Cologne Travel Guide, Hotels & Things to Do

Where to stay

Hotels in Cologne

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SinueSsa

Montanusstraße 22 | Cologne, 51065, DE

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Stern am Rathaus

Bürgerstraße 6 | Cologne, 50667, DE

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Haus Wessel

Eiler Straße 137 | Cologne, 51107, DE

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Legend Hotel

Bürgerstraße 2 | Cologne, 50667, DE

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Private Room in Cologne Poll

Ensener Str. 16 | Cologne, 51105, DE

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Hotel Merlin

Siegesstr. 40 | Cologne, 50679, DE

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Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom

Domplatz Trankgasse 1-5 | Cologne, D-50667, DE

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V8 Hotel Köln at MOTORWORLD

Butzweilerstrasse 35-39 | Cologne, 50829, DE

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At a glance

Climate

Temperate

Languages

German and English

Local currency

EUR (EUR)

Local time

01:24 (GMT+2)

Ideal trip length

3–5 days

Cost level

3 of 5 · our research

Suggested area to stay

Altstadt

Tap water

Generally described as safe to drink

Tipping

Optional, small round-up.

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 75 · Good

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Kölsch Himmel un Ääd Halve Hahn Reibekuchen

When to visit Cologne

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: July Busiest: Jun-Aug

Jan

40

Cold, often grey
Feb

45

Chilly, improving slightly
Mar

55

Cool, early spring
Apr

65

Mild, pleasant days
May

75

Warm, vibrant blooms
Jun

85

Warm, sunny, lively
Jul

90

Warmest, peak season
Aug

88

Warm, sunny, festive
Sept

80

Mild, pleasant autumn
Oct

68

Cool, colorful leaves
Nov

55

Chilly, pre-Xmas buzz
Dec

70

Cold, festive markets

40

Jan Cold, often grey

45

Feb Chilly, improving slightly

55

Mar Cool, early spring

65

Apr Mild, pleasant days

75

May Warm, vibrant blooms

85

Jun Warm, sunny, lively

90

Jul Warmest, peak season

88

Aug Warm, sunny, festive

80

Sept Mild, pleasant autumn

68

Oct Cool, colorful leaves

55

Nov Chilly, pre-Xmas buzz

70

Dec Cold, festive markets

Things to do in Cologne

7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

1 place

Roman-Germanic Museum

Altstadt-Nord 2 hrs

Delve into Cologne's rich Roman heritage with fascinating artifacts.

Indoors Good for children

Best in the afternoon

2 places

Ludwig Museum

Altstadt-Nord 2.5 hrs

Explore modern art, pop art, and a significant Picasso collection.

Indoors Good for children

Rhine River Cruise

Altstadt 1.5 hrs

Enjoy scenic views of the city skyline and surrounding landscapes from the water.

Outdoors Good for children

Best in the evening

1 place

Kölsch Brewery Tour

Altstadt 1.5 hrs

Learn about the brewing process of Cologne's unique local beer and enjoy a tasting.

Indoors

Any time of day

3 places

Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom)

Altstadt-Nord 2 hrs

Marvel at the majestic Gothic architecture and climb for panoramic views.

Indoors Good for children

Chocolate Museum (Schokoladenmuseum)

Altstadt-Süd 2 hrs

Discover the history of chocolate and indulge in sweet samples.

Indoors Good for children

Explore the Old Town (Altstadt)

Altstadt 3 hrs

Wander through narrow alleys, historic houses, and lively squares.

Outdoors Good for children

Cologne itineraries

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For couples

2 Days in Cologne — Romance

Discover the enchanting charm of Cologne hand-in-hand.

Embark on a delightful 2-day romantic escape to Cologne, a city where ancient history meets modern romance. This itinerary is crafted for couples seeking intimate moments, breathtaking views, and shared cultural experiences amidst the stunning backdrop of the Rhine and the iconic Dom.

2 Days 10 Stops

See the full plan