Cologne lies on the banks of the Rhine River and is Germany’s fourth largest city. Its long and fascinating history has given the city a distinctive charm a towering cathedral, medieval marketplace and grand old buildings sit alongside modern office blocks. Cologne is a hot spot for tourism, as well as media and business. It is famous worldwide for the scent Eau de Cologne, first produced here in 1709. It’s also known as being one of the most liberal cities in Germany.
One of the most popular areas for visitors is the picturesque Old Town, which was almost completely reduced to rubble during World War II. Cologne was one of the most heavily bombed cities in Germany, but it has been painstakingly rebuilt. The historic center, including the Alter Markt (Old Market), has been restored to its pre-war heritage and the surviving old buildings, such as the famous Cologne Cathedral, carefully preserved. A more modern attraction, but still one of the oldest of its kind in Germany, is the Cologne Zoo.
Cologne today is known for being a major cultural center and is famous for its Winter Carnival, held in February. There’s also plenty of activity throughout the year thanks to the city’s vibrant arts scene, countless galleries and more than 30 museums. The Museum Schnütgen houses an extensive collection of medieval art in an 11th-century Romanesque church. Visit the Museum für Angewandte Kunst (Museum of Applied Art) and browse through thousands of design objects, from a Mies van der Rohe chair to a retro vacuum cleaner.
If you want to practice your German, Cologne is a great place to do so as the locals are known for their welcoming nature. English is also widely spoken here, especially by younger people, and tours and information in English are available for all of the city’s main attractions.
Getting around Cologne is easy with the efficient and affordable public transport network, which includes trams, buses and trains. There is an English language feature on ticket machines. Renting a bike is another great way to see this city rentals are available from the northern side of the main train station.
Cologne
Travel Guide
Visit Cologne
Where to stay in Cologne
Innenstadt
Central to Cologne, Innenstadt boasts historic old town charm, Gründerzeit era new town, and Deutz quarter. Explore landmarks like Cologne Cathedral, romanesque churches, and KölnTurm, while enjoying easy access to train stations and the Cologne Ring.
Old Town Cologne
Known for its stunning cathedral, stunning river views, and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Old Town Cologne. Top attractions like Cologne Cathedral and Schildergasse are major draws. Catch the metro at Heumarkt U-Bahn or Neumarkt U-Bahn to see more of the city.
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
Part of central Cologne, Deutz serves as a business center and transportation hub, boasting the Köln Messe/Deutz station. Enjoy picturesque views of the old town from the river embankment and explore nearby Rheinpark.
Altstadt-Süd
Known for its abundant dining options and interesting museums, there's plenty to explore in Altstadt-Süd. Top attractions like Chocolate Museum and Schildergasse are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Severinstrasse U-Bahn or Poststrasse U-Bahn to see more of the city.
Mülheim
Mülheim is a destination travelers 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
Marvel at the Gothic architecture and the shrine of the three wise men at one of the largest churches in the world.
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 check out 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.
Cologne Zoo
This is one of the country’s oldest zoological gardens, and has the biggest collection of animals in Germany.
Claudius Therme
You can take time to visit Claudius Therme during your travels to Cologne. Stroll along the riverfront or experience the fascinating museums in this culturally rich area.
