Hop on Hop Off Cologne: Best Cologne Bus Tour

LOOKING FOR A HOP ON HOP OFF BUS TOUR IN COLOGNE?

You’ve landed on the right article. I’m from Cologne, and in this post, I’d like to provide you with an overview of the available sightseeing buses in Cologne.

In fact, Cologne offers two Hop-On Hop-Off buses that stop at very similar locations. Even the price of both bus companies is identical.

So, why wait any longer? Let me tell you everything you need to know about the Hop-On Hop-Off Cologne bus tour.

*Cologne-to-Bonn contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you.

Best Cologne Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour

Does Cologne have a Hop On Hop Off Bus?

Yes, Cologne does have Hop-On Hop-Off buses available for tourists. There are two companies that offer these services, both of them stop at similar stops.

So, you have options to choose from, but regardless of your choice, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the city’s attractions at your own pace and convenience.

24h Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Stopps

The 24-hour Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus stops at 14 different stops every 30 minutes. The entire tour lasts 90 minutes. You can board and disembark at any of the 14 stops.

The following stops are included:

1. Cologne Cathedral

The bus starts near the famous Cologne Cathedral. The first bus departs at 10:00 AM, and the last bus departs at 05:00 AM. You can find the departure point on the map.

2. Old Town

The second stop takes the bus to Cologne’s Old Town. The Cologne Old Town is renowned for its ancient cobblestone streets lined with colorful historical buildings.

However, it’s not just the historic buildings that the Old Town is famous for. Within the Cologne Old Town, you’ll find numerous breweries where you can enjoy a beer and typical Cologne dishes like “Halver Hahn,” gaining insights into Cologne’s brewery culture.

If you’re a fan of beer and interested in the art of brewing, a Cologne brewery tour might be just the thing for you. Check out availabilitiy HERE!

Before leaving the Old Town, make a quick stop at the Heinzelmännchenbrunnen (Heinzelmännchen Fountain). This charming fountain, constructed in 1899, features the beloved mythical creatures of the city, the Heinzelmännchen.

3. Gürzenich

The third stop of the bus is the “Gürzenich” bus stop. Here, you’ll find the well-known Cologne Carnival store, Deiters, where you can get a glimpse of the colorful world of Carnival.

At Gürzenich, you’ll also find the Cologne Hard Rock Cafe, as well as the entrance to one of Cologne’s most famous shopping streets, Schildergasse.

4. Rothgerberbach

The fourth stop of the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour takes you to Rothgerberbach Street. Adjacent to a small park, you’ll find the highly captivating Hotel Wasserturm.

This building, formerly Cologne’s water tower, now stands as a protected historic landmark and hosts 80 rooms, among which 20 are suites. Each suite boasts a unique theme, such as the Artsuite, Cathedral Suite, or Culture Suite.

If a stay at the Cologne Water Tower piques your interest, go ahead and check availability and prices right HERE.

5. Chlodwigplatz

The fifth stop of the bus tour is the Chlodwigplatz.

Located at Chlodwigplatz is the Severinstorburg – a relic of Cologne’s medieval city fortifications. The square has been beautifully refurbished in recent years, adorned with trees and numerous seating areas.

From Chlodwigplatz, the Cologne Rose Monday Parade sets off annually. During the Advent season, a small Christmas market takes place here.

Surrounding Chlodwigplatz is the Cologne Südstadt (South City), which is worth a visit for its pubs and breweries.

6. Chocolate Museum

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The sixth stop of the bus tour is the popular Chocolate Museum.

Inside the museum, you’ll embark on a journey into the world of chocolate-making, tracing the process from cocoa bean to the chocolate bar.

A major highlight of the museum is the chocolate fountain. Imagine dipping biscuits into warm, melted chocolate and savoring a truly delightful treat.

If you’re tempted to bring some chocolate goodness back with you, fear not! The museum features a shop offering a variety of chocolate options for purchase.

For a relaxing interlude, the museum also houses a café where you can indulge in a range of chocolate-infused snacks and drinks, including the ever-so-comforting hot chocolate.

