Cologne Day Trip from Frankfurt
Frankfurt, Germany
- 9 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Explore Germany beyond Frankfurt, without the hassle of planning your own day trip, with this tour to Cologne. Relax as your guide handles the logistics and organization for you. Simply turn up at the prearranged meeting point in Frankfurt, and let them take the lead. Enjoy an itinerary that includes Great St. Martin Church, Roncalliplatz, Alter Markt square, Cologne Cathedral, and a stop in the medieval town of Limburg.
- Visit Cologne without navigating unfamiliar public transportation
- Relax with round-trip transportation to and from Frankfurt
- Beat ticket anxiety with included entry to Cologne Cathedral
- Go beyond the guidebooks and gain insights directly from your guide
What's Included
- English/german speaking tour guide
- Entrance fee to Cologne Cathedral
- Transportation in a van or bus from/to Frankfurt
- Guided tour to Cologne and Limburg
- Admission fees for Tower Climb and Treasure Chamber of the Cologne Cathedral (approx. 8.00 euros)
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Wiesenhüttenpl. 38, 60329 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Departure at 09:30 am / Frankfurt, Wiesenhuettenplatz 38 / SIDEWALK Your guide will pick you up there! Meeting time: always 10 minutes before departure Take note: Do not enter the hotel Le Meridien at this place, we do not pick up in the hotel lobby and also not directly at the entrance.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Start time.9:30 am
Itinerary
This full-day adventure begins with a departure from central Frankfurt. Meet your guide and the rest of the group and travel north to Cologne.
Upon arrival in Cologne, embark on a sightseeing tour of the city. Explore Cologne’s Old Town to see the busy breweries, pubs and restaurants and admire the Renaissance architecture and rustic, narrow alleyways lined with traditional old houses. Visit the bustling squares of Roncalliplatz, Alter Markt and Heumarkt. See Cologne City Hall, famous for its loggia, which is often used as an example of one of the most typical buildings of the Renaissance era. Other highlights include the Romanesque Catholic Great St. Martin Church and the Romano-Germanic Museum, an archaeological museum with a large collection of Roman artifacts.
Then, visit the landmark Gothic masterpiece, the incredible Cologne Cathedral, Germany’s most-visited site and one of its most striking Gothic monuments. This Roman Catholic cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Cologne and a UNESCO World Heritage Center.
After exploring this magnificent place of worship, use some free time to explore the city's historic old town, eat lunch (own expense) and peruse the local shops. Then begin the return trip to Frankfurt, with a brief stop in the medieval old town of Limburg.
Upon arrival in Cologne, embark on a sightseeing tour of the city. Explore Cologne’s Old Town to see the busy breweries, pubs and restaurants and admire the Renaissance architecture and rustic, narrow alleyways lined with traditional old houses. Visit the bustling squares of Roncalliplatz, Alter Markt and Heumarkt. See Cologne City Hall, famous for its loggia, which is often used as an example of one of the most typical buildings of the Renaissance era. Other highlights include the Romanesque Catholic Great St. Martin Church and the Romano-Germanic Museum, an archaeological museum with a large collection of Roman artifacts.
Then, visit the landmark Gothic masterpiece, the incredible Cologne Cathedral, Germany’s most-visited site and one of its most striking Gothic monuments. This Roman Catholic cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Cologne and a UNESCO World Heritage Center.
After exploring this magnificent place of worship, use some free time to explore the city's historic old town, eat lunch (own expense) and peruse the local shops. Then begin the return trip to Frankfurt, with a brief stop in the medieval old town of Limburg.
ETS Touristik GmbH (Pass By)
1
Cologne Cathedral
3 hours • Admission Ticket Included
2
Limburg Cathedral
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- Infants and children must sit in a child seat, which means they need a separate seat, no matter which age (legal regulation)
- We can only carry foldable wheelchairs with us.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 25 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
SharonB_T
Boris is a wonderful tour guide, he has a wealth of knowledge about Germany’s history, he kept all of us engaged with the tour of Cologne even though it was a cold and rainy day. The most memorable is having lunch at one of the oldest restaurant in Cologne, Fruh, which is a wonderful restaurant and a brewery of their own beer. I would definitely return and spent more time at the various sites pointed out to us on the tour.
Reviews
3.6
based on 38 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Ann_C, Apr 2026
My tour was cancelled literally at the last minute. I took the 24 minute walk to the meet up location. I received a call notifying me of the cancellation 2 minutes before arriving at the meet up.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Please take note we send you an email the day before informing you that the Cologne Tour is not operating as we received cancellations of other passengers. As we did not receive any reply we called you in the morning of the tour date and you told us that you did not see the email what does not mean you did not receive it. So we did not first inform you shortly before tour departure. We are of course sorry that your tour could not operate and can understand your disappointment but we informed you already one day before and you of course received a full refund. We also gave informations about alternative ways (by train) to get to Cologne.
