Cologne , Germany

Sightseeing Tour in Aachen

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

A PRIVATE tour of 2 hrs. for individuals and groups (up to 15 persons ) in language NL/DE/EN. We meet each other at the starting point Elisen Brunnen. Aachen has an attractive city center with important historic buildings as the Dom Cathedral ( Unesco heritage site ) and Rathaus ( Town Hall ). Both monuments tell visitors the story of Charlemagne / Charles the Great, the famous emperor of western Europe around 800. During the tour we will focus on Charlemagne, but also mention the story of the Aachen industrial revolution and the big university RWTH. We start of course with the rich history of Aachen as 'Bad der Koningen'( thermal baths ). During the tour we taste Aachener 'Printen', the traditional regional specialty. Starting time at 11.00 AM or 14.00 PM ( but flexible ). Similar tour also possible in Liege Belgium , Heerlen or Maastricht.( just ask ).

Available options

Sightseeing Tour in Aachen

What's included

Sightseeing walking tour

1 Aachener Print p.p.

Detailed itinerary

Originally built in 1827, this neoclassical pavilion features 2 sulphurous drinking fountains

The Elisabethhalle is a municipal indoor swimming pool in Aachen, Elisabethstrasse 10, not far from the Aachen Cathedral. It was built in Art Nouveau style from 1908 to 1911 for a total of 900,000 marks and opened on July 17, 1911. The Elisabethhalle is one of the few surviving swimming pools from the Art Nouveau era that are still in use today.

The Bahkauv is a mythical creature from Aachen. It resembles a large calf with sharp teeth and a scaly skin. It is said to live in the drainage channel of the Am Büchel thermal spring.

The bronze sculpture "Printen-Girl", made in 1989 by Hubert Löneke, donated by Leo van den Daele, location Büchel-Körbergasse.

Aachen Cathedral is the oldest cathedral in Northern Europe. The cathedral consists of Charlemagne's palatial chapel (the core of the cathedral and the nave proper), the construction of which started in 796, and a number of extensions from the Gothic style period.

Aachen Town Hall is the historic town hall of the German city of Aachen. The town hall is located directly opposite Aachen Cathedral, between the Katschhof and Markt squares. It is, next to the Dom, the most prominent building in the center of Aachen. One tower still dates from the time of Charlemagne. The Coronation Hall in the otherwise largely 14th-century town hall was once used for the coronation meal following the coronation of the Roman-German kings.

Pontstraße is a street in Aachen that runs from the Ponttor to the market square in front of the town hall. It is part of the former royal road, which kings took in the Middle Ages via Krefeld and Roermond. They were crowned in the imperial city of Aachen. The description platea que punt appelatur for this street can be found as early as 1232.[1] This could be roughly translated as "road that is called punt".

What's not included

Entrance fee Krönungssaal Rathaus

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN NL

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

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Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

In the Elisenbrunnen classical building between the two fountains.

About Cologne

Cologne, located on the Rhine River, is known for its stunning Gothic cathedral, vibrant cultural scene, and rich history. The city offers a mix of medieval charm and modern attractions, making it a captivating destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Cologne Cathedral

A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Germany's most famous landmarks, this Gothic masterpiece took over 600 years to complete.

Historical/Architectural 1-2 hours Free entry, €6 for tower climb

Rhine River Cruise

A scenic cruise along the Rhine River offers beautiful views of Cologne and other riverside cities.

Adventure/Cultural 1-2 hours €15-€30

Chocolate Museum

An interactive museum dedicated to the history and production of chocolate, with tastings included.

Museum 1-2 hours €12.50

Cologne Zoo

One of the oldest and most renowned zoos in Germany, home to a wide variety of animals and beautiful gardens.

Nature 2-3 hours €21

Old Town (Altstadt)

The historic heart of Cologne, filled with charming streets, traditional pubs, and medieval architecture.

Historical/Cultural 1-2 hours Free to explore

Must-Try Local Dishes

Himmel un Ääd

A traditional dish made with mashed potatoes, apples, and blood sausage.

Dinner Contains pork and gluten.

Rievkooche

Potato pancakes, often served with apple sauce or sour cream.

Snack Vegetarian, can be made gluten-free.

Halve Hahn

A rye bread roll topped with roast beef, mustard, and onions.

Lunch Contains beef and gluten.

Kölsch

A local beer, light and refreshing, served in small glasses.

Drink Contains gluten.

Popular Activities

Rhine River cruises Hiking in the surrounding hills Biking along the Rhine Spas and wellness centers River walks Coffee shops and cafes Museum visits Art galleries

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the best time to visit Cologne due to pleasant weather and numerous outdoor events. The city is lively with festivals and tourists.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: German
Widely spoken: English, French, Dutch
English: Widely spoken, especially among younger people and in tourist areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Cologne is generally safe, with low crime rates. However, like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against pickpocketing and petty theft.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps.
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions or surveys.

Getting there

By air

Cologne Bonn Airport • 15 km from city center

By train

Cologne Central Station

By bus

Cologne Central Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Trams and buses are efficient and frequent. The KVB app is useful for schedules and tickets.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Taxi Cologne, Mytaxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Deutz Südstadt Belgian Quarter

Day trips

Bonn

25 km • Half day to full day

The former capital of West Germany, Bonn offers a mix of history, culture, and scenic beauty along the Rhine.

Dusseldorf

40 km • Full day

A vibrant city known for its fashion, art, and nightlife, Dusseldorf offers a mix of modern and historic attractions.

Burg Eltz

100 km • Full day

A stunning medieval castle nestled in the hills above the Moselle River, offering a glimpse into the past.

Festivals

Cologne Carnival • February/March (Weeks leading up to Ash Wednesday) Cologne Lights • December Cologne Pride • July

Pro tips

Visit the Cologne Cathedral early in the morning to avoid long queues and crowds.
Explore the city's vibrant nightlife in the Belgian Quarter or the Old Town.
Take a Rhine River cruise to see the city from a different perspective.
Try local Kölsch beer in traditional breweries like Brauhaus Früh am Dom or Peters Brauhaus.
Visit the Chocolate Museum for a unique and interactive experience.