Is Cologne Worth Visiting? My Honest Review in 2025

Cologne Germany, is easily one of the country’s most beautiful major cities and I promise I’m not just saying that because I grew up nearby.

Cologne is a city that’s full of charm and character but it feels modern at the same time. The Old Town is beautiful, with cute pastel houses and stunning storefronts. The Cologne Cathedral is one of the largest and most impressive in Germany and definitely the highlight of the city.

What I love about Cologne is how easy it is to enjoy year-round. In summer, I love hanging out by the river, in Colognes parks and visiting the city’s many breweries. In winter, Cologne transforms into a winter wonderland with the most beautiful Christmas Markets (in my opinion in the whole of Germany).

I grew up just outside Cologne, so while I wouldn’t claim full “local” status, I’ve visited more times than I can count and still have friends who call it home. Let’s just say I know my way around and have plenty of opinions.

So, is Cologne worth visiting? In this review, I’ll share what I love most about the city, a few things I don’t, and my honest take on whether it deserves a spot on your Germany itinerary.

Is Cologne Germany Worth Visiting? My Quick Answer

Short version? Yes. Absolutely. I love Cologne. Out of all the bigger cities in Germany, it’s right up there at the top for me, probably tied with Hamburg if we’re keeping score.

I grew up just outside Cologne, so I’ve been visiting for as long as I can remember on day trips, weekends, and catching up with friends who still live there. 

I know my way around fairly well at this point so I’m happy to share my experiences. The Old Town (Altstadt) is just so beautiful with its pastel houses and little storefronts, and the stunning Cologne Cathedral right in the middle.

But what really makes Cologne special to me is, how alive it feels in summer. Everyone’s out, sitting on patios for drinks, picnicking in parks, wandering along the river. And because the sun doesn’t set until nearly 10 pm, evenings stretch on forever. We’d just hop from restaurant to bar to pub until it finally felt like calling it a night.

On the other hand, winters in Cologne are just as good. I honestly think Cologne has the best Christmas markets in Germany, and I don’t say that lightly. 

Last year, I went to Berlin and Cologne back-to-back just to compare, and Cologne’s were miles better. More charm, more atmosphere, and more Christmas spirit. I definitely recommend Cologne over Berlin in terms of Christmas markets!

What I Liked About Cologne Germany

Cologne Cathedral: I know it’s the obvious choice, but I can’t leave it out. The Cologne Cathedral is one of my favorite parts of the city. If you’re European and used to seeing massive old churches, maybe it won’t blow your mind as much. But for anyone coming from overseas then it’s definitely super impressive (for me it still is).

Summer Vibes in Cologne: I love how alive the city feels in summer. So many neighborhoods, especially the student areas, are buzzing with people sitting outside, having drinks, grabbing dinner, and just enjoying the long evenings.

Pubs and Breweries: I can’t resist a good German pub or brewery. One of my favorites is Gaffel am Dom, right next to the Cologne Cathedral. It’s a lively beer hall serving classic dishes like pork knuckles, dumplings, and big, salty pretzels as well as plenty of Kölsch beer. Maybe it’s not the most “local secret” spot, but it’s so typically German that I still recommend it.

Christmas in Cologne: I absolutely love Christmas in Germany in general, but Cologne does it especially well. The Christmas markets in Cologne are some of the best in the country, they’re charming, festive, and full of atmosphere.

Walkability and Transport: One of the best things about Cologne is how easy it is to get around. Stick to the central neighborhoods and you can walk almost everywhere, it sometimes feels like a small town. And if you don’t feel like walking, the public transport is excellent and makes exploring super simple.

What I Didn’t Like About Cologne Germany

Traffic Is a Nightmare: I know this is probably true for most major cities, but driving in Cologne can be a real headache. In recent years, I’ve started skipping the car altogether and just taking the train in, it’s so much less stressful.

The Food Scene Isn’t Amazing: I love Christmas market treats and traditional German dishes, but beyond that, Cologne’s food scene just doesn’t really wow me. Compared to other cities I’ve traveled to, it sits a little lower on my personal ranking.

It Can Be a Little Dirty: Like many big European cities, Berlin, Paris, you name it, Cologne has its less-than-charming corners. On weekends especially, after a few too many drinks, people don’t always behave their best and the streets can look a little worse for wear.

Things to Do in Cologne Germany

Visit the Old Town: Cologne’s Old Town is beautiful, especially around Heumarkt and Alter Markt. In winter, these squares transform into magical Christmas markets that make the whole area feel like a festive postcard.

See the Cologne Cathedral: Yes, it’s the obvious one, but you can’t come to Cologne and skip it. Take a few photos from the outside, then head inside and, if you’re up for it, climb the 533 steps to the top. The view is worth every step (and maybe the sore legs the next day).

Take a River Cruise: Is it touristy? Sure. But gliding along the Rhine on a boat with a panorama deck is a pretty great way to see the city from a different angle. Sometimes touristy things are popular for a reason.

