Cologne is a living museum of European history through the ages. From its early days as a Roman settlement to the Medieval Ages, right through to 20th century wars and contemporary times, Cologne's architecture and public spaces are visual reminders of its storied past.

Take a private Cologne tour and explore the city's rich history with a friendly and knowledgeable local guide.

The heart of Cologne rises high above the city in the form of the twin spires of the <i>Kölner Dom</i>. This magnificent gothic cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the most visited attraction in all of Germany; your guide will ensure the time you spend here is entertaining and enriching. Cologne's city centre is compact and walking alongside your guide is an excellent way to explore all its nooks and crannies. Make sure to stop at a pub to sample some of the region's famous Kölsch beer, relax and get a glimpse of daily life in Cologne.

Enjoy getting to know the city on your private Cologne tour.

Cologne

The options are manifold.
Please have a look at my other walking tours first. Any combination of my other tour components in any order is possible.

This tour leaves us flexible, you can decide on the spot, what to do.

Just to be on the safe side, please check with me first, before booking this tour. Opening times of museums and churches, special exhibits or special events, public holidays do vary all the time and could make a visit impossible.

- your options are manifold - museums, cathedral, walks, bus ride

Cologne Any-Combination Tour

Our tour will start in front of Cologne Cathedral. You will hear about the difficulties to finish the construction and about the influence of the Hohenzollern family on Cologne during the Prussian empire. After a photo stop on Hohenzollernbrücke, a short walk takes us along Rhine river right into Cologne old town. I will get you some information about Cologne traditions like Carnival, the Cologne way of life and a short glimpse into Cologne brewing history. We will pass several Kölsch breweries and see Hohe Straße that is connected to Schildergasse, Germany's highest frequented shopping street. Before we come back to Cologne Cathedral you will recieve some advice on how to make your perfekt day or days in Cologne and in the Cologne surroundings

Let's discover Cologne Cathedral and the famous old-town with its Kölsch beer culture

Cologne in 90 minutes - Express Tour

History of Cologne: A 2000 years Journey Express Tour

If you are for the first time in Cologne, take some time and enjoy the walk through the tight lanes of the old city. Cologne is not only about the architecture, it's about the atmosphere and about mentality. So, we 'll stay outdoors!

When I moved to Cologne, I realised , that is not a typically german city. It's very special: due to the cathedral that dominates it, due to it's people so southern in their ways and attitudes; due to it's mild climate. And that makes it so special for me.

I'll be happy to accompany you on this discovery trip. I'll show you the hidden yards and corners of the old city, make the past and present lively by telling you stories, anecdotes, and historical facts about the city, and its inhabitants, about their lifestyle.
Plenty of oppotunities for remarkable Photos!!

And there is no Cologne without a glass of Kölsch!!! Or why not to taste a glas of wine?
Join me in that discovery tour!!!

two typical characters of Cologne: Tunnes and Schel

From Romans to modern days, Join me in this walking tour through the center and old town of Cologne

Embark on a 4-hour private journey through Cologne's rich history and hidden gems. From Roman ruins to medieval cathedrals, guided by a local expert, explore this 2060-year-old city in a whole new light. Discover Old Town's iconic landmarks and embrace the vibrant Rhein lifestyle. Join me as I share my experiences in the city's many festivals and reveal the hidden history Cologne has played in our modern life. Immerse yourself in local customs like Karneval and firsthand traditions as I unravel the mysteries of this unique German city. Uncover your curiosity and ascend Cologne Triangle, the city's tallest structure, for an unparalleled view, all within my cherished home city.

Indulge in local refreshments en route.

Join me in my favorite spots around the city—an exploration of Cologne's heart like never before. A unique experience to create unforgettable memories. Duration and sites customizable; new itinerary upon request.

Half-day - Colognes Most Important Sights & Local Spots

Cologne Half-Day Tour: History, Romans, Churches, Monasteries, Stories,  WWII

We will discover more than 2000 years of history, from the Roman time to the city of Cologne as we know it today.

The tour isn't centred only around the historical facts but also the local culture, people, culinary highlights, and insider stories.

Walking tour of some of the city's most famous highlights.

Express walking Tour in Cologne

Altstadt (Old Town) - Express Walking Tour in Cologne

I believe that my mission is to show you around exciting attractions as well as inform you about their captivating backstories, and then allow you to live your own story in the present moment.

This being said, this tour is meant to unveil all the hidden gems of the old town for you, and give you the liberty to linger in any museum collection of your liking or to spend time in the myriad of restaurants or bars we'll be passing by.

We can meet at any point of your liking and then proceed to see the museums like the Ludwig Museum, Wallraf-Richartz Museum, Time Ride Museum & Medical Museum while I inform you about what you could find on each in case you decide to pay one of them a visit later on.

In addition to this we will see the various monuments, memorials & statues in Altstadt like Jupp-Schmitz-Denkmal, Reiterstandbild König Friedrich Wilhelm III, and Dreikönigenpförtchen.

