Cologne
Cologne is a city in western Germany, located on the Rhine River. With a population of over 1 million people, it is the fourth-largest city in Germany. Cologne is a vibrant and historic city, known for its stunning architecture, including the iconic Cologne Cathedral, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is also famous for its carnival celebrations, which take place annually and attract visitors from all over the world. Cologne is a centre of business and industry, with a strong focus on media, technology, and innovation. It is also a cultural hub, with several museums, galleries, and theatres, and a lively arts and music scene.
St. Petersglocke
The largest, free-swinging, bell in the world can be found in Cologne Cathedral. Saint Peter’s Bell is 10 feet in diameter and weighs over 52000 pounds.
It's the birthplace of eau de Cologne
A lighter blend of perfume oils, this was invented in 1709 by Italian perfumier Giovanni Maria Farina who was, at the time, living in Cologne. The original formula created by Farina is still produced today, and is named after its location at Glockengasse No. 4711.
Roman History
The name ‘Cologne’ comes from ‘Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium’, the Roman colony from which it developed. Remains of the city wall, and the arch of the former city gate, can still be seen in the city’s Romano-Germanic museum.
Population
As of 2022, the population of Cologne is 1,136,992. Of course, this number is constantly changing.
Local Attractions
Kölner Dom - Domkloster 4, 50667 Köln | within city centre
Cologne Cathedral, or the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter, is the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe, and the tallest twin-spired church in the world.
Construction began in 1248, to house the “relics of the “Magi” (the bones of the Three Wise Men). As well as this shrine, the cathedral contains a number of treasures.
If you are feeling energetic climb the 533 steps of the Cathedral’s southern tower and enjoy the view from a height of 97 metres.
Schokoladen Museum Lindt - Am Schokoladenmuseum 1a, 50678 Köln | 2km from city centre
Follow the history of cocoa, and the journey from the cocoa bean to the bar, at this interactive museum.
Flora and Botanical Garden - Amsterdamer Straße 34, 50735 Köln, | 3km from city centre
The botanic garden spans 5.5 hectares, and features numerous garden styles. Within these gardens are over 10,000 species of plants.
Air and Rail Connections
Cologne Bonn Airport
This airport is 15 minutes from Köln Hauptbahnhof, and serves a number of European destinations.
Cologne Central Station – Trankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne
Köln Hauptbahnhof is the main railway station in Cologne. There are frequent services from here to Frankfurt via the Cologne-Frankfurt high speed line.
It is linked to the Köln Messe/Deutz station by the Hohenzollern Bridge.
Housing and living costs
Monthly average rental costs are calculated based on apartments both inside and out of the city centre.
- 1 bedroom – 1,213 euros
- 2 bedroom – 1,457 euros
- 3 bedroom – 2,198 euros
For further information, click here.
To calculate German tax click here.
For information about the German tax system click here.
International Education
St George’s British International School
This school provides education for students between 2-18 years old, as well as a boarding school for pupils between 14-18. They state that they wish to ‘empower children to lead a life that makes a difference’.
Cologne International School
This school offers students bilingual learning, stating that they bring ‘excellent education’, which is ‘tailored to each student every day’. Ages vary from elementary school through to secondary studies.
Activities
Odysseum - Corintostraße 1, 51103 Köln | 3.1km from city centre
This museum is perfect for children as it combines education with adventure! It allows children to learn through interactive exhibits. As they navigate the artificial jungle maze, or head outside to the outdoor adventure area, you can be sure that they’re learning something along the way.
Kölner Seilbahn - Riehler Straße 180, 50735 Köln | 3km from city centre
These cable cars from Kölner Seilbahn enable you to cross the river Rhine whilst providing an excellent view of the old town. The 930 meters long ride takes about 6 minutes to get from one river bank to the other.
Museum of Applied Arts - An der Rechtschule, 50667 Köln | within city centre
This museum is dedicated to applied art – everyday objects such as furniture, tableware and jewellery. Alongside temporary exhibitions there are two permanent collections; historical objects and 20th century design.
Events, Festivals and Holidays
Cologne Carnival
Although this is officially declared open in November, the main event is a week-long street festival between Fat Thursday and Ash Wednesday, known for fancy dress, street parties, concerts and parades.
Fronleichnam
The Feast of Corpus Christi is celebrated on the second Thursday after Whitsun; the Archbishop of Cologne leads a procession through the streets, which are often decorated with temporary floral altars. There is also a morning boat procession.
Cologne Lights
Held annually in July, this festival combines musical performances and fireworks, as well as a boat convoy that moves along the Rhine.
Food & Drink Options
1460 Veranstaltungsraum - Pipinstraße 3, 50667 Köln | within city centre
This bar is located up a staircase in a gallery. Once you enter, you’ll find a cocktail lounge and bar squeezed underneath the old arches of Klein Street.
Da Damiano - Marzellenstraße 66, 50668 Köln | within city centre
This delightful Italian restaurant boasts a menu of Mediterranean cuisine as well as classic recipes, in a sleek modern venue.
Scampino Wei - Deutz-Mülheimer Str. 199, 51063 Köln | 4km from city centre
Located on the Rhine, this Mediterranean seafood establishment combines the essence of the ocean with unique varieties of wine. The fish is always fresh, and the dishes are seasonal and excellent.
Hotels
NH Collection Köln Mediapark | 5-star hotel 1.7km from city centre
Address: Im Mediapark 8B, 50670 Köln
Phone: +49 221 271 50
Stadthotel am Roemerturm | 4-star hotel 1.1km from city centre
Address: Sankt-Apern-Straße 32, 50667 Köln
Phone: +49 221 20 930
Mauritius Komfort Hotel in der Altstadt | 3-star hotel 1.1km from city centre
Address: An d. Malzmühle 4-8, 50676 Köln
Phone: +49 221 234 141
Getting Around The City
Public Transport
Cologne has an extensive public transport system, comprised of buses, trams, a subway (U-Bahn) and suburban rail service (S-Bahn).
Click this link for maps, timetables and journey planners.
Taxi Companies
Funkmietwagen My Starcab | +49 221 484 98 181
Taxi Cologne | +49 151 117 75 454
Shopping Malls
Opern Passagen - Schwertnergasse 1, 50667 Köln | within city centre
Opern Passagen is the largest department store in the city. First opened in 1964, a combination of trade pavilions and prestigious stores occupy its 9000 square meter space.
Hohe Straße - Hohe Str., 50667 Köln | within city centre
Hohe Straße is one of the best-known shopping streets in Europe, and was the first completely pedestrianised road in Germany. It follows the route of the cardo maximus, the original Roman main street.
Local Football Teams
FC Köln
This team is currently competes in the Bundesliga and is nicknamed Die Geißböcke (The Billy Goats).
Pharmacies
Apotheke im Hauptbahnhof
Address: Trankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne
Phone: +49 221 80 111 444
Augustiner-Apotheke
Address: Martinstr. 16-20, 50667 Köln
Phone: +49 221 25 82 296
Dom Apotheke Köln
Address: Bahnhofsvorplatz 1 · 50667 Köln
Phone: +49 221 200 50 500