Planning your first trip to Cologne? You’re in the right place. I have lived in Cologne for 5+ years now, and work in the city as a tour guide. I am here to share everything I’ve learned with you to ensure you have the perfect first visit in the city of Cologne!
While it might not be Germany’s most famous travel destination, Cologne has a lot going for it—stunning Gothic architecture, a rich (and quirky) local culture, an excellent food scene, and one of the most relaxed urban vibes in the country.
Whether you’re visiting for a Christmas Market getaway or using Cologne as a base for day trips in western Germany, this comprehensive travel guide will help you hit the ground running. From how to get around and what to see, to where to stay and what to eat (spoiler: you’ll want to try the potato pancakes), here’s everything you need to know before visiting Cologne for the first time.
Getting to Cologne
Cologne is well-connected, whether you’re flying in, driving by bus or car or arriving by train.
Airport arrival
Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) is the city’s main airport and is just 15 minutes by S-Bahn from the city center. If you’re flying within Europe, it’s often a super affordable arrival point, with plenty of budget airline options.
Train arrival
The city’s main train station—Cologne Central Station (HBF)—is incredibly central, located right next to the Cologne Cathedral. Essentially trains in Germany are run by Deutschebahn, the national rail service. Trains like that ICE (Germany’s high-speed rail) connect Cologne to major cities like Frankfurt, Brussels, and Amsterdam, often with direct routes. There is a second major train station in Cologne called Cologne Trade Fair/Deutz which also has a number of long-distance train connections, as well as connections to nearby cities.
Car or bus arrival
For budget travelers, buses via FlixBus also arrive at Cologne’s nearby bus terminal, although be prepared for a slower, less scenic journey. If you drive to Cologne by car, be aware that parking in the city can be challenging. Additionally, the city center of Cologne is a low-emissions zone so you need to have a modern or low-emissions car.
How to Get Around Cologne
Cologne is compact enough to explore on foot, especially if you’re sticking to the Altstadt (Old Town). But it also has a solid public transport system KVB network includes subway (light rail), trams, and buses, and is super easy to use with the KVB app or Google Maps.
One thing I love about getting around Cologne is that bikes are everywhere. The terrain is flat and the bike infrastructure is good, so even novice riders can feel safe and comfortable exploring Cologne with a bike. You’ll find tons of rental options—Nextbike is the city’s main bike-sharing system. If you’re visiting during the warmer months, cycling along the Rhine is a perfect way to explore without relying too much on transit.
Cologne is a year-round destination, but your experience will totally depend on the season. Spring and fall are ideal if you like mild weather, fewer tourists, and lots of outdoor café time. Summer brings beer gardens, riverside picnics, and lots of local festivals—plus big crowds of tourists on the river cruises.
But honestly? My favorite time to visit is December.
Cologne goes all in on Christmaswith some of the most magical markets in Germany. There are so many wonderful things to eat & drink at German Christmas Markets. Picture cobblestone squares lit up with twinkle lights, mugs of steaming mulled wine, and the smell of roasted almonds in the air. Yes, it’s cold, but it’s cozy in the best way.
Another off-season option is end of February and early March. If you’re into costumes and chaos, carnival (also known as Mardi Gras by Americans) is Cologne’s wildest—and most colorful—event of the year. I’ve got a whole separate blog post all about the Carnival traditions in Cologne and why I believe it is the most underrated German festival.
Sundays Are Still Sacred
Cologne, like most of Germany, treats Sundays as a rest day. The vast majority of shops are closed, and even many restaurants take the day off. Plan your grocery runs or shopping sprees accordingly. That said, museums, parks, and cafés usually stay open, and there’s often a local flea market or outdoor event to check out if the weather cooperates.
Cash Is Still King
While more places now accept cards, cash is still the norm in many cafés, bakeries, beer halls, and smaller shops. Always carry some euros on you, especially if you’re heading to a local market or grabbing snacks from a street vendor.
Tipping is still not the norm
The tipping etiquette is pretty simple: round up or add 5–10% for good service. If you’re paying with a card, be ready to say the final amount you want charged (eg “make it 25 euros” if your bill is 22). And if you’re hanging out at a Kölsch bar, tip yours Köbes (the traditional servers)—they’re part of the experience.
What to See in Cologne on Your First Visit
Historic sights
You can’t talk about Cologne without talking about that Cologne cathedral (Cologne Cathedral). This towering Gothic masterpiece right in the center of town. It is my favorite building in the WORLD and it is a must-visit attraction in Cologne. I’ve got a separate blog post which includes everything you need to know about visiting the Cologne Cathedral. Right nearby, you’ve got the Old Town with its colorful riverfront buildings, and remnants of Roman walls that pop up in the most unexpected places.
museum
Cologne might not have Berlin’s robust museum culture, but we have a few great museums that are worth visiting. A few standouts for first-timers:
- Ludwig Museum – Modern art lovers, this is your place.
- NS Documentation Center – A sobering but important museum housed in a former Gestapo prison.
- Chocolate Museum – Yes, it’s touristy, but it’s fun, interactive, and there’s a chocolate fountain.
Neighborhoods to Explore
Cologne is all about its neighborhoods (or quarter in German)—and each has a personality of its own. A few to add to your list:
- Ehrenfeld – Artsy, diverse, and full of cool cafés, vintage shops, and street art murals.
- Südstadt – Cozy streets, independent boutiques, and plenty of old-school charm.
- Belgian Quarter – Trendy and packed with wine bars, record shops, and some of the city’s best brunch spots.
- Agnesviertel – Leafy, quiet, and perfect for a slower stroller—plus a few hidden gems for foodies.
Where to Stay
Cologne has a wide range of accommodations, from budget hostels to sleek design hotels. If it’s your first visit, I recommend staying close to the city center—anywhere near the Cathedral, Altstadt, or Downtown will keep you well connected without spending lots of time in transit. On a longer trip, consider staying in different neighborhoods to get a fuller feel for the city. For example, you could start near the Cathedral for sightseeing, then move to the Belgian Quarter or Ehrenfeld for a weekend of relaxed food and nightlife.
What to Eat
As a foodie in Cologne, I have tried my fair share of the restaurants in this city. Admittedly, Cologne doesn’t have quite as high of a foodie reputation as other German cities like Berlin. But that doesn’t mean there are no good restaurants in the city. In fact, there are many! I have curated my favorite Cologne restaurants in many other restaurant guides and food posts published on this blog. All of them are linked below.
What to Drink
There are no two ways about it — Cologne is a drinking city. It has a reputation as a party destination, in no small part thanks to our carnival traditions. One drink that you MUST try while traveling in Cologne is our local beer, called Kölsch beer. It is a light, easy to drink, classic German beer. And it has protected status which means that it can only be produced in Cologne. If beer isn’t your thing, Cologne also has a number of nice cocktail & wine bars. Below are links to all of my beer, cocktail and drinking guides:
