Top Cologne Holidays in 2026

Raise your glass to a fun brewery group tour in Cologne with a local guide. Starting at Cologne Cathedral, you'll explore traditional breweries tucked away in the historic Old Town. Sample three local beers while learning about the brewing process behind each one. You'll also stroll along the Rhine and hear entertaining stories that set this tour apart. It's perfect for beer and culture lovers who want to enjoy both in one experience.

If Cologne is known for two things, its Kölsch beer and epic Christmas markets—you’ll get both on this tour. Starting at the second-oldest brewery in town, dive into your first pint. Then it’s off to several Christmas markets, where you’ll catch live music, peruse the vendors, and try mulled wine or more Kölsch beers (drinks are at own expense).

Savor Cologne's vibrant beer culture on this 3-hour Culinary Beer House Tour, where you’ll experience the city's renowned Kölsch beer alongside local delicacies. Kick off at the iconic Früh am Dom, where you'll learn about beer house etiquette and enjoy your first bites. Stroll through the Old Town, visiting multiple beer houses and soaking in stories filled with Cologne’s rich history and humor. The highlight awaits in the historic vaulted cellar at Zims, before concluding with a hearty meal at Haxenhaus, featuring a selection of Cologne specialties. Perfect for couples, friends, and small groups looking for an authentic taste of Cologne. - 3-hour guided tour through Cologne's Old Town - Enjoy unlimited Kölsch or soft drinks and delicious local snacks and a savory full meal at Haxenhaus (vegetarian option available) - Visit 4 traditional beer houses, including a historic vaulted cellar - Ideal for small groups, couples, and private events from 8+ people

Visitors unfamiliar with Cologne’s unusual brewhouse etiquette may find themselves confused by the system. On this brewhouse tour, find out how the ordering process works and—crucially—how to indicate you’ve had your fill. Visit four traditional brewhouses with a guide, and have time to relax and purchase a glass of kölsch—Cologne’s signature beer style—at each.

Drink Kölsch Like a Local – Cologne Beer & Food Experience What you’ll do Our special local guide shows you how locals really spend an evening in Cologne. We’ll visit traditional brewhouses and bars, drink fresh Kölsch, talk about Cologne culture and enjoy local food together. You’ll learn the unwritten rules of Kölsch drinking – including some funny traditions – and hear stories you won’t find in any guidebook. This experience is social, relaxed and all about enjoying the city like a local. Food and drinks are ordered and paid individually on site, so you can choose exactly what you want. Come as a guest, leave like a local. Cheers!

Enjoy a 2- or 3-course meal with a little rock’n’roll heritage on the side on this 2-hour skip-the-line Hard Rock Cafe visit in Cologne. Head to the famous Hard Rock Cafe in the heart of Cologne and beat the queues with your skip-the-line entry ticket to head straight inside. Take a seat and admire music memorabilia including Elvis Presley’s sunglasses, Kiss’ bass guitars and Hendrix's vest. Enjoy classic dishes such as honey-mustard chicken sandwich or hickory-smoked bbq ribs with a drink. Upgrade your ticket to choose from the 3-course menu.

The Cologne German Food and Beer Tour is a special experience for anyone who wants to taste traditional German foods and beers. While Cologne has many great places to eat and drink, we’ve hand picked the very best so you can enjoy a true taste of the city’s history not just through its beautiful streets, but also through its traditional dishes and beers. Every dish on this tour has a fascinating story behind it, including the beers we’ll enjoy along the way. Join me to taste and discover the history of Cologne, one bite and sip at a time.

Renowned for its Christmas market and festive atmosphere, the holiday season is the ideal time to visit Cologne. See the best of the German city on a 2-hour Rhine River cruise, an experience guaranteed to capture the festive spirit. On board a spacious saloon vessel, you’ll enjoy live music and see highlights such as Kolner Dom (Cologne Cathedral) and Cologne Old Town (Altstadt). Food, drinks, and gratuities are not included.

The Christmas Market next to Aachen’s cathedral is the perfect place to get your Holidays groove on the move. Stroll through quaint town squares lighten up by the twinkling Christmas lights, while visiting the many wooden stalls selling spiced mulled wine, many hand made decorations, chocolate covered fruits, Aachener Printen (kind of gingerbread), roasted almonds and other local mouth watering delicacies. All that while enjoying a profound knowledge of the past and present of these Christmas traditions, well known by our local guide. Experience the joy of Christmas in the best place and step into the wonderful world of the Holidays. This tour is only available during the following dates: 19. November - 23. December 2021 Any booking after or before these dates will be cancelled, due to the fact that the Christmas Markets are not open for business.

Are you visiting our city during the most wonderful time of the year? Be sure to join our Cologne Christmas Lights bike tour – the perfect activity during this joyful season. Cologne hosts the most beautiful X-mas markets in Europe and thus makes the Christmas season the most festive time of the year. Many decorated stalls appear all over the city, offering local delicacies and gadgets, and the beautiful landmarks light up, turning the city into a cozy Christmas wonderland. On this guided bike tour you enjoy a combination of classic sightseeing and visit different Christmas markets. Our knowledgeable local guides share some of their favorite German holiday traditions and know where to find unique handcrafted toys and Christmas souvenirs. Of course there is also enough time to try some traditional foods or a typical mulled wine or freshly brewed cocoa. Cologne at Christmas time has its own unique charm!

Cologne is known for its beer, but it can be hard to separate authentic spots from tourist traps. Skip the guesswork on this guided group tour of local brewhouses. Visit hidden spots you might miss alone, learn about the city’s beer traditions, and sample a range of local brews—including the city’s rarest and hoppiest beer (own expense). Combining sightseeing and tastings, it’s the perfect introduction to German beer culture.

Enjoy a private, exclusive tour in Cologne with your own local guide. Step into the traditions of the famous Carnival through the streets where its story began. In Cologne's historic Old Town, discover how the Carnival evolved from medieval customs into one of Europe's most celebrated festivals. Hear about the Carnival societies, the symbolic Triumvirate and the colorful characters that define the "Fifth Season." Visit the historic squares where celebrations still take place. Learn about the customs that continue to unite generations of locals each year. End your experience in a traditional Brauhaus with an included Kölsch beer or a non-alcoholic beverage. At this final stop, learn how brewing culture became an essential part of Carnival life. Please note: The availability and accessibility of attractions may vary based on time of day and crowd conditions, ensuring each visit is a unique experience.

Experience the enchantment of Cologne's legendary Christmas markets on this private walking tour. Your local guide leads you through centuries-old traditions wrapped in twinkling lights and the scent of mulled wine. Begin at Domhof, where the Cologne Cathedral—a UNESCO World Heritage site—serves as a backdrop to the city's largest market. This Gothic masterpiece connects you to cultural traditions older than the United States. Wander historic streets to Neumarkt's Market of Angels, then step into a fairytale at Rudolfplatz, where Brothers Grimm displays transform the square into a living storybook. The architectural beauty of the Old Town provides a timeless setting for these wonders. As a highlight, enjoy traditional Glühwein. This cherished custom invites you to savor the flavors of a Cologne Christmas while hearing stories from ancient winter solstices to modern celebrations. This tour is an immersion into the festive soul of a city that has celebrated the season for centuries.

Explore the newly emerging beer scene in Cologne with a Local Beer Expert! Visit the best local pubs, beer gardens & breweries & enjoy a cultural tasting of 4-8 different beers & paired food. Learn about drinking culture & brewing traditions in Germany. Choose one of our excellent tour options tailored to your needs & interests: 2-hour: Beer Tour with 4 Beers Join this tour to visit 2 beer locations in Cologne Old Town & taste 4 different beers, including popular and regional beer brands & unique craft beers. 3-hour: Beer Tour with 6 Beers & Appetizers Choose this tour to learn more about the beer history & culture in Cologne, visit 2 beer venues & taste 6 different beers with paired appetizers. 4-hour: Beer Tour with 8 Beers & Food Opt for this beer and food tasting tour to visit 2 beer venues & 1 restaurant & enjoy a feast of 8 different beers with paired food, including hot dishes & appetizers. Brewing in Cologne is booming & Kölsch, a style of beer in Cologne.

The brewhouses can be quite challenging for tourists, we will tell you what makes them so special and why the rudeness of our waiters is usually a misinterpretation. You will see how funny, open-minded and tolerant our city is - and the best: we will have a lot of Kölsch beer together!

Enjoy a private, exclusive tour in Cologne with your own local guide. Celebrate your bachelor party with an evening that blends Cologne's brewing heritage with its famous nightlife. Visit a handpicked selection of traditional brewhouses and welcoming pubs in Cologne's Old Town. Your guide will introduce you to local Kölsch traditions and insider favorites. Enjoy a complimentary welcome drink at every stop, from authentic Kölsch at brewhouses to shots at lively bars. Discover how the city's beer culture has shaped its social life for generations. Raise a toast as you share memorable moments with friends. Soak up the atmosphere at every venue, and end the evening surrounded by Cologne's vibrant nightlife. Please Note: Bars and brewhouses may differ from those listed depending on availability. Each venue will be of the same type and provide a similar experience.