Cologne, Germany - Travel Guide

Cologne offers a rich blend of history, culture, and modern vibrancy. Its iconic Gothic Cathedral, charming Old Town, and lively Karneval make it a captivating destination for various interests.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay3 days

Budget$60/day

Mid-range$150/day

Luxury$600/day

Known For

KölnColoniaNorth Rhine-WestphaliaRhinelandGermany

🇩🇪 Country Information: Germany

CapitalBerlin

CurrencyEuro (€)

LanguageGerman , English

Phone Code+49

Electricity230V (Type C, F)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

Tipping is customary but not mandatory; typically 5
10% in restaurants and for taxi drivers
For hairdressers or other services, rounding up or a small tip is common
For hotel staff, a small tip for good service is appreciated

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available, especially in urban areas
Credit cards are widely accepted, but cash is still preferred in many smaller establishments and for small purchases
It is generally better to use ATMs for cash, but having some euros upon arrival is useful
There is no black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Punctuality is highly valued
Direct communication is common and appreciated
"Sie" (formal "you") is used with strangers and in professional settings; "du" (informal "you") is used with friends and family
Recycling is a strong cultural norm and widely practiced
Sunday is a day of rest, with most shops closed

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Germany has a high degree of LGBTQ+ friendliness and strong legal protections, including same-sex marriage.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 16 for beer and wine, 18 for spirits
Drug laws are strict, with penalties for possession and trafficking
While cannabis is being legalized, regulations are still evolving

Special Laws

Jaywalking is illegal and can result in fines
It is illegal to litter
Public consumption of alcohol is generally permitted, but can be restricted in certain areas or during events
Public nudity is not permitted
Respect quiet hours, especially on Sundays and at night

Common Phrases

NoNein (nyn)

YesJa (yah)

HelloHallo (hah-loh)

PleaseBitte (bit-tuh)

Excuse meEntschuldigung (ent-shool-dee-goong)

Thank youDanke (dahn-kuh)

Climate

Climate Zone: Continental Cool

Best Time to Visit

Dec
Feb: Can be very cold with freezing temperatures
Jul
Aug: Can be very hot

Getting There

Fly into Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN)
Train from major European cities (e
g
, Paris to Cologne, \~3
5h, \~$50
100; Amsterdam to Cologne, \~2
5h, \~$30
70)
Bus from various German and European cities

Getting Around

Public transport (trains, trams, buses) is extensive and reliable
KVB is the local transport provider
Taxi services widely available
Ride
sharing apps like Uber and Free Now operate

Health & Vaccinations

No specific vaccines required for entry
Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTP) recommended
Consider Hepatitis A/B if planning extended stay or rural travel
No altitude or malaria concerns

Staying Connected

eSIMs widely available
Major German providers (Telekom, Vodafone, O2) offer eSIMs
Airalo, Nomad, and Holafly work well

Local Cuisine

Kölsch beer alcohol

This is Cologne's local beer, a pale, top-fermented beer that is often served in tall, thin glasses (Stangen). It is brewed according to specific regi

Himmel un Ääd regional_speciality

Meaning 'Heaven and Earth,' this dish is Cologne's signature traditional meal. It consists of mashed potatoes and apple sauce (heaven and earth, respe

Reibekuchen snack

These are fried potato pancakes, made from finely grated raw potatoes mixed with onions, eggs, flour, and seasoning. They are considered the city's fa

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Accommodation (Hotels/Apartments) Accommodation

Book 1.5–3 months in advance

Cologne hosts major trade fairs (Messe Köln) and the famous Christmas Markets (Weihnachtsmärkte) and Carnival, during which accommodation prices soar and availability becomes extremely limited.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Rhine River Sightseeing Cruise tour_or_activity

Book 2–4 weeks in advance

While many cruises run daily, special themed cruises, weekend sailings, or popular summer dates can sell out, especially those offering dinner or specific routes.

KölnCard (City Pass) permit_or_pass

Purchase at least 1 week in advance, or upon arrival

Booking the city pass in advance streamlines arrival and allows immediate use of public transport and discounts, avoiding potential queues at sales points.

Christmas Market River Cruise Tickets tour_or_activity

Book 1.5–3 months in advance

Specialized Christmas market cruises are popular seasonal events that sell out quickly, particularly weekend evening slots, offering unique views of the city's lights.

Fun Facts

1. Cologne is home to Germany's only cross-river cable car, which was also the first in Europe to cross a river in a major city when it opened in 1957.
2. Beneath Cologne's streets lies the Praetorium, the remains of a Roman governor's palace dating back to the 1st century AD, making it the largest Roman palace north of the Alps.
3. The city's Kölner Rathaus is the oldest city hall in Germany that is still in use, having served as the seat of the city's government since the 12th century.
4. Despite being heavily damaged during World War II, the Cologne Cathedral, which houses the Shrine of the Three Kings, was restored to its former glory in the 1950s.

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