Cologne Travel Guide
Reasons to Visit Cologne
Cathedral & churches,
Romans & Emperors,
Museums & Art Galleries,
… and Cologne Carnival.
Interesting Things to Know About Cologne
Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium was founded by the Romans around 39 BC, making Cologne one of the oldest cities in Germany. What had been the settlement of a Germanic tribe became the capital of Roman Germania Inferior and the headquarters of the military in the province. There are still many traces of the Roman town throughout the historic centre of the city. And the Römisch-Germanisches Museum is one of the finest local collections in Germany.
With over 6 million visitors annually, the UNESCO listed Cologne Cathedral is the most visited site in Germany. The church, the third largest in the world, is not only a popular tourist attraction it is also an important European pilgrimage site. Visitors come to see the extraordinary medieval artwork, including one of the most spectacular collections of stained glass. Although the building suffered considerable damage during the Second World War, the artwork had been removed to safety before the bombing of Cologne started.
Eau de Cologne, literally water of Cologne, is indeed named after the German city. It was created and named in 1709 by the Italian perfumier Giovanni Maria Farina who was living in Cologne at the time. It is different to perfume in that it contains 2 – 5 % essential oils in a base of dilute ethanol. One of the most well known is 4711, produced in Cologne since at least 1799 and named after its location at Glockengasse Number 4711. House Number 4711 not only still sells Eau de Cologne, there is a museum wit the option of guided tours.
On the night of 30 May 1942 Cologne was the target for the first 1,000 bomber raid of World War II. During the war the city was subjected to 262 separate air raids, all by the Royal Air Force. Over 20,000 of the city’s inhabitants were killed as a result of these air raids. And around 90% of the buildings were destroyed. The Hohenzollernbrücke was not destroyed by the falling bombs. As Allied troops began their assault on Cologne on 6 March 1945, the retreating German engineers blew up the bridge. By May 1948 pedestrians were once again able to use the bridge, but it was not until 1959 that the bridge was fully reconstructed. Today the bridge is a popular place for visitors to add their ‘love locks’.
Taking place in February or March each year, the Cologne Carnival, the ‘fifth season’, is one of the largest street festivals in the world. Thought to have its roots in Germanic and Roman traditions, the earliest recorded mention of the folk festival is from the 14th century. Only in the last 200 or so years, however, has the event been as organised as it is today. The six days of festivities starts with Weiberfastnacht – 27 February 2025.
What's On in Cologne 2025
Cologne Carnival
27 February – 5 March
Night of the Museums
1 November
Christmas Markets
17 November – 23 December
Find Places to Visit in Cologne
Five Popular Attractions in Cologne
Cologne Cathedral
Chocolate Museum
Church of St. Ursula
NS Documentation Center
Inspiration & Itineraries
Roman Cologne
Via Culturalis Cologne
Cologne Christmas Markets
17 November - 23 December 2025
The spectacular Gothic cathedral provides a fitting backdrop to one of a number of Christmas markets in Cologne. At the centre of the Christmas Market at the Cathedral on Roncalliplatz is a mighty fir tree decorated with thousands of lights that spread out around it. Not far away on both Alter Markt and Heumarkt is Heinzels Wintermärchen, With over 140 stalls and an ice-skating rink. For a more maritime feel, head to Hafen-Weihnachtsmarkt on the banks of the Rhine.
Explore Cologne more deeply
What to See in Cologne
Cologne - Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium
Colonia was always an important town for the Romans; the capital of the province of Germania Inferior and later the capital of Germania Secunda. The regional headquarters of the military in the region was based here. There are a number of features to see in the city, including sections of the wall and towers. The Roman museum, exhibitions are currently in a temporary location, was built on the foundations of a townhouse and displays its mosaic floor of Dionysius.
Cologne Cathedral
Construction of the cathedral began in 1248 and was completed in 1880. Despite the passing of seven centuries, the building stayed true to the original plans. Besides being known for its majestic qualities, it is the 3rd largest church in the world, the cathedral is also home to exceptional examples of Christian art, including numerous altars, the Shrine of the Magi, which is the largest reliquary shrine in Europe, and the 14th century stained glass windows. Visitors can enter the treasury, climb the towers and see the bell chambers. A number of themed guided tours are offered.
NS Documentation Center - EL-DE Haus
From 1935 to 1945 EL-DE Haus was the headquarters of the Secret State Police for the administrative district of Cologne. It was from here that the Nazis orchestrated their reign of terror on the city. A permanent exhibition outlines the history of Cologne during the National Socialist era. In the cellar is the ‘Gestapo Prison’; with more than 1,800 wall inscriptions that bear witness to persecution, torture and murder, this is one of the best preserved detention sites of the Nazi era. The NS Documentation centre is Germany’s largest regional memorial site for the victims of Nazism.
Romanesque Churches
Besides the imposing Gothic cathedral, Cologne is also known for its Romanesque heritage. In particular an extraordinary collection of churches that are typically Romanesque with obvious Ottonian features. Built from the 10th century to the early 13th century, before construction of the Gothic Cathedral began, there are 12 churches in the city that stand out as some of the finest examples of religious architecture of this period. A number of smaller churches and former parish churches can be found beyond what was the extent of the medieval city.
Museums & Art Galleries
Plan Your Trip to Cologne
Tickets, Tours & Passes
Sightseeing Essentials for Cologne
KölnCard – valid for 24 or 48 hours. For only €9 holders of this city pass get a range of discounts (10 – 50%) at 18+ participating attractions and museums, as well as guided tours, restaurants and shopping. The card also includes free public transport in the city of Cologne: buses, trams, commuter trains and regional trains (2nd class).
The KölnCard is available to purchase online, in advance from all the reputable online ticket sites: Civitatis | Tiqets
- Chocolate Museum – GetYourGuide | Tiqets | Viator
- TimeRide Time Travel Experience – GetYourGuide | Tiqets
- Farina Fragrance Museum – Tiqets | Viator
Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Ticket: buy online with GetYourGuide or Viator.
Walking Tours & Day Trips
Self Guided Walking Tours of Cologne
- Roman Cologne – Colonia
- Via Culturalis Cologne
Walking Tours of Cologne
- Old Town Brew House Tour
- TimeRide Virtual Reality Walking Tour
- Traditional German Food and Cologne Old Town Private Tour
- Explore Cologne’s Best Street Art Quarter
- WWII Sites with Optional EL-DE Haus Private Tour
- Old Town Highlights Walking Tour
Many more options available on the following websites: Civitatis | GetYourGuide | Tiqets | Viator
Custom, Private Tours
For those who are looking for a more personal experience, consider consulting a local guide for Cologne on GoWithGuide. If you have not heard or used GoWithGuide, read why we recommend their guides.
GuruWalks has a number of interesting free walking tours in Cologne, including general tours of the city, mystery tours and tours of the historic centre.
Day Trips from Cologne
Frankfurt and Bonn are great cities to visit, and are easily accessible from Cologne by train for those who want to base themselves in Cologne during their visit to the region.
The town of Brühl is a quick 20 minute train ride from Cologne. Here you will find Augustusburg Castle, which was the extravagant residence of the archbishops of Cologne, and the Falkenlust hunting lodge. These were some of the earliest examples of Rococo architecture in 18th century Germany.
Another popular activity for visitors to Cologne is a Rhine River cruise. Anything from a day trip to a few hours to see the Cologne city from the river: 1 hour Panoramic City Cruise.
