Cologne, Germany: A Costly Vacation Destination?

Cologne, Germany's fourth-largest city, is not the most expensive place to live, but it's not a bargain either. The cost of living in Cologne is around €2,140 per month, which is less than Berlin but more than Leipzig. For travellers, it costs €48-€75 per day to visit the city on a budget. A pint of beer will cost €3-€5, and a bed in a hostel dorm room will set you back €22-€35 per night.

Food and drink

Cologne, Germany's fourth-largest city, is not an expensive place to eat and drink, although it is also not the cheapest. The cost of living in Cologne is around average for Germany, and food and drink prices reflect this.

Eating Out:

A meal in a mid-range restaurant for two people is estimated to cost around €20-€30, with a full meal and beer in a traditional brewhouse costing between €15-€25. A McDonald's combo meal is around €8, and a cappuccino in an expat area is about €3.50.

Groceries:

A loaf of fresh white bread is approximately €1.50, and a gallon of milk is €3.50. For fruit and vegetables, expect to pay around €1.50-€2 for 1kg of apples or tomatoes. Meat is more expensive, with chicken fillets costing around €7.50 per lb, and beef around €12 per lb.

Alcohol:

A half-litre of local beer (Kölsch) is around €4-€5, and a bottle of mid-range wine is €5-€9.

Budgeting:

For budget-minded travellers, it is estimated that you will need around €48-€75 per day to visit Cologne. This includes food, accommodation, attractions, and alcohol. A frugal traveller can manage on €48 per day, with a free breakfast, cheap lunch, and a self-catered dinner. A budget lunch can be purchased for €6-€14, and dinner for €10-€25.

Student Budgeting:

Cologne is a great city for students, as there are no university fees to pay. Students can also use public transport for free.

Other Drinks:

A bottle of Coke or Pepsi is about €2, and a bottle of water is €1.50.

Attractions

Cologne has a surprising number of world-class museums and galleries, and entry fees are reasonable. The city is home to many impressive cathedrals, churches, and beautiful architecture.

• National Socialism Documentation Center: €4.50
• Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum: €7
• Köln Triangle: €5
• Roman-German Museum: €9
• Chocolate Museum: €14
• Cologne Cathedral: Free
• Cologne Botanical Gardens: Free
• Walking tour: Free (but you should tip the guides around €5) or €20+ (for paid tours)
• Bike tour: €35-€45

Cologne also has multiple festivals throughout the year, so there is a good chance something will be going on while you’re visiting.

Transport

Cologne has an extensive public transport system, including trains, buses, and trams. The city is also easily connected to other nearby towns, so it makes a great base for exploring the entire area. Cologne's public transport is provided by KVB, which operates trains, trams, and buses. The system includes 60 lines, 380 trams, and 320 buses.

The cost of public transport in Cologne has been described as expensive when compared to other large cities in Germany. A single ticket costs €3, and there are various ticket options for multiple trips, groups, and longer durations. For example, a 24-hour ticket for one person costs €9, and a KölnCard offers free travel on all public transport and up to a 50% discount on art, culture, and restaurants. Students at the University of Cologne receive a semester ticket that allows them to use public transport for free.

The public transport system in Cologne has received mixed reviews. Some users have criticised its reliability, frequency, and navigation system. However, others have praised its convenience, frequency, and cleanliness.

An alternative to public transport is cycling, and Cologne has well-developed cycle paths. The Kölner Verkehrs-Betriebe (KVB) offers red and white bikes spread all over the city. For longer-term use, the 'Radstation' or NextBike is also an option.

If you prefer taxis or private drivers, these are readily available but will be significantly more expensive than public transport.

Accommodation

Cologne, Germany, offers a range of accommodation options, from low-key B&Bs to luxurious five-star hotels, catering to various budgets and preferences. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the accommodation choices in this captivating city:

Hotels:

Cologne boasts a diverse selection of hotels, ranging from sleek and modern establishments to historic buildings with old-world charm. Here are some notable options:

