Cologne Travel Guide

Germany

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1M
Population
CGN
Nearest airport
$141
Daily Budget
80
Walkability
HIGH
Safety

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Plan your arrival in Cologne

Arriving

  • Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) · 15 km awayServes Köln (Cologne)
  • Main stationsKöln Hauptbahnhof

Getting online on arrival

  1. Install your Germany eSIM at home over Wi-Fi: iPhone or Android steps.
  2. When you land at Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN), turn on the eSIM line and data roaming for it.
  3. Networks listed on our Germany plans: O2 (5G) and Vodafone (5G).
  4. Germany plans currently start at $2.75, for 500MB/day over 1 day. Compare all 14 plans.

New to eSIMs? How an eSIM works · How much data you need

Landing late or with kids? Pre-book an airport transfer

Staying connected

  • Coverage4G/5G · excellent
  • Wi-Fiwidespread
  • Suggested dataabout 1 GB a day · work it out
  • Weak signalSome areas in the outskirts
Compare eSIM plans

Useful apps

  • TransportUber
  • Food deliveryLieferando and UberEats

Cologne at a glance

Region
North Rhine-Westphalia
Population
1,025,523 (2025)
Elevation
59 m above sea level
On or near
Rhine
Currency
euro (EUR)
Plug types
C and F
Emergency numbers
Police 110
Drives on the
right
Official language
German
Calling code
+49

Sources: Wikidata and OurAirports open data, checked 29 October 2026.

Staying Connected

How long is your trip?

Prices in USD

On every plan here

  • Uses O2 and Vodafone, with 5G where available
  • Starts when you first connect, so you can install it before you fly

Our pick for each trip length from today’s plans: the lowest price that lasts the whole trip with enough data a day. A starting point, not a guarantee of what you’ll use. Data only, for unlocked eSIM phones. Check your phone · How much data do I need?

Compare all 14 Germany eSIM plans Travelling as a family? One order for 2 to 6 eSIMs, each labelled by name. Save up to 25%.

Top Attractions

1
Cologne Cathedral
A stunning Gothic cathedral and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
1.5h Free
2
Museum Ludwig
Modern art museum featuring works by Picasso and Warhol.
2h $12
3
Cologne Chocolate Museum
Interactive museum dedicated to the history of chocolate.
1.5h $12

Best Areas to Stay

Old Town (Altstadt)
Close to major attractions and vibrant nightlife.
TouristsNightlife
Ehrenfeld
Quieter area with local shops and parks.
BusinessFamilies

Typical Costs (USD)

$120
Hotel/Night
$18
Meal
$3
Transport
$3
Coffee
Estimated Daily Budget (USD)
Backpacker: $60 Tourist: $141 Family: $414

* Estimated from typical costs

Local Tips

Peak Hours:7-9am, 4-6pm
Best Day:Weekdays
Custom:Tipping is common, usually rounding up the bill.
Common Mistakes
  • Not validating public transport tickets
  • Underestimating the weather

Food & Drink

Must Try:Sauerbraten, Himmel un Ääd, Kolsch beer
Vegetarian:Medium
Tap Water:Drinkable
Brauhaus PützFischmarkt

Getting Around

Public Transport:Excellent
Rideshare:Uber
Walkability:80/100
MetroBusTram

Climate & Weather

Best time to visit: May, September, October

Warmest monthJul25°C average high
Coolest monthJan0°C average low
Wettest monthJul87 mm of rain
Driest monthApr48 mm of rain
Average daily high and low (°C) Rain (mm)
Monthly figures
MonthHigh °CLow °CRain mmRainy days
Jan5.90.06217
Feb7.20.15416
Mar11.42.05516
Apr16.14.54813
May19.78.16214
Jun22.711.28614
Jul24.913.38715
Aug24.512.88315
Sep20.49.76714
Oct15.26.86516
Nov9.83.56417
Dec6.51.06919

Averages for 1991–2020, not a forecast. Source: WMO climate normals (Koeln-Bonn, 16 km from Cologne).

Cologne travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Cologne?

May, September and October are usually the best months to visit Cologne. Average daytime highs range from about 6°C in January to 25°C in July.

How much does a day in Cologne cost?

Plan from about US$60 a day on a backpacker budget to around US$141 for a typical visitor, covering accommodation, meals and local transport (estimates).

How do I get around Cologne?

Public transport includes metro, bus and tram and is rated excellent. Ride-hailing is available through Uber. Walkability scores 80/100.

Which airport serves Cologne?

The nearest airport with scheduled flights is Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN), about 15 km from Cologne.

Is Cologne safe for tourists?

Overall safety is rated high. Watch for pickpocketing in crowded areas. Areas generally considered safe include Altstadt and Lindenthal. Check official travel advice before you go.

How do I stay connected in Cologne?

Install a Germany eSIM before you travel and turn it on when you land at Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN). Our Germany plans list O2 (5G) and Vodafone (5G).

Is tap water safe to drink in Cologne?

Tap water is generally considered drinkable.

Explore more of Germany

Germany travel guideGermany eSIM plans

Straight-line distances from Cologne.

Disclaimer

The information in this guide is intended for general travel planning purposes only and may change without notice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Graba SIM does not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or timeliness of the content. Travellers should verify entry requirements, local laws, health advice and services with official sources before and during their trip. Graba SIM is not responsible for any loss, injury, or inconvenience arising from reliance on the information provided. Always check with relevant government and health authorities for the most up-to-date travel requirements.