Relaxation on the Rhine: Cologne on a Budget

Why Go

Cologne is the fourth largest city in Germany, and one well worth a visit for travelers who love striking views and heaps of cultural attractions. It is often referred to as the City on the Rhine River, and by this river, you can enjoy magnificent views that travelers have been indulging in for centuries. As one of Germany's oldest cities, Cologne's history goes all the way back to the days of the Roman Empire. And even though many buildings were destroyed during the Second World War and had to be reconstructed, you can still feel the spirit of the past while sauntering through the town’s well-preserved streets. This mixture of treasured landmarks alongside bright new architecture is one reason that Cologne is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Germany.

But Cologne is more than just a pretty face. It is one of the cultural centers of the country, with museums, galleries, theaters, and concert halls that happen to be regarded as some of the best in all of Europe. For travelers on a budget, finding cultural fare for free or cheap is surprisingly easy, as is discovering a comfortable place to get a good night's rest. And with so many delightful and cozy pubs, mellow cafes, and fabulous restaurants to sample, the new in Cologne is just as fun to experience as the old.

Insider Tips

If you travel by plane, you will arrive at Cologne Bonn Airport. From the airport, there are a couple of different options to reach downtown. You can travel by bus, by train, or by taxi. Depending on your choice, you will be able to reach the downtown within 15-30 minutes. The costs vary from around 25 euros if you use a taxi to five euros if you take the bus. Detailed information about transfer options from the airport and timetables can be found on the official website of Cologne Bonn Airport.

With mild winters lacking in snow, Cologne is a pleasant vacation spot year-round. Traditionally hotels offer cheaper prices in September and October, so visiting in fall can be a good option for those looking to save money. Summertime also brings some humidity, which travelers might prefer to avoid.

Instead of a traditional human guide, you can choose a digital guided tour while exploring the city. You will be handed over a small handheld computer, iGuide, that will help you discover Cologne on your own. iGuide is available in English and German, and the fee is eight euros per four hours.

KölnTourismus representatives will answer all your questions while you are staying in Cologne. The office is located just opposite the Cologne Cathedral and is open every day of the week.

Cologne has excellent public transport. Depending on the number of persons you are traveling with, your plans, and the duration of your stay, you can choose various ticket types. Comprehensive information about tickets and transport options in Cologne can be found here. Children under the age of five travel free at any time. For older children, don’t forget to choose the children’s tariff.

If you want to have a particularly special experience, consider coming in February when the world-famous Cologne carnival (Karneval) takes place. Locals and guests get ready for this incredible event well in advance. Over two million people pour into the city for the festivities, but it does not seem to annoy anyone. The carnival as we know it is at least seven centuries old, and the culmination of festivities is the Rosenmontag, when a great parade takes place. Everyone dresses up in costumes that reflect the yearly theme, so find out what that is in advance if you feel particularly festive.

In July you can witness the famous Kölner Lichter, a festival of fireworks. Hundreds of thousands of people visit Cologne just to enjoy the show from the bridges over the Rhine River. It is advisable to come early to get a good spot. The event usually happens in July.

When planning your trip, make sure there are no trade fairs hosted at the period of your visit, because that can turn things from budget-friendly into prohibitively expensive. Cologne is a famous trade fairs center and yearly the city welcomes hundreds of thousands of guests mainly interested in visiting trade fairs. During this time hotels are booked out and prices can really skyrocket.

Where to Stay

There are over 250 hotels in Cologne ranging from low budget to elite, top quality hotels. If you plan your trip for Carnival or any other festival time you should book well in advance to get a fair price. Many tourists prefer the old town (Altstadt) hotels for accommodation. It is indeed very convenient since almost all important sights are within a walking distance. But at the same time, many of the hotels in the old town are located near bars or night clubs and it can become very loud, especially on the weekends. When booking a hotel, make sure to find out if there are bars and clubs nearby. If you prefer to be on the safe side and want to be sure that you will get a good night’s sleep, you might want to consider booking a hotel in business or residential area of the city. You can then reach the downtown really fast by bus, tram or underground.

One of few quiet hotels in the central part of Cologne is the Europäischer Hof am Dom. It is located just 400 meters from the central train station, and the Altstadt and all the main sights are just a few minutes away on foot. The windows overlook the centuries old Cologne Cathedral, making for a great view. The hotel provides a full range of services and comfort and is a perfect place for both individual travelers and families. You can have cribs free for children under the age of 2, children under 6 stay for free without an extra bed. There are rooms for non-smokers. The hotel is also pet friendly, and with prices ranging from 50 to 60 euros a night, its a true deal.

Hotel Weber, a small family hotel within a 15 minutes walk distance from the Cologne Cathedral, is another really great option for those who are on a tight budget. Plus, the hotel is situated on a quiet side street, so you won’t have to worry about dozing off peacefully. Clean and simply furnished rooms, friendly service, and the great location will make you feel comfortable during your stay in Cologne. Room prices range from about 45 to 99 euro, including breakfast.

What to Eat

Cologne cuisine combines the culinary traditions of the Rhine region with other countries’ cuisines. It is especially rich in fish and seafood dishes. One of Cologne’s specialties is Heringsstipp – herring pieces mixed with apples, onion, and spices in sour cream sauce. But there are more than traditional dishes.