Are you interested in visiting the Chocolate Museum? Then book your ticket HERE.

7. Triangle Tower

The seventh stop of the bus journey takes you to the other side of the Rhine River to the Triangle Tower. With a height of 103.20 meters and 29 floors, the Triangle Tower is the second tallest skyscraper on the right bank of the Rhine in Cologne.

The building offers tourists a 400-square-meter observation platform that promises a unique view of the Cologne Cathedral and the Rhine River. Cost: Adults are charged € 5.00 per person.

8. Lanxess Arena

Not far from the Triangle Tower, the next stop of the bus awaits you – the Lanxess Arena.

The Lanxess Arena is a multifunctional venue located in the Deutz district. With a capacity of up to 20,000 seats, the Lanxess Arena is the largest event hall in Germany and ranks among the largest and most modern ones in the world.

9. Odysseum/Köln Arcaden

The ninth stop of the bus takes you to the area of the Kalk Arcades and the Odysseum.

The Kalk Arcades are one of the largest shopping centers in Cologne. This shopping center features a diverse range of stores, including popular brands like H&M, Esprit, and Media Markt. Bargain hunters will delight in the numerous sales and discounts available in the stores.

After a busy day, you can also refuel at one of the cafes or restaurants located throughout the center, offering everything from quick snacks to full meals.

The Odysseum in Cologne is an adventure museum that offers a unique and immersive experience for visitors of all ages. With an exhibition area of around 5,500 square meters, the museum features various interactive stations and programs that make science accessible and understandable to a broad audience.

The museum offers several activities that allow visitors to experience science in a fun and exciting way. The interactive exhibits cover a wide range of topics and provide a unique learning opportunity for families with kids.

10. Zoo/Flora

The tenth stop on your Hop-on Hop-off tour takes you across the Rhine once again. This time, your destination is the area around the Cologne Zoo and the Flora.

The Cologne Zoo is a renowned attraction where you can observe a diverse array of animals from all over the world. It houses over 7,000 animals representing 600 different species, including some that are rare and endangered.

The Flora is a beautifully restored historic building that hosts concerts, social gatherings, and conferences. It serves as the centerpiece of the botanical garden and offers a perfect retreat for tourists seeking a break from walking.

Adjacent to it, the Cologne botanical garden covers an area of almost half a mile and is home to over 10,000 species of plants. You can leisurely stroll through the garden and appreciate the natural beauty of the plants and flowers.

11. Eigelstein

The next stop is Eigelstein. Eigelstein is a street in the Cologne Old Town North that dates back to the Roman period of the city’s history.

The most famous landmark here is the Eigelstein Gate Tower, which is one of the four remaining city gate towers from the medieval city wall.

The Eigelstein street extends just behind the gate tower and is renowned for its high concentration of Turkish restaurants and supermarkets. If you’re a fan of Baklava, you’re definitely in the right place.

12. Mediapark

Just a few hundred meters from the Eigelstein Gate Tower, the next bus stop awaits you.

The Cologne MediaPark was once an abandoned freight station that has since been transformed into an attractive, lively, and architecturally outstanding multi-cluster location.

The MediaPark serves as a hub for various businesses, including media companies, and has become a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

One of the prominent features of the MediaPark is the Cinedom movie theater, situated within the complex.

For those who love good food, MediaPark offers a diverse range of restaurants to choose from.

Apart from the eateries and the cinema, MediaPark boasts a picturesque bridge that arches over a pond inhabited by swans. This bridge creates a tranquil and serene setting, ideal for visitors seeking a leisurely stroll. Surrounded by lush green spaces, the MediaPark provides a peaceful and calming environment for people to unwind and relish in nature’s beauty.

13. Friesenplatz

Friesenplatz is a section of the Cologne Ring, which transforms into a popular nightlife district at night.

Adjacent to Friesenplatz, you’ll find the trendy Belgian Quarter (outward bound) as well as the popular nightlife street Friesenstraße (inward bound), where the renowned Päffgen Brewery is also located.

14. Neumarkt

The penultimate bus stop of this journey takes you to Neumarkt.

