Cologne, the largest city in North Rhine-Westphalia, sits on the left bank of the Rhine River. As a former Free Imperial City and key member of the Hanseatic League, it boasts a rich history dating back to its Roman origins as Colonia Agrippina. The city is globally renowned for its Gothic masterpiece, Cologne Cathedral, which held the title of the world's tallest building from 1880 to 1890 and remains the tallest cathedral today. The skyline is further defined by twelve historic Romanesque churches. Additionally, Cologne is the birthplace of Eau de Cologne, produced here since 1709. With a population of nearly 1.1 million, it serves as a major hub in the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region. For frequent-flyer hotel travelers, Cologne offers excellent connectivity via its proximity to Düsseldorf and Bonn, making it an ideal base for exploring Western Germany's cultural and historical landmarks.
🕐 Europe/Berlin · 💱 EUR
Dietmar Rabich, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
☀️ Best months: Jul–Aug
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CGN airport guide (official info · terminals · lounges) →
Base yourself near the Cathedral or the Old Town (Altstadt). This central location places you within walking distance of major landmarks like the Twelve Romanesque Churches and provides easy access to public transport networks connecting to the Rhine banks and beyond.
Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) is well-connected to the city center. Regional trains and S-Bahn lines offer quick access to the main station and surrounding areas, typically taking around 15 minutes, ensuring efficient transit for business and leisure travelers alike.
Spring and autumn offer mild weather ideal for exploring the Twelve Romanesque Churches and the cityscape. Summer allows for leisurely walks along the Rhine, while winter brings the festive atmosphere of the famous Christmas markets, making every season appealing for different types of travelers.
most populous city in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Roman-Catholic cathedral in Cologne, Germany
château in Germany
music venue and hockey stadium in Cologne, Germany
football stadium in Leverkusen, Germany
bridge in Cologne, Germany
art museum in Cologne, Germany
museum in Cologne, Germany
archaeological museum of ancient roman and germanic cultures in Cologne, Germany
football stadium and home of 1. FC Köln in the city of Cologne, Germany
mosque
German stadium in Cologne
Since taking over the culinary reins from Joachim Wissler, Dennis Kuckuck, his long-time sous-chef and trusted colleague, has continued to uphold the high standards of this elegant fine dining restaurant. The cuisine, based on the French classics and rounded out with modern influences, is a real treat for diners – think wonderfully tender, poached and lightly flambéed winter cod, served with salmon roe and a buttery vin jaune sauce with savoury spruce shoot oil. Here, they know just how to bring out the natural flavours of the superb ingredients. The dishes have a clear structure and harmoniou
WebsiteAlthough not in the prettiest part of town and a little removed from central Cologne, this restaurant is well worth seeking out. In a well-kept listed building occupying a corner plot, chef-patron Marlon Rademacher and his dedicated team welcome diners to this modern, tastefully designed space. Made with outstanding quality ingredients, the cooking is refined and contemporary. Choose between the standard set menu and the "Menu du Prestige". A vegetarian set menu can be ordered at the time of booking. There is also a small à la carte selection, plus a reasonably priced lunch menu.
🕐 We-Fr 12:00-14:00, 18:00-22:00; Sa 18:00-22:00; Su 12:00-14:00, 18:00-21:00
WebsiteBrothers Alejandro and Christopher Wilbrand have transformed this historical inn into a place where diners can relax and indulge. Their cuisine succeeds in striking an interesting balance between classic gastronomy and a creative brand of modern cooking. They use first-rate ingredients to conjure up two set menus: one regular and one vegetarian. The well-thought-out dishes draw on regional culinary heritage as well as more far-flung European influences. On-point recommendations from the excellent wine list. In addition to their fine dining restaurant, the Wilbrands also preside over the less f
🕐 We-Fr 18:00-22:00; Sa-Su 12:00-14:00,18:00-22:00
Website"The Art of Taste" is the name of Daniel Gottschlich's new concept. In a six-course set menu, he creatively combines the tastes "salty", "sweet", "bitter", "fatty", "sour" and "umami", which are introduced in a "black box" with six small amuse-bouches served beforehand. This is imaginative cuisine that draws on regional specialities such as Halve Hahn (traditional Rhenish fare comprising rye bread and cheese). Another highlight is the "Mackerel" dish, inspired by Caesar salad and featuring a combination of tender yellowtail mackerel, sturgeon caviar, a tangy Reypenaer cheese cream, dots of fru
WebsiteLocated near the main train station (Hauptbahnhof), the cathedral and the Rhine, this restaurant is all about German cuisine. Maximilian Lorenz and his team serve up a creative set menu (also available in a vegetarian version) that combines the modern and the traditional. A prime example is their take on Rhenish Sauerbraten: dry-aged venison, marinated and braised the classic way, delicately pulled and enriched with a touch of braising jus, then finished with toasted pumpernickel breadcrumbs and flavoursome pickled raisins – a harmonious composition with characteristic mild acidity and subtle
WebsiteEnrico Sablotny and Lukas Winkelmann, the duo who run this little restaurant, are from the Ruhr Valley – hence the name! In the kitchen, first-rate ingredients are transformed into distinctly original, creative compositions. Skilfully combined flavours and harmoniously balanced contrasts are particularly evident in dishes such as "Crevette rose, young almonds, fig leaf & fermented asparagus" and "Miéral pigeon, radicchio, elderberries & liver bread". The carte blanche set menu never fails to surprise. Excellent service comes courtesy of very attentive, competent and charming waitstaff, contrib
WebsiteA classic grand hotel like the Excelsior Ernst (dating from 1863) may not be the setting you would expect for a restaurant done out in a minimalist Asian style. But for all its classicism, the venerable establishment right next to the cathedral also has a chic, modern side, which taku fits into perfectly. The straightforward, elegant design is complemented by Mirko Gaul's contemporary and well-thought-out dishes. Successfully balancing spiciness, acidity and sweetness, he creates an aromatic fusion of East Asian cuisine and Western/international influences. Here and there, you will also find r
WebsiteJulia Komp invites you to embark on an exciting culinary voyage around the world. Inspired by her own travels, she brings flavours from countries such as Iran, China, Bolivia and Turkey to the table in a wide variety of interpretations. Her enticing set menu is available in six or seven elegant and harmonious courses that are seasoned precisely with spices from around the globe. Dishes such as "Seafood Markt" offer a vivid impression of Thailand's rich spectrum of flavours. And the little khachapuri served up front as a "greeting from Georgia" feels wonderfully authentic. The decor of the smal
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