Cologne Holiday Deals 2024/2025

Cologne is one of Germany’s oldest cities and it is the fourth largest city in the whole country! Thanks to this you can expect a jam-packed itinerary when it comes to your Cologne city break. With so much to see and do, you’ll find it hard to know where to start. But, don’t worry, we’re here to help! And with our exclusive online discounts, you’re sure to bag yourself the perfect bargain break to Cologne.

Cologne Cathedral is a magnificent structure, and it took 632 years to build! Although it was hit by heavy bomb raids, the Cathedral managed to survive both World Wars and came out almost completely undamaged, which shows that the long build certainly paid off. Today, Cologne Cathedral is the city’s biggest draw and most prominent landmark. The Cologne Cathedral is famous for holding the shrine of The Three Wise Men, a holy relic brought there by Archbishop Rainald von Dassel back in the mid-12th century.

The city’s old town is parked right next to the banks of the Rhine. Narrow cobbled streets, old-school pubs and traditional restaurants serving German fare are the norm here, along with a healthy handful of museums. And if you’re after a Cologne keepsake, the historic squares at Heumarkt and Alter Markt hold regular market days.

A newer tradition which could be one for the history books in years to come is the ‘Comforter Tree’. The tree is found in Rheinpark and kids go there to hang up their own comforters to ‘put them to rest’ when they no longer need them.

Christmas in Cologne

Like most German cities, the Christmas market in Cologne draws in visitors from all over Europe. The Cathedral marks the heart of the action, where handmade decorations, arts and crafts, and festive foods are all on offer. And if you head a little out of the city centre, you’ll find plenty of smaller spots that have popped up in Cologne’s neighbourhoods, not to mention the Christmas Garden which takes over the city’s zoo for the holidays.

Christmas Garden Köln is a winter oasis where friends, couples and the whole family can spend an evening in a relaxed atmosphere. The Christmas Garden takes visitors on a two-kilometre tour of Cologne Zoo, a zoo steeped in tradition, with numerous glittering illuminations that transport them into a magical Christmas world. Those who would like to round off the idyllic winter stroll in an atmospheric way can enjoy delicious hot food or drinks on site and take a spin on the nostalgic carousel.

Food Glorious Food

Cologne has many tasty delights on offer throughout the city but here are some of our favourites that you must try! Kolsch is a pale beer that has been brewed for more than a century and is exclusive to this part of Germany. You can find it in several places, but for the real deal, it must have been brewed within 30 miles of the city.

Currywurst is up next – this tasty treat may have originated in Berlin, but you can find it in all cities across Germany, and no matter where you are it’s a must-try. The dish is made up of fried sausage that has been chopped up into small chunks and smothered in curry ketchup, often served with a side of chips or bread roll.

Rievkooche are a delicious sweet and savoury treat. The potato pancakes are often served with a topping of apple sauce or sugar beet syrup. If you want to get your hands on them, they’re served in taverns all over the city, but only on specific days, so you may need to hunt them out!

Your Must-Do Hit List

Museum Ludwig is an art museum which is home to a diverse collection of art including pieces from a wide range of artists from Dali to Warhol to one of the world’s largest Picasso collections. Even if you’re not a huge art fanatic, seeing some of these famous artists’ work up close is definitely worth it if you get the chance. 

Cologne Zoo has more animals than any other zoological park in Germany. It also boasts an aquarium, as well as the largest elephant park in northern Europe. With more than 10,000 animals and over 800 species, it’s sure to be a great day out for the whole family. Penguins, hippos, elephants, lemurs and so many more animals to learn about, you’ll be taken on a trip around the world when strolling through this zoo!

Kids, adults, anyone who loves sugar will be in their element at the chocolate museum! The museum shares 5,000 years of cocoa’s cultural history, as well as modern chocolate production. For us, the best part of the visit has to be the Chocolat Grand Cafe where you can indulge yourself in delicious cake and other chocolate specialities. 

Cologne Carnival takes place every year in the city, and traditionally begins on 11th November (11th month) at the 11th minute of the 11th hour…try saying that after too much Kolsch! After a brief pause for Christmas and New Year festivities, the main Cologne Carnival events, which are called the “crazy days”, begin on Weiberfastnacht, the Thursday prior to Shrove Tuesday, and end on Ash Wednesday. Cologne Carnival is Germany’s craziest party, so crazy in fact, that it makes Oktoberfest seem tame.