Join a Brewery Tour: Cologne is known for its Kölsch beer, and a brewery tour is one of the most fun ways to experience it. Germans (including me) have mixed opinions on the beer from cologne but it’s definitely worth trying!

Visit the Chocolate Museum: Cologne’s Chocolate Museum is way more interesting than you’d expect. It dives into the history of chocolate, and yes, there are plenty of free samples. A great stop if you’re traveling with kids… or just love chocolate.

Have Drinks in the Student Neighborhood: The Studentenviertel (Student Neighborhood) is full of fun pubs and casual bars, definitely a younger crowd, but it’s a fun, relaxed area for an evening out.

Stroll Through the Botanical Garden: Just outside the Old Town, Cologne’s Botanical Garden is an underrated gem. It’s easy to reach by public transport and is especially lovely in spring and summer when everything is in bloom.

Who Should Visit Cologne

Honestly, I think Cologne deserves a spot on just about anyone’s Germany itinerary. I’ve been so many times, since I was a kid right up to recent years and I always enjoy it. That said, I’ve noticed how my own interests there have changed over time.

Back in my early twenties, I spent most of my time in Cologne’s student neighborhoods, hopping between pubs and bars. So if you’re a backpacker interrailing through Europe, definitely add Cologne to your list, it’s a fun stop with plenty of nightlife.

These days, I’m more about slow strolls through the Old Town, long afternoons by the river, and, of course, enjoying the Christmas markets when I visit in winter.

Honestly, Cologne works for just about everyone, from solo travelers and backpackers to couples looking for a romantic winter trip, and even families exploring Europe.

Is Christmas in Cologne Worth it?

Absolutely. I’ve said it a few times already, but Christmas in Cologne is something special. I recently spent the holidays back in Germany and visited both Berlin and Cologne back-to-back and honestly, Cologne’s Christmas markets were so much better than Berlin’s.

Berlin’s markets (at least the ones I visited) felt a bit commercialized, while Cologne’s had a much more authentic, festive vibe, especially the ones at Alter Markt and Heumarkt. The market right next to the Cathedral is a little more commercial, but it’s still worth a wander just for the atmosphere.

What I loved most was how the whole Old Town and city center transform into one giant Christmas market. Lights everywhere, mulled wine stalls on every corner, and that cozy, wintery feeling that makes you want to stay outside despite the cold. I had the best time.

Where to Stay in Cologne

I love exploring a city on foot, which is why I always choose a central location when staying in Cologne. 

My go-to area is definitely the Old Town (Altstadt) and the city center. From here, I can walk to most of the main sights, the Cathedral, Alter Markt, the riverfront, without relying on public transport or taxis.

When you’re looking at a map or browsing a booking site (I usually use Booking.com, they tend to have the best deals), aim for the west side of the Rhine. That’s where the city center is. Anything within the ring road (Hohenzollernring) is a great base.

Here are a few of the best hotels in Cologne, covering different price points. I’ve stayed at all of them myself and can happily recommend each one:

Book Here: Maritim Hotel Köln

Book Here: Stadthotel am Römerturm

Book Here: Garner Hotel Cologne

FAQs About Is Cologne Worth Visiting

When is the best time to visit Cologne?

I used to love Cologne most in summer, the city feels so alive, with people out late thanks to the 10 pm sunsets. But lately, I think I’ve changed my mind. Now I prefer Christmas in Cologne. The Christmas markets in Cologne are just incredible.

What are the best things to see in Cologne?

The Old Market and the Cologne Cathedral are obvious highlights, but for me, the Christmas markets in Cologne are now right up there too.

How many days in Cologne do I need?

I’d say two or three days is perfect. But even if you only have 1 day in cologne, you can still see most of the highlights.

Are there Christmas markets in Cologne?

Yes, plenty! The one by the Cologne Cathedral is the most popular (and looks amazing from above), but it does feel a bit commercialized. My favorite is the one around Alter Markt and Heumarkt, it’s so much more charming.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Cologne, Germany

Cologne deserves a spot on pretty much anyone’s Germany itinerary. Whether you have two or three days, or just one, there’s plenty to see and do.

I’ve always loved summer in Cologne, especially hanging out in the Belgian Quarter or Studentenviertel, staying out late and enjoying drinks on patios under the long evening light.

But recently, I’ve fallen hard for Cologne’s Christmas markets. Maybe it’s because I hadn’t experienced a proper German Christmas in years, but they felt so authentic, so cozy and the food was fantastic, too. I really enjoyed Christmas in Cologne.

I hope this little guide helps you decide whether to visit and answers your question: is cologne worth visiting.

Check Out My Cologne Germany Travel Guides

The Best Time to Visit Cologne Germany: My Seasonal Guide

How Many Days in Cologne Do You Need: My Day by Day Guide

Food in Cologne Germany: My Top Restaurants in Cologne

1 Day in Cologne: One Day Cologne Itinerary

Is Cologne Worth Visiting? My Honest Review

Where to Stay in Cologne Germany: My Top Hotels & Areas