Cologne Travel: 100 Questions Answered based on NeemTime research
🏛️ Sightseeing & Landmarks
What is the number one thing to do? Visit the Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom).
Is it free to enter the Cathedral? Yes, the main area is free, but the Treasury and Tower climb require a small fee.
How many steps is the tower climb? 533 steps in a narrow spiral staircase.
Where is the best view of the city? The KölnTriangle panorama platform across the river.
Is the Hohenzollern Bridge walkable? Yes, it’s the famous “love lock” bridge and provides great photo ops.
What is the “Old Town” called? Altstadt.
Is the Chocolate Museum worth it? Locals say yes if you have kids or a sweet tooth; otherwise, it’s “nice but touristy.”
What is the most unique church? St. Ursula, which features a “Golden Chamber” decorated with human bones.
Where can I see Roman ruins? The Roman-Germanic Museum (RGM) and various ruins integrated into the city (like the Römerturm).
What is the Museum Ludwig famous for? One of the largest Picasso collections in the world and Modern Art.
Are there any “hidden” historical gems? The EL-DE Haus, a former Gestapo prison that is now a moving documentation center.
What is the best park for a stroll? The Flora and Botanical Garden (next to the Zoo).
Is the Rheinauhafen worth visiting? Yes, for modern architecture like the “Crane Houses” (Kranhäuser).
Where can I see street art? The Ehrenfeld district is the hub for murals and urban culture.
What is the “Fischmarkt”? A picturesque square in the Old Town with colorful narrow houses.
How long should I stay? 2 days is perfect for the main sights; 3–4 if you want to explore neighborhoods.
Can I take a boat tour? Yes, several cruises depart from the Rhine promenade near the Old Town.
Is the Zoo any good? It’s one of Germany’s oldest and largest; great for families.
What is TimeRide? A VR experience near the Cathedral that shows you Cologne as it looked in the 1920s.
Is the Cologne Cable Car (Seilbahn) worth it? Yes, for a unique view of the Rhine and Cathedral from above.
🍺 Food & Kölsch Culture
What is Kölsch? The light, top-fermented beer native to Cologne.
Why are the beer glasses so small? They are 0.2L (“Stangen”) to ensure the beer stays fresh and cold.
What is a “Köbes”? A traditional brewery waiter, known for being “affectionately” blunt or grumpy.
How do I stop them from refilling my beer? Place your coaster on top of your glass.
Can I order a large beer? Generally no; in a Brauhaus, you get 0.2L by default.
What is “Himmel un Ääd”? A traditional dish of mashed potatoes, apple sauce, and fried black pudding.
What is “Halve Hahn”? Don’t expect chicken! It’s a rye roll with a thick slice of Gouda cheese and mustard.
Where is the most famous brewery? Früh am Dom, located right next to the Cathedral.
Where do locals go for beer? Päffgen, Mühlen, or breweries in the Belgisches Viertel (Belgian Quarter).
Is “4711” a restaurant? No, it’s the famous brand of Eau de Cologne.
What is the best street food? Döner Kebab—Ehrenfeld has legendary spots like Kebapland.
Where can I find “Reibekuchen”? These are potato pancakes, often sold at stalls like Rievkoochebud.
Are there vegan options? Yes, Cologne is very vegan-friendly, especially in Ehrenfeld and the Belgian Quarter.
Should I tip in a Brauhaus? Yes, round up or add 5–10% for the Köbes.
What is “Mettbrötchen”? Raw minced pork on a roll with onions—a local breakfast staple.
Where is the best coffee? Check out Heilandt or Schamong (the city’s oldest roastery).
Is the water safe to drink? Yes, tap water in Cologne is high quality.
What is a “Büdchen”? Small kiosks found on every corner that sell snacks, drinks, and beer.
Where is the “Party Street”? Zülpicher Straße (popular with students).
Is there a dress code for breweries? No, casual attire is perfectly fine.
🚆 Transport & Logistics
How do I get from the airport to the city? Take the S-Bahn (S13 or S19); it takes about 15 minutes to Köln Hbf.
What is “Köln Hbf”? The Central Station, located right next to the Cathedral.
Is Cologne walkable? Very. Most major sights are within a 15–20 minute walk of the station.
What is the KVB? The local public transport company (trams/buses).
Which ticket should I buy? A 24-hour ticket is usually better value than single trips if you’re taking more than two rides.
How do I validate a ticket? Look for the red/orange boxes inside the tram or on the platform.
Does the U-Bahn exist? Yes, but many lines run above ground like a tram (called the Stadtbahn).
Can I use Uber? Yes, but FreeNow and traditional taxis are more common.
Are trains punctual? Usually, but Deutsche Bahn (DB) is known for occasional delays.
