Cologne Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide

Cologne , Germany

Cologne Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide

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About this experience

Cologne is one of the oldest cities in Germany, founded by the Romans in AD 50, when it was called “Colonia Claudia Ara Aggrippinensium”. Rome's imperial governor lived here and the city was quickly considered one of the empire's most important trade and manufacturing centres north of the Alps. Thereafter it was occupied by the Franks and was made an archbishopric (the office of an archbishop) by Charlemagne. It survived World War II and it is today considered a major cultural centre with museums ranking among the best in the world.

Available options

Cologne Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide

What's included

*Possibility to customize the tour on spot

*Private guide for your group only

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Your first touristic landmark will be Cologne Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and one of the main tourist attractions in the city . Walk around the cathedral and learn about its legends and mysteries that propelled it on the list of UNESCO's World Heritage.

Continue to Cologne's Old Town. There we will stop in one of its famous breweries, such as Peters Brauhaus, to try one of Cologne's treasures: the Kölsch beer (on your own, the drink is not included). Walk in the narrow alleyways and take pictures of the colourful and traditional houses.

Reach the Alter Markt, where in the Middle Ages it was the place of executions. If you get lucky, you might get a chance to enjoy the weekly market. Proceed to Heumarkt, where – in the past – the trading of cheese, meat and salt took place. Nowadays both areas are major attractions for tourists and for locals as well and are full of restaurants and cafés.

Move on to the City Hall, Germany's oldest city hall, a building composed of many different architectural styles, with a Gothic tower and a Renaissance style loggia and cloister. It is one of the most typical buildings of the Renaissance era. Next to the Town Hall stop by the Archeological zone of the Jewish Quarter. Learn about the long history of the Jews living in Köln and learn about the 17-metre-deep shaft of the Mikveh, the Jewish ritual bath, that was excavated in the area. Even today, the level of the Rhine can be read at the bottom of the Mikveh.

Next and final stop will be the Romanesque Catholic church of Great Saint Martin. With its foundation built around 960 AD, but recently restored after it was destroyed during the World War II, it's one of the highlights of the Old Town.

What's not included

*Gratuities

*Entrances

*Inside guiding

*Food and/or drinks

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN

Reviews breakdown

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2 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

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Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Central Meeting Point

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.