If you really appreciate seafood, you will love Rhine-style Mussels (Muscheln rheinischer Art) – another Cologne specialty. You will also notice that traditional Rhine cuisine prefers sweeter side and meat dishes. One of the popular side dishes in the area, Himmel un Aeaed (Heaven and Earth), consists of apple mashed potatoes and is both sweet and savory. Other dishes travelers should definitely try are Kruestchen (schnitzel with toast and a fried egg), Haemchen (pickled ham hock with mashed potatoes or sauerkraut), Haxe (roasted pork shank), and Rievkooche (Potato pancakes). Beer houses (Bierhaus) also occupy a very special place in Cologne’s culinary scene, and all sorts of rare drink that is locally produced is available. Beer houses are the best places to taste authentic Cologne specialties.

At Peters Brauhaus, you will find friendly atmosphere, great food, pleasant prices, and traditional Cologne beer that can only be enjoyed in the city. Those who are serious about their hops will be delighted with the chance to sample a local alcoholic delicacy while snacking away and enjoying the sights. They even brew their own beer here! Mains are hearty and filling, perfect for budget travelers.

A delicious and savory Italian meal can be grabbed at Ristorante da Pino, or travelers who want to try seafood and French cuisine can head to Le Merou, adelightful spot near the Cathedral. Both are excellent options for quick snacks or longer more leisurely dining experiences.

Just opposite the Cologne Cathedral, Cafe Reichard is the best confectionery in the city and a perfect choice for those who have a sweet tooth. While you are there, try a piece of mouth-watering baumkuchen (layered cake) or traditional krapfen (doughnuts) with different fillings (vanilla, apricot or plum jam, or without filling). Mutzemandel (deep fried shortbreads) can be a delicious dessert choice, too. In fact, it might be worth repeat visits to sample a bit of everything; it's really that good!

What to See

The most famous Cologne sight is the Cologne Cathedral or the Dom. The Dom is the first thing you see when you go out the central train station, and it's a major landmark in the city. Standing 157 meters above the ground, the Dom rises above the historical center of Cologne and provides great photo opportunities. The cathedral astounds the visitors not only with its size but with contradictories in its style. It is monumental, but at the same time it surprises with delicate tracery work.The Dom is open daily from 6 am to 7.30 pm (November – April) or from 6 am to 9 pm (May – October). The entry into the cathedral is free. However, if you want to climb the Tower and observe a panoramic picture of the city of Cologne from above you will have to pay a fee (Adults: three euros; Family card: six euros). The tower is open 9-6 during the summer and 9-4 during the winter; check the Web site for details. In the bell tower of the cathedral, you can also see the largest working bell in the world.

The Dom is more than just a cathedral; it also houses one of the most important museums in Germany. The Treasure Chamber possesses a significant collection of sculptures, rare pictures, jewelry, and religious items such as books, an altar, frescos, ceremonial vessels and robes. The Treasure Chamber is open daily 10am-6pm, and the entrance fee is four euros for adults. Alternatively, purchase a combined entrance fee for the Tower and Treasure Chamber for five euros.

Cologne takes pride in being a home to one of the most unique museums in the world, the Chocolate Museum. Millions of visitors from all over the world have discovered a delicious world of chocolate since the museum’s opening in 1993. The museum does not have an aim to promote any particular chocolate makers or brands. Instead, it educates people about chocolate history and manufacture process. After visiting this museum, you will know everything about chocolates. Inside, there is a small chocolate factory and visitors are able to observe the entire production process through the windows. The chocolates made in this factory can be purchased on the ground floor or you can treat yourself to fresh chocolate from a towering chocolate fountain. The museum is open 10am-6pm Tuesday-Friday and 11am-7pm Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Admission is 7.50 euros for adults and a family pass is 21 euros.

There are 12 churches in Romanesque style in Cologne, the oldest being St. Gereon Church. Its dome is the largest in Germany, and it's a great spot for people-watching and a quiet walk through history. Some of the other unique architecture churches in the city are St. Andreas Church, St. Cecilia's Church, and St. Maria Lyskirchen Church. If you have time and if you are an architecture buff, you might just want to visit all 12!

Cologne is home to eau de cologne. No wonder, then, that there is a Fragrance Museum (Duftmuseum im Farina Haus). The exhibit in the museum brings to life the history of eau de cologne and its production. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 in the morning until six in the evening, and on Sundays from 11 in the morning until four in the afternoon. Admission costs five euros, and Audio-CD tours free of charge are available in a number of languages.

The Romano-Germanic Museum is a treat for those interested in archeology. The exhibits here include homeware, adornments, glass articles and other items which date back to the Roman time. Those who are serious about history and artifacts will be thrilled with the museum's collection, and it makes an excellent rainy-day activity.

For a more forward-thinking artistic experience, The Ludwig Museum presents a variety of contemporary art. The museum’s collection consists of expressionism, cubism, minimal and conceptual art, as well as Russian avant-garde exhibits. Finding works from some of the more celebrated young artists in Europe is easy here, making the museum an excellent pick for anyone whose taste tends more towards the future of contemporary art, rather than a wistful look at the past. It's also a fun museum for people-watching.