Cologne event weekends: what to do between sessions

The great Gothic cathedral, Kölsch beer halls and the Rhine, with the giant Koelnmesse fairground across the river.

Events we cover in Cologne

Arriving

Cologne Bonn airport (CGN) is 15 minutes by S-Bahn; Düsseldorf (DUS) is 40 minutes by train.

Where to stay

Three hotels we would book

• Budget: Motel One Köln-Messe
• Mid-range: Hotel Mondial am Dom
• Splurge: Excelsior Hotel Ernst

Event weekends sell out early and prices rise as the date gets closer: book a cancellable room as soon as you know you are going.

Tours

Where to eat

• Früh am Dom Kölsch hall by the cathedral
• Päffgen Old brewery tavern
• Belgian Quarter cafés Brunch

With kids

• Cologne Zoo.
• Odysseum.

Rainy-day backups

• Museum Ludwig.
• Romano-Germanic Museum.

Free things to do

• Hohenzollern Bridge love locks and view.
• Rheinauhafen walk.

Getting around

• KVB trams and S-Bahn; Messe/Deutz station serves the fair.
• Deutsche Bahn ICE trains link the big cities; the Deutschlandticket covers all local and regional transport for a monthly fee.
• Trade fair and event tickets often include free local transport: check yours.