FOLLOW US

World Travel Guide > Guides > Europe > Germany > Cologne

Local time Cologne

Currency

Cologne Events

ColognePride

Cologne celebrates the unique spirit of the LGBTQ+ community with a series of programmes, including the CSD Street Festival and CSD Parade.

Date: 24 June 2023 - 09 July 2023
Venue: Various venues and locations.
Website: https://www.colognepride.de/
Cost:

Most events are free.


SummerJam

If you like reggae and dancehall, head to this festival set on an island in Fühlinger See (a swimming lake) in Cologne.

Date: 30 June 2023 - 02 July 2023
Venue: Fühlinger See
Website: https://summerjam.de/de/
Cost:

Various.


Cologne Marathon

The Cologne Marathon combines elite running events with a fun-filled festival.

Date: 01 October 2023 - 01 October 2023
Venue: Streets of Cologne.
Website: https://koeln-marathon.de/
Cost:

Free to spectate.


Museumsnacht Köln (Museum Night Cologne)

Museumsnacht Köln (Museum Night Cologne) sees several museums and art venues putting on special events.

Date: 04 November 2023 - 04 November 2023
Venue: Various museums and art venues.
Website: https://www.museumsnacht-koeln.de/
Cost:

Various.


Weihnachtsmärkte (Christmas Markets)

Cologne has several Christmas markets, including Markt der Engel, Nikolausdorf, and also markets in various city quarters (known as "Veedel" in Cologne). Each market features a different theme, with surrounding venues offering thematic performances.

Date: 20 November 2023 - 23 December 2023
(Date to be confirmed)
Venue: Various.
Cost:

Free.


Kölner Karneval (Cologne Carnival )

In Cologne, the carnival season starts in November (the previous year) but goes into high gear six weeks before Easter. The Shrove Monday parade (Rosenmontag in German) is particularly noteworthy, in which you can expect elaborate floats, costumed dance groups, and marching bands parading through the city.

Date: 08 February 2024 - 13 February 2024
Venue: Streets of Cologne.
Website: http://www.koelnerkarneval.de
Cost:

Various.


A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

Book Accommodation

Featured Hotels

SEE MORE

Centro Hotel Conti

Rooms at this cheerful hotel in the Belgian quarter are on the basic side, with a bed, small cupboard and small TV. The decor is no-frills as well, but it is good value and sits above a great Thai restaurant. It is also close to other restaurants and shops and has its own car park.

Hotel Engelbertz

A family-run hotel in the centre of Cologne, the Engelbertz has clean rooms, each equipped with a satellite TV. But do come prepared for some noise after dark as revellers stumble home outside.

Hilton Cologne

Set in a quiet side street by the cathedral, this smart, sophisticated hotel has all the quality you'd expect from a large chain. Its trendy IceBAR, which serves its signature shot in a glass made of ice, and onsite Konrad restaurant are popular meeting places for locals.

Hopper Hotel St Antonius

This very reasonably-priced design hotel is housed in a historic journeyman's hostel and set within walking distance from the main railway station and the banks of the Rhine. It comes complete with an excellent restaurant, original modern artworks and one of Cologne's most popular private theatres.

Stern am Rathaus

Nestled in the heart of the Altstadt, between the Rathaus and the Dom, this small family-run hotel couldn't wish for a more central location. There are only ninw rooms here, but each is spotlessly clean, modern in design, and equipped with everything you'd expect from an international chain hotel.

Savoy Hotel

The individually designed rooms in the Savoy are themed around different world destinations. So whether you're slumbering in the San Tropez suite or sleeping in the Samurai room, this smart boutique hotel allows you to travel the world without wandering any further than the wardrobe. It also has an excellent restaurant and spa facilities.