Cologne
Temperature
9°
Time
1:04 PM
Cologne
It is said that natives of Cologne who are living elsewhere always feel homesick, and visitors to this beautiful city will soon understand why. Germany’s oldest metropolis, which, of course, gave its name to the Eau de Cologne, offers a mix of magnificent and romantic churches, cutting-edge modern architecture, busy shopping streets, and world-famous museums. There is much to do and see in Cologne, and with all the frequent flights and transportation options, getting here has never been easier.Find your trip
Cologne Zoo houses more than 750 different species from all over the world, making it a popular excursion destination for families and animal lovers. Some of the animals you can see here are hippos, elephants, penguins, flamingos, baboons and sea lions. If you arrive at the right time, you can also watch the animals being fed.
Work on the Cologne Cathedral began in 1248, and it was the largest building project undertaken in the Middle Ages. A large, spacious church was needed to accommodate the influx of pilgrims who came to visit one of the most important shrines in the Catholic Church holding the relics of the Three Wise Men. Their bones are kept in a casket, which is the most precious treasure in the cathedral and a masterpiece of medieval goldsmith's art.
This botanical garden housing about 10,000 types of plants dates back to the 19th century and is beautifully located along the Rhine River. The main greenhouse alone, with its great assortment of plants, is worth a visit. It'll feel like you're in South America's rain forest surrounded by its exotic vegetation.
The Praetorium was once the seat of the Imperial Governor of Cologne. Now this is an underground archaeological area where you can walk around and through tunnels with Roman ruins and learn more about the city's history. It is partly located under the current City Hall.
The Germans have always been big music lovers, and Cologne is no exception. Cologne Opera is the main opera house in the city, featuring modern architecture, a resident opera company and a rich cultural program. It can accommodate up to 1,300 spectators and 100 orchestra musicians.
Lanxess Arena is one of Europe's biggest entertainment venues and can accomodate up to 20,000 people. All sorts of events take place here, from concerts to ice-hockey games and big shows. Just check the program on their website to discover what's going on while you're in Cologne.
Cologne Zoo houses more than 750 different species from all over the world, making it a popular excursion destination for families and animal lovers. Some of the animals you can see here are hippos, elephants, penguins, flamingos, baboons and sea lions. If you arrive at the right time, you can also watch the animals being fed.
Work on the Cologne Cathedral began in 1248, and it was the largest building project undertaken in the Middle Ages. A large, spacious church was needed to accommodate the influx of pilgrims who came to visit one of the most important shrines in the Catholic Church holding the relics of the Three Wise Men. Their bones are kept in a casket, which is the most precious treasure in the cathedral and a masterpiece of medieval goldsmith's art.
Limani means port in Greek, which is the perfect description for this Greek restaurant situated on the banks of the Rhine and offering a great view of the river. Here you can enjoy authentic Mediterranean dishes, like the "mezedes" assorted dishes, accompanied by a selection of German, Greek and other imported wines.
The historical restaurant Fährhaus has a seasonal menu that includes many seafood dishes. Here you can enjoy Mediterranean food and a wonderful view over Rhine all year round in the heated terrace.
El Chango is an Argentinian restaurant in Cologne specialised in steaks. The star of the restaurant is hidden in the kitchen: the charcoal grill (fired with true Argentinian charcoal) that is responsible for all the meats being grilled to perfection.
At Päffgen brewery, you can enjoy regional cuisine and Kölsch beer. Specialities include beer marinated pork roast and the Halve Hahn, crispy baked rye bread with Dutch cheese. There's plenty of seating inside and a beer garden open all year round.
Früh am Dom is located in front of the Cathedral and is Cologne’s equivalent of the Hofbräuhaus in Munich, high ceilings, dark wood paneling, old oil paintings and a large tiled stove. They serve typical Kölsch food and beer on three floors. If you are in a larger group, it may be worth ordering a small barrel of beer, which will be put on the table.
You'll find Brauhaus zum Prinzen in one of the oldest buildings in the Alter Markt square. At this brewery you'll find classic dishes like currywurst, schnitzel and Sauerbraten, namely roast with dumplings. The atmosphere is intimate and the prices are average.
