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

Contemporary Architecture in the Media Harbour Express Tour

The Media Harbor is one of the first industrial harbors which has been converted into office buildings and cool restaurants. There is no other place on earth where there are as many buildings by star architects as in Düsseldorf within 10 minutes walking distance. Among them three (!) Pritzker Prize award winners - the Nobel prize for architecture: Frank Gehry, Renzo Piano, Fumihiko Maki.

I will make sure the landmark buildings "talk" to you: I will guide you to discover architectural treasures in their facades, outlines and the building material - and they will tell stories about water and waves, boats with their bows, railings, sails and gangways, radars, cranes and containers - all things which are connected to the "port" topic. And in the end you will agree: Architecture is fascinating!

A crane proves the history of the Harbor area

The dancing crooked Gehry buildings (Neuer Zollhof)

The "Cloud Hanger" in front of the historical malt factory

The "Cloud Hanger" in front of Jo Coenens "Dock", the Killepitsch factory in the background

Jo Coenens "Dock" mirrored in Renzo Pianos "The Float"

Rhine Tower seen from inside the City Gate

ship-shaped "House of Architects" (left), Kai Center (right) and a deconstructivist highrise by Steven Holl (center back)

the little family of buildings: father, mother and child - by Frank O. Gehry

Explore Dusseldorf's modern quarter including Pritzker price awarded architect's buildings

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

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 &amp; 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!

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

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

Food and Lifestyle in Dusseldorf Experience

Do you want to taste my city with a real foodie as guide? Life is too short for bad food and drinks! German food is so much more than pork knuckles - even though they are great. I cherish quality: Bakery Hinkel is the best in Germany - let's try one of their 60 kinds of bread. Düsseldorf is rich in mustard. If you bring a container you can have mustard on tap. Why craft beer when there are still four microbreweries in the old town serving our local top fermented Altbier.

The Carlsplatz market survives because of its focus on "the best": My favourite stall is small but filled with ingredients that are usually only sold to Michelin star awarded chefs. Let's enjoy the market roast coffee and delicious pastry by a German Pastry Chef of the Year. We will then walk 3 minutes to beautiful shopping street Königsallee to enjoy an atmosphere of luxury. Shopping from fashion to furniture. Let's end this culinary and lifestyle tour with a glass of Champagne - or taste the best Champagne chocolate truffles in the world.

A choice of three mustards on tap - bring your own glass with a lid and fill it up!

drinking an Altbier (dark top fermented beer) - or two - outside in the street

Pork Roll: Pork, pork, pork, and pork - glued with some mustard in a bread roll ... not really made for vegetarians ;)

our local herbal liqueur Killepitsch - sweet, sticky, yummy

Daniel Libeskinds "Kö arch" - and inside are Apple store, Porsche Design etc.

Altbeer - small glasses guarantee that it is always fresh

vinegar made from Altbeer - enormously tasty

A foodie takes you to her favourite market, mustard, beer and luxury shopping at Königsallee in this Half-Day Tour

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

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

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!

Schloss Drachenburg - Express Private Tour in Königswinter

Drachenburg Castle is a gem of history built as recently as 1884. A modern palace, its restoration was completed even more recently, back in 2010, with a focus on contemporary home decor. It's a true modern classic.

Take this tour to become the happy fairy tale owner of the palace for a couple of hours and enjoy its interior beauty, terraces, and varied park, which belongs to the European Garden Heritage Network, while learning about its multi-faceted history.

At the Middle and Lower Rhine junction, the castle is on a small plateau on the north-western slope of Drachenfels, facing the Rhine Valley, 150 meters above the river, with no car allowed to come near it; imagine how serene it is.

To appreciate the beauty of its region, we will take the historic Drachenfelsbahn cog rail.

Finally, if the palace proves too beautiful to leave, and sure it will, you can have a meal in it or any of the nearby restaurants.

Let's visit a fairytale castle, in which you will wish to reside.

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.

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

Dusseldorf Highlights in 2 hours - Express Tour

Düsseldorf is a still fairly unknown jewel ranking amongst the Top 10 cities worldwide when it comes to quality of living (according to the Mercer Quality of Living study). Everything is within walkable distance - I even got rid of my car.

So let's walk - approx. 4 km with in 2 hours. If you walk slowly it will be up to 2, 5 hours. You'll get a good overview of Düsseldorf.

We start at Königsallee, the "Champs Elysees" on the Rhine with luxury shopping.

Then we head for the Media Harbour - a place of pilgrimage for fans of modern architecture where you'll see for example buildings by Frank Gehry.

Then we stroll along the Rhine river promenade to the old town. Lots of history and stories there :)

Even though I am not a party animal (any longer) I love the vibrant atmosphere of the old town which calls itself "The longest bar in the world": Hundreds of pubs, bars, restaurants and discotheques - and 4 microbreweries.

one of the four microbreweries in the old town

crooked and twisted tower of St. Lambert church

The highlights of Düsseldorf: Luxury Shopping Street Königsallee, modern architecture and the historical old town

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.

Koln tours

Explore with 41 tours and 7 guides.

Anja Kühner

$ 278 (USD)

Thorsten K.

$ 191 (USD)

Ross Phillip G.

$ 430 (USD)

Servet A.

$ 104 (USD)

Mouneer S.

$ 214 (USD)

Olga S.

$ 208 (USD)

Marc P.

$ 237 (USD)

Anja Kühner

$ 440 (USD)

Ross Phillip G.

$ 515 (USD)

Thorsten K.

$ 347 (USD)

Servet A.

$ 127 (USD)

Mouneer S.

$ 249 (USD)

Olga S.

$ 116 (USD)

Marc P.

$ 156 (USD)

Anja Kühner

$ 278 (USD)

Thorsten K.

$ 735 (USD)

Meet your local guides in Koln

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