Cologne is the largest city of the German western state of North Rhine-Westphalia and the fourth most populated city of Germany. It is one of the oldest cities in the country. It is also known as the city of churches with 12 large Roman churches located within the mediaeval city walls. It is home to more than 40 museums and more than 110 galleries. It is successfully attracting the attention of people from around the world.

Best time to visit Cologne, Germany

September and October are the best times to visit Cologne. It brings the perfect weather conditions for sightseeing. You can enjoy the variety of festivals offered by the city during these months. The weather around the city makes it easier to explore the unique and beautiful places. Apart from these months, you can travel to this city anytime in the year. It will always have something to offer to its visitors.

What to know about Cologne, Germany

Climate

Cologne is a city located in Western Germany, on the banks of the River Rhine has a sub-oceanic type of climate. It features mild and warm summers and cold winters.  The wind blows quite often during summers from the North Sea, which is not very far and even rainfall is very frequent. Sometimes it may be very hot in the city for a short duration of time due to global warming. 40.3 is the highest recorded temperature and was set in July 2019. In winters, the temperature is a few degrees above the freezing point in the daytime, while they are around freezing at night. Snowfall is also very common in the city and occurs in the form of light snow and lasts for many days during the cold waves. -25 is the coldest temperature recorded in January 1942. July is the warmest month of the year with an average maximum temperature of 25, while January is the coldest month of the year with an average maximum temperature of 6. July is the sunniest month of the year and receives an average of 209 hours of sunshine. July tops the list of wettest months of the year with 87mm of rainfall, while April is the driest month of the year with 47mm of precipitation.

Currency

Euro is the currency which is used in this city. If you are travelling to this city then you can use your credit cards as they are widely accepted throughout the country. ATM’s are also available throughout the city where you can use your cards. However, it is advisable to exchange your currency at the exchange currency office or airport when visiting the city.

Language

Colognian or Kolsch is a small set of very closely related dialects of the Ripuarian group of dialects of the Central German group which is commonly spoken and widely used language of the city. German is also the primary language which is spoken by most of the population in the city. It is fairly common to hear the English language in the city as it is a wonderful and popular tourist destination. 

Transportation

Cologne is a wonderful city to visit and to witness its beauty. There are many public transport services available in the city that you can use such as: 

Metro

Car hiring

Trams

Buses

Taxi

Bicycle

E-scooters 

Rail 

Places of attractions in Cologne, Germany

The Cathedral of Cologne

The Cathedral of Cologne is a very important towering landmark of the city and is located near the left of the Rhine River. It is a Catholic cathedral and a very renowned monument of German Catholicism and Gothic architecture. It is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. It took 632 years to build this cathedral.  It has a length of 144.5 metres and a width of 86.25 metres. The construction of this cathedral began in 1248 but was halted in the years around 1560. It covers an area of 6,166 square metres and its soaring roof supported by 56 pillars. Guide tours are available in English language that includes the interior as well as the roof of the structure. Various varieties of programs including concerts, events and services are organised by the cathedral in which all the visitors are welcomed. It is a must see attraction in the city. 

The Flora Botanical Garden

The Flora Botanical Garden is a municipal formal park and was established in the 19th century. It covers an area of 11.5 hectares and is visited by more than a million visitors every year.  It is home to more than 10,000 species of plants. It is also a member of the ‘European Garden Heritage Network’ and the ‘Botanic Garden Conservation International’.  It contains good collections of magnolias, coniferous trees, maples, rhododendrons and hamamelidaceae. You will be allowed to stroll through the public park and learn about the plants or simply enjoy the beautiful and colourful flowers which are arranged in formal beds throughout the growing season. It is open all year round for the visitors. Many flower shows, concerts and events are hosted by the historic building which is called the Flora, and serves as an elegant backdrop to the garden. It is a very peaceful place for spending time and to gain information about the garden.

The Zoological Garden

The Zoological Garden of Cologne is one of the oldest zoological gardens in the country. It was founded in 1860 and features more than 10,000 animals of more than 850 species on more than 20 hectares. It has an attached aquarium and invertebrate exhibit is active in preservation breeding of animals that are in danger of becoming extinct. The 19th century menagerie buildings which include the Moorish style elephant house and an old birdhouse are the evidence of the age of this zoological garden. Ape Island is also one of the important highlights with its mock rainforest, a well-stocked aquarium and an excellent big cat enclosure.  The visitors can view the animals through the glass without bars.