Where to stay in Cologne, Germany

Our Favorite Cologne Hotels

• Top-rated: Excelsior Ernst
• Boutique: Legend
•

• For Families: Stern am Rathaus
• For couples: Ruby Ella
• Pool: Hyatt Regency
• Train Station: Sandmanns
• Airport: Moxy

a clock tower towering over the city of london

The city of Cologne in Germany, called “Köln” locally, ranks fourth in population and prominence among the country`s municipalities. Established by the Romans in the first century AD, it endured significant damage during World War II yet remnants survive paying homage to its rich history. Notable architectural achievements still standing are the magnificent cathedral and relics from Rome scattered around the medieval center. Though the urban landscape underwent reconstruction, replacing quaintness, the location exudes relaxation, diversity, and revelry particularly during Carnival season in February or Cologne Pride in July. Residents have their own German dialect known as “Kölsch”, which also gives name to the region`s trademark brew best sampled in traditional taverns.

Situated on the Rhine river, Cologne has become a popular cruise destination, and offers a wide range of hotels. However, during festivals and major events like the biennial Anuga trade show in October, hotel availability can be constrained and prices may significantly increase.

Best Neighborhoods in Cologne

Cologne`s contemporary downtown encompasses the Altstadt (Old Town), the medieval heart along the Rhine housing important buildings and museums, and newer regions around Neumarkt and Belgisches Viertel, known for shopping, dining, and nightlife. Most lodging is in these neighborhoods. Just south, Rheinauhafen demonstrates modern dockland redevelopment, featuring a mix of residential and commercial skyscrapers, a marina, eateries, and museums focused on chocolate and German athletics.

Across the river, the left side comprises the neighborhoods of Deutz, Mülheim, and Messe, home to Cologne’s massive trade fair complex, the landscaped Rheinpark, and the cableway across the Rhine. Mülheim is known for its large and lively Turkish community.

Beyond the city center lies Cologne’s “Veedels”, the Kölsch word for neighborhood, and this is where you’ll obtain a clearer understanding of modern living in the city. Nippes is a diverse district with a cherished flea market, live music venues, and plenty of cozy cafés and bars. It is also convenient to Kölner Zoo, the Botanical Gardens, and the Sculpture Park. Zülpicher Viertel is renowned as Cologne’s “Latin Quarter,” thanks to its hip, student-oriented bars, shops, and restaurants, while Südstadt (South Side) and Ehrenfeld are hip, edgier neighborhoods replete with excellent bars and places to dine.

Getting To and Around Cologne

While exploring the Altstadt and Neumarkt areas on foot is relatively straightforward, public transportation in Cologne is good. Trains, trams, and buses are operated by Kölner Verkehrs-Betriebe (KVB). Single or 24-hour tickets can be purchased, or use the KölnCard. We don`t recommend renting a vehicle.

Cologne has relatively flat terrain and is suitable for bicycling, with many bike paths and riverside promenades available for cycling. Bicycles can be rented at Radstation located at Breslauer Platz. Access is also possible to the local dockless biking program through the nextbike or KVB apps, assuming a smartphone is available with international data. The Call A Bike service is another option.

Cologne Bonn Airport is located approximately 17 kilometers east of Cologne. It’s a major hub for low-cost European airlines, with flights across the continent and North Africa. The closest airports with non-stop flights from North America are in Düsseldorf (a 45 minute trip from Cologne) and Frankfurt (just over an hour away via high-speed train). S-Bahn trains link Cologne Bonn Airport to the main train station every 15–20 minutes, with the journey taking around 30 minutes. There’s little purpose in staying at the airport given the ease of accessing the city, but if you feel obliged, the most conveniently placed hotels are the Moxy and Leonardo Hotel.

International high-speed rail connects Cologne with Paris (in 3 hours and 20 minutes), Amsterdam (within 4 hours), and Brussels (in 1 hour and 45 minutes) – change in Brussels for London. You can also take high-speed trains to Frankfurt (within 1 hour), Munich (in 4 hours and 45 minutes), and Berlin (in 4 hours and 15 minutes).

