Things to Do in Cologne
• Buses show up every 30 mins at 14 stops, all close to the iconic attractions. Hop off when you're curious, hop back on when you're ready – it's that simple.
• Get comfortable in the double-decker bus while the audio guide in a language you pick reveals all the fascinating secrets behind Cologne's incredible history.
• History buff? Nature lover? Discover the Chocolate Museum, marvel at the Cathedral, or stroll along the Rhine on this route – the choice is all yours.
Over our 2.5 hours tour, you'll get to know the inside information on what makes Cologne a special place in Germany. Why do Cologne people like the number 11 so much? And why is Cologne called “the most northern city of Italy”?
On our Free Walking Tour we'll show you some of the main sights, get to know the origins of the city and learn why Cologne people do not fulfill the German stereotype. Our tour is not just about dry history of Cologne, we will rather try to give you the true Kölsche Jeföhl (Cologne Feeling)!
We offer our 'Classic Cologne' tour as a free tour:
-In English: every day at 12:11h and 16:11h.
-In German: every day at 12:11h. Extra: Saturdays at 16:11h.
-In Spanish: every day at 12:11h. Extra: Saturdays at 16.11h.
-In Portuguese: on Saturdays at 12:11h.
Please book in advance if you want to join this tour: we will only accept guests with bookings. The booking is free of charge. Each group will have a max. of 30 people (Kids under 14 years old don't count).
According to TripAdvisor, we provide the best free tours in Cologne! Our secret: We love Cologne and we'd like to share that love with you!
Free Walking Tour means that you decide at the end of the tour whatever it is worth for you and pay your guide accordingly.
• After taking your reserved seat on the decorated ship, enjoy live music and delicacies on board while catching the illuminations along the riverbanks.
• While you relax with your loved ones, don’t miss the Old Town’s colorful gabled-roof houses and the stained glass windows of the Cologne Cathedral.
• Watch out for Santa Claus as he makes a surprise appearance, spreading joy and laughter among the little ones.
• Fun fact: Eau de Cologne, the fragrance that has captured hearts (and noses) worldwide, originated in Cologne in the 18th century.
Do you have just a little time in Cologne but want to take it all in? Our 90-minute express tour of the city center is the perfect way to discover the essentials of the city in a fun and dynamic way. We start at the square in front of the Mondial Hotel, where we will give an introduction to the history of Cologne and its current life. Then, we head to a local brewery to talk about the famous Kölsch, before strolling along the Rhine River, exploring its banks and the most interesting areas of the city. We will visit the oldest perfumery in the world, birthplace of the authentic Eau de Cologne, where we will learn all the secrets of this perfume. The walk ends in front of the Cologne Cathedral, with its secrets, its construction, and curiosities about the main relic hidden behind the altar.
This tour is perfect for those who want to see the most important sights without wasting time, learn curiosities, and have an authentic experience. Book your spot and discover Cologne quickly, with a local guide, and stories that only the experts know!
• Groove to the beat of Christmas songs on a DJ cruise or watch the views float by as you relax with festive live music in the backdrop.
• Pass by the pastel houses before the Great St. Martin Church, the world’s tallest twin-spired church, Cologne Cathedral, and the Christmas market of Old Town.
• In the comfort of heated decks, sip on a drink, dig into delectable cakes and nibble on other treats you can purchase from the ship’s onboard bar.
• Fun fact: With a footfall of about 20,000 visitors daily, Cologne Cathedral is the most visited monument in Germany.
Being on the Top 5 on Tripadvisor speaks for itself! Discover the secrets of the biggest city on the Rhine on this free tour of Cologne's unmissable sights.
The meeting point is at the stairway next to the cathedral, right outside the Cologne Central Station. Not to be confused with the main entrance of the cathedral. It is not there 😉 We will be there with our white and green umbrella, so you can easily recognize us.
From there, we'll head to the Heinzelmännchenbrunnen fountain, so named after some curious gnomes connected to the city of Cologne... mysterious, huh?
