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Cologne – a brief overview
Cologne has a big, big history. Germany’s western metropolis spent centuries overshadowing both Berlin and Munich, and its medieval-era importance has left it with an amazing array of museums, galleries and period architecture – not least, of course, its world-famous cathedral, which still dominates the skyline.
Today it remains one of the most significant cities in the country, with an arts scene to rival the capital, a famously fun-loving spirit and a population of more than a million people. For lovers of festivals, food, culture or history – or ideally all four – it’s one of Europe’s great city breaks.
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Top 10 sights in Cologne

Cologne Cathedral
50667 Cologne
Germany
Tel: (0221) 1794 0530
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Opening times:
Daily 0600-2100 (May-Oct)
0600-1930 (Nov-Apr)
The most famous and awe-inspiring of all of Germany’s religious buildings, the city’s cathedral (or, in German, Dom) has stood here in various forms for close to 800 years. Its twin spires are more than 150m (492ft) in height.
Römisch-Germanisches Museum
50667 Cologne
Germany
Tel: (0221) 2212 4438
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Opening times:
Tues-Sun 1000-1700
(first Thurs of the month 1000-2200)
Focusing on the city’s considerable Roman heritage, this museum is best known for exhibiting a third-century mosaic that was discovered by chance in the 1940s. It’s an evocative place to wander through.
Museum Ludwig
50667 Cologne
Germany
Tel: (0221) 2212 6165
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Opening times:
Tues-Sun 1000-1800
(first Thurs of the month 1000-2200)
Boasting works from the likes of Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, David Hockney and Roy Lichtenstein, this modern art gallery occupies an eye-catching building with a rippling roof. It also contains works by prominent German expressionists.
Cologne Cable Car
50735 Cologne
Germany
Tel: (0221) 547 4184
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Opening times:
currently closed for renovation
Crossing the Rhine from up on high, this long-established cable car is an enjoyable way of adding a different flavour to a city break – particularly if kids are involved.
Wallraf-Richartz Museum & Fondation Corboud
50667 Cologne
Germany
Tel: (0221) 2212 1119
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Opening times:
Tues-Wed and Fri-Sun 1000-1800
Thurs 1000-2100
(first Thurs of the month 1000-2200)
Another high-quality art museum, the attraction leads visitors on a display of art through the ages, from medieval works produced here in Cologne to European art from the 20th century.
Phantasialand
50321 Brühl
Germany
Tel: 01806 366 200
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Opening times:
Daily 0900-1800 (Apr-Oct)
1100-2000 (late Nov-early Jan)
Located just south of the city in Brühl, this is one of Germany’s oldest theme parks and remains a good bet for keeping kids entertained with roller coasters, theatres and other attractions.
Cologne City Museum
50667 Cologne
Germany
Tel: (0221) 2212 5789
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Opening times:
Tues 1000-2000
Wed-Sun 1000-1700
(first Thurs of the month 1000-2200)
A recommended port of call for visitors with a specific interest in the long and absorbing story of Cologne itself, spanning from the Middle Ages to the modern day.
Chocolate Museum
50678 Cologne
Germany
Tel: (0221) 931 8880
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Opening times:
Tue-Fri 1000-1800
Sat-Sun 1100-1900
You don’t need to be a lover of the dark stuff to enjoy a visit here – but it certainly helps. The museum covers the history and production of chocolate, and has become one of Cologne’s best-known attractions.
Fragrance Museum Farina-House
50667 Cologne
Germany
Tel: (0221) 399 8994
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Opening times
Mon-Sat 1000-1900
Sun 1000-1600
Ever wondered how “Eau de Cologne” got its name? This museum gives an overview of the production and popularity of fragrances over the centuries – a fascinating story.
Kolumba
50667 Cologne
Germany
Tel: (0221) 933 1930
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Opening times:
Wed-Mon 1200-1700
An art museum run by the city’s archdiocese, Kolumba offers a far-from-dry collection of spiritual art, showcasing beautiful works in a beautiful building.