The Best Places to Stay in Cologne

a large building with a large clock on it

Best Neighborhoods in Cologne for…

  • Best Neighborhood to Stay for First Timers/Sightseeing: Altstadt or Neumarkt
    Most accommodations in Cologne concentrate in the central Old Town and Neumarkt neighborhoods, richly endowed with lodging meeting different budgets and near all major cultural attractions. These include the Old Market`s central square, the renowned cathedral, archaeological museum displaying Roman artifacts, art institutions like the Museum Ludwig, seafood market, and recently-opened Kolumba exhibiting sacred art. Neumarkt`s shops and nightspots ensure bustle, while locations near the Rhine suit travelers partaking boat excursions. The Altstadt contains both the hilltop cathedral and Köln Hauptbahnhof, principal train station serving northern reaches. Overall, the two districts put visitors in good position to explore Cologne`s renowned sights on foot, whether heritage sites, purchase wares, or enjoy the lively ambiance after dark.
  • Most Romantic Neighborhood: Belgisches Viertel (Belgian Quarter)
    The most romantic thing you can do in Cologne is to take a Rhine cruise (especially at sunset), or add to the love locks on Hohenzollern Bridge, but the Belgian Quarter is the most romantic place to stay. Book a room at stylish boutique Ruby Ella Hotel & Bar and explore the roads of this hip neighborhood, home to independent stores, cafes, and bars. Sip cappuccino at Café Bauturm or Café Belgique, or sample the cocktails a Seiberts, a 1920s-style clandestine bar. Belgian/French Restaurant Belgischer Hof is perfect for a romantic meal. To the north is the tranquil Stadtgarten, Cologne`s oldest park; to the west lies the the gardens around Aachener Weiher pond, its beer garden a well-known hangout in summer
  • Best Area to Stay for Cologne Fair (Koelnmesse): Right Bank of the Rhine River – Deutz & Messe
    An uncomplicated choice – attending an exhibition at Koelnmesse, residing in the neighboring Deutz and Mülheim districts means avoiding crossing the river, as most hotels there cater to trade show participants. The closest lodgings within easy walking distance are the Dorint,Motel One,Radisson Blu, and ibis; all seem quite suitable.
  • Best Neighborhoods for Food and Restaurants: Altstadt (for traditional German); Neumarkt & Belgisches Viertel (for international); and Südstadt (for gastronomes)

    • Numerous excellent restaurants and cafés are found throughout Cologne, however, a few neighborhoods stand out. The Altstadt region is ideal for traditional brauhäuser, beer halls that serve Cologne specialties including halve hahn (gouda cheese roll with onions), “Himmel un Ääd” (blood sausage alongside mashed potatoes and stewed apples), Rhenish sauerbraten, and the classic German schweinshaxe (fried pork knuckle), all paired nicely with the local kölsch beer. Notable spots embrace Brauhaus FRÜH am Dom,Brauhaus Sion (open since 1318), Brauerei zur Malzmühle (established in 1858), Em Krützche, and Peters Brauhaus. For another local delicacy recognized as “rievkooche” (potato pancakes), head to the Rievkoochebud Reibekuchen stall on Salzgasse. Café Reichard is a grand belle epoque venue for coffee and cake, while Mangal Döner in Heumarkt is regarded as the best of the locally beloved kebab chain. For fine dining there’s Restaurant maiBeck and maximilian lorenza large building with a large window in front of it

    You’ll find a more culturally diverse selection of restaurants further west in the Neumarkt and Belgisches Viertel areas, including: Sahila and Neobiota for brunch and upscale dining, Chum Chay for Vietnamese cuisine, Bai Lu Noodles for Chinese fare, Belgisher Hof for Belgian-French staples, Tigermilch for Peruvian dishes, Takumi for Japanese noodle soups, and Alfredo for Italian cuisine.

