Top 10 Things to Know Before Visiting Cologne, Germany

Is it actually expensive to visit Cologne?

#1 - Cologne is the LGBTQIA+ Capitol of Germany

As of a 2019 study, more than 10% of the population in Cologne identifies with the LGBTQIA+ population. Germany is considered one of the most LGBT+ friendly countries, and Cologne is the place that has the most concentration of this special population. You will see the flag displayed throughout stores and restaurants, but it is not overly displayed like in other parts of cities throughout the world. The annual Gay Pride is a huge festival that sees over a million participants each year.

Not only that, but Cologne is also a very ethnically diverse and accepting city towards immigrants and refugees. More than 36% of the Cologne population come from other countries, such as Italy, Turkey, Iraq, and Poland.

#2 - You Will Have to Pay for Tap Water

Not going to lie, we find this very frustrating. In several countries, it is a legal requirement to offer tap water for free. In Germany, that is not the case. At several restaurants we ate at, a small glass of water (like in the photo) cost us €3 each. That’s for about 3 gulps of water. Still water, on average, will cost about €7 for a small bottle. Don’t be surprised when you get your bill and see you had to pay for the water. It is a common practice throughout the country.

#3 - They Are More Welcoming if You Try to Speak German with Them

Ok, so the first time I traveled here, I barely spoke any German. Maybe it was the people I spoke with, but they did not seem as kind when I immediately spoke English to them. Of course that makes sense, though. It is always common courtesy to attempt to speak the native language, even if it is just a few words. Since that trip, I have studied German extensively and can almost say that I am fluent in the language now. This time around, I was pretty much only speaking in German. Wow, the difference. Obviously, I was not from Germany (nor do I have any roots in this country) so they could hear my accent, but they really appreciated me speaking German with them. There was a world of difference in how they treated us versus the non-native speakers who were not trying at all. They always seemed annoyed that the non-native speakers didn’t even know how to say “please” or “thank you.” Imagine how frustrating it would be for you if others expected you to speak their language. Of course, you’re not going to learn all the European languages fluently, but learning basics is always a good idea, especially in Germany. Also, the wonderful people of Germany are some of the kindest people I have ever met. They deserve the respect and kindness back.

#4 - Cologne is a Very Walkable City with Most of the Top Attractions Close to Each Other

The Cologne Cathedral is pretty much in the centre of the city. Everything else is within walking distance. For example, from the cathedral, it is a 0.2 mile walk to the Farina Fragrance Museum, 0.3 mile walk to Old Town, 0.8 mile walk to the Cologne Chocolate Museum (in the direction of Old Town), the Deutsches Sport and Olympia Museum is just next door to the chocolate museum, and Museum Ludwig is right behind the cathedral. There are also shops, cafes, and restaurants all within easy walking distance from the cathedral.

#5 - No Jaywalking

In Germany, you need to know how to follow the rules. One of the big rules in Germany, including Cologne, is NO jaywalking. Yes, it can be annoying with no cars or bicycles coming, but you really need to wait until the green light instructs you to move. We’ve seen locals yell at tourists for walking while the light is red. It is not usually tolerated or accepted in Cologne. And think about it - it’s for your safety. You may not see cars coming, but that doesn’t mean they cannot just appear out of nowhere. The driving in Cologne is scary at times, so it would be absolutely horrendous if you just walked right into a car. Follow the rules and be safe!

#6 - Some Bathrooms in Restaurants May Not Be Free

It is true that you usually are required to pay to use the bathroom in Germany, even in Cologne. There is either a machine you can pay through or you can give your money to an attendant. This can be in train stations, museums, petrol stations, and others. However, unlike other countries that have enacted this, restaurants and cafes can sometimes require payment, even if you already paid for food or drinks. For example, we went to a McDonald’s and ordered a happy meal just so I could use the bathroom. I was shocked that I still had to pay for the bathroom, which was €2 I had to pay the attendant. Showing him my receipt didn’t matter. That’s just how it is in restaurants sometimes in Cologne. So, now you know.

#7 - Lots of Beggars and Homeless

Unfortunately, Cologne has a large homeless population. It is apparent all throughout the city. Do not be surprised by the amount of homeless people you see when you travel here. This is partially due to refugees fleeing their former countries and trying to make a start in Cologne (and other parts of Germany). They often have nothing when they move, so they are trying to get themselves on their feet. We personally have not seen large groups of homeless people in other parts of Germany - Cologne definitely appears to have more of a homeless crisis than other parts of the country (that’s our observation). That being said, you do still feel safe in Cologne. Germany as a whole is a safe country to visit. There are organisations, such as the Berlin Homeless Shelter Association, which aims to resolving issues with the homeless crisis within their own city.

#8 - Smoking Culture is Everywhere

The smoking culture in Cologne (and many parts of Germany) is displayed everywhere you go. Unfortunately, it is difficult to escape cigarettes and e-cigs in the area. We’ve seen smoking in restaurants, bathrooms, museums, and stores. We even saw people smoking while waiting in queues for rides at Phantasialand. Honestly, we are a bit surprised to see this since there are several signs throughout a lot of these places instructing people not to smoke. With Germany being a very rule-driven society, it is a bit surprising to see so many locals not following the rules. We’ve been to Cologne many times and are always super surprised when we see this.

#9 - Lots of Tour Groups from River Cruises Make a Stop in Cologne

Cologne sits right on the Rhine River, which is a major river that flows through Germany. So, it is a convenient location for many commercial river cruises to use while they explore Europe. You will often see people with their river cruise associations holding matching hearing sets, fans, or ball caps as they walk in groups towards some of the famous landmarks of Cologne. For the most part, these groups are very respectful and friendly, but it can be annoying at times when you are trying to see these attractions and often get pushed aside by a river cruise group. These river cruise companies appear to do a very good job explaining the significance of the landmarks and attractions of the area; likewise, they seem to do a good job of keeping their groups together. However, such large groups can dampen the experiences of those who are not part of the group.

#10 - Do Not Expect Cologne to be a Cheap Trip

Look, a trip to Cologne is not cheap. One of our travel hacks to save money is to stay at a private apartment, such as Airbnb. Unfortunately, those listings can cost just as much as a standard hotel stay. Tickets for the attractions can also stack up. Sometimes, it kind of feels like you’re just throwing money at people every hour. You have to pay for tap water, to use the toilet, and pay additional fees on top of the initial cost of museum tickets. Food isn’t cheap, hotels aren’t cheap, and many souvenirs tend to be more expensive than average. However, that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying Cologne. There are plenty of things you can do that are free or reasonable. But, just know that a weekend in Cologne may cost you more money than you were expecting.