The churches of St. Maria im Kapitol & Groß St. Martin will be on our list too, along with much more.

From museums to monuments, we'll leave no stone unturned!

Travel schedules are as numerous as there are travelers.

Maybe you will have a walking tour (included) as part of your travel itinerary, but it does not include any of the fabulous museums? You are curious about them, but the timing of the public tours offered does not match your travel plans?

Trade fair visitors, accompanying spouse, changing trains?

You would like to add another aspect to one of the existing tours? Just add an "One-Hour-Orientation" to it.

This tour lasts a "good hour. "

You may choose between a short vicinity walk around the cathedral or any of the museums listed below:

- Roman Germanic Museum,
- Ludwig Museum of Modern Art,
- Wallraf-Richartz Museum of Fine Arts.

Please, contact me before making the reservation. Availability changes quickly and does not always correspond with the online calendar. Thanks.

Enjoy with me a brief overview of either a museum or Cologn's Old Town

Orientation Experience in Cologne

It is the indispensible elixir of all Cologne citizens and still today the #1 beer in the Cologne area. Kölsch beer! Nationwide Kölsch beer is not that important, but it is better not to tell that to anybody in Cologne. On our walk you learn about the identity of the 'Köbes' and how to communicate with that person. And before we turn into practice you hear about the 'Kölsch Convention' and what makes Kölsch beer that different.

Ok - now it's time for fun. . . We will visit two Kölsch breweries to get you a taste of Kölsch beer. In the brewery you experience why Kölsch beer is always fresh when it comes to your table. And you learn why the Köbes is definitely more drunk than you are after he or she has been serving an eight hour shift.

You can even dip some further into culinary Cologne. Breweries and bars in Cologne old town are manifold, and the taste of some 'Halve Hahn', 'Blootwoosch', 'Himmel on Ääd' or 'Cologne Caviar' makes you fall in love with this extraordinary city

A cylinder is the characteristic shape of a Kölsch glass

On sunny summer days it is beautiful sitting outside on the ancient fish market in Cologne old town

Breweries and bars are manifold in Cologne old town

Churches like Grand St. Martin and Cologne Cathedral shape the skyline of Cologne

Experience the Kölsch way of beer and the best breweries of the city.

Cologne Brewing Tour

Cathedral of Cologne: Local Experte Guided Experience

The Cathedral is the main jewel of the city of Cologne and attracts a couple of million visitors every year. It is both a masterpiece of gothic and neogothic styles, the main church of the city, that houses the reliquary of three holy kings. But what is even more intriguing, that is the impact of the building on local Mentality - that's for me -the key matter.

I shall take you on a tour inside and outside of the cathedral. Every stone of it tells stories.
The roofs and walls of the ancient building are the house not only of awesome gargoyles but of mice, spiders and falcons.

We'll talk about it's remarkable architecture and different building Technologie. We 'll ádmire it's interior deco Ration.
The cathedral offers a wide range of pieces of art from the 13th century to modern days: the reliquary of 3 magy and the window of the most well-known contemporary German artist Gerhard Richter. It boasts the oldest wooden crucifix in Europe not to forget about the Renaissance and Barocco art. Don't miss it!

Join me to explore the facts and myths about the main church of the city in this express tour.

This Tour combines a walk of the old town, the Cathedral, the old town, Perfume history and the Belgian Quarter "Belgisches Viertel" which invites to laid-back ambience and housed in historic buildings.

Sightseeing combined with local areas

2 -hours Tour in Cologne with a local!

Cologne Culture Tour - Half Day: Over Ten Tastings of Drinks, Meals, and Snacks included.

Embark on a culinary journey through Cologne's rich 2000-year gastronomic history. Engage your senses as we explore local fare and cultural tales across diverse neighborhoods. Sample traditional Kölsch beer, a butchers shop with tastings, famous german cakes, and exquisite local pralines, enjoying stories from Cologne's daily life. Experience flavors from around the globe in this multicultural city or dive into authentic German dishes, guided by a local expert. Tailor your tour with options for nonalcoholic, wine tastings, and dinner reservations with or without your guide.  Perfect for groups, families, or food enthusiasts seeking a personalized culinary adventure.

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to taste the best of Cologne, enhanced by stories, historical sightseeing and insights that only a local guide can provide.

Includes food, drinks, and snacks at multiple stops. Minimum Ten Tastings.

Explore the senses and sights as you experience the flavors of Cologne

Perfume & Chocolate around the Rhine - Express Walking Tour in Cologne

A guided tour doesn't have to take a whole day: with this experience, I'm offering you a 45-minute guided tour in the Farina Fragrance Museum, where you will smell your way along 300 years of luxury and magnificence as you hear the success story of Eau de Cologne which is still created in the same house, by the same family.

