Cologne Trip Planning: Book These Attractions In Advance

Cologne, Germany, is a popular tourist destination, famed for its Gothic World Heritage Site cathedral, international restaurants, and historic architecture. The city is also known for its chocolate museum, river cruises, and hip neighbourhoods.

If you're planning a trip to Cologne, it's worth booking some activities in advance to make the most of your time there. Here's a list of things you may want to book before your trip:

- Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) Tour: The cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Germany. You can climb to the top for panoramic views of the city and arrange a guided tour of the belfry. Entry to the cathedral is free, but there's a fee to go up the tower. Guided tours in English are offered daily at 3 pm for an additional fee.

- Chocolate Museum (Schokoladenmuseum): This museum is dedicated to the history and production of chocolate, with exhibits ranging from Aztec chocolate-making to modern-day cocoa growing. You can also create your own customised chocolate bar and enjoy cakes and chocolate delicacies at the on-site café.

- River Cruise: A boat tour along the Rhine River is a popular way to explore the city. You can choose between a one-hour sightseeing tour or a two-hour cruise.

- Brewery Tour: Cologne has a long brewing history and is the birthplace of Kölsch beer. Guided walking tours are available, taking you to various breweries and including Kölsch beer tastings.

- Cologne Cable Car: The Kölner Seilbahn, or cable car, offers a fun way to cross the Rhine River and enjoy panoramic views of the city. The ride is open from April to October and offers special night rides during the summer months.

- Museums: Cologne is home to several notable museums, such as the Wallraf-Richartz Museum, Museum Ludwig, and the Roman Germanic Museum. If you're interested in art, history, or culture, consider booking tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.

- Day Trips: Cologne is also a great base for exploring the surrounding area. You can book day trips to nearby castles, such as Drachenburg Castle or Hoensbroek Castle, or explore the beautiful Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region.

Cologne Cathedral

The Cologne Cathedral is a must-see when visiting Cologne. This Gothic masterpiece is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the country. Its construction began in 1248 and was only completed in 1880. The cathedral is famous for its towering spires, intricate medieval stained-glass windows, and giant flying buttresses.

Entry to the cathedral is free, but there is a fee to climb the challenging tower, which offers panoramic views of the city. Inside, you will find the 10th-century Gero Crucifix in the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Guided tours in English are available daily at 3 pm for an additional fee.

The cathedral is located in the historic old town, which features colorful buildings, cobbled lanes, and resilient post-war ambiance. The area is also home to diverse dining and shopping options.

When planning your visit, keep in mind that the cathedral is a popular attraction, and it is recommended to book your ticket in advance to secure your preferred time slot. This is especially important if you plan to visit during the busy season or during special events like the winter "Karneval" in February.

• Climb the tower: The tower offers a challenging climb, but the views from the top are well worth the effort.
• Admire the stained-glass windows: The medieval stained-glass windows are a highlight of the cathedral, casting colorful light inside and creating a serene atmosphere.
• Explore the historic old town: Take some time to wander through the charming old town, soaking in the unique ambiance and discovering hidden gems.
• Combine with other nearby attractions: The cathedral is located in the heart of Cologne, making it easy to combine your visit with other nearby attractions, such as the Great St. Martin Church and the Town Hall.
• Plan your visit in advance: As mentioned earlier, booking your ticket in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons and special events. This will ensure you have a hassle-free experience and avoid long queues.
• Join a guided tour: Consider joining the daily guided tour at 3 pm to learn more about the cathedral's history and architecture.
• Check for special events: Keep an eye out for special events and exhibitions held at the cathedral, as they can enhance your experience and provide a unique perspective.
• Dress appropriately: Remember to dress respectfully when visiting the cathedral, and be mindful of any restrictions on photography or filming inside.
• Allow enough time: Give yourself ample time to explore the cathedral and its surroundings, especially if you plan to climb the tower or join a guided tour.
• Enjoy the surrounding area: After visiting the cathedral, take a stroll along the nearby Rhine River, or enjoy the vibrant cafes and restaurants in the old town.

Boat tours

Cologne, a city in Germany, is a wonderful place to visit, with its Gothic World Heritage Site cathedral, international restaurants, historic architecture, and charming people. The city is built along the Rhine River and has a lot to offer, including boat tours, which are a great way to explore the city and its surroundings.

Rhine River Boat Tours

The Rhine River is a popular attraction in Cologne, and boat tours are a fantastic way to experience the city. These tours offer panoramic views of the city, gliding under magnificent bridges and taking in the exciting sights. You can choose between a three-hour boat tour, which includes exploring the sights on foot with a guide, or a one-hour panoramic city cruise. The three-hour boat tour is a great option if you want to explore the city in-depth and learn about its history, while the one-hour cruise is perfect for those who want a quick overview of the city.

