Cologne travel guide

Located in Western Germany, Cologne experiences a temperate oceanic climate, characterized by mild to cool winters and warm summers. The average temperature ranges from 3°C in January to 18°C in July. The city receives the highest rainfall in June, while the driest month is April.

Cologne's weather can be unpredictable, with sudden changes throughout the day. Therefore, it's prudent for travelers to pack layers of clothing. Winters can be quite cold with occasional frost and snow, so warm clothing and waterproof shoes are recommended. Summer, on the other hand, can get quite hot with temperatures occasionally soaring beyond 30°C.

Despite the rainfall, Cologne is known for its relatively high number of sunny days, especially during the summer months. This allows for an enjoyable exploration of the city's landmarks and landscapes. However, the city's climate is generally mild, making Cologne a year-round destination.

With its blend of traditional and modern culture, Cologne is more than just a wonderful city in Germany. It's a hub for diverse experiences, boasting top attractions that range from historical landmarks to modern marvels, offering a glimpse into Germany's rich heritage and innovative spirit.

One popular place to visit in Cologne is the unforgettable Cologne Cathedral. Considered one of the most well-known attractions in the city, a visit to this spectacular travel destination is something you shouldn't miss on your trip to Cologne.

For more information about what you can expect during a vacation in Cologne, check out our list of top attractions below. Discover the best places to visit in Cologne, including the fascinating Cologne Cathedral, Cologne Chocolate Museum, Old Market, Museum Ludwig, and Rheingarten.

Take a closer look at the city map below for the exact locations of all the top attractions in Cologne.

A visit to Cologne gets more exciting with memorable experiences. And the city is just perfect for that, with plenty of fun activities. Sightseeing Cruises, Kid Friendly Tours & Activities, Historical Tours, and more are just some of the options you could explore to fully immerse yourself and make the most of your time.

In this travel guide, we've included some of the best things to do in Cologne, adding a special touch to your journey in this vibrant city. Explore bustling markets, embark on scenic hikes, sample local delicacies, or immerse yourself in the rich history and heritage of Cologne. Browse this diverse array of unforgettable experiences Cologne offers and let your adventures begin!

In Cologne, travelers are spoiled for choice with a dazzling array of 18 categories of top-rated tours and tickets. But among this sea of options, one category reigns supreme: Activities.

Activities offer an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the heart and soul of Cologne. For example, the fantastic Walking tour of Cologne: The essential and unmissable.

Cologne also offers plenty of budget-friendly tours and activities that promise travelers a unique experience. Walking tour of Cologne: The essential and unmissable, for example, is the cheapest Walking Tour option in the city. This experience costs around 3 EUR.

Elevate your upcoming Cologne adventure with unforgettable experiences by booking top-rated tours in the city. Uncover the finest tours, activities, and tickets awaiting you in Cologne right below.

Discover the best things to do in Cologne. Choose from 241 fantastic tours and activities available in the city.

Select your dates and number of travelers in the search bar below to receive the best recommendations for your vacation in Cologne. Click the green button to view your options and discover a variety of exciting things to do in Cologne.

Diving into Cologne's culinary scene takes you on a delightful journey through a blend of traditional dishes and modern gastronomy. The city's heart, the Old Town, is one of the best places to eat in Cologne, offering a selection of traditional taverns where you can indulge in local favorites like 'Himmel und Äd' (Heaven and Earth) or 'Halve Hahn', a rye roll with cheese. Not to be missed, Cologne's beloved 'Kolsch' beer is a must-try for all visitors. For a more upscale dining experience, Bellevue in the Rheinauhafen district offers breathtaking views of the Rhine and a menu featuring gourmet versions of regional dishes. Street food lovers will find a haven at Neumarkt and Rudolfplatz, known for their food stalls serving tasty local fast foods like 'Mettbrötchen', a raw pork sandwich. Remember, Cologne's culinary scene is not restricted to German cuisine, international restaurants are plentiful, especially in the Belgian Quarter. Here, you can savor everything from Italian to Asian cuisine. No matter where you decide to dine, Cologne promises an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.

