Best Cologne City Tours & Excursions

WANT TO DISCOVER COLOGNE GERMANY?

You’re in the right place. This article highlights the best Cologne City Tours & Excursions.

As a German living in Cologne, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring this vibrant and historic city in depth. One of the best ways to experience all that Cologne has to offer is by taking a city tour or excursion.

With so many options available, it can be difficult to decide which tour is the best fit for you. That’s why I’ve put together this guide to the best Cologne city tours and excursions.

Whether you’re a history buff or just looking to see the city’s most famous landmarks, there’s a tour for everyone. So, grab your walking shoes and let’s dive into the best tours and excursions that Cologne has to offer!

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Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus

If you prefer to discover Cologne at your own pace, the Hop-On-Hop-Off bus tour is a great option for you.

With multiple stops throughout the city, visitors can explore Cologne’s most famous attractions without feeling rushed. This sightseeing tour provides an audio guide in multiple languages, giving visitors insight into the history and significance of each landmark.

The buses run on a regular schedule, making it easy to plan your sightseeing activities around the bus stops. The upper deck of the bus offers great views of the city, and the comfortable seating ensures a pleasant experience.

The Hop-On-Hop-Off bus is easily accessible via public transportation.

TOP 3 PICKS: BEST COLOGNE CITY TOURS

Best Guided Cologne City Tours & Excursions

There are several different ways to discover the fascinating city of Cologne.

Whether you prefer guided walking tours, Hot Rod tour, bike tours, Rickshaw tours, or even the possibility of a Helicopter Flight, there’s an excursion to suit every taste and interest.

To help you to make the most of your visit to Cologne, I put together a list of the best tours available.

1. Hot Rod Brothers – “The Adrenaline Tour”

A tour with a hot rod is probably one of the most fun ways to explore Cologne.

This unique experience offers the chance to see the city from an entirely new angle, cruising through the most popular areas of Cologne.

The tour includes an extra mile on the opposite side of the Rhine River for a fantastic photo stop with a clear view of the Cologne Cathedral. It will then take you through Cologne’s most famous districts and towards the Aachener Weiher pond before ending in the district of Ehrenfeld.

The tour takes about 2 hours and is available every day. Helmet, Beanie, a group picture and a welcome drink are included in the tour price.

GOOD TO KNOW

💰 Price: From 159.00 € per person

🕑 Duration: 2 hours

🧑 Live Tour Guide: German, English

🎈 Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

⛔ Not allowed: Sandals or flip flops, alcohol and drugs

🤰 Not suitable for pregnant women

2. City Highlights Segway Tour

Experience the bustling city streets of Cologne in a unique way by taking a segway tour through the city’s most beautiful corners.

With the convenience of a segway, you’ll breeze through the busy streets while making your way to each location on your itinerary, learning about the unique sites that make up the cityscape along the way.

After being briefed on how to drive a segway by your guide, you’ll take a leisurely ride to the following spots:

• Rheinpark
• Hohenzollern Bridge
• Cologne Cathedral
• Rheinauhafen
• Old Town
• Zoo Bridge

The segway tour through Cologne offers a convenient and unique way to explore the city’s most beautiful sites. With an experienced guide and the convenience of a segway, this tour is perfect for anyone looking for a fun and exciting way to explore Cologne.

GOOD TO KNOW

💰 Price: From 69.00 € per person

🕑 Duration: 2 hours

🧑 Live Tour Guide: English, German

🎈 Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

🤰 Not suitable for pregnant women

💗 Not suitable for people with heart problems

🙅‍♂️ Not suitable for people with epilepsy

🧍‍♀️ Not suitable for people over 260 lbs (118 kg) / under 99 lbs (45 kg)

3. Sightseeing Helicopter Flight

Are you looking for an extraordinary sightseeing trip? Then why not book a breathtaking helicopter flight and take in the stunning views of Bonn and Cologne.

The Helicopter Flight departs from the Bonn-Hangelar Airport and soars over the landscapes of the Rhine River, lush forests, and charming towns.

With a professional pilot at the controls, you can sit back and relax while taking in the stunning views. You enjoy panoramic views of the Seven Mountains, the charming Bonn city center, and the bustling Cologne metropolis.

Use the headsets provided to communicate with the pilot and ask any questions you may have. And don’t forget to bring your camera, to capture photos of the scenery below.

