Car Hire Cologne

Parking in Cologne

• Parkhaus An Farina (50667) with 305 spaces, is an affordable car park in the centre of Cologne, a short walk from the train station, cathedral and Museum Ludwig.
• CONTIPARK Parkhaus Am Friesenplatz (Alte Wallgasse) (50672) is open 24/7 near the Cologne Ring road. It’s close to local hotels and just a 10-minute walk from major high street shops.
• Park & Ride Parkhaus Köln-Müngersdorf (50933) is one of many park-and-ride services, ideal for cheap parking and public transport into the city. Handy if staying outside Cologne.

Key roads in Cologne

• The Cologne Ring road (Kölner Ringe) also known as the Bundesstraße 9 (B9) is a convenient road system that surrounds central Cologne in a semi-circle for moving easily around the city.
• The A1 is one of Germany’s Autobahn routes. Head north from Cologne to visit Munster or Hamburg.
• Bundesautobahn (A3) runs from the Germany-Netherlands border near Wesel to the Germany-Austria border near Passau. It can take you southeast to Bonn or Frankfurt

How to get from Cologne to Dusseldorf

It’s just under an hour’s drive, and 45km, from Cologne to Dusseldorf.

1. Leave Cologne on the B57 and head north.
2. As you approach Dusseldorf, continue on the B46 and then pick up the A1.
3. Finally turn right onto Fritz-Roeber-Straße, and head into the city centre.

How to get from Cologne to Brühl Castle

The palaces of the World Heritage Site Brühl Castle are about a half hour drive, 18km, from central Cologne. Follow the A51 out of the city and pick up the Autobahn A555 (Cologne-Bonn) until you reach the exit for Godorf/ Brühl.

Best places to stay in Cologne

25hours Hotel Cologne The Circle

Im Klapperhof 22-24, 50670, Cologne

With panoramic views of Cologne, just a few minutes’ walk from Friesenplatz U-BahnStation and fourteen minutes from Cologne Cathedral, this hotel offers a trendy escape with eccentric style. Combining 1950’s retro decor with a modern twist, guests can enjoy unique city views from the rooftop restaurant and tearrace.

Hotel Mondial am Dom Cologne MGallery

Kurt-Hackenberg-Platz 1, 50667, Cologne

This four-star riverside hotel is right in the centre of the city, and just minutes from the cathedral and Museum Ludwig. Facilities include on-site parking and international restaurant, luxurious spa, sauna and exercise room.

The Qvest Hideaway

Gereonskloster 12, 50670, Cologne

For a romantic getaway, seek out the neo-gothic elegance of this historic building. Once the home of the Historical Archive of Cologne, and now a picturesque hotel, stay here and enjoy the city’s old town near the Belgian Quarter.

Best places to eat in Cologne

Peters Brauhaus

Mühlengasse 1, 50667, Cologne

It wouldn’t be a trip to Cologne without a visit to a brewery. The culture of Kölsch is significant to Cologne, visit Peters Brauhaus for an authentic experience with great food and even better, a chance to sample the local beer.

Törtchen Törtchen

Apostelnstraße 19, 50667, Cologne

Showcasing the many gastronomic treats of Cologne, this chic café offers a mouth-watering selection of pastries and tarts to sample. One bite just isn’t enough.

Bei Oma Kleinmann

Zülpicher Str. 9, 50674, Cologne

This popular restaurant welcomes you with traditional German cuisine, known for great service and a lot of heart. A top choice for a cosy experience and the chance to try some of Cologne’s best schnitzel.

Best things to do in and around Cologne

Cologne Cathedral

Domkloster 4, 50667, Cologne

As the signature landmark of Cologne, this World Heritage Site is sure to leave you in awe. The Gothic church is the seat of the Archbishop of Cologne, and standing at an impressive 157 metres tall, is the largest in northern Europe.

Museum Ludwig

Heinrich-Böll-Platz, 50667, Cologne

This modern art museum on the bank of the Rhine, in the centre of Cologne, is home to one of the largest Picasso collections in Europe. Take time to browse all that’s on offer, from Pop Art to German Expressionism.

Cologne Chocolate Museum

Am Schokoladenmuseum 1a, 50676, Cologne

It’s just a 15-minute walk from Innenstadt, central Cologne, to the tip of the Rheinauhafen promenade where you’ll find a chocolate lover’s dream. From the history of chocolate to the most important part, tasting it. This sweet museum offers master chocolatier classes and there’s a tempting three-metre-tall chocolate fountain.