you enjoy festive atmospheres.
4. Explore by Bike: Cologne is very bike-friendly, with many rental options available.
5. Take a Rhine River Cruise: See the city from a different perspective, especially beautiful at sunset.
6. Visit Museums on Thursdays: Many museums offer late-night openings and sometimes free entry on Thursday evenings.
7. Try a Kölsch Crawl: Visit different brew houses to taste various types of the local Kölsch beer.

How to Get to Cologne

By Air: Cologne is served by one major airport:

• Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN): Located about 15 km southeast of the city center, serving both domestic and international flights. It’s well-connected to the city via S-Bahn train (15-20 minutes to the city center).

Alternatively, you can fly into:

• Düsseldorf International Airport (DUS): About 60 km north of Cologne, offering more international connections. Direct trains connect the airport to Cologne in about 40 minutes.
• Frankfurt Airport (FRA): Germany’s largest airport, about 180 km southeast of Cologne. High-speed ICE trains connect Frankfurt Airport to Cologne in about an hour.

By Rail: Cologne is a major rail hub in Germany and Europe:

• Köln Hauptbahnhof: The main train station, located right next to the cathedral in the city center. It offers connections to major German and European cities.
• High-speed ICE trains connect Cologne to other German cities like Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, and Frankfurt.
• International trains connect Cologne to Brussels, Paris, and Amsterdam.

By Car: Cologne is well-connected to Germany’s autobahn network:

• The A1, A3, and A4 autobahns all pass through or near Cologne.
• Driving times: about 2.5 hours from Frankfurt, 3 hours from Amsterdam, 2 hours from Brussels.