Top things to do in Cologne
Attractions, tours, and activities in Cologne
Recommended museums in Cologne
Where to find art and culture in Cologne
Cologne: the city's best neighborhoods
Find a great area to stay in Cologne
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Deutz
0.9 miles from downtown
Deutz is the city’s largest commercial area, filled with high-rises, hotels and office blocks. However, it’s not all suits and suites – it’s home to the sprawling Rhine Park, which covers around forty hectares along the banks of the Rhine. If you have tickets for a concert or sporting event, chances are it will take place at the Lanxess Arena.
Places to stay from $42 a night
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Ehrenfeld
2 miles from downtown
Multicultural-cool. This walkable area north east of the centre bubbles over with inviting cafés, fringe theatres and student culture. See the huge street-art murals on Ehrenfelder Station, hit the shops scattered throughout the area, or pull up a stool in Rubinot – this sparkling cocktail bar is a starting point for many an evening’s soirée!
Places to stay from $56 a night
About Cologne
Including tips for the best time to visit Cologne
Nestled on the banks of the Rhine River, Cologne represents the best of Germany's past, present and future. Blending medieval architecture with contemporary design, the city takes notes from its illustrious past to offer some of Europe's best museums, music venues and entertainment hubs.
From a flourishing Roman settlement to the ruins of World War II, the 'Cathedral City' has constantly rebuilt itself and forged new identities. This continuous evolution dominates the city's skyline, where you can see the modern and gothic contrasts of Cologne Tower and Cologne Cathedral.
As one of Germany's prominent cultural centres, Cologne offers a wealth of diverse activities. While Cologne Chocolate Museum and Cologne Philharmonic are portals to worlds of cocoa and music, it's Museum Ludwig that offers the best value with the world's third-largest Pablo Picasso collection. If you're travelling with kids, the grassy open spaces and ziplines of the Rheinpark are always worth a visit.
Explore the Old Town to see Cologne's photogenic cathedrals and medieval streets. Make a stop at Haxenhaus to grab a bite of schnitzel, sauerkraut and other German staples. If it's shopping you're after, head over to the Innenstadt area known for its high-street stores and boutiques on Schildergasse, Hohe Strasse and Lindenthal.
Located 15 kilometres outside the city, Cologne Bonn Airport can be reached via the S-Bahn within a quarter of an hour. The city is also served by high-speed ICE and Eurostar trains – connecting to Brussels, London and nearby German cities like Dusseldorf and Munich.
Tonight
From per night
This weekend
From $195 per night
Next weekend
From $195 per night
| Most popular time to visit | October-December |
| Cheapest time to visit | January-March |
| Local currency | € 1 = $1.04 |
| Language | German |
| Average weekend price | $109 per night |
| Average weekday price | $114 per night |
| Average stay | 1 night |
Points of interest in Cologne
Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Cologne
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Cologne Cathedral
0.1 miles from downtown
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LANXESS Arena
1.1 miles from downtown
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RheinEnergie Stadium
3.7 miles from downtown
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Cologne Christmas Market
0.2 miles from downtown
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Cologne Chocolate Museum
0.6 miles from downtown
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Romano-Germanic Museum
0.1 miles from downtown
Cologne reviews
What other travelers say about Cologne
Lovely clean vibrant city with lots to see & do.
July 3, 2022
Lovely clean vibrant city with lots to see & do. Lack of outdoor seating re Covid made it a bit uncomfortable whereas Bonn & Essen had ample outdoor seating in busy tourists spots despite Covid restrictions. Such a variety of worldwide cuisines to choose from - Vietnamese, Turkish, French, Italian, Brazilian,Indian etc.etc_- hadn't expected that. Brilliant easy to access train services. Beautiful Cathedral & churches. lovely walks. would definitely return to same spot !!
I've got limited walking ability at the moment but I saw...
June 29, 2022
I've got limited walking ability at the moment but I saw some of the key sites I wanted to see, the Cathedral, the Alt Market, some of the famous Brauhaus amongst them but there were more things I would have liked to do. I will certainly need to go back!
Cologne has lots of interesting architecture, wonderful...
June 20, 2022
Cologne has lots of interesting architecture, wonderful activities e.g. cable car, zoo, chocolate museum, boat trips, cathedral, Gestapo prison museum etc. It's a pricy city to visit so for me 3 days was enough. However, there was more to do and as a bonus it's all in walking distance. But the transport links are good enough across the city that that's not necessary if you prefer.
Köln is simply amazing!
June 17, 2022
Köln is simply amazing! I went there for a concert but it's an incredible destination to visit for at least 4 days! the cathedral is astonishing, and there were other places I couldn't visit which I will definitely keep for my next visit, as I definitely intend to come back!
It is a perfect location for a mini break.
June 4, 2022
It is a perfect location for a mini break. There are plenty of things to do. We went up the spire in the Dom. we had a great time at the chocolate museum with lots of freebie’s. Further up the river was a cable car over the Rhine where you could see views of the city. If you like the bar scene, there are plenty to try out. I would definitely recommend a trip here.
Try a few of the Brauhaus pubs, drink Kölsch beer and sample...
June 3, 2022
Try a few of the Brauhaus pubs, drink Kölsch beer and sample the local food. No need to book a tour, just look up on your device and head off. Get a bike - Cologne is a very bike friendly city and is flat. Get out to the 'green-belt' and circle through the parks, maybe call in to a beer garden (or two). Take a day out of the city (if you have time). Take the train from central station to Königswinter and ride the cog railway up to the Dragons Castle. Walk back down & have a meal / drinks in one of the riverfront bars. Get the KD line boat back to Cologne, which takes a leisurely 2 1/2 hours - marvellous.
Popular places to stay in Cologne
Stay in some of the best accommodations Cologne has to offer
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Ferienwohnung Rheinaue Flittard, Cologne
From $187 per night
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Apartment Miro Altstadt-Nord, Cologne
From $125 per night
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Mein Appartement Hürth Köln Cologne, Germany
From $110 per night
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Stern am Rathaus Altstadt-Nord, Cologne
From $145 per night
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