Cologne, Germany's fourth-largest city, boasts of an impressive retail scene, making it the best place to go shopping. The city is a vibrant blend of traditional and modern shopping destinations. Hohe Straße is the first port of call for any shopping enthusiast. This iconic pedestrian street is home to both international brands and local boutiques, reflecting Cologne's distinct fashion sensibility. Schildergasse, another bustling shopping street, is worth exploring for its variety of shops and historic charm.

For a more upscale experience, visit the Belgian Quarter, known for its high-end boutiques, contemporary design shops, and unique local craftsmanship. Those interested in antiques and art should head to the Südstadt district.

Cologne’s Neumarkt Galerie and Rhein Center are two prominent malls offering a multitude of brands under one roof. For a unique shopping experience, don't miss the Stadtgarten Christmas Market, where you can buy traditional crafts, sweet treats, and the iconic Eau de Cologne as souvenirs.

Remember that most stores close by 8 PM and are shut on Sundays, so plan your shopping spree accordingly. Also, don't forget to check for seasonal sales and festivals that may enhance your shopping experience in Cologne.

Cologne, with its rich history and vibrant culture, offers a plethora of free activities for the budget-conscious traveler. One of the best free things to do in Cologne is a visit to the iconic Kölner Dom. This Gothic masterpiece, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers breathtaking views of the city from its south tower. Stroll along the Rhine River and soak in the city's charm, or head to the Rheinauhafen district, home to stunning modern architecture. Don't miss out on Cologne's numerous parks, such as Rheinpark, where you can enjoy a picnic or simply relax and people-watch. Immerse yourself in Cologne's art scene at the Museum Ludwig's plaza, where you can admire outdoor sculptures without paying a cent. For history buffs, the Historic Old Town is a must-visit, with its centuries-old buildings and narrow, winding streets. Finally, Cologne's vibrant festivals, like the Carnival and Christmas markets, are free to attend and provide a glimpse into the city's traditions and festivities. No matter your interests, Cologne offers a rich, fulfilling experience without breaking the bank.

The most popular way to experience Cologne is by visiting the city as part of a road trip across multiple destinations in Germany. However, it is also common for travelers to go on holiday to Cologne on both shorter and longer getaways to get a break from everyday life, relax, and experience something new.

With Guide to Europe, you can find road trips, city breaks, and weekend getaways in Germany, ranging from budget to luxury. Whether you’re planning a multi-day road trip across Germany, or you just want to enjoy a few days exploring Cologne, there is a vacation package for you.

Explore the popular types of travel packages to Cologne below. Click on any to delve into the details and effortlessly plan your dream getaway.

Top-rated travel packages to Rome allow you to experience a memorable journey. These packages offer customizable features, ensuring you're guaranteed to have an immersive exploration through the heart of Rome and beyond. Browse a couple of options to uncover the finest ways to explore the city of Rome with ease and excitement.

Get more Cologne vacation ideas by continuing to read this Cologne travel guide and discover the greatest selection of travel packages in Europe. Scroll down to find the best vacation packages in Germany that match your needs and budget.

Explore and compare vacation packages, each offering unforgettable journeys to the wonderful city of Cologne. Be sure to act swiftly, as the best flights, hotels, and activities in Cologne tend to fill up quickly. Use the search tool below to find the best travel deals in Germany. Your customized holiday package to Cologne is only a few clicks away!

Booking budget-friendly flights to Cologne is a crucial part of planning your trip to the city. This section will guide you through the process, helping you find the best deals for your journey.

Booking in advance is a smart move when traveling to Cologne. Airlines release their best deals months ahead of departure, so early birds catch the lower fares. Consider flexible travel dates while planning your visit to the city. Mid-week and off-peak seasons often offer more wallet-friendly options.

To help you find cheap flights to Cologne, you can use the powerful booking widget below. Enter your departure city, choose between round trip or one-way, pick your fare class, select travel dates, and specify the number of travelers. Click "Search, " and the widget will do the rest. You'll see a list of flights matching your criteria, making your trip to Cologne even more convenient.

Fine-tune your search with filters to sort by price, airline, layovers, and more. Once you've found your ideal flight, click "Book, " and you'll be redirected to the booking page to complete your reservation. Enter your payment details and receive a confirmation – it's that simple!

Remember to book ahead, stay flexible, and utilize the widget's features to make your journey to Cologne both affordable and unforgettable.

