Our walking tours in Cologne
Your guided tour
Are you looking for the most authentic cologne city tours to truly uncover the secrets of this 2,000-year-old vibrant metropolis? Whether you are a history buff, a fan of vibrant local culture, or just someone looking for a good story, Cologne has a feeling that you won’t find anywhere else in Germany.
But let’s be honest: nobody wants a dry, scripted guided tour where a guide recites dates like a walking textbook. You want to explore Cologne, meet new friends, and hear the fascinating stories that actually makes cologne the unique place it is today. At CYHITours, we’ve perfected the art of the walking tour by keeping it authentic, fun, and accessible for everyone.
Why Choose Our Cologne City Tours Over a Standard Bus Tour?
When searching for tours in Cologne, you’ll see plenty of options—from the classic double decker bus to a cruise along the Rhine. While a bus tour with an audio guide or audio commentary is great for a quick overview, it often misses the hidden gems tucked away in the narrow streets.
We believe the best way to discover Cologne is on foot. When you explore the city with us, you get insider knowledge that you just can’t get from a double decker seat. We don’t just show you the top attractions; we help you experience the local life.
1. The Funky Free Cologne Walking Tour
This is our flagship city tour for anyone who wants a relaxed yet deeply informative overview of Cologne history. We’ll wander through the Old Town (Altstadt), see the Groß St. Martin church, and talk about the world-famous Cologne Cathedral.
- Highlights: Roman roots, medieval legends
- Vibe: Relaxed, friendly, and the perfect journey for first-time visitors.
2. The Rude Bastards Tour
This guided tour stands out among other cologne city tours like a middle finger! We dive into the uncensored side of German culture. No snowflakes allowed!
Discover the Sights: From Roman Ruins to Traditional Breweries
On our cologne city tours, we make sure you don’t miss any of the important information regarding the city’s eventful history. Here is what we’ll explore together:
- Cologne Cathedral (Der Dom): The ultimate cathedral experience and the symbol of the city.
- Vibrant Markets and Squares: Experience the feeling of the city’s heart, hearing amazing local stories and funny anecdotes that most guided tour operators leave out.
- Traditional Breweries: You can’t visit Cologne without a taste of Kölsch beer. We’ll show you the best spots to enjoy this local specialty.
- Modern Sights: We’ll give you tips on other attractions like the Chocolate Museum, the Cologne Zoo, or how to get to an event at the Lanxess Arena.
The Concept: A Journey on Your Own Terms
We believe that high-quality cologne city tours should be accessible to everyone. That’s why we offer a walking tour model where you decide the price.
- Join the tour at the designated location.
- Explore the city for 2 to 2.5 hours on foot.
- Decide what the tour was worth at the end.
Whether you are traveling from Italy, France, or within Germany, our tours are conducted in clear, engaging English or Spanish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
» Where do the cologne city tours start?
Our main meeting point is centrally located at the Cologne Main Station (Hauptbahnhof). For some of our specialized routes, we also meet at Rudolfsplatz. It’s the perfect, easy-to-find location to start your Cologne adventure and dive straight into the city’s eventful history.
» Do I need to take the bus to see the city?
While a hop-on hop-off bus or a double decker bus is a decent option for covering longer distances to the Cologne Zoo or the Lanxess Arena, most of the city’s top attractions and hidden gems are best explored on foot. Our walking tour allows you to navigate the narrow alleys of the Old Town where a large bus simply can’t go, ensuring you don’t miss the real feeling of the city.
» What about visiting the Chocolate Museum?
The Chocolate Museum is a fantastic place for some leisure time after your guided tour. Located right on the Rhine, it’s one of the most popular museums in Germany. During our walk, we’ll show you exactly how to get there from the Old Town so you can taste some world-class sweets once we’ve finished exploring the city’s sights.
» What if the weather is typically “German”?
As the locals say: there is no bad weather, only bad clothing! Our cologne city tours are designed for those who can “handle it.” We don’t let a bit of rain spoil the exciting stories. Just bring an umbrella or a sturdy jacket, and your guide will make sure to find plenty of dry spots and covered corners along the route to keep the journey comfortable.
» Which museums should I visit after the tour?
Cologne is a absolute paradise for culture lovers. After we finish our city tour, we highly recommend a visit to the Roman-Germanic Museum to dive deeper into the ancient foundations of the city, or the Museum Ludwig if you’re into modern art and Picasso. If you want to combine history with a great view, the Chocolate Museum along the Rhine is an absolute must-see for every visitor.