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Country Information
Country overview
Once mockingly referred to as the “land of schnitzels and leather pants,” Germany has acquired a much more modern image in recent decades. International visitors are attracted to the big cities, especially the capital, Berlin. Since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, in particular, the city with its many cultural and entertainment attractions has become a major tourist destination. But other German cities also know how to celebrate and enjoy life.
Hamburg’s annual Hafengeburtstag port anniversary festival attracts around two million visitors every year, the Rhineland is famous for its carnivals, and Munich’s Oktoberfest is famous the world over.
Germany also has a variety of natural landscapes: for example, from the Wadden Sea and lowland plains of the northwest, the lakelands in the northeast of the country, numerous low mountain ranges and heathlands, to the central highlands and Alpine regions.
Geography
Germany borders Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Poland and Switzerland. The northwest has a coastline on the North Sea, while the Baltic coastline in the northeast stretches from the Danish to the Polish border.
The country is divided into 16 states (Bundesländer) and has an exceedingly varied landscape. In what was once known as West Germany, the Rhine, Bavaria and the Black Forest stand as the three most famous features, while in the east, the country is lake-studded with undulating lowlands.
River basins extend over a large percentage of the region, and some of Europe’s most prominent rivers flow through the country. These include the Elbe, the Danube and the Rhine.
The highest point in the country is the 2962m (9718ft) peak of Zugspitze Mountain in the Bavarian Alps. Cable cars run to the summit, which can also be climbed.
General Information
Key facts
Population: 82,79 million (2017)
Capital: Berlin.
Language
German is the official language. Regional dialects often differ markedly from standard German.
Currency
Euro (EUR; symbol €) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.
Electricity
230 volts AC, 50Hz. European-style round two-pin plugs are in use.
Public holidays
Listed below are the public holidays for the period January 2020 to December 2021.
Note:
* In catholic regions only
** Sachsen only
*** Not in all Laender (Bundesländer)
**** Berlin only, 2020 only
2020
New Year’s Day: 1 January 2020
Epiphany: 6 January 2020*
Good Friday: 10 April 2020
Easter Sunday: 12 April 2020
Easter Monday: 13 April 2020
Labour Day: 1 May 2020
Liberation Day: 8 May 2020****
Ascension Day: 21 May 2020
Whit Sunday: 31 May 2020
Whit Monday: 1 June 2020
Corpus Christi: 21 June 2020*
Assumption: 15 August 2020*
Day of German Unity: 3 October 2020
Day of Reformation: 31 October 2020***
All Saints’ Day: 1 November 2020*
Repentance Day: 21 November 2020**
Christmas: 25 and 26 December 2020
2021
New Year’s Day: 1 January 2021
Epiphany: 6 January 2021*
Good Friday: 2 April 2021
Easter Sunday: 4 April 2021
Easter Monday: 5 April 2021
Labour Day: 1 May 2021
Ascension Day: 13 May 2021
Whit Sunday: 23 June 2021
Whit Monday: 24 May 2021
Corpus Christi: 3 June 2021*
Assumption: 15 August 2021*
Day of German Unity: 3 October 2021
Day of Reformation: 31 October 2021***
All Saints’ Day: 1 November 2021*
Repentance Day: 21 November 2021**
Christmas: 25 and 26 December 2021
All information subject to change.
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Getting around
Public Transport
The city has an extensive bus and tram network, with various tickets on offer allowing visitors to get good value from their time here – the Cologne Welcome Card, for example, allows use of public transport for 24 hours and also grants discounts at local attractions. To cross the Rhine in memorable fashion, there’s a cable car that’s been running for more than 50 years.
Taxis
Taxis aren’t hard to come by in Cologne – both in ranks and cruising the streets – and it doesn’t generally take long to hail one. Good companies to call include Taxi RUF Köln (tel: (0221) 2882).
