I first started to think about visiting Cologne in Germany when received a message from one of my future brides on Messenger. I read that this place has a “Rich history, impressive architecture, beautiful parks, delicious pastries, riverfront dining…“ and I knew I must experience it all myself.

I booked the flight tickets through the Way Away comparison website for me and my partner, and on the 4^th of May, we landed at the Köln-Bonn Airport.

Money

Euro is the currency used in Germany, and on top of your chip-enabled cards, you should carry some cash in your wallet as well. There are small restaurants and pubs which operate still on a cash-only system.

Insurance

As most travellers simply forget to take out travel insurance or leave with an inadequate amount of coverage, I would like just quickly remind you of the importance of protected travel, especially when unforeseen events occur abroad. You will be surprised to learn that the cost of our travel insurance is affordable compared to the overall budget of a trip. For example, AXA Assistance offers a global medical network, assistance in French and English 24/7, 365 days a year, and coverage tailored to the individual needs of travellers.

Transport

Cologne is easily walkable but if you wish to take a tram and explore it further simply buy 24h ticket and enjoy your journey. I suggest 24h ticket as you can hop on and off wherever and whenever you wish during this time and cost you only 7.70 euros, whereas a single journey is over 3 euros and these tickets are not round trip, so make sure you buy a new one for your return journey.

It is important to acknowledge that some tram stops are underground, therefore if you cannot see the tram tracks where you would expect, look around for the underground entrance.

To purchase the ticket, you can use the ticket machine or walk to the travel information. Just do not forget to activate it when first entering the selected means of transport as the charges for travel without a validated ticket are very high. If the machine does not give an option of inputting the name of the destination and instead just lists the fare tiers like 1b, 2b, etc., press 1b fare for traveling within Cologne.

The easier way is to download the DB Navigator app before you depart. It lets you plan journeys and buy tickets right from your phone, which allows you to skip the machine and hop right onto your train, tram, or bus.

If you feel adventurous and planning to drive from the airport or thinking to take a day trip out from Cologne to rent a car is a great idea. Visit the Auto Europe website to compare your options.

Travel from Köln-Bonn Airport

If you are arriving by plane, as we did, Köln-Bonn Airport is the closest to the city. Once you clear customs follow the signs for the train platform downstairs. There will be multiple ticket machines on the platform, all of which take cards or visit DB Navigator information desk on the arrival floor if you feel like interacting with a real person.

If you are taking the train into the city, you will either want to choose Köln Hbf which is the main station in the city center, or Köln Messe/Deutz Hbf, if you booked your stay across the river. The S19 train runs every 20 minutes, cost you 3.20 euros, and stops only four times on the way to the Köln Hbf There is no need to book a taxi. The super-fast ICE trains also run to Köln Hbf and are a good option if you’re coming from somewhere else in Germany.

Where to stay in Cologne

For only having a few days in Cologne, I recommend the city center area when booking your stay.

When I was doing my research, I find out that there is not much of a price difference between staying in the city center and farther out.

As you know to book your stay you can go directly to the hotel website or use Hilton Honors, Booking.com, Hotels.com, Airbnb, and many more. This time I decided to top up my All-Accor points and stayed at the Pullman’s Hotel.

Aside from being a five-minute walk to the city canter, the hotel itself is gorgeous, full of amenities, and famous for its amazing breakfast options. You do not have to be a guest to enjoy the food, simply approach the reception, pay for your plate, and join the party.

If you want incredible views and easy access to the sights, I highly recommend staying there. Did I mention that there is a heating floor in the bathrooms? Such a bonus.

There are also great VRBO apartment rental options in the city, especially in the lovely arty feeling Little Belgium district and near the Old Town.

Language

You can easily guess the German language is the main spoken and written form of communication. However, I did not have any problem finding a person who speaks English, especially in the hospitality industry.

I also believe that is always nice to be able to say a few words in the local language, therefore here are phrases you should learn before you travel:

Yes – Ja (ya)

No – Nein (nine)

Please – Bitte (BIT-eh)

Thank You – Danke (DAWN-kuh)

Pardon Me – Entschuldigung (en-SHUL-di-gung)

I don’t speak German – Ich spreche kein Deutsch (ish SPRE-ke kine doitch)

Do you speak English? – Sprechen Sie Englisch? (SPRE-ken ze English?)

Water – Wasser (VA-sa)

Coffee – Kaffee (kafi)

One – Ein (eyen)

Two – Zwei (zveye)

The Check, please – Die rechnung bitte (di rechnun bite)

Combining these words and phrases will help you get by in most places. Google Translate app is a great option as well, as not all places will present you with an English version of their menu.

Culture

German people tend to be thrifty, sensible, and respect one another’s privacy. They are extremely punctual, and even a few minutes delay can offend them. Simply use common sense and courtesy and you will be just fine during your stay in Cologne. However, there are four critical things you must remember:

The first rule, Kölsch is the drink of choice. It’s a light, crisp beer that’s served in special highball glasses. Every Bauhaus makes its own version, so try a few and see which is your favourite. The waitress will keep bringing you more glasses until you put a coaster on top. They also use the separate coaster to mark down how many glasses you have had.

The second rule, do not to break any rules, especially don’t abuse the honour system for tickets on public transit. The conductors can ask to see your ticket at any time.

The third rule, tip the waitress or waiter. If you think you will end up just paying your bill you are so mistaken. Whenever we stopped for food or drink at the end we always heard: ‘Should I add the tip to the card payment, or you are leaving me cash?’.

The fourth and last rule, enjoy yourself and explore the Cologne fully!!!