Cologne
Germany
- Safety rating
- 8.1/10
- Best time to visit
- May to September is mild and pleasant, while February's Karneval and December's Christmas markets are festive highlights.
- Population
- 1.1M
Overview
Dominated by its colossal twin-spired Gothic cathedral, Cologne is a friendly Rhineland city famous for its riverside setting, fragrant eau de cologne, and uproarious pre-Lenten Karneval. Cozy brewhouses serving local Kölsch beer and a clutch of fine museums round out its appeal.
Top attractions
Climb Cologne Cathedral, stroll the old town and Rhine promenade, and visit the Roman-Germanic and Ludwig museums.
Getting around
An efficient U-Bahn, tram, and bus network covers the city, and the cathedral-centered core is walkable.