Rashid_F, Sep 2025
Our Tour Guide Thomas was exceptional. He took real good care of us.he was very friendly, knowledgable and speaks good English. So no communication issuea.
Ami_C, Jul 2025
My tour was cancelled after I arrived at the pick up location. I was told there that since the other party canceled they would not run the tour for me. It was too late to schedule any other tours for that day.
Patricia_S, Sep 2024
Was not thrilled with this tour. Did not get the hop on hop off bus as advertised. We were put on a little train.
Jennifer_P, Aug 2024
The most memorable thing about this excursion was having to rearrange the day since the tour was canceled. I was the only one that signed up. Thankfully, I didn’t miss out and the entire fee was promptly returned to my bank account.
Brett_P, Apr 2024
The Cologne Carhedral was magnificent. Enjoyed Limburg as well. Would have gotten a 5 instead of a 4 but the little train vehicle used for our drive around Cologne didn’t have much visibility and it was often hard to hear what was being said. And by the time it told us about something we were often already passed it.
SharonB_T, Apr 2024
Boris is a wonderful tour guide, he has a wealth of knowledge about Germany’s history, he kept all of us engaged with the tour of Cologne even though it was a cold and rainy day. The most memorable is having lunch at one of the oldest restaurant in Cologne, Fruh, which is a wonderful restaurant and a brewery of their own beer. I would definitely return and spent more time at the various sites pointed out to us on the tour.
Kristen_J, Feb 2024
Although the tour guide was nice, the tour failed to deliver on the itinerary. I requested a partial refund for Viator who refuses ! Tour drive to Cologne … double decker bus CLOSED,
Church CLOSED , stores CLOSED . Nothing to do in Cologne so we left early and didn’t get to stop for lunch until 3pm. Tour guide asked for us to chip in for parking which was unprofessional. Tour went to Limberg as described . Huge expense and a huge disappointment . I would not recommend anyone to take this tour especially when Viator doesn’t have customer service standards and tour operators do not plan well.
Sandra_W, Oct 2023
We purchased a day trip to Cologne but it was canceled because there was only the two of us going. We were offered a trip to Rothenburg with a side trip to Heidelberg instead so we joined that group. It was a great trip but a long day with a lot of driving in a van with no air conditioning. The sites were wonderful.
Julio_S, Aug 2023
If you are in Frankfurt is easy to get to Cologne by speed train. You'll arrive at the train station just in front of the cathedral. You are going to visit the city at your own pace and you'll enjoy. The city-tour-train is too short and too noisy. You won't be able to hear what is being said. The only highlight is the visit to Limburg on your way back. Don't miss it that part. However, you can get there by yourself too.
Chastity_F, Mar 2023
Beautiful day out with Peter to Cologne. The cathedral is stunning. The town is easily walkable, very flat. I am very impressed with this tour as we were the only two people, and the tour DID NOT CANCEL :)
Comfy, tall passenger van. We went to Cologne and wandered. Told our guide we were hungry. Ate a delicious lunch on the water. And, the best part, was not even expected- we went into Limburg. What a beautiful “classic” looking little German town. Hilly and cute. Historic, yet clean and updated. It’s a long, slow, easy day. We walked about 4.5 miles.
Kishani_U, Jan 2023
We had private to for our family of 6. Peter was our guide and he was such a gentleman. We have traveled to over 40 countries as a family and by far this was our best guide and a great historian. He truly treats people nicely and cares for our needs. He was considerate and taught us many new things in Germany along our long drive. Hope to see Peter again. Thank you again, Peter!!
天翼 徐, Aug 2019
It is a big city, so you gotta walk fast to see as much as you can. We also visited the chocolate factory, which would be a very cool experience if you have kids.
kevin j, Aug 2019
First, the office is in a not so good part of the city. The kind of place where you hang onto your bag tight and keep your hands in your pockets. We took the trip with another family and their children. The driver must have been a retired race car driver. I didn’t know vans could go that fast and the ride was not relaxing at all. Constantly switching lanes, speeding up and braking. It’s a 2 hour ride of this driving. The city of cologne was nice, only thing we did was get dropped off for the city sightseeing bus tour, handed a sandwich and a bottle of water with the label torn off. Did the 1 1/2 bus tour, went into the cathedral for a tour which our driver was yelled at for doing a tour without permission. Got back on our van and went for another crazy ride to Lindburg. Short tour to the church vis the old town and was given a 1/2 hr to look around. Got back in for a crazy ride back to Frankfurt and done. Wouldn’t do this tour again. The other family stated they were sick from our drivers driving habits. Wear your seatbelt and just close your eyes while on the autobahn with him.
