Cologne City Guide

Local dishes to try include Himmel un Ääd, Halve Hahn, and Kölscher Kaviar. The city offers diverse international food and more vegetarian or vegan options than before. Late-night eats like döner kebabs are common.

Nightlife is lively with many pubs, bars, and clubs. Hotspots are Zülpicher Straße, Friesenviertel, and the Old Town with traditional pubs.

Coffee culture is growing, with specialty cafes and local roasters appearing alongside traditional coffee spots.

Tipping is common but not required. In restaurants, rounding up or adding 5-10% is usual for good service. Taxis usually get rounded up to the nearest euro.

SIM cards are sold at Telekom, Vodafone, O2 stores, electronics shops like Saturn and MediaMarkt, and some kiosks. You must register with ID or passport. Telekom and Vodafone have the best coverage.

Streets and public areas are generally clean. Waste is well managed, with a strong recycling system.

Emergency pharmacies rotate 24/7. Some kiosks and gas stations open late. Hospitals have 24/7 emergency rooms. Food options at night are limited.

Supermarkets like Rewe, Edeka, Aldi, Lidl, and Netto offer a wide range, including international products. Most close by 8 or 9 PM and are shut on Sundays. Prices are fixed, no bargaining.

Cards are widely accepted in big shops and restaurants, but smaller places often prefer cash, especially for small buys.

ATMs from major banks like Sparkasse, Deutsche Bank, and Commerzbank are common. Withdrawal fees with foreign cards can vary, so check with your bank.

Cologne International School and St. George's are notable international schools teaching mainly in English. Applying early is recommended due to waitlists.

Digital nomad groups and meetups are growing. Many cafes and coworking spaces support remote work.

The city has excellent parks and green belts like Innerer Grüngürtel and Stadtwald, perfect for walks and runs.

Good running routes along the Rhine and in parks. Running clubs exist and the city hosts a marathon yearly.

Gyms vary from large chains to smaller studios, many offer day passes and short-term memberships.

Many tennis clubs with indoor and outdoor courts. Padel courts are growing in number.

Padel courts are becoming more common, with booking and rentals available at some clubs.

Several studios offer various yoga styles and English-speaking instructors. Drop-in and memberships available.

Dozens of gyms and dojos offer BJJ, Muay Thai, Boxing, Judo, Karate, Taekwondo, Wing Chun, and more, some with English-speaking instructors.

Ski resorts in Sauerland are 1.5-2 hours away. Snow depends on conditions, with options for beginners and advanced.

Kayaking and paddleboarding on the Rhine and nearby lakes are popular. Rentals and guided tours are available.

No ocean surfing, but there are artificial surf waves nearby, including seasonal and indoor options.

Limited freshwater diving spots in lakes and quarries nearby, with basic marine life and seasonal visibility.

Cologne has many hospitals with English-speaking staff, especially at Uniklinik Köln. Emergency numbers are 112 for ambulance/fire and 116117 for non-emergency doctor calls. Pharmacies have regular and 24/7 rotating emergency services.

Tap water is safe and clean to drink.

Lots of playgrounds and kid-friendly cafes. Baby supplies are easy to find. Attractions like the Zoo, Odysseum, and Chocolate Museum appeal to families.

Cologne is very LGBTQ+ friendly with many bars, clubs, and events like one of Germany's largest Pride parades.

Many pet-friendly places, including cafes and parks. Multiple vets and pet supply stores are available.