Classic Cologne Essentials and Brauhaus Visit
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Classic Cologne Essentials and Brauhaus Visit

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(50 reviews)
2h
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About this experience

Want to get all the essentials of Cologne in a single experience? From the founding our city, to our tragic past, to our beer, to our Karneval, you'll leave Cologne with the Kölner Gefühl - the Cologne Feeling - that special piece of our culture that makes this city one of the most beloved in Germany.

What makes this city so special isn't what you can find wandering the streets alone but CAN be seen through the eyes of locals. Without leaving the heart of the Old Town, we'll get beyond the tourist traps, covering everything you need to know while here.

Our tour will combine the classic pieces of history you'll need, a brewery stop at a local brewery and the brewery culture, and of course the Feeling that makes Cologne special.

We want to show you what makes Cologne the most beloved city in Germany!

Our guarantee while you tour with the best guides around? You'll fall in love with Kölle for yourself and leave understanding this city much better than you'd expect.

Available options

Classic Cologne Essentials and Brauhaus Visit

What's included

Local Tourguide with Deep Love and Knowledge of Cologne
One Kölsch at a Local Brewery
Local Tips and Recommendations from Years of Experience

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

Our starting point for the tour! Here you'll meet your guide and get introduced to the group that you'll spend the next hours with!

Begin to learn the background of Germany's most unique city. Get to know the origin of the "most Northern city in Italy" through our Roman routes to our laid-back attitude and culture. We'll show you a few hidden spots along the way.

2
Stop 2

Also known as the Love Lock bridge, view the Cathedral from its most famous angle while learning the history of Cologne's most important bridge from the good to the bad.

Spend sometime as well with Cologne's most useless square and its most overlooked monument.

3

Visit Cologne's famous Fischmarket while hearing stories of the Rhein river and its importance to Cologne. With one of Cologne's most iconic views as a backdrop, here you'll learn what made the river both the greatest giver and taker of life in Cologne while making us a city larger than London for centuries.

4

It wouldn't be a Cologne tour if we didn't stop for a Kölsch and get to know more about our most famous beer.

5

Fresh from a refreshing Kölsch, visit Cologne's most famous songwriter and hear his impact on Karneval, our fifth season. Dive into the importance of this period and learn a few songs and dances as well.

6

Cologne is full of hidden figures and meanings. We've got you covered. From here we'll give you a timeline of the city and show you when rivalries and animosity lead to obsceneties that can still be seen in our city center today.

7

Return to the Dom to learn about some of its special features and its not so special surroundings as we explain some of the architecture that enhances and mares Cologne. We'll explain why we're not the most beautiful city on the outside, but certainly on the inside.

8
Stop 8

We'll return to the Dom to end our stories with the history of our most important building. Go through the history of the Cathedral step by step and decide for yourself why this building defines so much of the city and its people. Here, we'll end our tour and leave you with recommendations and tips on what to explore next, where to eat, and where to find the best Cologne has to offer.

What's not included

Interior Visit of Cologne's Cathedral

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 4.9
50 reviews
5★
48
4★
1
3★
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2★
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1★
1

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

You can find your guide in front of Cologne's famous Cathedral near the large detached piece of our cathedral, just down a small flight of stairs and across from the tourist information center.

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.
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 18-99
1
Childs
Age 3-17
0
Infants
Age 0-2
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
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Free cancellation available
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