Following our route, we'll see more of the city's most iconic monuments, like the Rathaus or City Hall, the Rheingarten, a park next to the River Rhine, and the Fischmarkt or Fish Market Square. Wandering onwards, we'll reach Dufthaus 4711. Did you know that this shop is one of Cologne's most famous perfumeries?
We'll then make a stop in front of the EL-DE Haus, former headquarters of the Gestapo.
You will get to see this and much more during our Free Walking Tour in Cologne with The Walkings.
Attention Groups!
This tour is designed for people traveling in small groups. Groups of 6 or more attendees are asked for a contribution of at least 10€ per person before the tour starts, so a fair income for the guide's work is guaranteed. The same policy applies to bookings coming from different names that actually belong to the same group.
• Journey through the Rainforest House and look for free-flying bats, colorful toucans, and elusive flying foxes.
• Visit Clemenshof, a traditional farmyard replica, and see heritage breeds like curly-coated Mangalica pigs and English Longhorn cattle.
• See a slice of Africa at the Hippodom. Listen for a hippo's thundering roar and the Sitatunga antelope's graceful movement.
• Fun fact: Cologne Zoo’s conservation efforts in Vietnam helped discover over 100 never-before-seen vertebrate species.
Cologne is one of the oldest cities in Germany, but its more recent history is also evident in its streets. This tour focuses specifically on the major events of the 20th century in Germany: Nazism and World War II. We'll visit museums, memorials, and former buildings linked to the Nazi regime. We'll discuss wartime attacks and the reconstruction of the city.
Join us as we discover the traces of World War II and Nazism in Cologne!
Are you looking for a different side of Cologne’s history? The medieval past, the witches, the ghosts, the things that go bump in the night? Maybe it’s time you join our Dark Side of the Dom tour. Walk with us on our ghost tour as we uncover the legends and stories that show you the darker side of this welcoming city. Join us as the sun goes down and the shadows grow longer in exploring the dark corners of our home.
Walk with us for around 2 hours to uncover the legends and stories about the darker side of this welcoming city. Join us as the sun goes down and explore with us the darker corners of our home.
We offer our 'Dark Side of the Dom' tour as a free tour every Friday at 19:00 in English.
Please book in advance if you want to join this tour: we will only accept guests with bookings. The booking is free of charge. Each group will have a max. of 30 people (Kids under 14 years old don't count).
According to TripAdvisor, we provide the best free tours in Cologne! Our secret: We love Cologne and we'd like to share that love with you!
Free Walking Tour means that you decide at the end of the tour whatever it is worth for you and pay your guide accordingly.
I offer guided tours in Cologne, for groups, individuals and business people. Tours focus not only on historical facts and the famous Dom Cathedral, but also on local culture and people, cooking highlights, hidden gems and insider stories. For a first impression, Iam offers an orientation tour of Cologne's top attractions! Cologne Cathedral Historic Center Hohenzollern Bridge Historic Town Hall Jewisch District Museum Farina, the birthplace of "Eau de Cologne" Whatever preference you have, Cologne has a lot to offer and I will make sure your stay turns into an unforgettable experience!
Lights, aromas, music, and flavors... all in one. Reserve your spot and let yourself be captivated by Cologne's Christmas magic!
Experience Christmas in Cologne by visiting its most iconic markets. We'll start at Roncalliplatz, next to the majestic cathedral, where the aroma of mulled wine and the famous Feuerzangenbowl mingles with carols and lights that will captivate you at first sight.
We'll continue to the magical Elf Market, a place of legend and charm. Skate on its ice rink, savor traditional sweets, and immerse yourself in the fairytale atmosphere created by its wooden stalls and Christmas characters.
We'll continue to the Angels' Market, where light and music awaken emotions and every corner invites you to indulge in the festive spirit.
We close at Rudolfplatz, a market full of history and color, presided over by Santa Claus, which will transport you to centuries of Christmas traditions beneath one of the city's most impressive Romanesque gates.
