Germany
Cologne
Germany
Cologne
Updated Mar 09, 2025
Overview
Cologne captivates with its iconic Gothic cathedral and rich Roman heritage. But this city isn't stuck in the past. Trendy neighborhoods like Ehrenfeld buzz with street art and hip cafes. Locals cherish their Kölsch beer culture, best enjoyed in traditional brauhauses. For a unique experience, explore the Belgian Quarter's quirky boutiques or take a sunset cruise on the Rhine. Cologne's mix of old-world charm and urban energy makes it a dynamic destination.
Best time to visit. Visit Cologne from April to October for pleasant weather and outdoor festivals. The city truly shines during Christmas markets in December. Avoid February's raucous Carnival unless you're up for wild parties. Summer brings perfect weather for Rhine cruises and beer garden hopping.
City stats
Population
1,083,498
Land area
156 sq. mi.
Currency
Euro
Year founded
38 BCE
Official langauge
German
English speaking
Somewhat spoken, esp. in hospitality
State/Province
North Rhine-Westphalia
Timezone
Central European (UTC+1)
Driving side
right
Website
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Where to stay for work trips
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Average weather
Country holidays
Major annual events
Cultural tips
City details
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Work friendly
| Month | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 42°F - 33°F | 38°F - 28°F | Cloudy | 8:20 am | 4:50 pm | 12 days 2.4 in | 3 days 1.0 in | 9 mph |
| February | 45°F - 34°F | 41°F - 29°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:45 am | 5:40 pm | 10 days 2.0 in | 2 days 0.7 in | 9 mph |
| March | 52°F - 39°F | 49°F - 35°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:45 am | 6:30 pm | 11 days 2.2 in | 1 days 0.2 in | 9 mph |
| April | 59°F - 44°F | 57°F - 41°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:30 am | 8:15 pm | 10 days 2.0 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| May | 67°F - 51°F | 66°F - 49°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:30 am | 9:10 pm | 10 days 2.4 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| June | 72°F - 56°F | 72°F - 55°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:15 am | 9:45 pm | 11 days 2.9 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| July | 76°F - 59°F | 77°F - 58°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:30 am | 9:35 pm | 11 days 3.0 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| August | 75°F - 58°F | 76°F - 57°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:15 am | 8:45 pm | 10 days 3.0 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| September | 69°F - 53°F | 68°F - 51°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:00 am | 7:40 pm | 10 days 2.4 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| October | 60°F - 47°F | 58°F - 44°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:45 am | 6:30 pm | 11 days 2.2 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| November | 50°F - 40°F | 47°F - 36°F | Cloudy | 7:40 am | 4:40 pm | 12 days 2.5 in | 1 days 0.1 in | 7 mph |
| December | 44°F - 35°F | 40°F - 30°F | Cloudy | 8:20 am | 4:25 pm | 12 days 2.6 in | 2 days 0.6 in | 9 mph |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Germans celebrate the start of the new year with fireworks, parties, and toasts. | Avoid travel; most places closed. | ||
| Good Friday | Friday before Easter Sunday | Christian holiday commemorating Jesus' crucifixion. Many Germans attend church. | Limited services; plan accordingly. | ||
| Easter Sunday | First Sunday after first full moon of spring | Christians celebrate Jesus' resurrection. Families gather for meals and egg hunts. | Family-oriented; some closures. | ||
| Easter Monday | Day after Easter Sunday | Public holiday extending Easter celebrations. Many enjoy outdoor activities. | Extended holiday; plan for closures. | ||
| Labor Day | May 1 | Workers' rights celebration with parades and demonstrations across Germany. | Expect closures and demonstrations. | ||
| Ascension Day | 40 days after Easter | Christian holiday marking Jesus' ascension to heaven. Often a long weekend. | Long weekend; some services limited. | ||
| Whit Monday | 50 days after Easter | Christian holiday celebrating the Holy Spirit. Many enjoy outdoor activities. | Public holiday; plan for closures. | ||
| Corpus Christi | 60 days after Easter | Catholic celebration of the Eucharist. Public holiday in some German states. | Regional holiday; check local impact. | ||
| Day of German Unity | October 3 | Commemorates German reunification in 1990. Celebrations across the country. | National holiday; expect closures. | ||
| Reformation Day | October 31 | Protestant holiday marking Martin Luther's Reformation. Regional observance. | Regional holiday; minor disruptions. | ||
| All Saints' Day | November 1 | Catholic holiday honoring saints. Public holiday in some German states. | Regional holiday; check local impact. | ||
| Christmas Eve | December 24 | Main Christmas celebration in Germany. Families gather for dinner and gifts. | Evening closures; festive atmosphere. | ||
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Public holiday celebrating Christmas. Quiet day for family gatherings. | Avoid travel; widespread closures. | ||
| Second Christmas Day | December 26 | Extension of Christmas celebrations. Many visit family or enjoy leisure. | Public holiday; limited services. | ||
| New Year's Eve | December 31 | Celebrations marking the end of the year. Fireworks and parties nationwide. | Festive but busy; early closures. |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cologne Carnival | February - March (dates vary) | Massive street festival with parades, costumes, and parties celebrating before Lent | Join the festivities or avoid the crowds | ||
| lit.COLOGNE | March | International literature festival featuring readings, discussions, and performances | Great for literature enthusiasts | ||
| Kölner Lichter | Mid-July | Spectacular fireworks display over the Rhine River with music and light shows | Enjoy the dazzling night sky | ||
| Cologne Pride | First weekend in July | LGBTQ+ celebration with parades, parties, and cultural events throughout the city | Vibrant atmosphere, book accommodations early | ||
| Summerjam | Early July | Three-day reggae and world music festival held at Fühlinger See | Great for music lovers, minimal disruption | ||
| Gamescom | Late August | Europe's largest video game trade fair with exhibitions and new game releases | Busy time, book accommodations in advance | ||
| Cologne Marathon | Early October | Annual marathon race through the city streets with various running events | Expect some road closures on race day | ||
| Christmas Markets | Late November - December 23 | Traditional holiday markets with festive stalls, food, and drinks across the city | Magical atmosphere, but crowded |
1 | Germans value punctuality. Arrive on time for appointments and reservations. Being late is considered rude and disrespectful. Plan ahead and allow extra time for transportation. |
2 | Learn basic German phrases like 'Bitte' (please) and 'Danke' (thank you). Locals appreciate when tourists make an effort to speak their language, even if it's just a few words. |
3 | Shops and businesses are often closed on Sundays. Plan ahead for groceries and shopping needs. Some restaurants and tourist attractions may remain open, but hours can be limited. |
4 | Recycling is taken seriously. Follow local recycling guidelines in your accommodation. Separate glass, paper, and plastic. Look for designated bins in public areas to dispose of waste properly. |
5 | Cash is king in Germany. Many small businesses and restaurants don't accept credit cards. Always carry some cash with you, especially when visiting smaller towns or rural areas. |
6 | Public transportation is efficient and widely used. Buy and validate your ticket before boarding trains or buses. Riding without a valid ticket can result in hefty fines. |
7 | Greet people formally unless invited to use first names. Use 'Herr' for men and 'Frau' for women, followed by their surname. Wait for Germans to initiate a more casual form of address. |
8 | Respect quiet hours, known as 'Ruhezeit'. Avoid loud noises in residential areas between 10 PM and 6 AM, and on Sundays and holidays. This includes loud conversations and music. |
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