Germany’s oldest city has a serious side, with its soaring cathedral, many museums and charming Old Town. But Cologne (or Köln) has a silly side, too, as you’ll see if you attend the “crazy days” of Carnival. That’s when everyone in Cologne wears wild costumes, plants kisses on strangers and attends the over-the-top Rosenmontag parade.

Whichever side of Cologne you want to see, you’ll find plenty to do and see in Cologne. One word of advice: Before you go, download the free Allyz® TravelSmart app from Allianz Global Assistance. With Allyz TravelSmart, you can access your travel insurance, get help in an emergency, find medical facilities nearby and more.

3 Reasons to Buy Travel Insurance for Germany

Travelers often ask us, “Do I need travel insurance for Germany?” Our answer: Ja, you definitely do. Here’s why!

1. Medical emergencies can be expensive. While Germany has an excellent healthcare system, most doctors and hospitals will expect payment in cash — no credit cards.¹ Travel insurance with emergency medical benefits can guarantee payment in advance and ensure you get high-quality care for covered emergencies.
2. Active travelers need insurance in case of an injury. “Numerous injuries and deaths occur every year in Germany’s Alpine and coastal regions,” often related to winter sports, according to the U.S. Department of State.² The State Department strongly urges travelers to buy insurance with emergency medical transportation benefits that can cover the huge cost of a medically necessary evacuation. If you’re planning on participating in a sport, be sure to check your Certificate of Insurance – extreme, high-risk sports are excluded from coverage.
3. Rental car protection is a must. Planning to speed down the Autobahn? You’ll need insurance — but European rental car companies typically charge $15–30 per day for a collision damage waiver (CDW) with a hefty deductible.³ Here’s a better option: the OneTrip Rental Car Protector, which gives you up to $50,000 in protection, with no deductible, for just $11 per calendar day ($9/ calendar day for Florida residents).

What’s the best travel insurance plan for Germany? For European vacations, one popular plan is OneTrip Prime, which includes substantial benefits and also covers kids 17 and under for free when traveling with a parent or grandparent (not available on policies issued to Pennsylvania residents). Get a quote!

3 of the Best Things to Do in Cologne

1. Wander a holiday wonderland. If you’re planning your Cologne trip for late November or December, you’ll experience the city’s famous Christmas markets. Hundreds of merchants set up villages of wooden huts selling crafts, specialty food, mulled wine and more. Children will love the stage performances — and they might even meet St. Nicholas.
2. Marvel at the Cologne Cathedral. A visit to the iconic Gothic cathedral is one of the must-do activities in Cologne. No other cathedral in the world “is so perfectly conceived, so uniformly and uncompromisingly executed in all its parts,” the UNESCO World Heritage Centre says.⁴ Climbing the 500 steps will reward you with a panoramic city view.
3. Cruise the Rhine River. If you’re pressed for time, take a quick sightseeing cruise. If you have a day, get a KD Rhine Pass, which allows you to cruise from Cologne through the Rhine River Valley, taking pictures of castles and stopping off in quaint towns.

3 Boutique Hotels in Cologne

In a city as quaint as Cologne, why stay in a generic hotel? The Excelsior Hotel Ernst, just steps from the cathedral, opened in 1863. Today, guests enjoy the personal attention of the hotel’s concierge team, elegant rooms, and a celebrated restaurant, Hanse Stube.

For travelers on a budget, the mid-range Hotel Stern am Rathaus offers contemporary comfort, warm service, and a central location that’s in walking distance of the train station. Guests rave about the free breakfast with homemade bread. This Cologne boutique hotel only has nine rooms, however, so book early.

You can’t miss the Hotel im Wasserturm — it occupies a huge, round water tower that was constructed in the late 1800s. The rooms are simple but chic, and the rooftop lounge is a delightful place to take in the cityscape.

3 Great Restaurants in Cologne

We’re not sure how to say “down-home” in German, but that’s the vibe you’ll find at Lommi (aka Lommerzheim), a beloved family-style restaurant in Cologne. Lommi is known for shared tables, massive pork chops and ever-flowing kolsch.

Another favorite is Bei Oma Kleinmann, where you can enjoy a slab of schnitzel and hearty roasted potatoes with creamy mushroom sauce, zesty green pepper sauce — or both! Those who don’t eat meat can try the veggie schnitzel or the excellent salads.

For an utterly different experience (think tiny plates of exquisite food), Ox & Klee is considered one of the best fine dining restaurants in Cologne. The “Experience Taste” menu takes you “on a surprise journey through six taste senses”: fatty, bitter, umami, sour, salty and sweet. Expect artistic presentations, intense flavors and a friendly, unpretentious staff.

Wherever your next adventure takes you, be sure to protect yourself with travel insurance. See your plan options for trips both international and domestic.

What Do I Need to Travel to Cologne?

Related Articles

• Going Medieval: Exploring Abandoned Castles
• 6 of the Best River Cruises Around the World
• 5 Winter Wonderland Holiday Travel Destinations