• Stern am Rathaus: Located in the heart of the Old Town, this chic hotel features a simple, modern design with muted tones. It offers a rich continental breakfast and is conveniently situated for exploring the city.
• Casa Colonia: With a central location and only 13 rooms, Casa Colonia provides a cosy atmosphere. The rooms are equipped with modern amenities, and there is also a self-catering suite, making it ideal for families.
• Hotel Burns Art: This trendy and uber-chic hotel is situated near the harbour and Rheinpark gardens. It offers cosy king-sized beds, crisp white sheets, and maplewood accents. The underground provides easy access to the city centre.
• Hopper Hotel St. Antonius: Housed in a red-brick building dating back to 1900, Hopper Hotel St. Antonius offers a blend of modern renovations and historic charm. It features marble-tiled bathrooms, a French cuisine restaurant, and a charming vine-clad courtyard.
• 25hours The Circle: Located in a 1960s rotunda, this boutique design hotel embraces the concept of "retro-futurism." The rooms feature bright, open-plan spaces with exposed concrete ceilings and carefully curated design pieces.
• Qvest Hideaway: Qvest Hideaway seamlessly combines original Gothic features, such as vaulted archways and marble details, with chic contemporary rooms. It houses a private art gallery and is ideally situated for couples seeking a tranquil retreat.
• Excelsior Hotel Ernst: This palatial, historic hotel exudes luxury and elegance. It features sumptuous guest rooms, marble bathrooms, and a Michelin-starred restaurant, Taku, serving innovative Asian-inspired cuisine.
• Hotel im Wasserturm: Housed in a former red-brick water tower, Hotel im Wasserturm offers a unique experience. The rooms are stylish, and the hotel boasts a rooftop bar, Bar Botanik, with panoramic city views, creative dishes, and superb cocktails.

Apartments and Private Houses:

If you prefer a more private and homely stay, Cologne also offers a variety of apartments and private houses. Booking.com is a recommended online platform to explore these options.

Hostels:

For budget-conscious travellers or those seeking a more social atmosphere, hostels are a great choice. Cologne has more than nine hostels, with dorm beds averaging $39 per night. Here are some popular options:

• Die Wohngemeinschaft: $32 for a dorm bed.
• Weltempfänger Backpacker Hostel: $26 for a dorm bed.
• 404 Hostel: $20 for a dorm bed.

Rental Apartments and Houses:

For longer stays or those seeking more spacious accommodations, renting an apartment or house in Cologne is an option. Here are some popular websites for finding rental properties:

• ImmobilienScout24: One of the largest real estate platforms in Germany, offering a wide range of rental listings, including apartments, houses, and rooms.
• WG-Gesucht: Specialises in shared accommodations and flatshares.
• EBay Kleinanzeigen: Features a section for real estate listings, including private rental offers.
• Immowelt: Comprehensive database of rental properties, including apartments and houses.
• HomeCompany: Specialises in temporary housing and corporate apartment rentals, ideal for short-term or furnished accommodations.

Tips for Finding Affordable Accommodations:

• Start your search early, as the housing market in Cologne can be competitive.
• Consider neighbourhoods slightly outside the city centre, as rents tend to be more affordable.
• Utilise online platforms and websites dedicated to rental properties in Cologne.
• Explore shared accommodations or co-living spaces to reduce costs.
• Network and spread the word among friends and colleagues that you are looking for accommodations.
• Attend housing fairs where landlords and housing agencies showcase available properties.
• Be flexible with your requirements and consider smaller spaces or older buildings to find more affordable options.
• Check local bulletin boards, university notice boards, and local newspapers for rental listings.
• Consult local housing agencies for assistance in finding affordable options.

Salaries

The average salary for jobs in Cologne, Germany is €53,663 per year or an hourly rate of €26.

For budget-minded travellers, it costs around €48-€75 per day to visit Cologne. These prices are based on what you'll need to visit the city comfortably as a budget traveller. This includes food, accommodation, attractions, alcohol, and other expenses.

If you want to upgrade your accommodations, you can expect to add another €60-€110 per night. It's important to note that these prices do not include things like nightlife, club entry fees, shopping, tours, or nicer meals.

Cologne's hotels are usually affordable, but rates can double or triple during trade shows. For a decent budget hotel, expect to pay around €90 per night, with prices increasing for hotels near the city centre. Hostel prices range from €22-€35 per night for a bed in a shared dorm room, while a private room will cost €55-€100 per night.

A decent meal in the Old Town will cost around €20-€30, with slightly cheaper options available in areas like Deutz or Chlodwigplatz. A half-litre of the local Kölsch beer will cost you €4-€5, while a 200ml glass is typically served in the big beer halls for around €2.

Public transportation in Cologne is affordable, with basic single tickets costing €2.50 and a 24-hour unlimited ticket priced at €7.30.

When it comes to groceries, a loaf of fresh white bread will cost around €1.50-€2.50, a litre of milk will be €0.80-€1.50, and a dozen eggs will be €2-€4.

Cologne is Germany's fourth-largest city, and while Germany is known as one of Europe's most expensive countries, Cologne is relatively affordable for those who are mindful of their budget.

Frequently asked questions