Cologne Bonn airport is 17 km southeast of the city centre. The journey to the city takes around 15 minutes by car or by train. The trains from and to the airport depart every twenty minutes during weekdays. On Saturdays and Sundays, the trains run every half an hour and the last train leaves at 23.11.

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Airport Cologne Bonn (CGN)

Germany can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of most European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.

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Passport / Visa

Summer is the most popular time to visit Cologne, with pleasant temperatures but some humidity and higher hotel rates. You can find cheaper offers in late spring and early autumn, which are chillier but still good periods for sightseeing (and hanging out in beer gardens). Winters are not harsh though, and they can get quite busy due to Christmas and Carnival celebrations.

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Best Time to Visit

Cologne has a good transport system with an integrated network covering the area from Bonn to the Ruhr district (U- and S-Bahn as well as buses). If you plan to see all the sights, it may be worth buying a day or a weekly ticket, which give you access to all transportation means for 24 hours or 7 days. You can buy tickets at sales offices, online or at ticket machines in buses, trains and at stops.

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Public Transport

The taxis are cream-coloured. All registered taxi drivers have a licence with a number on display where it is visible to passengers. Taxi Ruf:

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Taxi

You can buy stamps from vending machines, some news kiosks and at post offices. There is a post office inside the Hauptbahnhof. Another location in the city centre can be found at Hohe Pforte 4-6, Cologne.

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Post

For pharmacies look out for the red "Aphoteke" sign. Germany has a rotating after-hours service and the number of the current after-hours pharmacy can be found on every pharmacy door. Below are two pharmacies located in the city centre.Augustiner-Apotheke:Martinstraße 16-20, Cologne+49 221 2582296Monday-Friday 8.00-19.00, Saturday 9.00-18.00http://www.augustiner-apotheke-koeln.deaugustiner-apo@web.deDom Apotheke:

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Pharmacy

Country code: +49Area codes: 0221 and 02203

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Telephone

It is said that natives of Cologne who are living elsewhere always feel homesick, and visitors to this beautiful city will soon understand why. Germany’s oldest metropolis, which, of course, gave its name to the Eau de Cologne, offers a mix of magnificent and romantic churches, cutting-edge modern architecture, busy shopping streets, and world-famous museums. There is much to do and see in Cologne, and with all the frequent flights and transportation options, getting here has never been easier.

Cologne Zoo houses more than 750 different species from all over the world, making it a popular excursion destination for families and animal lovers. Some of the animals you can see here are hippos, elephants, penguins, flamingos, baboons and sea lions. If you arrive at the right time, you can also watch the animals being fed.

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Cologne Zoo

Work on the Cologne Cathedral began in 1248, and it was the largest building project undertaken in the Middle Ages. A large, spacious church was needed to accommodate the influx of pilgrims who came to visit one of the most important shrines in the Catholic Church holding the relics of the Three Wise Men. Their bones are kept in a casket, which is the most precious treasure in the cathedral and a masterpiece of medieval goldsmith's art.

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Cologne Cathedral

This botanical garden housing about 10,000 types of plants dates back to the 19th century and is beautifully located along the Rhine River. The main greenhouse alone, with its great assortment of plants, is worth a visit. It'll feel like you're in South America's rain forest surrounded by its exotic vegetation.

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Flora and Botanical Garden

The Praetorium was once the seat of the Imperial Governor of Cologne. Now this is an underground archaeological area where you can walk around and through tunnels with Roman ruins and learn more about the city's history. It is partly located under the current City Hall.

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Roman Praetorium

The Germans have always been big music lovers, and Cologne is no exception. Cologne Opera is the main opera house in the city, featuring modern architecture, a resident opera company and a rich cultural program. It can accommodate up to 1,300 spectators and 100 orchestra musicians.

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Cologne Opera

Lanxess Arena is one of Europe's biggest entertainment venues and can accomodate up to 20,000 people. All sorts of events take place here, from concerts to ice-hockey games and big shows. Just check the program on their website to discover what's going on while you're in Cologne.

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Lanxess Arena

The Volksgarten is popular among visitors and locals alike. This public park is located by a beautiful lake and is a nice place for a peaceful stroll. There are also a playground for children and a beer garden for adults.

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Volksgarten

A walk over Hohenzollern Bridge, one of the most famous sights of Cologne, is simply a must-do. This railway and pedestrian bridge was originally built between 1907 and 1911, but had to be reconstructed after a bombing occurred in 1945. From 2008 onward, couples from all over the world have being adorning it with colourful padlocks symbolising their love.

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Hohenzollern Bridge

In Cologne you can visit the oldest town hall of all Germany, with parts of it dating back to the 11th century. It features various architectural styles and sculptures from different periods adorn the surrounding area. The Hansasaal, named after the Hanseatic League, is at the heart of it. Other highlights include the beautiful Renessaince loggia and the Gothic tower, 61 metres high and with bells that toll four times a day.

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Historic Town Hall

The Old Town of Cologne encompasses twelve Romanesque churches that constitute one of the cultural highlights of the city. All of them where originally built in the 12th and 13th century and feature beautiful medieval architecture and art, but each one has different characteristics. Some of the most famous ones are St. Maria im Kapitol, Great St. Martin and St. Gereon.

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Twelve Romanesque churches

One of the most beautiful, picture-postcard views of Cologne Cathedral can be enjoyed from Köln Triangle. The visitor’s platform on the rooftop of this building is at a height of more than 100 meters, providing a breathtaking 360 degrees view of the city. By using the express elevator, you can glide to the top at four meters per second.

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Köln Triangle Panorama

A boat tour on the Rhine is one of the most exciting ways to visit the city. One of the companies that offer this kind of experience is KD, with up to 6 tours a day departing a few steps away from the Cologne Cathedral and the Hohenzollern Bridge.

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Boat tours on the Rhine

Take a cable car over the Rhein and experience Cologne from above. Rides start from Cologne Zoo or from the Rhein Park, so you can visit both in one afternoon.

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Historic Town Hall

Flora and Botanical Garden

Cologne Cathedral

Lanxess Arena

Lanxess Arena is one of Europe's biggest entertainment venues and can accomodate up to 20,000 people. All sorts of events take place here, from concerts to ice-hockey games and big shows. Just check the program on their website to discover what's going on while you're in Cologne.

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