Travelers visiting Cologne can easily access the city via Cologne Bonn Airport, offering direct connection to 1056 destinations worldwide. To streamline your travel planning process, explore the most popular flights to Cologne below. Discover direct routes from major international hubs and convenient connections tailored to suit your travel preferences. Click to delve into the diverse array of flights available to Cologne and embark on an unforgettable journey.

A trip to Cologne means opportunities to relax at any of the 5 different types of places to stay in the city. While each type offers varying amenities and rates, there is no denying that Cologne provides a great selection of lodging options ready to cater to every kind of guest.

Among all the choices available in the city, Maritim Hotel Köln is one of the top picks of travelers in Cologne. Maritim Hotel Köln is a 4-star stay with an average rating of 13046 stars out of 5 from 4 guests. The hotel is located at Heumarkt 20 and boasts many great utilities, including air conditioning, bar, and swimming pool.

Budget accommodations are also incredibly popular among travelers in Cologne. Cheaper alternatives allow travelers to save on accommodation costs and have more to spend on other experiences.

In Cologne, travelers looking for an economical yet top-rated place to stay usually choose Maternushaus. For approximately 79 EUR, guests can book a comfortable Double Room at this popular hotel, which also offers air conditioning, free wi-fi, and more.

Below is a list of all 5 different types of places to stay in Cologne. Select the type you prefer to compare options under each category and find the best accommodation.

Hotels are travelers' go-to accommodations in Cologne for the unique experience they provide. Besides offering basic amenities, many hotels in Cologne provide meals and extras, such as shuttle services, spa facilities, tour desks, and other services. But because not all hotels in Cologne are created equal, finding the best in the city often requires careful research. For your convenience, we've done all the research to make it easier for you to check out all the top hotels in Cologne.

Hyatt Regency Cologne offers the most luxurious rooms and is perfect for travelers looking for the ultimate 5-star hotel experience in Cologne. If comfort, convenience, and affordability are your non-negotiables, check out Maritim Hotel Köln, the top 4-star hotel in the city. When all you need is a pleasant place to rest and sleep in between your activities in Cologne, the highest-rated 3-star hotel, Motel One Köln-Neumarkt, is for you.

Below is our hand-picked list of the best hotels in Cologne. Travelers are encouraged to book early, as these hotels quickly reach capacity. Click the arrows or swipe the list to see each hotel's ratings, reviews, locations, rates, and more. You can read detailed descriptions of each hotel in Cologne by clicking the cards.

Finding the perfect stay for your visit to Cologne is made easy with our search tool. With just a few clicks, explore a range of available hotels and accommodations, complete with prices and amenities for easy comparison. Simply input your check-in and check-out dates, along with the number of guests and rooms needed. Start planning your trip to Cologne effortlessly now!

Renting a car in Cologne is a popular choice among travelers who want to explore the city at their own pace.

A wide variety of popular car rentals are available to choose from in Cologne, ensuring you find the best car for your travel plans. All car rentals come with CDW insurance for added protection throughout your trip.

Check out all the options available and book your car rental in Cologne for your upcoming adventures in Germany below.

Get ready to hit the road and explore the beautiful city of Cologne. Find the best deals on a variety of popular car rentals in Cologne, Germany, or any other destination in Europe by using the search tool below.

Enter your pick-up and drop-off location, driver's age, and dates. Click the green button to view your options.

When unsure about where to go next, use the map below. This map shows the locations of all the best destinations in Germany. Use the map to plan your trip and find the best routes.

Travelers in Germany can catch flights to domestic airports in Munich, Düsseldorf, Dresden, Dortmund, and Bremen. Domestic flights in Germany are operated by 8 airlines, including Eurowings, Condor, Wizz Air, Corendon Airlines Europe, and Corendon. There are around 35 scheduled flight routes operating to Cologne on a weekly basis.

From Cologne, travelers can book scheduled flights to 23 domestic destinations. The most popular flights from Cologne depart to many top-rated destinations in Germany and are offered by Eurowings, Condor, and Wizz Air.

Traveling to another city or region in Germany? Use the flight search tool below to quickly find the cheapest one-way or round-trip flights from Cologne to different local destinations.

Enter all the necessary information and click or tap on the Search button to see a list of the available domestic flights in Germany on the selected dates.