Cologne Holidays

With its rich history, lively culture, and dazzling sights, Cologne is a must-visit city for anyone looking to explore one of Germany's most vibrant destinations.

Highlights

• Cologne Cathedral - A UNESCO World Heritage Site and architectural marvel that dominates the city’s skyline. It's an absolute must-see.

• Rhine River Cruises - Perfect for soaking in the stunning views of Cologne's landmarks while gliding along the iconic Rhine.

• Kölsch Beer - Sip the city’s famous Kölsch beer at a local brewery for a proper German experience.

• Cologne Carnival - If you're in town during February, expect a festival that's popping off with energy, colour, and fun costumes.

Getting around - Cologne

Cologne’s transport links are proper good, making it a breeze to navigate the city. The local tram and bus networks are efficient, affordable, and get you to all the top-tier sights without any fuss. If you're looking to go a bit boujee, taxis and rideshares are readily available. For those feeling adventurous, cycling is a great option too – the city has loads of bike lanes, so you can zoom around without a care in the world. Plus, Cologne’s central train station connects you to nearby German cities, making it easy to extend your jollies further afield.

Things to do for families in Cologne

Cologne is chock-full of fun activities for kiddos and parents alike. A visit to Cologne Zoo is always a winner with its whopper selection of animals, from lions to penguins. It’s one of Germany’s oldest zoos but has plenty of modern twists, including a rainforest house and elephant park.

If you’ve got little ones who love science, make sure to pop by the Odysseum, an interactive science museum that’s hands-on and engaging for all ages. Think space travel simulators, dinosaurs, and virtual reality experiences! And of course, no trip to Cologne is complete without a visit to the Chocolate Museum – because what family doesn’t love a bit of the sweet stuff? Here, you can learn about the history of chocolate-making, watch live demonstrations, and even sample some fresh, delish chocolates.

Things to do for couples in Cologne

For couples looking to spend some quality time together, Cologne has romance written all over it. Start with a leisurely sunset cruise along the Rhine, where you can sip on a glass of bubbly while taking in the views of Cologne’s landmarks bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun.

Fancy something a bit more cultural? Head to the Museum Ludwig, home to an impressive collection of modern art, including works by Picasso and Warhol. It’s the perfect spot to stroll hand in hand while soaking up some culture together.

And, for a little extra romantic magic, why not leave a love lock on the Hohenzollern Bridge? Couples from around the world visit to clip a lock onto the railings and toss the key into the Rhine, symbolising everlasting love – it’s the perfect spot for a cheeky selfie too.

Things to do for groups in Cologne

Got a group ready to hit Cologne and make some memories? You’re in for a mega time! For starters, head to one of the city’s buzzing biergartens where you and your mates can clink glasses of Kölsch beer. Whether it's a riverside spot or a cosy hidden gem, the biergartens are perfect for some proper good banter with your crew.

For something a bit more adrenaline-pumping, why not try a rhine riverboat party? Picture this: you and your mates cruising down the Rhine, tunes blaring, drinks flowing – it’s a party like no other. And if you're in town for Cologne Carnival, your group can join the wild street parties, throw on some whacky costumes, and get involved in the city’s biggest bash of the year.

If you’re more into puzzles and problem-solving, Cologne has plenty of escape rooms scattered across the city, where your group can work together to crack codes and beat the clock.

Things to do for foodies in Cologne

Foodies, get ready to indulge in some bangin’ eats because Cologne's culinary scene is top-tier! Start with a trip to one of the many traditional Kölsch breweries, where you can tuck into hearty German fare. Think schnitzels, bratwurst, and sauerkraut, all washed down with Cologne’s signature Kölsch beer. For something more boujee, some of the swankier restaurants in town offer elevated German cuisine that’ll have your taste buds dancing.

Don’t miss out on the Belgian Quarter, a trendy area filled with cool cafés, bakeries, and international restaurants. Whether you fancy a delish waffle or something more adventurous, this district has it all.

And of course, no visit to Cologne is complete without trying the city’s take on halver hahn, a hearty rye bread sandwich with cheese that’s a local favourite. Finish off your foodie tour at the Cologne Chocolate Museum, where you can savour some of the best chocolates in the world while learning about the craft – sweet tooths will be in heaven!