Evening one
Wednesday 25 AugustAfter the show floor closes: dinner and a short evening outing.
- EveningKölsch beer tour
- EatPäffgen
Gamescom 2027: what to do in Cologne after hours
25 to 29 August 2027 · ExpectedCologne, GermanyLargest gaming event in the world
Gamescom keeps attendees on the show floor all day and leaves the evenings, the day after and partners' days free. This guide covers dinners that need booking, evening outings, a companion day and the day after in Cologne.
Know before you go
- Opening Night Live on the evening before the public days.
Airport to Koelnmesse
Cologne Bonn airport (CGN) is 15 minutes by S-Bahn; Düsseldorf (DUS) is 40 minutes by train.
Trains to Köln Messe/Deutz station; tickets include local transport.
Public transport directions to Koelnmesse
Where to stay by budget
| Budget | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Deutz | Hotels by the Messe across the river. |
| Mid-range | Altstadt | Near the cathedral and beer halls. |
| Splurge | Domplatte | Grand hotels facing the cathedral. |
Three hotels we would book
- Budget: Motel One Köln-Messe
- Mid-range: Hotel Mondial am Dom
- Splurge: Excelsior Hotel Ernst
Day plans for the free hours
Built around the usual show week schedule for 25 to 29 August 2027. Session times change: check the official timetable and move the blocks around.
Evening two
Thursday 26 AugustTeam dinner night. Book early: every group in town wants the same tables.
- EatBelgian Quarter cafés
- After darkZülpicher Strasse and the Belgian Quarter.
Companion day
Thursday 26 AugustFor partners who came along and do not have a badge.
- Full dayRhine Valley day trip
The day after the show
Monday 30 AugustPush the flight back a day. A full free day costs little and the city empties out.
- Half-dayChocolate Museum
- EatFrüh am Dom
- FreeRheinauhafen walk.
Team outing
For corporate groups of 10 to 40: private tours and tastings book out first.
- EatPäffgen
Family-friendly picks
- Cologne Zoo.
- Odysseum.
Evening and day-trip tours
After dark
- Zülpicher Strasse and the Belgian Quarter.
6 tours worth booking for Gamescom
| Tour | Length | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Rhine Valley day trip | Full day | Tired legs |
| Chocolate Museum | Half day | Families, Bad weather |
| Rhine cruise | Half day | Tired legs, Families |
| Phantasialand theme park | Full day | Families |
| Cologne Cathedral tour and tower climb | Half day | Families, Bad weather |
| Kölsch beer tour | Evening | Food lovers, Night owls |
Where to eat
Rainy-day backups
- Museum Ludwig.
- Romano-Germanic Museum.
Getting around on event days
- 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.
Day trips from Cologne
- Bonn: 20 minutes
- Düsseldorf: 25 minutes
Bringing a group?
Corporate hospitality, fan clubs, teams and families travelling together: tell us the dates and group size and we will put together tours, transfers and a group dinner for Gamescom.
Plan a group tripQuestions people ask
When is Gamescom 2027?
The next edition is 25 to 29 August 2027, following the usual pattern. The organiser has not confirmed it yet.
How do I get from the airport to Koelnmesse?
Cologne Bonn airport (CGN) is 15 minutes by S-Bahn; Düsseldorf (DUS) is 40 minutes by train. Trains to Köln Messe/Deutz station; tickets include local transport.
Where should I stay for Gamescom?
For most visitors the best base is Altstadt: Near the cathedral and beer halls.
What can we do between sessions at Gamescom?
Good short outings in Cologne include Cologne Cathedral tour and tower climb, Chocolate Museum, Rhine cruise. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.
What is there for kids and families near Gamescom?
Family-friendly picks: Cologne Cathedral tour and tower climb, Chocolate Museum, Rhine cruise. Cologne Zoo.
How far is Koelnmesse from Cologne centre?
About 2 km in a straight line. Trains to Köln Messe/Deutz station; tickets include local transport.
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