Your Essential Travel Guide To Cologne
Discover Things To Do In Cologne
Step into the past and experience the rich history of Cologne! Marvel at the seamless fusion of ancient Roman architecture and contemporary masterpieces as you explore the city's charming streets.
To fully experience Cologne, visit its Gothic Cathedral for breath-taking views, indulge your sweet tooth at the Chocolate Museum, and discover exotic animals at the Cologne Zoo.
With so much to see and do, Cologne truly offers something for everyone. Not sure where to start? Use GetYourGuide to help plan your trip.
Getting to Cologne
Cologne is approximately a 3 hour drive south-east from our IJmuiden port so it’s easy to get to via our Newcastle-Amsterdam route. Alternatively, you could sail from Dover to Dunkirk or Calais and drive to Cologne in just over 4 hours. On the other hand you could sail to our Kiel port and enjoy a picturesque road trip to Cologne – passing Hamburg, Munster and Dusseldorf on route!
Culture in Cologne
For a taste of local charm, explore the charming cobblestoned streets of Altstadt, the city's Old Town, where you'll find cosy cafes, quaint shops, and delicious restaurants nestled among the brightly coloured houses. Joining a guided walking tour is a great way to see the sights.
Art enthusiasts should head to the Museum Ludwig, which showcases a remarkable collection of modern art, whilst venues like Kölner Philharmonie, Köln Arena, or Gloria Theater are great for live music performances. For a more relaxed experience, take a leisurely Rhine River cruise for picturesque views of Cologne's historic skyline and surrounding countryside.
Top tip - it’s worth picking up a KölnCard to help you get around and explore the city’s attractions for less.
Shopping in Cologne
Cologne attracts shoppers from far and wide and offers a wide range of stores from high street fashion to exclusive designer outlets.
Apostelnstrasse is a shopping street in the heart of Cologne. You'll find a whole variety of shops here, including high quality jewellers and goldsmiths.
Neumarkt Passage Arcade is another popular shopping destination with a range of high-quality specialist stores located both inside and outside the arcade.
As the name suggests, Cologne is widely considered the birthplace of fragrance and has many perfume shops, including flagship stores of well-known brands like 4711, Fragonard, and Mäurer & Wirtz.
Dining in Cologne
Immerse yourself in Cologne's gastronomic scene - from classic Rhenish dishes to gourmet cuisine, the city has something for every palate.
Check out Em Krützche, a charming restaurant housed in a beautiful old building by the Rhine offering classic German cuisine. If you're looking for a stunning view, MICHELIN Star restaurant Zur Tant also sits in an idyllic location on the river and features a lovely terrace. Looking for something more laid back? Visit Hard Rock Café for juicy burgers and its world-famous rock and roll vibe.
And no trip to Cologne would be complete without trying the local beer! Book a brewhouse tour to learn about the city's famous brewing culture from the experts.
Our Routes through Europe
Rosslare - Dunkirk Ferry
Sail between Ireland and France with DFDS on our new Rosslare – Dunkirk overnight ferry. With shopping onboard, comfy cabins and all meals included you can reach your destination ready to explore.
15%
discount
Ferry Crossings to Norway
Visit Norway and sail our Copenhagen-Oslo route. Enjoy the incredible facilities onboard and you're sure to feel relaxed upon arrival.
From
€45
pp + car one way
Ferry crossing from Frederikshavn to Oslo
DFDS offers daily departures from Frederikshavn in Denmark to Oslo. Drive the car on board for the evening and arrive rested in Oslo the next morning.
From
€45
car + 4 one way
Ferry Crossings to Copenhagen
Exploring Scandinavia couldn’t be easier with a ferry crossing to Denmark. Set sail on our Oslo - Copenhagen route and explore Denmark and beyond.
From
€45
pp + car, one way
Ferry Crossings to the Baltics
Cruise to the Baltics on one of our three routes and explore a variety of different locations, including Lithuania, Estonia and more.
From
€54
pp
Ferry Crossings to the UK
Travel to the UK through one of our three ports, Newcastle, Dover or Newhaven, allowing you to explore the North and South of the British Isles.
From
€79
per person based on 4 people in an inside cabin, one way + car
Travel Guides
Frankfurt
Journey to Frankfurt to enjoy the interesting culture, great food and to get involved in exciting activities.
Dusseldorf
Visit Dusseldorf to be captivated by the amazing architecture and fantastic art museums.
Hamburg
Visit Hamburg to explore Germanys second largest city – the ‘Gateway to the World’.
FAQs
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