Welcome to Cologne: A City of Spires, Stories, and Stylish Charm
Cologne Travel Guide
Picture this: the Cologne Cathedral piercing the skyline, the aroma of fresh coffee drifting from quaint cafés, and trams humming along cobblestone streets. We spent a couple of days in Cologne during our trip through Europe, and it’s a fascinating city with a lot of history. As we were travelling by train, we again chose a hotel close to the station at the Hotel Königshof The Arthouse. Very comfortable mid-range hotel and very convenient to everything. The highlights of Cologne that stood out for us were the Cologne Cathedral and the Chocolate factory. If you are visiting these then don’t miss these. This Cologne travel guide brings you the best places to visit, time-saving tips, costs, and can’t-miss experiences—everything you need for a seamless city break.
Best Places to Visit in Cologne
- Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom): A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city’s defining symbol. This Gothic masterpiece took over 600 years to complete and rises 157 meters. Inside, admire dazzling stained-glass, the Shrine of the Three Kings, and intricate carvings. Climb 533 steps of the south tower for sweeping views over the Rhine. Entry is free; tower access is €6. Guided tours deepen the experience—an anchor of any Cologne travel guide.
- Hohenzollern Bridge: The famed “Love Lock Bridge” links the cathedral area to Cologne Central Station. Walk at sunset for striking views, then relax at the Rheinboulevard on the eastern bank.
- Old Town (Altstadt): Wander narrow lanes lined with pastel façades, boutiques, and traditional beer halls. Don’t miss the Fischmarkt square, the Duftmuseum (perfume), and the Senfmuseum (mustard).
- Museum Ludwig: A modern-art heavyweight with Picasso, Warhol, and Lichtenstein. The Pop Art wing and photography collection shine, and the terrace frames the cathedral beautifully.
- Chocolate Museum (Schokoladenmuseum): Trace chocolate’s journey from ancient civilizations to modern craft. The star is a three-meter fountain offering fresh samples. Tickets: €14.50 adults, €9 children. (although these increase during peak times)
- Roman-Germanic Museum: Explore Cologne’s Roman roots through exquisite glassware, jewelry, tools, and the unmissable Dionysus mosaic. Portions remain open during renovations.
- Rheinauhafen District: Sleek riverfront architecture featuring the striking Kranhäuser (crane houses), galleries, cafés, and a photogenic promenade perfect for walking or biking.
- Cologne Zoo and Flora Botanical Gardens: One of Germany’s oldest zoos (since 1860), with over 10,000 animals and adjacent themed gardens. Combined adult entry: €21.
- Kölsch Breweries: Sip Cologne’s signature beer at classics like Brauhaus Sion or Gaffel am Dom. Pair with Himmel un Äd for a true local flavour.
- NS Documentation Centre: Housed in the former Gestapo headquarters, its preserved cells and exhibits make for a sobering, vital stop.
Where to Stay: Budget to Luxury
- Budget: Hostel die Wohngemeinschaft (Belgian Quarter). Dorms from €25; private rooms from €60. Creative, social, and well-located.
- Mid-Range: Hotel Konigshof. Steps from Cologne Central Station, modern rooms from ~€100, ideal for day trips—highly recommended in any Cologne travel guide.
- Luxury: Excelsior Hotel Ernst. Five-star service next to the cathedral, refined dining, and timeless comfort from ~€300.
Other Places To Stay In Cologne
A Brief History of Cologne
Founded by the Romans in 38 BC as Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium, Cologne grew into a vital medieval trading hub. WWII brought devastating destruction—around 90% of the city was bombed—yet the cathedral endured as a symbol of resilience. Today, historic landmarks and modern quarters tell a story of revival, making the city a rich subject for any Cologne travel guide.
WWII Sites and Day Trips
- NS Documentation Centre: Learn about persecution, resistance, and everyday life under the regime; preserved cell graffiti is deeply moving.
- Kölnisches Stadtmuseum: Contextualizes the city’s wartime experiences and postwar recovery.
- Day Trip to Remagen: See the Ludendorff Bridge site, pivotal in the war’s closing months—an impactful extension to your Cologne travel guide.
When to Visit Cologne
- Spring (Mar–May): 10–15°C, blossoms, and comfortable crowds.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): 20–25°C, lively but busy and pricier.
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): Cooler, fewer tourists, great value.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): 0–5°C, magical Christmas markets and cosy pubs.
Getting Around: Passes, Apps, and Bikes
Cologne’s public transport blends trains, trams, and buses:
- 1-Day Pass: €8.80
- Weekly Pass: €27.80 Use the KVB app for routes and mobile tickets. Most major sites connect easily, and the city is bike-friendly—another reason this Cologne travel guide emphasises car-free exploring.
Getting to Cologne
- By Train: Cologne Central Station is a major hub for German and international routes—ideal if you’re planning a multi-city itinerary.
- By Air: Cologne Bonn Airport offers quick rail links to the centre.
- By Car: Expect €2–3 per hour for central parking.
Money and Typical Costs
Cologne uses the Euro (€) and generally offers moderate pricing:
- Coffee: €3–4
- Meal: €10–30 (budget to mid-range)
- Beer: €4–6 Smart booking and off-peak travel, as advised in this Cologne travel guide, stretch your budget further.
Where to Eat and Drink
- Budget: Bei Oma Kleinmann—huge, delicious schnitzels (€10–15).
- Mid-Range: Peters Brauhaus—traditional Rhineland dishes with crisp Kölsch (€20–30).
- Luxury: Hanse Stube—Michelin-starred elegance inside the Excelsior Hotel Ernst (from ~€80 per person).
Free Walking Tours and Smart Booking
Free tours cover the Old Town, the cathedral, and key landmarks. They’re tip-based; €10–15 is customary. Pre-book tickets for popular museums to skip lines. For rail trips, use the Trainline app for schedules, fares, and smooth connections—consistent with the time-saving ethos of this Cologne travel guide.
Final Tips for an Unforgettable Trip
- Catch sunset views from Hohenzollern Bridge or the cathedral’s south tower.
- Balance classic sights with modern gems in Rheinauhafen.
- Pair museum days with café breaks and Kölsch tastings.
- Visit shoulder seasons for value and comfort.
From soaring Gothic spires to riverside promenades, this Cologne travel guide equips you to experience the city’s history, art, food, and warmth—seamlessly and memorably.
Check out our review of the nearby city of Nuremberg here
