Cologne Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Hohenzollern Bridge which includes a church or cathedral, night scenes and a river or creek
Cologne
Cologne
Cologne
Alter Markt
This charming city has so much to offer for visitors of all ages.

Cologne has grown up on the banks of the River Rhine as a key trading hub. From its early days as a Roman military outpost, through its medieval heyday, when it was the largest city in Germany, through the industrialisation of the surrounding area and two Wold Wars, this city has remained strong, pioneering and welcoming. The city’s successful history makes it an architectural wonderland, with medieval houses standing next to towering office blocks, and everything in between.

The heart of Cologne is its Old Town (Altstadt), on the west bank of the Rhine. This is where the city began, over two thousand years ago, and it retains a central role in the life of the city. Unlike many cities that were heavily bombed in the Second World War, Cologne’s residents opted to restore the historic centre in its picturesque style, rather than creating a modern space. This loving attention to detail and careful preservation are best appreciated in the Alter Markt (Old Market), which is lined with cafés and features outdoor music performances in the summer and a world-famous Christmas Market in winter.

The unmissable symbol of Cologne is Cologne Cathedral – a Gothic masterpiece whose spire can be seen from anywhere in the city. Climb it for stunning panoramas across Cologne. To truly appreciate the cathedral (without straining your neck), take a stroll across the Rhine on the Hohenzollern Bridge, one of the world’s busiest railway bridges that links the two halves of the city.

Cologne has attracted artists and artisans for centuries, thanks to its position on trade routes, its wealth, and the museums in the city reflect the skills that have been perfected here. Discover the art and design of everyday objects at the Museum für Angewandte Kunst (Museum of Applied Art), where everything from delicate porcelain to early vacuum cleaners is on show. Iconic household items, like a Mies van der Rohe chair show how function and form come together. Religious art takes centre stage at Museum Schnütgen, a quiet museum housed in a church.

Families will love a visit to Cologne Zoo, where they can meet elephants, owls and everything in between. The on-site aquarium adds another element to your trip, and most exhibits are indoors, so you never have to worry about the weather!

Cologne is a friendly place to visit, and has an excellent public transport system, making it easy to find your way around.

Where to stay in Cologne

Kolumba-Diocesan Museum

Old Town Cologne

Cologne Cathedral and Schildergasse are a few top attractions in Old Town Cologne. Hop around the city on the metro at Heumarkt U-Bahn or Neumarkt U-Bahn and check out the area's stunning cathedral, stunning river views and popular shops.

Old Town Cologne
Rheinau Harbour

Innenstadt

Known for its stunning cathedral and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Innenstadt. Check out top attractions like Cologne Cathedral and Old Market, and jump on the metro at Heumarkt U-Bahn or Appellhofplatz Breite Strasse U-Bahn to see more of the city.

Innenstadt
Cologne Cathedral

Altstadt-Nord

4.5/5(31 area reviews)

Known for its stunning cathedral and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Altstadt-Nord. Check out top attractions like Cologne Cathedral and National Socialist Documentation Center, and jump on the metro at Appellhofplatz Breite Strasse U-Bahn or Heumarkt U-Bahn to see more of the city.

Altstadt-Nord
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Deutz

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

Museums, shopping and river views highlight some notable features of Deutz. Make a stop by Cologne Triangle or LANXESS Arena while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Deutzer Freiheit U-Bahn or Deutz Koelnarena U-Bahn to get around town.

Deutz
Hohenzollern Bridge which includes a bridge, a church or cathedral and night scenes

Altstadt-Süd

4/5(7 area reviews)

Known for its ample dining options and fascinating museums, there's plenty to explore in Altstadt-Süd. You can visit top attractions like Chocolate Museum and Schildergasse, and jump on the metro at Severinstrasse U-Bahn or Poststrasse U-Bahn to see more of the city.

Altstadt-Süd
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Mülheim

Mülheim is a destination travellers like for its museums, and you might hop aboard the metro at Am Emberg U-Bahn or Im Weidenbruch U-Bahn to explore sights like Palladium.

Mülheim
Maritim Hotel Köln
Maritim Hotel Köln
Heumarkt 20, Cologne, NW
The price is NZ$218 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
NZ$218
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Cologne. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,152 reviews)
"Really nice hotel, great location, great breakfast. Unfortunately our room was extremely hot, and stayed like that the whole five days even as the weather cooled down. The air con wasn’t working and even though we reported it, it didn’t improve. A shame because everything else about the hotel was ..."

Reviewed on 7 Jul. 2025

Maritim Hotel Köln
URBAN LOFT Cologne
URBAN LOFT Cologne
Eigelstein 41, Cologne
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$177 per night from 13 July to 14 July
NZ$177
13 July - 14 July
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cologne. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,180 reviews)
"Nice clean and modern rooms. The girl at check in could have been more professional, the other staff seemed to make more of an effort though."

Reviewed on 8 Jul. 2025

URBAN LOFT Cologne
Dorint An der Messe Köln
Dorint An der Messe Köln
Deutz-Muelheimer-Str. 22 - 24, Cologne, NW
The price is NZ$218 per night from 25 July to 26 July
NZ$218
25 July - 26 July
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cologne. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"nice staff good food clean and comfortable rooms"

Reviewed on 1 Jul. 2025

Dorint An der Messe Köln
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Numa Cologne Ehrenfeld
Numa Cologne Ehrenfeld
Venloer Straße 241-245, Cologne
Stay at this aparthotel in Cologne. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Cologne Cathedral and Musical Dome are ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (64 reviews)
"overall a great experience"

Reviewed on 11 May 2025

Numa Cologne Ehrenfeld
Aparthotel Adagio Köln City
Aparthotel Adagio Köln City
Blaubach 3, Cologne, NW
Stay at this aparthotel in Cologne. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,035 reviews)
"Great location, would highly recommend!"

Reviewed on 1 Jun. 2025

Aparthotel Adagio Köln City
limehome Köln Friesenplatz
limehome Köln Friesenplatz
Friesenpl. 15, Cologne, NRW
Stay at this aparthotel in Cologne. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and satellite TV channels. Popular attractions Cologne Cathedral and Musical Dome are ...
8/10 Very Good! (51 reviews)
Lovely apartment
"Really easy to checkin yourself. Room was clean and tidy, had everything I needed."

Reviewed on 24 Jan. 2025

limehome Köln Friesenplatz
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Cologne

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
13
5 - Excellent 54%
4 - Good
9
4 - Good 38%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great place to visit. We spent 2 nights over NYE so was a bit quiet.

4/5 - Good

CraigM

Highlights: Cologne Cathedral & Hohenzollern (railway/love-lock) Bridge - go across the other-side of the Rhine River and wait for sunset! :)

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great city. Recommend a visit to the Dom, 4711 and a Rhine day cruise and Afternoon tea at Cafe Reichard.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Lovely city. A tour of the cathedral is a must.

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