Solo Travel Guide: Cologne, Germany

QUICK FACTS

The fourth largest city in Germany, Cologne is home to 1.2 million people.
A major cultural centre of the Rhineland, with the famous Cologne Cathedral and hundreds of museums and art galleries.
Known as the carnival capital of Germany and refers to festivals as the “fifth season.”
Almost completely destroyed in World War II, the city has undergone a facelift and showcases contrasts from pre-war to modern architecture.
Nickname: The Holy City

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Currency: Euro (EUR).
Spoken languages: primarily German. English is increasingly being spoken by youth, who study it as a foreign language at school.
Best time to visit: from May to September to take advantage of the pleasant weather and long hours of daylight. While the Christmas season is a spectacle to behold due to the festive atmosphere, the sun sets as early at 3 PM.
Arriving via airport: Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) is connected to the city centre with the Intercity-Express rail and bus line #161. Tickets are charged based on distance and can be bought on board or at dedicated machines at the arrivals hall. Taxis cost €30-45.

WHERE TO STAY

The city centre offers an excellent variety of cheap accommodation, ranging from hostels to guesthouses. With dining, shopping and sightseeing just a stone’s throw away, the area is the perfect choice for those looking to be central. In Neustadt-Nord, the scene is just as lively but decidedly more modern, ideal for those looking to experience Cologne’s avant garde lifestyle.

GETTING AROUND

KVB operates the public transportation network, which consists of the bus, tram, metro and rail system. Tickets are available for short-haul rides, urban-zone only and regional use.
Köln WelcomeCard combines unlimited travel on public urban transport with up to 50% discount at major attractions and participating outlets. The card is available for 24-hours at €9.
Taxis charge a basic €2.65 plus around €1.60 for each subsequent kilometre. Charges are higher for night-time service and Sundays and holidays. Dial 0221 2882 to pre-book.
Deutsche Bahn operates Call a Bike, the bicycle rental system – call ahead to request a bicycle, and you will receive a code that unlocks it. Return the bike anywhere in the city. The service costs €15 a day.

COLOGNE NIGHTLIFE

Drinking age is 18, and last call is at 5 AM.
The Belgian Quarter is the hotspot for the hip crowd.
Südstadt is lively, with rock bars and casual lounges.
Uni-Viertel has it all, from bars and restaurants to cocktail bars and themed nightclubs.

UNIQUE LANDMARKS TO VISIT

Cologne Cathedral is the undisputed star attraction of the city, a Gothic masterpiece that took nearly six centuries to finish.
Museum Ludwig houses the largest collection of Picasso’s artwork as well as modern art from masters such as Warhol and Dali.
Praetorium holds the relics to the ancient Roman settlement, including the well-preserved structure of the Roman governor’s office.
KölnTriangle is a prominent landmark that affords the best 360º views of the city.

INTERESTING WALKS

Take the Hohenzollern Bridge over the Rhine River and admire the love locks that couples have chained to the fencing as a symbol of their commitment.
Rheinauhafen or Rheinau harbour offers a romantic stroll in view of the river, perfect especially at sundown. Cafés and restaurants along the way provide excellent nourishment.
Botanical Gardens Flora features a series of varied gardens kept in meticulous condition.

LOCAL WISDOM

Kölsch is the signature beer, a must-try at any of the brewery taverns around Alter Markt.
One in ten inhabitants of the city is attracted to the same sex. The gay and lesbian scene is thriving and an ingrained part of the Cologne scene.
Where to find good cheap eats: Kwartier Lateng and Barbarossaplatz (near the university) are excellent haunts for cheap, tasty food on the go.
Dangerous areas: Cologne is generally very safe – the only real source of trouble is from drunken brawls that take place outside bars at night.

RECOMMENDED COLOGNE GUIDE BOOKS

Recommended trip duration: 2-3 days

Cologne Travel Guide