Cologne Highlights, Stories, and Local Atmosphere Tour
Cologne is best explored through the eyes of locals. Much of what makes this city special can't be found wandering alone. This tour reveals what makes Cologne the most beloved city in Germany. Experience the Kölner Gefühl—the Cologne Feeling—that makes this city unique. From love for the Cathedral, beer, and Karneval, to tragic pasts and construction issues, discover the true essence of Cologne. Starting outside the Old Town, we'll show you both the proud, popular side and the hidden, sometimes overlooked aspects of local life. Beyond the main stops, explore all facets of Cologne. By the end, you'll understand this quirky city better, loving it for what it is and appreciating its history. Join us and fall in love with Kölle for yourself.
Options
Classic Cologne Sights, Stories, and Spirit
What's included in Cologne Highlights, Stories, and Local Atmosphere Tour
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
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.
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?
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.
Inclusions
- Local Tourguide with Deep Love and Knowledge of Cologne
- Online Booking Fee (the price you pay online is to handle the booking process)
- Local Tips and Recommendations from Years of Experience
- Gratuaties - Tips are welcome and expected - Pay-What-You-Want! - Most people leave 10€ to 20€ pp
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- 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!
End Points
- 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!
