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Cologne (Köln) is a vibrant, historic German city on the Rhine known for its cathedral, museums, lively neighborhoods, and beer (Kölsch). Plan for easy public transport, a walkable center, variable weather, and relaxed local customs.
Visa / Entry Requirements
- EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: no visa; bring national ID.
- Many non-EU tourists (including US, Canada, Australia, Japan, S. Korea) may enter visa-free for short stays (usually up to 90 days in a 180-day period).
- Travelers from countries requiring a Schengen visa must apply before travel; Cologne is in the Schengen Area (Germany’s rules).
- Passport should be valid for the intended stay (some airlines require 6 months).
- Check the German embassy/consulate website or official Schengen info for current rules and COVID-related entry measures if any.
Best Time to Visit
- Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (Sept) for mild weather, fewer crowds.
- Summer (July–Aug) is warm and lively but busier.
- December is magical for Christmas markets, but cold and crowded.
- February/March is carnival season (Rosenmontag parades) — unique but book early and expect closures around carnival days.
Safety Tips
- Cologne is generally safe; normal urban precautions apply.
- Watch belongings in crowded areas (cathedral, train stations, festivals) due to pickpocketing.
- At night, stick to well-lit areas; some nightlife zones can get rowdy.
- Be aware of seasonal large events (Carnival, New Year’s Eve): crowds and occasional disturbances.
Local Customs & Etiquette
- Formal greetings: handshake for first meetings; use titles when appropriate.
- Punctuality is valued for business and appointments.
- Tipping: 5–10% in restaurants if service was good; round up for taxis.
- Beer culture: Kölsch is served in small glasses; place the empty glass on the coaster to indicate you’re done.
- Respect quiet hours (usually 10pm–6am in residential areas) — loud noise may be fined.
Currency & Payments
- Currency: Euro (EUR).
- Cards widely accepted (Visa, Mastercard); smaller shops/markets/cafés may prefer cash.
- ATMs are plentiful; notify your bank of travel to avoid card blocks.
- Contactless payments (card/phone) are common.
Transportation
- Public transport: Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Sieg (VRS) — trams, buses, S-Bahn, regional trains. Buy tickets before boarding (machines, apps).
- Köln Hbf (central station) links to ICE trains and regional services.
- Cologne/Bonn Airport (CGN) is ~15–20 minutes by S-Bahn to the city.
- Cycling: bike lanes and rentals available; be mindful of tram tracks.
- Driving: not necessary for central sightseeing; parking can be expensive and restricted (low-emission zones exist).
Top Practical Tips & Local Insights
- Must-sees: Kölner Dom (book tower ticket if you want the climb), Museum Ludwig (modern art), Chocolate Museum, Hohenzollern Bridge (love locks), Old Town (Altstadt) and Rhine promenade.
- Food: try Kölsch beer and regional dishes (Himmel un Ääd, Rheinischer Sauerbraten). Beer halls and brewpubs in the Belgian Quarter and Old Town are lively.
- Museum passes: consider a Cologne Card for discounts on transport and attractions if you’ll visit multiple sites.
- Walking: the central area is compact; comfortable shoes recommended for cobblestones.
- Language: German is official; many people speak English in tourist areas, but a few phrases in German are appreciated.
- Day trips: Bonn, Düsseldorf, Aachen, and the Rhine Valley (boat trips) are easy from Cologne.
- Festivals: Carnival (Feb/March), Cologne Pride (Christopher Street Day), and Christmas markets are highlights — book early.
Accessibility
- Major attractions and public transport are largely accessible; check specific sites for elevator availability and accessibility services.
Emergency Numbers
- Emergency: 112 (police, fire, ambulance), 110 (police in Germany).
Quick checklist before you go
- Check visa/entry requirements and passport validity.
- Book accommodation early if visiting during Carnival or Christmas.
- Download a local transport app and map offline.
- Carry a mix of card and some euros.
- Pack a reusable umbrella and layers for variable weather.
Enjoy Cologne’s mix of history, arts, and Rhine-side atmosphere — plan for walking, tasting Kölsch, and leaving time to explore neighborhoods beyond the cathedral.