How do I get to Phantasialand? Take a train to Brühl, then use the dedicated shuttle bus.
Can I rent a bike? Yes, via the Nextbike/KVB app or rental shops near the station.
Is there a “Cologne Card”? Yes, the KölnCard offers transport and museum discounts.
Are shops open on Sundays? No, most retail stores are closed, though restaurants and museums are open.
What about pharmacies? Called Apotheke; most are closed Sundays except for emergency rotating ones.
Is English widely spoken? Yes, especially in the city center and by younger people.
What is the local currency? Euro (€).
Can I pay with credit card? In major shops/restaurants yes, but carry cash for smaller “Büdchen” and old-school breweries.
Where can I store luggage? There are lockers at Köln Hbf.
Is there free Wi-Fi? Look for “HOTSPOT.KOELN” in public squares.
Is the city hilly? No, it is mostly flat and easy to walk.
🎭 Culture & Events
When is Carnival? The “Crazy Days” are in February/March, but the season starts November 11th.
Is it worth visiting during Carnival? Yes, but only if you like massive crowds and costumes.
Are the Christmas Markets good? Some of the best in Europe. The one at the Cathedral is the most famous.
Which Christmas market is most unique? The Heinzels Wintermärchen (Old Town) or the Angel’s Market (Neumarkt).
What is “Christopher Street Day”? Cologne’s massive Pride festival (one of the largest in the world).
What is the “Gamescom”? The world’s largest gaming event, held in Cologne every August.
Is Cologne a “pretty” city? Many say it’s “ugly-pretty”—it was heavily bombed in WWII, so it’s a mix of concrete and history.
What is the local dialect? Kölsch (it’s the name of the beer and the language).
Is the city LGBTQ+ friendly? Extremely; the area around Rudolfplatz is the “Bermuda Triangle” of gay bars.
Are people friendly? People from Cologne are known as the friendliest in Germany (the “Rhineland” vibe).
What is “Kölner Lichter”? A massive fireworks show over the Rhine in July.
Can I see a football match? Yes, 1. FC Köln is the local team; tickets sell out fast.
Who is the goat? Hennes, the living mascot of the football team (kept at the Zoo).
What is “Jeck”? A word for someone who loves Carnival or is a bit “crazy” in a fun way.
Are museums closed on Mondays? Most are, so plan accordingly.
🛡️ Safety & Neighborhoods
Is Cologne safe? Generally yes, but be careful around the station and Neumarkt at night.
Where should I stay? The Belgian Quarter (cool/trendy) or Altstadt (touristy/central).
What is the “Belgian Quarter”? A hip area with boutiques, bars, and cafes named after Belgian cities.
What is “Ehrenfeld”? The former industrial district turned hipster/artsy hub.
What is “Südstadt”? A traditional neighborhood with great restaurants and a cozy feel.
Should I avoid any areas? Parts of Chorweiler or Kalk are often cited as less touristy/rougher, but generally safe during the day.
Are there pickpockets? Yes, especially in crowded areas like the Cathedral and Hohe Straße.
Is it safe to walk at night? Yes, though stick to well-lit main streets.
What is the “Zülpicher Platz” like? Loud and crowded on weekends with partying students.
Where is the best shopping? Schildergasse and Hohe Straße for big chains; Ehrenstraße for trendy shops.
Is the “Rings” area safe? The Hohenzollernring has many clubs and can get rowdy on weekend nights.
Can I swim in the Rhine? No, the currents are extremely dangerous and potentially fatal.
What is “Poller Wiesen”? A large meadow on the east bank of the Rhine, great for BBQs and sunset views.
Where is the best place for a picnic? The Hiroshima-Nagasaki Park (Aachener Weiher).
Is there much “old” architecture left? Beyond the Cathedral and 12 Romanesque churches, most was rebuilt post-1945.
🚗 Day Trips & Beyond
What is the best day trip? Bonn (25 mins) or Aachen (50 mins).
Can I visit a castle nearby? Yes, Schloss Augustusburg in Brühl (UNESCO site).
Is Düsseldorf worth a visit? Yes, though there is a playful rivalry between the two cities.
What is the rivalry about? Mostly beer (Alt vs. Kölsch) and Carnival.
Can I visit the Dragon’s Rock (Drachenfels)? Yes, it’s in Königswinter, about 45 minutes away.
Is Frankfurt close? It’s about 1 hour away by high-speed ICE train.
Can I go to the Eifel mountains? Yes, about 1 hour south for hiking and nature.
Is there a spa nearby? The Claudius Therme in the Rheinpark is very popular.
Is there a “dark” side to the history? The NS-Documentation Center is essential for understanding the city’s WWII past.
What is the one thing I must take home? A bottle of real Farina Eau de Cologne or a 1. FC Köln scarf.