Cologne Highlights, Stories, and Local Atmosphere Tour

Cologne, DE
100% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (75 reviews)

Included

  • inclusion
    Local Tips and Recommendations from Years of Experience
  • inclusion
    Online Booking Fee (the price you pay online is to handle the booking process)
  • inclusion
    Local Tourguide with Deep Love and Knowledge of Cologne

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Gratuaties - tips are welcome and expected - pay-what-you-want! - most people leave 10€ to 20€ pp

Meeting Point

You can find your guide near the famous Northern Medieval gate of Cologne's old city wall! They'll be wearing a nametag and a smile ready to greet you!

Meeting point

Eigelstein 135, 50668 Köln , Germany

End point

End Point

Here, we'll end our tour in the center of our city, within walking distance of several great lunch locations, sights, museums and all transport you'll need to continue exploring!

Meeting point

50667 Cologne , Germany

End point

What to expect

1
Eigelstein Torburg

Here, at our Medieval starting point, you'll meet your tour group! Here you'll meet your guide and get introduced to that group that you'll spend the next hours with. We'll kick off the tour with some information about how Cologne came to be in the first place. From its Germanic Tribe and Roman routes to its strong Medieval past, we'll get into the essentials. We'll also begin opening up the culture of Cologne for you, helping you understand why this city feels more Italian at times then it has ever felt German. Let's get into that Cologne Feeling! Begin to learn the background of Germany's most unique city. Get to know the origin of the "most Northern city in Italy" through our Roman routes to our laid-back attitude and culture. We'll show you a few hidden spots along the way.

Duration 20 minutes
2

Lapidarium

In front of one of our favorite, local bars, we'll talk about some unfortunate boating in Cologne's past before exploring the history of Cologne's Iconic Crest. Learn about our colors, our patron saint and the reasoning behind our religious past. We'll also take some time to answer that one question everyone who gets to know a local wants to ask: Why do the people in Cologne love their city so very much?

Duration 20 minutes
3

Weidengasse 50

It wouldn't be a trip through the Eigelstein Quarter without a stop at one of the capitals of Cologne's Diversity: Little Ankara. We'll take about how Cologne went from being almost wiped from the earth and abandoned to becoming the most diverse city in Germany. In the heart of one of the communities that helped us rebuild from the ashes, let's talk about how our Germany's darkest period left us looking like a strange architectual mess but also gave us a heart of gold you won't find elsewhere in the country.

Duration 15 minutes
4
St. Maria Himmelfahrt

Let's take a little time to check out one of Cologne's hidden gems, the beautiful, multi-styled, Italian church in Cologne's Old Town that often gets overlooked. After a quick stop to discuss the art history of Cologne, we'll visit the interior of this beautiful church for a quick look at one of the most beautiful church interiors in the city and give you a glimpse into what rebuilding Cologne looked like!

Duration 15 minutes
5
Cologne Cathedral

Of course it wouldn't be Cologne if we didn't talk about the history of our most important building. Go through the story of the Cathedral step by step and decide for yourself why this building defines so much of the city and its people. You can't leave Cologne without getting to know this church better!

Duration 15 minutes
6

Roncalliplatz

Continuing our stories of the Dom to learn about some of its special features and its not so special surroundings as we explain some of the buildings that crowd the Cathedral. From the top to the bottom, we'll get into the details on the church like the windows, doors, gargoyles, roof and more before giving you the hints on how to visit before waving goodbye to the Dom for our tour.

Duration 15 minutes
7

Old Market

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Cologne is full of hidden figures and meanings. We've got you covered. From here we'll give you a timeline of the city and show you when rivalries and animosity lead to obsceneties that can still be seen in our city center today.

Duration 20 minutes
8

Willi-Ostermann-Brunnen

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While visiting Cologne's most famous songwriter and hear his impact on Kölle, let's dive into our fifth season. Hear the importance of this period in our year and learn a few songs and dances as well while you're at it. Karneval is a very individual experience. We'll give you all the need-to-knows and then let our expert storytellers take over, letting you in behind the scenes on their time spent in the largest Karneval in Europe and one of the biggest parties on the continent. Karneval can show you the best of Cologne. We'll make sure you know why! We'll end our tour here, centered in the Old Town where you can make your way to your next stop in our city with a fresh list of exclusive recommendations, deciding here the final worth of your tour!

Duration 15 minutes

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Service animals allowed
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Provided by Freewalk Cologne

What our experts say

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    Grab lunch at nearby Café Rico.
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    Visit the Chocolate Museum after!
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    Check out local bars in Eigelstein.
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    Don't miss the stunning Dom at sunset.
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    Wear comfortable shoes for walking.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Explore Cologne like a local with the Cologne Highlights, Stories, and Local Atmosphere Tour. Get ready to immerse yourself in the unique charm of this beloved city in Germany, uncovering its history, culture, and hidden gems along the way.

What to expect?

Joining this tour means diving deep into the heart of Cologne, guided by a local expert who knows the city inside out. You can anticipate discovering the true essence of Cologne, from its iconic Cathedral and love for beer to its tragic pasts and construction quirks. This experience promises to unveil the authentic side of the city that you wouldn't find on your own, giving you a comprehensive understanding of what makes Cologne so special.

Who is this for?

This tour is perfect for travelers who want to go beyond the typical tourist spots and really connect with the local culture. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or simply someone who loves exploring new places, this tour offers something for everyone. If you're looking to experience Cologne from a different perspective and gain insider knowledge from a passionate guide, this is the tour for you.

Why book this?

Immerse yourself in the Klner Gefhlthe Cologne Feelingthat gives this city its unique character. From hidden gems to popular landmarks, this tour covers it all, ensuring you leave with a deep appreciation for Cologne's history and culture. With a local guide by your side, you'll get the inside scoop on the best places to visit, eat, and explore, making your trip truly unforgettable.

Good to know

When booking this tour, keep in mind that tips are not included in the price, so feel free to show your appreciation with a gratuity at the end. The tour ends in the city center, giving you easy access to lunch spots, museums, and transportation options to continue your Cologne adventure.

Reviews

Travelers rave about the insights gained from this tour, with many praising the knowledgeable guide and the unique perspective it offers on Cologne. From hidden stories to local recommendations, guests have left with a newfound love for the city and a deeper understanding of its rich heritage. Book now and discover Cologne like never before!

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