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Nightlife in Cologne
Running the full spectrum from slick bar to jostling Bräuhaus, Cologne’s nightlife also offers up some quality cultural venues.
Cölner Hofbräu Früh
50667 Cologne
Germany
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You’ll get a beery blast of traditional Cologne at this busy Old Town brewery.
Papa Joe’s
50667 Cologne
Germany
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Billed as Germany’s oldest jazz venue, with free live music every evening; there’s food on offer too, if you want to make a night of it.
Schauspiel Köln
51063 Cologne
Germany
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One of the city’s leading theatre and arts venues, with a diverse roster of events ranging from ballet to film.
Club Diamonds
50672 Cologne
Germany
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A glitzy and plush but enjoyable nightclub, mainly aimed at a young crowd.
E-Werk
51063 Cologne
Germany
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Once a power station, this live music venue draws big names on a regular basis and has welcomed artists of the calibre of David Bowie and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
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Restaurants in Cologne
Cologne is a very good place to sample traditional German fare – usually washed down with a glass or two of Kölsch, the famous local beer – but it gives a vast amount of other choice.
Restaurant Konrad
50668 Cologne
Germany
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Price: Expensive
Offering a stylish contemporary take on German food, located in the Hilton hotel.
Hanse Stube
50667 Cologne
Germany
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Price: Expensive
The signature restaurant at the Excelsior Hotel Ernst, with the inventive quality of cuisine that this would suggest.
Bulgogi Haus
50737 Cologne
Germany
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Price: Moderate
A very good Korean restaurant, offering an attractive option for those looking for something different.
Bei Oma Kleinmann
50674 Cologne
Germany
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Price: Moderate
A thoroughly likeable local restaurant, famed for its enormous schnitzels.
Lommerzheim
50679 Cologne
Germany
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Price: Cheap
No-frills traditional fare; its huge popularity with locals tells its own story.
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Calendar of events
Carnival Cologne
One of the biggest events on the calendar, carnival sweeps across the city each year as a vibrant display of how to have a good time. Expect lots of fancy dress, plenty of parties, parades and not an awful lot of sobriety. There’s ceremonial burning of straw figures, bouquets of flowers and cries of “Kölle Alaaf”. (‘Long Live Cologne!’).
Cologne Pride/Christopher Street Day
Hundreds of thousands of revellers pack the city streets for the annual Cologne Pride/Christopher Street Day parade. One of the largest gay and lesbian events in Germany, the celebration aims to raise awareness and social acceptance of lesbians, gays, bi- and transsexuals. The main event is the huge parade consisting of dancers, floats and sounds systems that makes its way through the city’s streets. Other events take place throughout the city during the weekend. The event now attracts about a million visitors each year.
Kölner Lichter Musical Fireworks
For a bit of razzle-dazzle, head to Cologne in the summer to witness its extravagant firework display called Kölner Lichter. Watch from the river banks or from the river itself as the sky over Cologne’s Old Town lights up to the sound of music as the evening progresses.
Cologne Marathon
October 4, 2020
Website
Venue: Streets of Cologne
Like any self-respecting city these days, Cologne has its own marathon route. Over 27,000 participants pound the streets each year as they rack up their self-inflicted quota of 41.9 kilometres (26.22 miles.) It’s the third most popular marathon in Germany (the other two taking place in Hamburg and Berlin) so there’s something of an atmosphere in the air. Plus, as a spectator, there’s a good chance of catching sight some world-class athletes in action.
Lange Nacht der Kölner Museen (Museum Night Cologne)
Lange Nacht der Kölner Museen, (Long Night of the Cologne Museums), takes place one night every autumn and involves a coordinated throwing open of doors of the city’s museums. Between 7pm and 3am, up to 45 different museums welcome in every kind of night owl while putting on a show that involves live music, tours, readings and films. Even better: you only need a single ticket to access all that’s on offer.
