Best Intro to Cologne in 2 hours with a Local

Cologne , Germany

Best Intro to Cologne in 2 hours with a Local

Active

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Start your visit to Cologne with this 2-hour walk led by a Local. You’ll discover its highlights, hidden gems, taste a typical local product, and get practical tips. This is the best introduction to Cologne.

Get to see places like the Cologne Cathedral and City Hall, along with hidden corners of Cologne only known to locals that reveal the city’s everyday charm.

Enjoy a tasting of a local product, like Reibekuchen, for a flavour of Cologne and its traditions. You'll also receive local insights on where to eat, drink, and how to get around, helping you explore with confidence and make the most of your time.

• Get the best intro to Cologne through its highlights and hidden gems
• Taste a typical local product and connect with Cologne's traditions
• Get local tips on where to eat, drink, and how to move around the city
• Make the most of your time with this 2-hour walking experience
• Enjoy the intimacy of a small group, up to 8 travellers

Available options

2 Hours - English Tour

Duration: 2 hours<br/>Small group experience

2 Hours - German Tour

Duration: 2 hours<br/>Small group experience

Saturday Deal - 2 hours

Duration: 2 hours<br/>One start time, lower price

2 Hours - Private Tour

Duration: 2 hours<br/>Exclusively for you: Multiple language options available

What's included

Knowledgeable local host

Small group experience

Personalised recommendations

Local product tasting

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Immerse in the majestic presence of Cologne Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Discover the Old Market, the vibrant heart of Cologne's social life with historic buildings and lively atmosphere.

Visit the Historical City Hall, featuring stunning Renaissance architecture and rich political history.

See the Great St. Martin Church, an iconic Romanesque church that dramatically shapes Cologne's skyline.

Stop 5 Pass by

Walk the Hohenzollern Bridge, famous for its love locks and spectacular views of the Rhine and the cathedral.

What's not included

Personal expenses

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN

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

This tour is hosted by an independent Local.

You will be part of a small group of up to 8 travellers.

The itinerary adapts to travellers' interests and walking pace.

The local product tasting may vary depending on the season, availability, and travellers' preferences.

Stops may vary depending on weather conditions.

Entry tickets for public transportation, museums and monuments are not included.

Not recommended for guests with impaired mobility

Meeting point

We will meet in front of the souvenir shop “Der Kölnshop” to begin our discovery walk through the city.

Important notes

Your Local Host will contact you within 24 hours before the experience to confirm the meeting location and share any final details.

The itinerary and stops may vary depending on traveller preferences, walking pace, and weather conditions.

This is a walking tour of city highlights and does not include entry tickets for public transport, monuments, or attractions.

Please bring your booking confirmation to show your Local Host at the beginning of the experience.

Arrive 15 minutes early. The experience begins on time and, for organisational reasons, cannot be delayed.

All experiences are hosted by independent Locals who offer in-depth knowledge and authentic insights into their city. LocalBini connects travellers with Locals for unique, personalised city tours.

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.