We will also be strolling along the Rhine through the ginormous tower of Great St. Martin Church and Fish Market Square, which is one of the prettiest squares in Cologne, where I will let you know about its history along with the backstory of its bridges, which is intertwined with Cologne's history itself.

Besides this, we'd enjoy visiting the Chocolate Museum, including "Chocolate School, " where you will taste your way through all the stages of chocolate production. At this second museum, you'll be able to enjoy something delicious after our stroll and still have time to see other attractions within walking distance!

8 Euros for Farina Perfume Museum, and 3 Euros for Chocolate Museum.

Fresh & Sweet: from fragances to delicacies!

During this tour you will get to know the world famous Cologne Cathedral (from the outside) and you will discover Cologne's development over the years into the present.

Within a matter of minutes 2000 years of history will unfold in front of you.
Remember that Jews and Christians are mentioned in Roman documents going back to the 4th century. Now the city is undergoing enormous efforts to put all this on display by creating the famous "MiQua" zone - an archaeological site and museum. Its focus will be on the Jewish heritage of the city (expected opening is in 2026).
The Roman heritage collection is now at display in its new location at the"Belgian House" at Neumarkt square.

Please, contact me first before making the reservation.

Discover with me Cologne's 2000 year old history including the Roman Germanic Museum

Roman History of Cologne Tour

Cologne and its specialities - Perfume, Chocolate and Kölsch beer - Half-Day Tour

It is Cologne's most frequented museum: the famous Stollwerck Chocolate Museum that nowadays is run by the Swiss chocolate maker Lindt. Personally I love this museum! Not only that you learn about the history of chocolate production, you also can see how chocolate is produced in front of your eyes. But Cologne is not only the sense of taste. Only walking distance away Cologne is sense of smell! For centuries the Farina Family produces their 'Cologne' in Cologne old town. In Farina Fragrance Museum we will have a guided 45min tour.

But soon we come back to the sense of taste, cos Cologne old town stands for its unique brewing tradition as well. Still today 'Kölsch' is the #1 beer in and around Cologne, so while strolling the old town you hear some theory of Kölsch brewing. Then we turn into practice and cease the day with a visit of one or two Cologne breweries and have some active product testing in there.

Explore with me the Lindt Chocolate Museum, Kölsch brewery and the Cologne Fragrance Museum.

The castle Drachenburg is located in the Seven HIlls region in a picturesque surrounding, facing the river Rhine.
It was built at the very end of the 19th century to serve as a representation house for a wealthy local banker, Mr. Sarter.
Great zoned gardens, inspired by english gardening style, terraces and parks do not leave the visitor unimpressed.
The turbulent 20 century left many traces in the castle- once a stilish mansion became a Nazi school and later a residence of a nouveau-riche.
The castle was recently restored and offers an excellent insight in the lifestyle of the german bourgeoisie, but not only.

I love to sit there on a terrace in a shadow with a glas of wine, looking at the slow flow of the Rhine river. The views are fantasic there indeed!!

I 'll be happy to accompany you in this discovery trip to the 19th century castle with it's moving history

the interior of the dining room of the castle Drachenburg

the main staircase of the mansion. The view on the murals

stainglass windows in the smoking room. The saga of Nibelungs

Explore with me Königswinter and the beautiful Drachenburg Castle in this express tour.

Drachenburg Castle Tour from Cologne

Cologne's Christmas Market Tour: Tales & Tastings: From Market Magic to Festive Joy

Embark on a magical journey through Cologne's enchanting Christmas markets with a knowledgeable local guide who will tailor the experience to your interests, from music and shopping to the delightful scents and festive revelry. Explore up to 22 unique markets, including the famous ones, as well as hidden gems known only to locals.

Unveil Local Myths and Legends: Hear fascinating stories such as the legend of the Gnomes, mystical creatures said to have once completed all of Cologne's work under cover of night. Learn how these tales intertwine with cherished Christmas traditions and the festive atmosphere of the markets.

Cultural Exploration and Culinary Delights: Dive into the rich cultural heritage of German Christmas markets. Understand the historical and social significance that makes Cologne's markets so special. Indulge in delightful seasonal tastings.

Includes Transportation!

Bonn tours

Explore with 33 tours and 6 guides.

Marc P.

$ 234 (USD)

Thorsten K.

$ 189 (USD)

Olga S.

$ 206 (USD)

Ross Phillip G.

$ 440 (USD)

Servet A.

$ 103 (USD)

Mouneer S.

$ 211 (USD)

Marc P.

$ 154 (USD)

Thorsten K.

$ 343 (USD)

Olga S.

$ 114 (USD)

Servet A.

$ 126 (USD)

Ross Phillip G.

$ 515 (USD)

Mouneer S.

$ 298 (USD)

Marc P.

$ 269 (USD)

Thorsten K.

$ 726 (USD)

Olga S.

$ 251 (USD)

Ross Phillip G.

$ 440 (USD)

Meet your local guides in Bonn

Customize your tour