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Cologne (Köln), located in western Germany, is a dynamic city known for its rich history, impressive architecture, and lively culture. A holiday to Cologne offers a mix of historical exploration, art, food, and festive celebrations. Explore some of Germany’s most famous landmarks, stroll through narrow cobblestone streets, browse world-class museums, and take a relaxing boat tour along the Rhine River to admire the city's landscape from a different perspective.
Visit Cologne in February to experience the Cologne Carnival (Kölner Karneval), one of the largest and most famous carnivals in Europe; this week-long celebration is filled with parades, costumes, and street parties. Or you could visit during the winter to experience the magical Christmas markets of Cologne; the largest is near the Cathedral, with festive stalls selling crafts, food, and mulled wine (Glühwein).
Helenenstraße 14, 50667 Köln, Germany
Cologne has a low rate of violent crime, and tourists are unlikely to encounter serious issues. However, as with any city, it’s wise to stay alert, especially at night or in less busy areas. Pickpocketing can occur, particularly in crowded areas like the Cologne Cathedral, shopping streets (like Schildergasse and Hohe Straße), and on public transportation. Keep your valuables close and stay aware of distractions, which can be used as tactics by pickpockets.
Cologne’s Carnival season (February/March) attracts huge crowds, and while it’s a fun, friendly atmosphere, there can be more pickpockets and occasional rowdiness. Keep your belongings secure and be cautious of people in close contact during crowded events.
The city’s main public transportation provider offers an extensive network of trams, buses, and U-Bahn (underground) trains. Cologne Hauptbahnhof (main station) is a central hub for regional and long-distance trains, making it easy to reach nearby cities like Bonn and Düsseldorf. The German Railways (Deutsche Bahn) system offers frequent connections, including high-speed trains (ICE). The S-Bahn (suburban trains) is ideal for reaching outer areas or neighbouring cities quickly and affordably.
Cologne’s city centre, especially the Altstadt (Old Town), is very walkable. Many of the main attractions, like Cologne Cathedral, the Rhine River promenade, and the Old Market (Alter Markt), are close to one another, making walking an enjoyable way to explore. Walking along the Rhine River is scenic and provides access to cafes, restaurants, and views of the Hohenzollern Bridge with its famous love locks.
Cologne is a bike-friendly city with plenty of bike rental shops and a bike-sharing system called KVB-Rad, operated by KVB. Dedicated bike paths are common throughout the city. Cologne also has a few ferry crossings along the Rhine, which provide scenic and practical transport between the city’s eastern and western banks. Several companies offer sightseeing cruises on the Rhine.
Himmel un Ääd (heaven and earth) - this iconic dish is a mix of mashed potatoes (the earth) and apple compote or fried apples (the heaven) served with slices of blood sausage or sometimes black pudding. The combination of savoury and sweet is a true Cologne classic.
Rheinischer Sauerbraten (Rhineland-style pot roast) - sauerbraten is a pot roast marinated in vinegar, water, spices, and sometimes even red wine before slow-cooking, giving it a unique tangy flavour. It’s usually served with red cabbage and dumplings or potatoes.
Kölsche Kaviar (Cologne caviar) - despite the name, this dish isn’t actually caviar! It consists of blood sausage, often served with onions and rye bread. It’s a favourite local snack often paired with a glass of Kölsch beer.
Halver Hahn - this simple yet tasty sandwich is made with a thick slice of rye bread topped with a slice of cheese (typically Gouda), butter, onions, and sometimes mustard. Despite translating to ‘half a rooster,’ there's no meat involved — it's a great bar snack with Kölsch beer.
Reibekuchen (potato pancakes) - these crispy fried potato pancakes are a popular street food in Cologne. They’re often served with apple sauce for dipping, giving them a unique sweet-savoury twist. You’ll find them at street markets, especially during Christmas time.
Mettbrötchen - a German classic that’s popular in Cologne, Mettbrötchen is a fresh roll topped with raw, seasoned minced pork, onions, and sometimes capers or pickles. It’s a delicacy usually enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack.
Mutzemandeln - deep-fried almond-shaped dough balls dusted with powdered sugar, commonly enjoyed around the time of Cologne's Carnival celebrations.
Apfelpfannkuchen - these are German-style apple pancakes, thicker than crepes, often topped with powdered sugar or a bit of cinnamon for a cosy treat.
Cologne Cathedral / Kölner Dom
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a stunning example of Gothic architecture and one of Germany's most iconic landmarks. The cathedral boasts impressive twin spires and intricate stained-glass windows. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the city, and don’t miss the Shrine of the Three Kings and the impressive altar.
Old Town Cologne (Altstadt)
The charming cobblestone streets of the Old Town are lined with historic buildings, cafes, and shops. This area is full of life, especially around the squares. Visit the Alter Markt and Heumarkt squares, where you can enjoy local cuisine and Kölsch beer.
Museum Ludwig
This modern art museum houses an impressive collection of contemporary art, including works by Picasso, Warhol, and Lichtenstein. Explore the museum’s extensive collection of 20th-century art and various temporary exhibitions.
Hohenzollern Bridge (Hohenzollernbrücke)
This iconic bridge spans the Rhine River and is known for its love locks, where couples attach padlocks to symbolise their love. Walk across the bridge for great views of the cathedral and the river. It’s a popular spot for photos!
Cologne Chocolate Museum (Schokoladenmuseum)
A delightful stop for chocolate lovers, this museum showcases the history and production of chocolate. Enjoy chocolate tastings, learn about the chocolate-making process, and explore the museum's interactive exhibits.
Cologne Zoo
One of the oldest zoos in Germany, the Cologne Zoo is home to over 700 species of animals and beautiful landscaped grounds. Don’t miss the aquarium and the famous elephant park, which provides a unique experience to see these majestic animals.
Cologne has a temperate maritime climate with mild winters and warm summers. Rain is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with slightly wetter periods in summer and autumn.
Average temperatures in spring rise from average lows of 1°C in March to around 9°C in May; highs range from 10°C to 20°C. Sunny days become more common, however, we’d advise layering your clothing, as spring weather can be unpredictable.
Summers are generally warm and occasionally humid, with thunderstorms possible. Average lows range from 12°C to 15°C; highs can reach 23°C to 26°C. Light clothing is suitable but be prepared for sudden rain.
Autumn brings more rain, particularly in November. Bring an umbrella and wear layers as temperatures fluctuate. Average lows drop from 12°C in September to 3°C in November; highs range from 20°C to 10°C.
This season can be damp and cloudy, with occasional snowfall. Dress warmly, as temperatures can drop, especially at night. Average lows range from -1°C to 2°C ; highs range from 3°C to 8°C. In December, the city becomes a magical festive winter wonderland with the Cologne Christmas Markets.
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