Weihnachtsmärkte (Christmas Markets)
Six markets offering food, drink and crafts plus events and Advent boat trips.
All information subject to change. Please check the dates on the relevant event organizer’s website.
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Hotels in Cologne
Cologne has a huge roster of different hotels for various budgets, but be aware that peak seasons – or major events like trade fairs – can see prices rise.
There are lots of good options in the Altstadt (Old Town), but it can pay to look elsewhere.
Excelsior Hotel Ernst
50667 Cologne
Germany
Tel: +49 221 2701
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Category: Expensive
A luxurious grand dame on Cologne’s hotel scene, sitting opposite the cathedral since the 1860s.
Hyatt Regency Cologne
50679 Cologne
Germany
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Category: Expensive
Expect top-tier, business-friendly luxury at this five-star hotel on the Rhine.
Hotel Ariane
50676 Cologne
Germany
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Category: Moderate
A three-star option within straightforward reach of the main sights.
Das Kleine Stapelhäuschen
50667 Cologne
Germany
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Category: Cheap
A small, well-priced option in a restored medieval house.
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Best time to visit
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Climate and best time to visit Cologne
May to September is the most popular time of year to come calling, with the allure of the summer months pushing up accommodation prices – the city’s beer gardens are at their best in the sunshine, but if you come calling in spring or autumn then the drop in visitor numbers has its own rewards. For those in search of specific events or festivals, the week-long Carnival is a street party of epic proportions taking place in the days running up to Ash Wednesday, while the city’s Christmas markets are renowned as being among the best in Germany.
Climate & best time to visit Germany
As with most European countries, Germany is a year-round destination but not especially dependable weather-wise. In general terms though, it’s temperate throughout the country with warm summers and cold winters – prolonged periods of frost or snow are rare. Rain falls throughout the year, with much of Germany experiencing its maximum rainfall over the summer months. So unpredictability is a major factor. The average daytime temperature in January is 3°C (38°F) and in July, 22°C (72°F). Extremes commonly reach -10°C (5°F) in winter and 35°C (95°F) in the summer months.
While Munich might be considerably further south than Berlin, the fact that the Bavarian capital is at a much higher altitude means the two cities have broadly comparable summers. The highest annual temperatures tend to be in the southwest, where there’s almost a Mediterranean feel to the landscape at times. Unsurprisingly, this is where much of Germany’s wine is grown.
May through to September are the most popular months in terms of tourist numbers, and they certainly hold the most appeal for visitors aiming to spend much of their time outdoors. However, the spring and fall shoulder seasons also hold real attractions for those who want the promise of decent weather without the tourist levels. The winter holidays are also a big draw in their way, due in no small part to their attendant Christmas markets. Peak season for ski areas is from December through to the end of March.
Away from the mountains, January through to April will appeal to those who enjoy the benefits of uncrowded attractions, although be aware that cities like Berlin rarely witness “slow” periods at any time of year. Prices tend to be slightly higher over the summer months. One other thing to bear in mind is that hotel rates can increase when big trade shows are in town (potentially a problem in Frankfurt, for example).
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Phone calls & Internet
Telephone
Country code:+49
Mobile telephony and Internet
Since June 2017, EU citizens traveling within the EU, and also in Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein have been able to use their cell phones and surf the Net without incurring any extra charges: In other words, customers pay the same price for phone calls, text messages and data volume as they do at home. Restrictions do apply to the constant use of SIM cards abroad, however, and caps may be set on data packages. For full details, contact your mobile telephony provider in your country. Travelers using a SIM card from a non-EU state do not benefit from the new arrangement.
Free Internet access via Wi-Fi is possible in many busy tourist spots. When using public Wi-Fi networks, it is a wise precaution to ensure encryption of all passwords, credit card details and banking credentials entered. Use of a VPN app or security software to check the safety of a hotspot is recommended.