    If you`ve been to Cologne previously or just want to get away from the crowded areas, head down to Südstadt, where you`ll find some of the finest dining establishments in the city (and very few tourists). Die Fette Kuh has a devoted following for its burgers, while 485Grad serves up quite good pizza. Café Pausenbrot is ideal for breakfast, Johann Schäfer is an excellent beer hall, and contemporary German restaurants Haus Müller and Pottkind are wonderful spots for a splurge.

    Servers at a Cologne brewery pub are known as “köbes” (they typically wear uniforms with blue aprons and leather wallets), delivering glasses of beer (“stange”) from their “crown” trays. Köbes are understood to be a bit surly – it’s nothing personal, it’s part of the custom. Kölsch itself is a light, easy-to-drink lager-style beer, with around 25 different brands brewed in Cologne.

  • Best Neighborhood for Rhine cruises: Altstadt
    Many Rhine and Mosel river cruises originate and conclude in Cologne, with docks located near the historic city center. Opting to stay in this vicinity allows travelers to explore the city easily on foot or by a brief taxi ride from their boat.
  • Best Neighborhood for Nightlife: Neumarkt & Belgisches Viertel
    Most tourist-oriented bars can be found in the Altstadt region along with the highest concentration of traditional beer halls, though nowadays these tend to operate more as restaurants. For the finest nightlife overall, head farther west to the Neumarkt area, where the tightly packed Friesenviertel (named after Friesenstrasse) and Belgisches Viertel are filled with all kinds of bars, clubs, and late-night cafés. On Friesenstrasse there`s numerous spots to attempt, but Brauerei Päffgen is excellent for a customary Kölsch, Sartory-Saal often hosts performances, and Jameson represents the local Irish pub (with live sports broadcast on TV)

    Some popular student favorites in the Belgian Quarter include Sixpack, known for staying open late; Little Link,Lorbass,Spirits, and Sieberts which are cozy cocktail bars; and Einundfünfzig and Klapsmühle are decent nightclubs. Salon Schmitz on Aachener Strasse is a trendy late-night hangout. For a edgier atmosphere, explore the studenty “Latin Quarter” or Ehrenfeld, with locales like Sonic Ballroom or Live Music Hall).

    For serious partying, cross the Rhine to Bootshaus in Mülheim; for live jazz, check out Papa Joe’s on Buttermarkt in the Old Town.

    Cologne’s LGBT scene is among the largest in Europe, with clusters of gay-friendly bars and clubs located in the Altstadt (between Alter Markt and Heumarkt), and further west at Rudolfplatz (also known as the “Bermuda Triangle” or Zentralgarderobe Bermudadreieck).

  • Best Neighborhoods for Shopping: Neumarkt & Belgisches Viertel (Belgian Quarter)
    The primary retail precinct of Cologne overlaps the Altstadt and Neumarkt areas, with Schildergasse passing through both neighborhoods leading to Neumarkt Galerie, a high-end shopping complex. To the west, shops and boutiques line Ehrenstrasse, Pfeilstrasse, and Mittelstrasse. You can find souvenirs of Eau de Cologne at Dufthaus 4711 (Glockengasse 4) or at Farina 1709 (Obenmarspforten 21), where the famous “Kölnisch Wasser” was actually developed. You’ll discover a more diverse collection of stores in the Belgisches Viertel, with everything available from records ( Groove Attack) to children’s outfits ( Nicola). In the Altstadt, HoheStrasse is the main retail avenue.people walking in front of a building
  • Best Areas off the Beaten Path: Südstadt (South Side) or Ehrenfeld
    Situated south of the old town is Südstadt, anchored by Severinsstrasse (which becomes Bonner Strasse south of the Severinstorburg, the grand medieval gatehouse). This neighborhood is known for its hip atmosphere with some of the finest restaurants, tapas bars, and beer halls in the city – it`s the ideal place to browse local cafes or soak up the vibes at night. Be sure to stop by the Südstadt Kiosk, one of the local convenience shops Cologne is famous for. If timed properly, there`s an excellent flea market held on the first Sunday of each month at Südstadion. Hotel am Chlodwigplatz offers good accommodation options in this area.