Booking in Advance

It is recommended to book your boat tour tickets in advance, especially if you plan to visit during peak travel times such as summer or Christmas. By booking in advance, you can skip the queues and ensure that you don't miss out on this popular activity. The boat tours usually have specific timings, and it is best to plan your visit accordingly.

Cologne's Old Town

While on the boat tour, you will get to see Cologne's Old Town, which is a historic neighbourhood featuring colourful buildings, cobblestone lanes, and the preserved cathedral. The Old Town is a great place to explore, with its diverse dining and shopping options, as well as its resilient post-war ambiance.

Cologne Cathedral

The Cologne Cathedral, or Kölner Dom, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the country. With its twin spires towering over the city, medieval stained-glass windows, and giant flying buttresses, it is a must-see attraction. The cathedral is located right across from the main train station, making it easily accessible for visitors.

Other Attractions

In addition to the boat tours and exploring the Old Town and Cathedral, there are plenty of other attractions in Cologne that you can visit. These include the Chocolate Museum, the Roman Germanic Museum, the Wallraf Richartz Museum, and the Botanical Garden. The city also has a vibrant nightlife, with popular areas such as The Ring and Zülpicher Straße offering a wide range of clubs, bars, and live entertainment.

Cable car rides

If you're looking for a unique panoramic view of Cologne, consider taking a cable car ride over the Rhine River. The Kölner Seilbahn cable car ride is a fun experience and a great way to get from the Zoo to the River Park. The ride is about 930 metres long and takes approximately six minutes to get from one river bank to the other. It's open from April to October, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., with the last round trip starting at 5:45 p.m.

The cable car ride offers a bird's-eye view of the city, including the old town, the Rhine River, and the beautiful surroundings. It's also a good option for couples who want to "take the next step" as you can even get legally married in the cable car's special wedding car!

Tickets for the cable car ride are reasonably priced, with adult tickets costing €5.00 and children's tickets (4 to 12 years) costing €3.00. You can purchase one-way or round-trip tickets, as well as tickets for multiple trips. There are also discounts available for groups, people with disabilities, and holders of the Köln-Pass, KölnCard, and VRS-24H Ticket.

Brewery tours

The Legendary Kölsch Brewery Tour

This tour takes you on a journey through Cologne's historic Old Town, visiting some of the breweries that have perfected the Kölsch. You'll learn about the history of the beer and the culture surrounding it, as well as the local rules about Kölsch. The tour includes one Kölsch glass at the first three breweries visited. The tour is offered in English on Mondays and Thursdays at 5:11 pm and Saturdays at 3:11 pm. It costs €32 per adult.

Guided Brewhouse Walking Tour in Cologne

This tour will take you to some of the guide's favourite brewhouses, where you can sample the local beer specialty, Kölsch. It's offered in English and costs €32 per adult.

Entertaining Brewery Tour: Feel Good Package

This entertaining tour includes three Kölsch beers and takes you on a journey through Cologne's culture and history.

Old Town Private Brewhouse Tour

With a passion for Cologne and its local beer specialty, this tour operator will take you on a journey to their favourite brewhouses. It can be cancelled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. It is offered in English and costs €103 per adult.

Cologne: Brewery Tour with 3 Kölsch Beer Tastings

This tour includes three Kölsch beer tastings and takes you to some of the city's top breweries.

Chocolate Museum

The Chocolate Museum in Cologne is a must-visit for chocolate lovers. The museum is dedicated to the history and production of chocolate, with exhibits covering everything from the Aztecs' chocolate production to modern-day cocoa growing. It is located on the banks of the Rhine in Cologne's old town, easily recognisable by the Malakoff Tower and the chocolate fountain in front of it.

The museum offers a variety of experiences, including guided tours, courses, and tastings, which can be booked in advance on their website. The tour of the exhibition takes around 1-2 hours, but you can spend several hours in the museum, enjoying the chocolate fountain, the CHOCOLAT Grand Café, and the magnificent view of the Rhine. The café offers a range of chocolate delicacies, including hot drinking chocolates, chocolate cakes, fondants, waffles, and chocolate fondues.

The Chocolate Museum is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00, with the last admission at 17:00. It is easily accessible on foot from the old town and cathedral, or by bus, taxi, or rickshaw. There is also parking available in the nearby underground parking garage "Rheinauhafen".

The website recommends visiting during off-peak times, such as early morning or late afternoon, to avoid crowds. The museum is generally closed on Mondays from January to the end of March and in November, as well as during certain holidays.

Frequently asked questions