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Shopping in Cologne
Key Areas
The city’s most obvious shopping streets are Schildergasse and nearby Hohe Straße, both of which sit in the centre of town and offer the expected range of goods and services. For something a little more specialist, Ehrenstraße has a number of young arty boutiques, while Mittelstraße plays home to numerous luxury brands.
Markets
The city’s Christmas markets are rightly famed (for their food and drink as well as their arts and crafts), with the stalls outside the cathedral representing the most naturally picturesque option. At other times of year, there’s a good flea market in the Neumarkt area, usually monthly, and an enjoyable Saturday food market on Wilhelmplatz.
Shopping Centres
The best-known shopping centre in town – and one of the oldest of its kind in Germany – is the well-located Galeria Kaufhof (Hohe Straße 41), while elsewhere the Rhein Center (Aachener Straße 1253) is a good bet for clothes and fashion items.
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Traveller etiquette
Handshaking is customary in Germany, and it is considered rude to address people by their first name unless invited to do so. Normal courtesies should be observed. Before eating, it is normal to say “guten Appetit” to the other people at the table to which the correct reply is “danke, gleichfalls” (“Thank you, the same to you”). If you’ve been invited to eat at a German house, it is customary to present the hostess with unwrapped flowers (according to tradition, you should always give an uneven number, and it is worth noting that red roses are exclusively a lover’s gift).
In shops and other businesses, courtesy dictates that visitors should utter a greeting, such as “guten Tag” (or “grüß Gott” in Bavaria) before saying what it is that they want; to leave without saying “auf Wiedersehen” or “tschüss” can also cause offence.
Similarly, when making a telephone call, asking for the person you want to speak to without stating first who you are is impolite. Casual wear is widely acceptable, but more formal dress is required for some restaurants, the opera, theater, casinos and important social functions. Smoking is prohibited where notified, on public transportation and in most public buildings.
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Health
Main emergency number: 112
Food & Drink
There’s nothing to mark out German products as particularly risky to general health (although it has a partly founded reputation for being high in fat). Tap water is safe to drink.
Other Risks
Tick-borne encephalitis is present in forested areas of southern Germany; vaccination is advisable. Rabies is present; look out for ‘Tollwut’ signs. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered.
During the summer months, sunburn can be a problem. The southwest generally has the highest temperatures. The usual precautions apply: Use a generous amount of sunscreen and be sensible about how long you spend in direct sunlight. Be aware that a breezy day can sometimes mask high temperatures.
If walking over a long distance in warm weather, it’s advisable to drink – and carry – plenty of water and wear appropriate clothing, including a sun hat. Blisters can be another problem for hikers. These can often occur if new walking shoes are being worn over a long distance. Ideally, footwear should be worn in before the trip.
As a counterpoint to the balminess of the summer, German winters can be fairly severe. This is generally truer the further east you travel. If you’re arriving during the coldest months of the year, make sure you have adequate clothing. At any time of year, in fact, temperatures can be unpredictable – even in July and August it makes sense to have a sweater (and maybe an umbrella, too) to hand.
Other health problems that inexperienced travelers might reasonably encounter are the various knock-on effects of consuming too much alcohol. The risk, unsurprisingly, is particularly prevalent among those attending Munich’s Oktoberfest. Be aware that some beers have ABV levels of as much as 6 or 7% and should therefore be treated with respect.
Contractual physician of Lufthansa
Dr. Heimbach, WalterVon-Sandt-Platz 10 (Deutz)
D-50679 Köln
Germany
Tel. +49-221-813392
Please note that Lufthansa accepts no responsibility for the treatment nor will it bear the cost of any treatment.
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Visa & Immigration
IATA Travel Centre
The IATA Travel Centre delivers accurate passport, visa and health requirement information at a glance. It is a trusted, centralized source for the latest international travel requirements. The IATA Travel Centre is the most accurate source available because it is based on a comprehensive database used by virtually every airline, and information is gathered from official sources worldwide, such as immigration and police authorities.