    Equally fashionable Ehrenfeld lies northwest of the Altstadt, another diverse, artsy neighborhood of hip bars, restaurants, and stores. One could have breakfast at Die Mehlwerkstatt, get a coffee at Café Sehensucht or VAN DYCK Espressobar, check out the home items at Utensil Shop Köln, and get in line with locals for a delicious kebab at Kebapland. For something exceptional, reserve a table at WALLCZKA, one of the city’s best fine dining experiences. One will also find Cologne’s modern Central Mosque here, as well as the 1980s Colonius telecommunications tower (though the observation deck has been shut to the public for years), and the iconic Helios Leuchtturm (a “lighthouse” built by a local electrical company in 1894). The Nachtkonsum flea market is good for inexpensive clothes; it`s usually open once a month on Saturday evenings (5 to 10:45pm) in Pattenhalle. Good places to stay in Ehrenfeld comprise Black Hotels Köln,STAYERY Köln Ehrenfeld, budget B&B Hotel Köln-Ehrenfeld, and Weltempfänger Hostel.

  • Safety in Cologne
    Generally, Cologne is quite safe compared to other German cities and globally, though normal precautions should be taken at night especially around the main train station (Hauptbahnhof), Ebertplatz (where drug activity sometimes occurs), Chlodwigplatz, and Zülpicher Platz. Pickpocketing can also be an issue in crowded tourist areas or during major festivals.

The 6 Best Neighborhoods in Cologne for Tourists

1. Altstadt

a large clock tower towering over a city

Cologne’s Altstadt (Old Town), located on the Rhine’s left bank, is the preserved medieval heart of the city, now functioning as its traditional downtown center. Devastated in World War II, it was reconstructed in a somewhat bland modern style, retaining only fragments of its historic architecture, including 12 Romanesque churches. You’ll also see a scattering of Roman ruins here – this was the key Roman frontier city of Colonia – including a section of Roman road, burial chambers, walls and wells.

The northern boundary of the Old Town encompasses the Köln Hauptbahnhof (primary station), and the eastern aspect borders the Rhine River, providing an enjoyable tree-lined promenade and cycling path – also the point of departure for Rhine cruises. While not the most scenic German old town, the Altstadt offers an engaging day of exploration containing an abundance of quality bakeries, cafes, and traditional beer halls interspersed among its narrow roads and squares.

The Alter Markt, Alstadt’s main square, is surrounded by eating and drinking establishments and hosts the popular Heinzels Wintermärchen Christmas Market in December, extending to the nearby Heumarkt. The Town Hall displays a 15th century Gothic tower and the medieval Hansa Hall. North of the Alter Markt stands the Kölner Dom, Cologne’s foremost attraction. This blackened cathedral from soot is a magnificent architectural achievement in Gothic style, built from 1248 to 1880. Visitors can climb 533 steps of the South Tower for breathtaking perspectives or admire the medieval chapels and stained glass inside.

Adjacent to the cathedral is the Römisch-Germanisches Museum, home to Cologne’s Roman artifacts, but it’s undergoing renovations until 2025 (temporary exhibits at Belgisches Haus near Neumarkt). Nearby, the Museum Ludwig, the city’s top modern art museum, boasts an impressive early 20th-century art collection, including notable Picassos. East of the Alter Markt, the old town’s most charming area includes the narrow Lintgasse leading to the picturesque Fischmarkt on the river, with colorful townhouses and Grand (“Gross”) St Martin, the most remarkable of the “12 churches”, dating from 1150 to 1250 and featuring an impressive square tower.

people walking down a street next to a building For the daring! Soul Signature Tattoo in Downtown Honolulu provides traditional, Polynesian style hand tap tattoos. Blades of varying widths are tapped with a stick, depositing ink into the skin in the form of tiny cuts. This is the oldest form of tattooing, and each Polynesian culture has its own distinct style. Shop owner and artist Aisea has played a key role in the birth of modern Polynesian tattooing as one of the founders of Manalua Association, a group working in several Pacific Islands, including Tonga, Tahiti, and the Philippines to educate tattoo artists there on curbing the spread of bloodborne pathogens, while reviving traditional tattoo styles)

The northern edge of the Old Town is characterized by the immense Cologne Central Station (Köln Hauptbahnhof), the city’s primary transportation hub. Remaining here provides proximity to the trains as well as the Old Town within walking distance. The top hotels near the station are Sandmanns am Dom,Cologne Marriott Hotel,Excelsior Hotel Ernst,Hotel Casa Colonia, and The Savoy; among the affordable options are ibis Hotel Köln am Dom and URBAN LOFT Cologne.

It should be noted that large sections of Altstadt are currently being renovated or constructed, with various initiatives scheduled for completion in 2024 and 2025, like the new Römisch-Germanisches Museum. The Archeological Quarter (archeological zone) on Grosse Budengasse is expected to develop into a new Jewish Museum (Jüdisches Museum/MiQua), with the remnants of a medieval synagogue and Roman ruins preserved underground. The famous Dom Hotel, a grand dame of Cologne hospitality since 1857 (the current building dates to the 1890s), has also been undergoing renovation for several years as part of the luxury Althoff brand and is likely to reopen in 2024.

Lodging options in the Old Town area exhibit a mix of qualities, with a few high-end and unique hotel choices but otherwise a limited stock of decent but unexceptional mid-range and low-cost alternatives. Travelers will have a bit more selection in the neighboring Neumarkt region, though the Old Town location is more practical for exploring attractions, accessing the train station, and taking Rhine River cruises.

2. Neumarkt & Belgisches Viertel (Belgian Quarter)

a large building with a clock on the side of it

Neumarkt, west of Altstadt and across Offenbachplatz and Tunisstrasse, is Cologne’s primary shopping district, particularly along Schildergasse, Ehrenstrasse, Pfeilstrasse, and Mittelstrasse. Features include the Renzo Piano-designed Weltstadthaus, the Neumarkt Christmas market, the Romanesque Basilika St. Aposteln, and the Käthe Kollwitz Museum. To the south are the Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum of ethnology and Museum Schnütgen of medieval art, housed partly in the deconsecrated Cäcilienkirche. The north side has the NS-Dokumentationszentrum, detailing Cologne’s Nazi history inside the old Gestapo headquarters, and further west are the ancient Römerturm, a well-preserved defensive tower built by the Romans around 50 AD, and the beautiful Romanesque St Gereon church.

Beyond the busy Hohenzollernring (ring road) is the trendy Belgisches Viertel (Belgian Quarter) in Cologne’s Neustadt, surrounding Altstadt since the late 1800s with a central green belt of parks and gardens. This area, perfect for exploring on foot, is filled with boutiques, art galleries, theaters, cafés, and bars, centered around Brüsslerplatz and Saint Michael’s church. Nearby is the 19th-century Stadtgarten, Cologne’s oldest park, and the Aachener Weiher gardens with a popular summertime beer garden. Northern Neustadt features the MediaPark development, housing the SK Stiftung Kultur photography galleries, Cinedom cinema complex, and Köln Turm, Cologne’s tallest building. Techno music lovers should visit Kompakt, a record store connected to the renowned Kompakt record label, established in 1998.

Further south, you can arrange tours of the Great Synagogue Roonstrasse (Synagogen-Gemeinde Köln), which remains central to Cologne’s small Jewish community today (around 4,000 strong). It was rebuilt in 1958 after the 19th-century original was destroyed by the Nazis.

Outside of a couple good hostels, you’ll mostly find mid-range and business lodging alternatives in this area.

