Cologne Vacation & Tourism Guide

7b5b255228612bd3cb61ed38e6c4f1f9 photo by maehlerfamily

Built along the Rhein River, Cologne is a magnificent city of culture, nightlife, and recreation. Cologne hosts several annual festivals, like the Winter Carnival and Christopher Street Day, and is home to a variety of hopping dance clubs and fun bars. With dozens of art and history museums, tourists hungry for culture won’t be disappointed. And tourists who are just hungry mustn’t miss the Cologne Chocolate Museum.

Great Recommendations from Real Travelers

1. Dom Hotel Star_rating-5

Real Traveler Rating: 4.8 out of 5 based on 33 reviews from 4 sources

from $113.67
Dom Hotel
Based on 33 reviews from 4 sources.
Service: Rating of 4.9 out of 5
Room: Rating of 4.9 out of 5
  • " Overall, the hotel is fabulous and I would strongly recommend. ...read more" — source Priceline

    " The hotel itself is nice, but nothing spectacular." — source Expedia

2. Dorint An Der Messe K...

Dorint An Der Messe Koeln
Star_rating-4
from $179.27

3. Lindner Hotel Dom Res...

Lindner Hotel Dom Residence Koln
Star_rating-4
from $77.39

4. Astor und Aparthotel

Astor und Aparthotel
Star_rating-3
from $83.36

5. Renaissance Cologne H...

Renaissance Cologne Hotel
Star_rating-4
from $110.15

6. Barcelo Cologne City...

Barcelo Cologne City Center (ex Crowne Plaza)
Star_rating-4
from $81.22

7. Hotel Imperial

Hotel Imperial
Star_rating-4
from $129.74

8. Marriott Cologne

Marriott Cologne
Star_rating-5
from $101.30

9. Breslauer Hof Am Dom

Breslauer Hof Am Dom
Star_rating-3
from $65.61

10. NK-Bergischer Hof

NK-Bergischer Hof
Star_rating-3
from $54.72
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  • 1. Kölner Dom

    Kölner Dom

    This giant Gothic cathedral, which until its completion in 1880 had been under construction ... more

     Real Travelers who've been to Kölner Dom

    Chester & Titus Chester & Titus in Cathedral Town said

    … (Hauptbahnhof) we were met with a grandiose view of the famous Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom).  It has two major spires… continue reading »

  • 2. Römisch-Germanisches Museum

    Römisch-Germanisches Museum

    This museum houses an impressive collection of classical art, including the ... more

  • 3. Schokoladenmuseum

    Schokoladenmuseum

    Located above the city's famous chocolate factory, this museum includes a diverse collection ... more

  • 4. Hohenzollernbrücke

    Hohenzollernbrücke

    ... mid-19th century there was a bridge connecting the two banks of the Rhein near to the Kölner Dom . This bridge was jokingly known to the inhabitants of the city as the Muusfall - the Mousetrap. At the beginning of the... more

  • 5. Heumarkt

    Heumarkt

    ... over the last few centuries! These days it mainly seems to be one huge building site, which is actually an archaeological excavation. Like the nearby Altermarkt, it was once for much more than just historians or tourists. T... more

  • 6. Fischmarkt

    Fischmarkt

    ... few reminders nowadays that the inhabitants of Cologne once bought and sold fish. One such is the Fischmarkt, next to the Rheingarten. The former fishery, which made a good profit particularly in Lent, when fish was the sta... more

  • 7. Filmforum NRW at Museum Ludwig

    Filmforum NRW at Museum Ludwig

    This art museum houses a diverse collection that includes everything from Dali ... more

  • 8. Theater am Dom

    Theater am Dom

    ... in the centre of Cologne, the Appartel am Dom offers service and comfort in 25 individually designed Junior Suites. Each room features a TV, a wireless telephone, free WLAN Internet access, noise-reduction windows, a safe,... more

  • 9. Claudius Therme

    Claudius Therme

    ... the most renowned and popular spas of Europe. If you fancy a swim in the surroundings of roman baths, this is the place for you. Pure relaxation in the pool is guaranteed. Thermal baths extend out of doors, and you can head... more

  • 10. Museum Ludwig

    Museum Ludwig

    This art museum houses a diverse collection that includes everything from Dali ... more

     Real Travelers who've been to Museum Ludwig

    … to the Ludwig Museum of Modern Art. We spent at least an hour in the pop art section and actually saw a piece that is by the aunt of our… continue reading »

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  • 1. Le Moissonnier

    Le Moissonnier

    ... is steeped in the aesthetic and culinary traditions of the early 20th century, with mirrors, cove moldings, dark paneling against ocher-colored walls, bentwood chairs, and tiled floors. Here you'll enjoy the carefully craft... more

  • 2. Unsicht Bar

    Unsicht Bar

    Unsicht Bar, located in the heart of Cologne, serves a variety of tasty dishes. Their menu has an array of lamb choices and even a vegetarian section. The ambiance is modern with prominent touches of traditional elements. Wheth... more

  • 3. Serithai

    Serithai

    You almost feel as if you're in the jungle here with all the bamboo, a considerable amount of which is used for the décor. You can choose between two places to sit - a stool or a cushion (don't forget to take off your shoes!).... more

  • 4. Daitokai

    Daitokai

    Daikotai, near the Kölnischen Stadtmuseum has been around for many years. You can view the whirlwind created by the chef as he prepares the meals right before your eyes, while seated at the so called Teppan Yaki tabletops, whic... more

  • 5. Eichendorff

    Eichendorff

    The Eichendorff is a tonic for the oppressed soul, starting with the interior: Located in a beautiful old street - a rarity in modern Cologne, the patio also offers the perfect setting for al fresco dining in summer. Lentil cur... more

  • 6. El Gaucho - Original argentinisches Restaurant & Steakhaus

    El Gaucho - Original argentinisches Restaurant & Steakhaus

    El Gaucho situated in the basement of the Ambassador Hotel is by far the most expensive prominent and exclusive steakhouse in the Kölner Dom  town. You will tend to come across business people and tourists who do not need to w... more

  • 7. Bombay

    Bombay

    The meals served at Bombay are extremely delicious and a fine example of Indian cuisine. The chicken tikka ( EUR 9), the marinated chicken breast with ginger, garlic and joghurt will cast a spell on you and take you to another... more

  • 8. Taj Mahal

    Taj Mahal

    The Taj Mahal in Agra is India's number one tourist attraction, and the Taj Mahal in Cologne is the city's finest Indian restaurant; a fact proven by the large amount of Indians who choose to eat here. Opened in 1979 as Cologne... more

  • 9. Lemongrass

    Lemongrass

    Lemon Grass is a new Thai restaurant in the Belgian quarter, directly across from the Whistle Stop Café. This restaurant has a particular advantage in summer—there is a lovely little back patio, which has been transformed into... more

  • 10. Café Bauturm

    Café Bauturm

    This café reminds one more of Paris than Cologne. It's proximity to the Theater am Bauturm downstairs lends the café a slightly literary flair. The two chandeliers are great! Breakfast is a particularly good deal here, but at a... more

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