This helicopter sightseeing tour promises to be a thrilling and unforgettable experience that you won’t want to miss.

GOOD TO KNOW

💰 Price: From 189.00 € per person

🕑 Duration: 20-30 minutes

🧑 Live Tour Guide: English, German

🎈 Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

🤰 Not suitable for pregnant women

👧 Not suitable for children under 7 years

💗 Not suitable for people with heart problems

🙅‍♂️ Not suitable for people with epilepsy

🧍‍♀️ Not suitable for people over 243 lbs (110 kg)

👩‍🦯 Not suitable for people with mobility impairments

4. WWII Historical Sites Private Guided Walking Tour

If you are a history lover, an engaging and informative WWII tour in Cologne Old Town might be suitable for you.

Your Private Guide will ensure you get the best experience possible, following the traces of WWII and sharing tons of facts and stories about this dark period. Despite 95% of the city centre being destroyed during WWII, there is still plenty to see for those interested in war history.

There are two different options to choose from: A 2-hour walking tour through Cologne’s Old Town, tracking places connected to WWII history. And a 4-hour tour, additionally including a visit to the NS Documentation Center.

The 2-hours tour begins at the top highlight of Cologne, the Cathedral. It continues to the tragic story of the Trail of Remembrance and Stumbling Stones, the Roman sewers used in WWII, St. Alban Church ruins, Memorial Hindenburgbrücke, Dombunker, and the bombarded St. Kolumba Church.

The 4-hours tour will provide an additional hightlight: A visit to NS Documentation Center. This former headquarters of the Gestapo turned into a virtual “place of terror.” The basements of the house were used as prison cells and torture rooms. Over 1800 inscriptions made by prisoners can still be viewed today.

GOOD TO KNOW

💰 Price: From 124.70 € per person

🕑 Duration: 2-4 hours

🧑 Live Tour Guide: Spanish, English, French, German, Italian, Russian

🎈 Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

👩‍🦼 Wheelchair accessible

5. Medieval Churches Private Walking Tour

For those who are interested in history and architecture, a medieval Churches Walking Tour might be suitable.

This tour takes you to the city’s most historically and architecturally significant sacred buildings. As your guide leads you through Cologne’s Old Town, you will be given the chance to delve into the interesting facts and legends about religion in Germany.

Starting at the Old Market Square, the tour includes visits Cologne’s most impressive churches:

• Great St. Martin Church
• Cologne Cathedral
• Maria Himmelfahrt (Church of the Assumption)
• Basilica of St. Ursula
• St. Gereon’s Basilica

GOOD TO KNOW

💰 Price: From 120.70 € per person

🕑 Duration: 2 hours

🧑 Live Tour Guide: English, Russian, French, Italian, Spanish, German

🎈 Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

👩‍🦼 Wheelchair accessible

6. Private Rickshaw Tour

Another fun way to discover the sights of Cologne is through a private rickshaw tour.

Start your tour at the official tourist office in the central part of the city.

Your expert driver will take you to must-see locations, while revealing wonderful panoramic views of the cathedral and the east side of the river.

You can choose to end your tour in the upper city or by the riverside, depending on your preference. If you choose to finish in the upper city, you’ll visit the house of Johan Maria Farina to learn about the invention of Eau de Cologne.

If you choose to end by the riverside, your tour will take you to the southern part of the city, with stops at the Chocolate museum, Crane buildings, and Yachthafen.

This private rickshaw tour is a unique and enjoyable way to see the best of Cologne.

GOOD TO KNOW

💰 Price: From 46.00 € per person

🕑 Duration: 1.5 hours

🧑 Live Tour Guide: Spanish, English, German

🎈 Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

🚕 Pick up included: The guide will pick you up from your hotel in city center of Cologne. Please be ready for pickup ten minutes before the tour starts.

👩‍🦼 Wheelchair accessible

7. Pub Crawl Cologne

Want to experience Cologne’s nightlife? Then this Pub Crawl is the perfect tour for you!

This pub crawl will take you to at least 4 of the most popular bars in Cologne. The entrance fee to all locations as well as a complimentary shot in each pub that you visit is included in the tour price.

A top tip for a great pub crawl is to eat well before you drink. Choose solid food that will line your stomach!

You can also be provided with non-alcoholic drinks during the tour should you prefer.