3. Right Bank: Deutz, Mülheim, & Messe

a red double decker bus on a city street

Cologne`s Right Bank (Rechtsrheinisch), located on the eastern side of the Rhine River, connects to the historic Altstadt district through bridges, trams, and subway trains. The central Deutz neighborhood features a small riverside business area and the Köln Triangle with panoramic views of the city and cathedral from its observation deck. Along the Rhein boulevard, free scenic walks lead to Rheinpark, a 1950s park containing an outdoor Park Café, gardens and fountains, a miniature railway, a thermal spa, and a cable car spanning the river to the zoo. Nearby attractions include the outdoor Tanzbrunnen stage, Rheinterrassen beer garden, km 689 Cologne Beach Club, and the Staatenhaus opera house, as well as the expansive Koelnmesse trade fair complex. For families, the interactive Odysseum science and technology museum is a must-visit attraction.

Situated farther north lies Mülheim, a former manufacturing zone renowned for its Turkish community. Keupstrasse serves as a focus of Turkish and Kurdish eateries, bakeries, cafes, and stores. Nearby, the reworked Carlswerk manufacturing buildings house Carlswerk Victoria and Club Volta event venues, a beer garden, a rock-climbing gymnasium, and the Schauspiel theater. Kulturbunker offers live music and exhibitions. Notable sites involve the pretty and historic St. Clemens riverside church, dating back to the 13th-century, with its iconic statue of St John of Nepomuk; and trendy cafes like Café Vreiheit and Café Jakubowski.

Cross the Rhine between the Altstadt and Deutz on the Hohenzollern Bridge (Hohenzollernbrücke), a railway bridge with a pedestrian-only pathway on the south side. This is Cologne’s “love lock” bridge, with a mass of multicolored locks left by hopeful couples on each side of the route.

Most hotels in this area primarily cater to the trade show visitors, but they tend to offer modern accommodation and good quality, plus you’ll often find some favorable rates during less busy periods.

4. Nippes

a large building with flowers in the middle of it

Nippes, just 2 miles north of Cologne’s Altstadt, is a diverse and relaxed district with with enticing cafés and a handful of attractions. Main street NeusserStrasse features affordable stores, Turkish eateries, and the historic Em Golde Kappes (“Golden Cabbage”) beerhall. Wilhelmplatz hosts a daily marketplace (Mon-Sat) where cheese and produce vendors share space with clothing and odds and ends sellers, and a monthly flea market. The 19th-century Lutherkirche shares its space with the modern performance venue, Kulturkirche Köln. For pre-WWII architecture, visit Leipzigerplatz, a peaceful green area surrounded by 19th-century townhouses. Local cafes include Café Eichhörnchen and Törtchen Törtchen (known for its macarons).

East of Nippes, close to the Rhine, a collection of expansive parks feature numerous sights: the Kölner Zoo (and aquarium), Botantical Gardens (with greenhouses and its palace-style venue for events, Flora Köln), and the Skulpturenprak sculpture park. South of Nippes rises the spire of St. Agnes Church (the second highest in the city after the cathedral), and Fort X remains the best-preserved of Cologne’s 19th-century fortifications – and now features a pleasant rose garden. Grab a beverage at Pico Coffee, one of the oldest and most iconic kiosks in the city. Train enthusiasts can explore further north to explore the Rheinische Industriebahn-Museum in the old Cologne-Nippes railway depot.

Nippes is convenient to visit from central Cologne, but there are a few good hotels in the neighborhood if you’ve already seen the main attractions in the city and want to stay elsewhere to escape busy tourist areas.

  • The Best Hotels in and around Nippes
    The Adolph’s Hotel can be reached at +49 221 9745150 Hotel Köln 2020 Hotel phone: +49 221 95790566
  • Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
    The Hotel Bürgerhof • Hotel contact number: +49 221 9714150
    The Hotel Fortune is located in Cologne, Germany. Its telephone number is +49 221 7158070
  • Best Hostel
    The Hostel 404 telephone number is +49 221 8205830.

