Should You Visit Cologne?

Is Cologne worth visiting?

Yes, it's worth visiting this city for one to three days because of the many great activities. Cologne is a city that combines both modern and historic features in a very compatible and fun style. From the impressive Cologne Cathedral to the many museums and outdoor spaces along the river, Cologne offers something for everyone. The city is also well connected to the rest of Germany and Europe with a very popular train station right in the heart of town. We first visited in winter 2022 and have returned several times. During our time here, we fell in love with the traditional Christmas markets, the grand cathedral, and the vibrant city energy. Cologne is loved by visitors for many reasons, and is routinely on national "best of" lists, including U.S. News Best Places to Visit in Germany.

Hohenzollern Bridge and Cologne Cathedral, Cologne, Germany

Reasons to Visit Cologne

Christmas Markets
Cologne is one of the top Christmas market destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Museums
At the heart of the city is Cologne Cathedral, which is stunningly intricate and highlights High Gothic architecture. It is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Other famous sights around town include Cologne City Hall, the Wallraf-Richartz & Ludwig Museums, and Hohenzollern Bridge.

Nightlife
Head to one of the many beerhalls to check out the local nightlife scene. Make sure you try the local beer, Kölsch. Some of the most popular places for night include Ona Mor, Pepe, and Engel & Weiss.

Shopping
There is no shortage of clothing shops around Cologne. You'll find all of the major European chains with many souvenir shops mixed in. Schildergasse is a major shopping street in town, but there are also many shopping malls to choose from. For local markets, head to Wilhemplatz.

Food
The food scene consists mostly of brewhouses and pubs, where you'll find local cuisine. There are also a number of international restaurants around town if you want something a little different. In particular, you'll find many Turkish kebab shops near the train station. Local dishes from Cologne include Halve Hahn (an open face sandwich), Hämmche (pork with sauerkraut or potatoes), and Mettbrütche (minced pork bread roll). For a sweet treat, there is no shortage of donut shops with decadently decorated toppings.

Historical Sights
The Old Town is large, but its mostly been rebuilt with modern buildings. There are plenty of shopping areas where you can buy name brand clothing or sample sweets.

Is Cologne worth visiting in the Summer?

Summer is the high season for travel in Cologne, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This destination is quite popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect crowds to be large, and prices to be a bit higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during summer with average temperatures around 19°C (66°F).

The activities of the city are numerous, and this is a great time of year to explore all of them. From family-friendly attractions to romantic getaways, as well as budget-friendly things to do, there's something for everyone. Famous landmarks, museums, tours, and more are all available. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable city, especially in the nice weather. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to spend time at the museums, discover the big city activities, and browse around the old town. Also, you'll be able to enjoy an evening out.

Is Cologne worth visiting in the Autumn?

This is the shoulder season for travel in Cologne. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 12°C (54°F).

You'll want to make sure you set aside some time to visit the Christmas markets during the holiday season! This is one of the main attractions this time of year. Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. During this season it's fun to experience the beautiful scenery, the historic old town, and the museums and landmarks. Also, you can experience the Christmas markets and the big city activities.

Is Cologne worth visiting in the Winter?

The weather in Cologne can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 3°C (37°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

The low season for travel in Cologne is during the winter. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.

You'll like that you can take public transit easily in the winter, too. You can get around quickly while avoiding bad weather if needed. This is a great time of year to wander through the museums, dine out at amazing restaurants, and admire the historic sights. Also, you can dance the night away and enjoy the city's energy.

Is Cologne worth visiting in the Spring?

Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Cologne. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.

The weather in Cologne can be quite cold during spring, and averages around 10°C (50°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, browse through museums, and admire the wonderful scenery. Also, you can check out the historic old town and the nightlife.

Related

What is Cologne most famous for?

Cologne is most famous for its large and detailed cathedral, its festive Christmas markets, and its location along the Rhine River. The city is very popular for its christmas markets. Also, it's known for museums, nightlife, and shopping. Many people love the food and historical sights, too. It is often described as vibrant, colorful, fun, and accessible.

What is the most famous sight in Cologne?

The most popular sight in Cologne is The Cologne Cathedral. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Cologne on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Cologne Cathedral and other attractions here.

How touristy is Cologne? Is it a popular city to visit?

Cologne is a popular city for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

• 120min - Cologne City Tour: $158
• Cologne Highlights Walking Tour with your Private Tour Guide 3 h: $235
• Street Art Tour Köln Ehrenfeld: $28
• Aachen Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $231
• Compact tour (7km): $71
• Exclusive E Bike Tour of Cologne with Guide in Small Group: $65
• WWII places & EL-DE Haus Private Guided Tour: $199
• Christmas Magic in A Festive Walking Tour: $256

How long should I spend in Cologne?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Cologne is one to three days. Since Cologne has a variety of activities such as christmas markets, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Cologne? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Cologne?.