GOOD TO KNOW

💰 Price: From 25.00 € per person

🕑 Duration: 1 day

🧑 Live Tour Guide: English, German

🎈 Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

👗 Dress code: Please dress appropriately.

✔ Minimum Age: You must be 18 years or older to participate in this tour.

8. Guided Bike Tour

If you enjoy cycling and want to discover the fascinating history of Cologne, a bike sightseeing tour is the perfect way to explore the city.

This guided tour takes you through 2000 years of Cologne’s past, from Roman times to the Middle Ages and up to the latest architectural developments.

Covering a route of approximately 15 kilometers, you’ll visit the most interesting places in Cologne.

The the following stops are included:

• Eigelsteintor (the medieval symbol of the northern old town)
• Prussian Fort X
• Zoo Bridge
• Rheinpark (voted Germany’s most beautiful park in 2007)
• Hohenzollern Bridge
• Cologne Philharmonic Hall
• Museum Ludwig
• Cologne Cathedral
• Martin’s Quarter
• Rheinauhafen (Crane Houses, Chocolate Museum, Siebengebirgshaus, Wurstbude)

This guided bike sightseeing tour offers a unique and environmentally friendly way to explore Cologne while learning about its rich history and seeing its most famous landmarks.

GOOD TO KNOW

💰 Price: From 39.90 € per person

🕑 Duration: 3 hours

🧑 Live Tour Guide: English, German

🎈 Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

9. Street Art Tour

Are you a street art lover? If so, explore the neighborhood of Ehrenfeld on a walking tour in Cologne, discovering its vivid murals.

From large murals on buildings to small stickers and paste-ups on gates and lampposts, admire multiple pieces of art and learn the story behind them.

The tour takes you wall-to-wall with murals, including the artwork of Berlin-based street artist El Bocho. You’ll explore the arches, tunnels, and exterior station walls before seeing the Edelweißpiraten mural, a tribute to the group of youth who opposed the Nazi rule. Also look for the Capitan Ehrenfeld mural.

After working up an appetite, the tour takes a break at Goldmund Literatur Cafe, where you can treat yourself to a piece of cake before heading to Senefelderstrasse to marvel at an iconic mural by ROA.

Finally, the tour ends back at Ehrenfeldgürtel, where you can look for the CityLeaks Urban Art Festival project on a residential building.

Overall, the Cologne Street Art Tour offers a unique and exciting way to explore Cologne’s street art scene in the hip neighborhood of Ehrenfeld.

GOOD TO KNOW

💰 Price: From 67.00 € per person

🕑 Duration: 1 hours

🧑 Live Tour Guide: English, German

🎈 Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

10. Kölsch Beer and Christmas Market Tour

In case you are visiting Cologne in December, don’t miss the chance to experience the city’s famous Christmas markets.

This tour will start in one of Cologne’s most popular brewhouses to taste some delicious local appetizers and Kölsch beer.

Afterwards, you will stroll through the enchanting Christmas markets, with a warm spiced wine in hand and listen to your guide’s stories about the old town. Don’t hesitate to try different types of mulled wines or a sweet treats as you explore the festive markets.

Your outr ends at a local brewhouse where you can purchase a hearty meal to complete your evening.

💰 Price: From 34.00 € per person

🕑 Duration: 3 hours

🧑 Live Tour Guide: English, German

🎈 Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

COLOGNE CITY TOURS & EXCURSIONS – FINAL THOUGHTS

If you’re planning to visit Cologne, taking a city tour can be a great way to discover the city’s most famous landmarks while learning interesting facts from a tour guide. Besides, it’s an opportunity to meet new people from different countries.

However, it’s important to note that guided city tours might not be for everyone. For those who prefer to explore the city at their own pace and without being accompanied by strangers in a group, a self-guided tour could be a better option.

Ultimately, it’s up to your personal preference and travel style whether you would like to book guided city tour or not.

IF COLOGNE CITY TOURS & EXCURSIONS AREN’T FOR YOU….

After reading this, you might not want to book a Cologne city tour after all.

If so, check out the articles linked below. There may be other activities suitable for you.

• Free Things to Do in Cologne
• Things to Do in Cologne with Kids
• Things Do in Cologne when it’s hot
• Things Do in Cologne when it’s Raining
• Things to Do in Cologne in Spring
• Things to Do in Cologne in Summer
• Things to Do in Cologne in Fall
• Things to Do in Cologne in Winter