5. Rheinauhafen

boats floating on top of a body of water

Rheinauhafen, a 1.2-mile stretch along the Rhine south of Altstadt, has been renovated from its original 19th-century docks and now houses a residential and commercial complex including a marina, eateries, and museums. It represents modern Cologne at its most stylish, especially the outstanding “Crane House” residential towers that extend over the river. The area includes the Kunsthaus Rhenania, a cultural center located in a 1920s grain warehouse, and luxury apartments in the 1909 “Siebengebirge” grain warehouses. Key attractions involve the Schokoladenmuseum (chocolate museum), Deutsches Sport & Olympia Museum (focusing on German sports history), and the Mustard Museum (around an 1810 mustard mill). Additional sights are the Malakoffturm (a former defensive tower now used as a beer garden) and the 13th-century St. Maria in Lyskirchen Church, one of Cologne’s smallest Romanesque churches.

6. Zülpicher Viertel

a crowd of people standing in front of a building

The Zülpicher Viertel, a few miles southwest of the historic center, is centered around Zülpicher Strasse and near the University of Cologne. It is also known as the “scholarly quarter” because of its trendy and lively student-centered bars, retailers, and restaurants. It’s an excellent spot to avoid the usual tourist routes. The area highlights private theaters like Filmdose and Studiobühne Köln (knowledge of German is helpful), and live music spot MTC. While conventional attractions are limited, the university’s GeoMuseum draws in fossil and gemstone fans. Don’t forget the renowned schnitzel at Bei Oma Kleinmann.

There is nowhere good to reside in Zülpicher Viertel – best to visit for the afternoon or evening)..

Cologne Travel Tips

  • While English speakers can be found at hotels and tourist sites in Cologne, one shouldn`t assume that everyone (especially older individuals) working in shops, bars and cafés will understand English – it is advised to learn a few words and numerals in German before visiting.
  • The KölnCard can be a worthwhile investment if you intend to visit many sights in one or two days: it incorporates free travel on public transportation as well as discounts up to 50 percent at numerous museums, restaurants, shops and attractions, like river cruises and city and brewery tours. Specific discounts embrace 20 percent off cathedral entry, 37 percent off Kolumba, 25 percent off the chocolate museum, and 20 percent off Museum Ludwig, Römisch-Germanisches Museum, and Wallraf-Richartz Museum. The card costs €9 for 24 hours and €18 for 48 hours.
  • Free Wi-Fi is available at Cologne Bonn Airport as well as cafés and museums throughout the city itself. Additionally, handy gratis hotspots called Hotspot.Koeln can be accessed across the city center for up to 1 hour per session following registration with unlimited sessions.
  • The city’s main visitor center is located at Komödienstraße 44, open 9am to 6pm Mondays to Saturdays.
  • The local soccer team FC Köln competes in Germany’s top-tier Bundesliga league, with home games at the RheinEnergieSTADION about 4 miles west of the Altstadt city center. Visit the official website for ticket and schedule information.
  • Cologne’s largest festival is Carnival, a boisterous pre-Lenten street celebration held over the 5-day period between “the Women’s Carnival” (“Weiberfastnacht”), and “Violet Tuesday” (“Veilchendienstag”), usually in March or April.
  • For daily cruises on the Rhine, contact KD Köln-Düsseldorfer or Kölntourist.

More Cologne Neighborhoods

We`ve covered our favorite areas to explore and lodge in more thoroughly above, but with extra time the historic university city of Bonn, some 15 miles (25km) and 30 minutes by local train south of Cologne, is worth dedicating a day or two to. Notable attractions of the former West German capital include the Haus der Geschichte, the history museum, and the modern museums along the “Museumsmeile”, also the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven, the Beethoven-Haus, where he was born in 1770.

It’s also worth making time for Brühl around 30 minutes southwest of Cologne by tram or train, home to Schloss Augustusburg, a dazzling 18th-century palace, the Max Ernst Museum focused on the local Dadaist and Surrealist painter, and the huge Phantasialand theme park, a German Disneyland.

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