Amabile restaurant has a sophisticated menu inspired to French and Mediterranean cuisine. The dishes are crafted with fresh, seasonal ingredients and you might also find local specialities cooked in a creative manner.
Le Moissonnier is truly a gourmet restaurant here in Cologne. This is a perfect place for a celebration or just a special evening out with your beloved one. Nothing on the menu will let you down, but the duck comes highly recommended.
Limani means port in Greek, which is the perfect description for this Greek restaurant situated on the banks of the Rhine and offering a great view of the river. Here you can enjoy authentic Mediterranean dishes, like the "mezedes" assorted dishes, accompanied by a selection of German, Greek and other imported wines.
The historical restaurant Fährhaus has a seasonal menu that includes many seafood dishes. Here you can enjoy Mediterranean food and a wonderful view over Rhine all year round in the heated terrace.
The Japanese brand Muji develops as an international manufacturer of stylish, functional and affordable quality products for all relevant areas of urban life. The unique product range includes household goods and office products, as well as clothing, travel accessories and stationery.
On about 700 square meters the luxury branch of the Swedish brand H&M offers fashion for women to affordable prices. Besides fashion, the product range includes accessories such as bags, jewelry as well as beauty products.
Still one of the best addresses for simple Scandinavian design that is absolutely on the pulse of fashion, but never follows fast moving trends. The Swedes just know precisely how it goes.
Kauf Dich Glücklich is a German concept store chain with two locations in Cologne. Here you'll find design clothes, accessories, jewellery and homeware. Much comes from fashionable Danish or Swedish labels.
The famous Berlin accessory and bag label Liebeskind has store in Cologne and presents its great collection here. They mainly sell items made of high-quality leather.
Planet Sports is one of the German big players coming to sports equipment. Their store in Cologne offers anything from boards to clothes and shoes. The collection includes 250 brands for surfers, skaters, snowboarders and more sports enthusiasts
In this colorful store in quarter of Lateng the women clothes, shoes and accessories are not too expensive and always fashionable. Many of the brands present are of Swedish design.
Blutsgeschwister offer something different, not mainstream but a world full of fascination for colours, patterns, shapes and history. The collections of clothes you will find in the flagship store here in Cologne reveal to tradition and combine it with urban modernity.
The Japanese brand Muji develops as an international manufacturer of stylish, functional and affordable quality products for all relevant areas of urban life. The unique product range includes household goods and office products, as well as clothing, travel accessories and stationery.
On about 700 square meters the luxury branch of the Swedish brand H&M offers fashion for women to affordable prices. Besides fashion, the product range includes accessories such as bags, jewelry as well as beauty products.
Cologne Bonn airport is 17 km southeast of the city centre. The journey to the city takes around 15 minutes by car or by train. The trains from and to the airport depart every twenty minutes during weekdays. On Saturdays and Sundays, the trains run every half an hour and the last train leaves at 23.11.
Germany can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of most European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.
Summer is the most popular time to visit Cologne, with pleasant temperatures but some humidity and higher hotel rates. You can find cheaper offers in late spring and early autumn, which are chillier but still good periods for sightseeing (and hanging out in beer gardens). Winters are not harsh though, and they can get quite busy due to Christmas and Carnival celebrations.
Cologne has a good transport system with an integrated network covering the area from Bonn to the Ruhr district (U- and S-Bahn as well as buses). If you plan to see all the sights, it may be worth buying a day or a weekly ticket, which give you access to all transportation means for 24 hours or 7 days. You can buy tickets at sales offices, online or at ticket machines in buses, trains and at stops.
The taxis are cream-coloured. All registered taxi drivers have a licence with a number on display where it is visible to passengers. Taxi Ruf:
You can buy stamps from vending machines, some news kiosks and at post offices. There is a post office inside the Hauptbahnhof. Another location in the city centre can be found at Hohe Pforte 4-6, Cologne.
Cologne Bonn airport is 17 km southeast of the city centre. The journey to the city takes around 15 minutes by car or by train. The trains from and to the airport depart every twenty minutes during weekdays. On Saturdays and Sundays, the trains run every half an hour and the last train leaves at 23.11.
Germany can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of most European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.
