Situated on the banks of the Rhine, Cologne is the fourth largest city in Germany. A lengthy and intriguing history has made the city what it is today: a charismatic, historically-rich centre of modern culture.
A magnificent ancient cathedral and a medieval marketplace sit comfortably alongside contemporary buildings and modern office blocks. Now a thriving hub of media, business and tourist activity, it is also famous for the perfume Eau de Cologne which was first made in Cologne in 1709.
A favourite destination among visitors is the charming Old Town, which was almost totally flattened during World War II. Despite being one of the most frequently bombed cities in Germany, Cologne has been carefully rebuilt with original buildings and stonework preserved where possible. An example of this would be in the historic centre, where the Alter Markt has been restored to its original state as well as the magnificent Cologne Cathedral.
Cologne is one of the most liberal cities in Germany and is revered for its status as a major cultural centre. It is also famous for its Winter Carnival, which takes place each February. With over 30 museums, endless galleries and an animated arts scene, there is plenty to see and do throughout the entire year. The Museum Schnütgen is home to a phenomenal collection of medieval art, displayed in a magnificent 11th-century Romanesque church. For something a little more modern take a trip to Museum für Angewandte Kunst (Museum of Applied Art) and marvel at the extensive collection of contemporary design pieces, from a retro vacuum cleaner to a Mies van der Rohe chair.
Cologne is a great place to practice your German, as the locals are known for being very friendly and engaging. If you don't have any German, don't worry as English is commonly spoken here too, especially amongst the younger people. All tours and information on the main attractions in the city are available in English as well.
Navigating the streets of Cologne is no problem thanks to a very efficient and cost effective transport network including trains, buses and trams. All ticket machines have an English language setting also. Another fun way to view the city is by renting a bike with rentals available from the northern side of Cologne's main train station.
Cologne
Travel Guide
Visit Cologne
Where to stay in Cologne
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.
Old Town Cologne
Cologne Cathedral and Hohe Strasse 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.
Altstadt-Nord
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.
Deutz
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.
Altstadt-Süd
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 Rheinau Harbour, and jump on the metro at Severinstrasse U-Bahn or Poststrasse U-Bahn to see more of the city.
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.
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Popular places to visit
Cologne Cathedral
Admire the stunning Gothic architecture and golden sarcophagus of the three wise men in this magnificent cathedral.
LANXESS Arena
Catch an event at LANXESS Arena during your trip to Cologne. Amble around this culturally rich area's riverfront or experience its fascinating museums.
RheinEnergieStadion
Catch an event at RheinEnergieStadion during your trip to Cologne. Stroll along the riverfront in this culturally rich area or visit its local chocolate shops.
Chocolate Museum
Delve into the delectable history of chocolate and sample the confectionary as you find out about the different ways that it is produced around the world.
Old Market
Cologne's marketplace during medieval times is now a hot spot for café culture and outdoor entertainment.
Cologne Zoo
Visit Germany's largest collection of animals in one of the country's oldest zoological gardens.
Things to do
Cologne: Old Town Highlights Walking Tour
Cologne City Tour Experience cathedral city on the Rhine
Cologne: Südstadt Guided Foodie Walking Tour
The Legendary Kölsch Brewery Tour
Reviews of Cologne
5/5 - Excellent
I love the city. It is clean and quiet and people are friendly
4/5 - Good
I recommend visiting Sumibar, it really is the best sushi I have ever tried. Lommerz grim was also a good place to visit for traditional bier and food with a nice atmosphere.
4/5 - Good
The Claudia therme spa is a great little place to go!
4/5 - Good
Go to the Latin quarter
5/5 - Excellent
Great place for a weekend break. Plenty of good restaurants, many good Brahaus with excellent traditional food and off course the famous Kolsch.
4/5 - Good
Cologne great city to explore with great shops. C&A has a 5 story store with good clothes. We don't have C&A in UK anymore.