Mark K, Jan 2018
Expected a large group - wife and I the only persons immediately after Christmas. Great driver with knowledge of the German landscape and culture. His background made him a great conversationalist for the long car ride. Unaware that he would put us on a bus in Cologne for a city tour but it turned out fine.
Cesar C, Jan 2018
I was disappointed with this tour. I wanted to visit Cologne primarily because of its famous cathedral. I was initially planning to go on my own by train but I saw this tour on Viator which INCLUDED a GUIDED tour of the interior of the church. When we got to Cologne, we did the hop on/hop off bus tour of the city then we were given some free time to tour the church on our own. I was expecting a guided tour and was not prepared to tour the church on my own. I did not know where to go to see the relics of the 3 Kings and did not read up on the church. I felt that I missed out on a lot because of this. The tour company should realize that many will be joining this tour primarily to see the cathedral and they should be clear if an interior tour is included or not. For the price that I paid, I felt I was cheated.
Carin S, Dec 2017
It did not take place as I was the only one who booked for it so I was transferred to the Baden Baden and Strassbourg day trip which turned out to have been super - and the guide Peter was great.
Greg Barr , Aug 2017
Bus trip in Cologne was boring but the cathedral was incredible. The stop in Limburg was also fantastic! Richard the guide was fun and helpful.
Lisa M, Apr 2017
Our tour guide Boris was great and the Cathedral is amazing! Worth the visit.
Natalia R, Apr 2017
I was supposed to travel to Cologne by bus, but since there were no other bookings that day, I was provided a town car and driver. I would have preferred to been notified prior to the day of the trip, however having the personal attention of the driver was excellent for my guest and I.
Yasmeen N, Jan 2017
Almost excellent. Just the city tour bit in the hop on hop off bus was disappointing. Other wise very good and pretty informative.
Adriana_S, Oct 2016
Cologne seems to be a very interesting city with a marvelous cathedral. However I had a guide not that good, apparently inexperienced, that converted tour in a complicated experience. He did not provide any information about city, did not include restroom break on the journey, prioritized bus citysighseing instead of going directly to cathedral could not see it entirely, was closing, could not find easily hotel booked for part of tour guests, completely forgot to give our lunch sandwiches remembered at 16:30, after visiting cathedral asked what we would like to see in Cologne instead of giving us a tour around city I was expecting guide to tell me what to see, but we didn't see much. Finally on way back he got stuck and blocked on the road due to a car crash and because of this we could not visit Limburg as scheduled and tour ended one hour delayed OK, not his fault but ruined tour.
Louise E, Sep 2016
This Cathedral has relics of the 3 Wise Men behind the main altar so it can be overlooked. The reliquary is fashioned as a golden house-like container. The Cathedral was a key structure for airplanes to maintain their orientation during WW II. Heavy military and police guard the Cathedral since the January 2016 terrorist activity. The visitation inside the Cathedral is randomly changed to prevent possible terrorist activity. I felt safe on my visit considering the changing belief systems in the world.
AbdulSamad_S, Jul 2016
This was a good tour and the group was very small. The tour guide was able to take care of individual customers in a good manner.
LeighAnn_F, Jun 2016
Town has lots to see and is worth the 2hr drive. Unfortunstely our driver was new and his first time taking a group to Cologne. He was very nice but not prepared/trained enough to lead an organized/informative trip.
RINA P, Feb 2015
The tour just only one stop at Catholic church in
Cologne, no other place to stop but we can have few hours stop by in Limburg small town on the way backvto frankfurt. The tour guide is our driver mr Roberto is quite good so far.
Mario S, Jul 2014
A great day trip to this lovely city with its enormous Cathedral. We had time enough for personal sightseeing, and visiting the Cathedral at our leisure. The stop in Limburg on the way back to Frankfurt was a pleasant break, and a chance to see an untouched medieval town.
Vicki_K, Jun 2013
Fabulous cathedral and interesting city. We travelled in a van as a small group late May on a beautiful day. The open top bus is a 1.5 hour trip which all of the group found too long, you go out of the main tourist area and we felt it would have been better spent in the old town area. Guide was extremely chatty and hadn't done this tour in many years so didn't know where toilets were etc. Limburg was a great surprise, a quaint town lovely to walk through and we were lucky there was an ordination of priests occurring at the cathedral so we witnessed a great ceremony. Skip the sandwich and drink box and buy yummy local food. Great day overall, different for us going high speed on the autobahns.
Gerard_L, Jun 2013
. Places visited and tour guide were good.
. We found that it is cheaper to book from the tour company than through Viator.
. Our trip to Cologne should be on 31 May. But, the Tour company changed it to 30th May. He switched it with Black Forest and Strasbourg and it was raining throughout the trip.
. Boss of Tour company not friendly
Duane M, Nov 2012
Peter was a great tour guide. Cologne was a much bigger city than I had expected but the city bus tour was a great way to get the big picture of the city. We loved it!!!
From $330.48
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