Neumarkt is not only a transportation hub for public transit in Cologne but also the starting point for the city’s most renowned shopping streets. The shopping street Schildergasse, for instance, converges here.

At Neumarkt itself, you’ll come across the Neumarkt Galerie, an shopping center, crowned with an inverted ice cream cone on its rooftop.

15. Cologne Cathedral

The final stop brings you back to the starting point, the bus stop near the Cologne Cathedral, right next to Cafe Reichard.

The entire Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour lasts about 90 minutes. Depending on traffic conditions, there might be some variations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cologne a walkable city?

Yes, Cologne is a walkable city, especially in the downtown area where many of the main attractions and landmarks are located within a reasonable walking distance from each other.

Exploring the heart of the city on foot allows you to immerse yourself in its unique atmosphere and discover its charm at your own pace.

However, if you wish to explore more of Cologne’s diverse districts and neighborhoods, the KölnCard is the ultimate tip. With the KölnCard, you can travel for free on public transport, including trams and buses, making it convenient and cost-effective to venture beyond the city center. Additionally, the card offers discounts of up to 50% on various services and attractions from numerous partners, allowing you to make the most out of your visit to Cologne.

So whether you prefer walking or want to use public transport to explore further, the KölnCard provides a fantastic way to navigate the city and enjoy all it has to offer.

Is Cologne easy to get around?

Yes, Cologne is generally easy to walk around, especially in the central and downtown areas.

Many of the city’s main attractions, such as the Cologne Cathedral, the Old Town, and the Rhine River, are within a reasonable walking distance from each other. The streets are pedestrian-friendly, making it pleasant to explore the city on foot.

As you stroll through the city, you’ll find a mix of historic landmarks, charming squares, and bustling streets, all easily navigable on foot.

What is the best way to travel around Cologne, Germany?

The best way to travel around Cologne, Germany, depends on your preferences and itinerary. There are three main options to consider:

1. Walk: If you plan to stay within the downtown area of Cologne and want to explore the central attractions and landmarks, walking is an excellent option. The city is pedestrian-friendly, and many of the key sites are within walking distance of each other.
2. KölnCard: For those who wish to explore beyond the downtown area and venture into other districts of Cologne, the KölnCard is a great choice. The KölnCard offers unlimited free travel on public transport, including trams and buses, throughout the city. It also provides discounts of up to 50% on various services and attractions from numerous partners, making it a convenient and cost-effective way to navigate the city.
3. Hop on Hop off Bus: There are two companies that offer the service of a Hop On Hop Off Bus. Interestingly, both of them stop at the same designated stops. So, you have options to choose from, but regardless of your choice, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the city’s attractions at your own pace.
4. Rent a Car with Discover Cars: If you want to go on a day trip outside of Cologne and explore the surrounding regions or other cities in Germany, renting a car with Discover Cars is a recommended option. Having a car gives you the flexibility and freedom to create your own itinerary and explore places that may be harder to reach by public transport.

Ultimately, the best way to travel around Cologne depends on your specific preferences and travel plans.

Whether you choose to walk around the downtown area, use the KölnCard to explore more districts, or rent a car for a day trip, each option offers a unique and rewarding experience of this vibrant city and its surroundings.

Does Cologne have good public transport?

Yes, Cologne has a well-developed and efficient public transportation system. The city is served by buses, trams, and trains, making it easy to navigate and explore various parts of the city and its surroundings.

However, it’s worth noting that there are some limitations in terms of direct connections. This can sometimes result in having to travel through the city center and take detours even though the straight-line distance might be shorter.

How much is the bus fare in Cologne?

If you decide to go with the Hop-on Hop-off bus, the current daily ticket cost is 20 €.

Opting for public transportation presents two pricing options: 2.70 € for a ride within a single district and 3.20 € for rides that cross district boundaries.

For those planning to frequently utilize public transportation during their exploration of the city, the KölnCard could prove to be a valuable choice. With the KölnCard, you’ll enjoy unlimited free travel on the city’s trams and buses, along with discounts of up to 50% on a variety of services and attractions offered by numerous partners. This card offers a convenient and budget-friendly method to navigate the city.