Getting around Cologne

Public transport

Luckily, you can reach most of Cologne's central attractions on foot and enjoy a stroll along the riverbank or through the colourful Old Town without breaking into a sweat. For journeys further afield, or when your feet start to tire, you may need these other options.

The Cologne transport authority, KVB (tel: +49 221 5470; www.kvb-koeln.de), runs an integrated system combining rapid transit rail, regional rail and buses. However, the city centre's main attractions are within a short walking distance of each other and aside from using the S-Bahn to get to and from the airport, it is most likely that you will only use the U-Bahn to hop the short distance between Neumarkt and the main shopping square of Rudolfplatz, or perhaps a little further, on to the nightlife of the Univiertel (University Quarter).

You must buy tickets for all trains in advance. There are no ticket barriers, but if you are caught by an inspector without a ticket, you will be fined heavily. You can buy individual tickets per journey (Einzelfahrten) or a day ticket (Tages Ticket), though as an individual you would have to make four journeys before the latter paid for itself; a day ticket for up to five people is better value. The KölnCard gives unlimited travel on all public transport for 24 or 48 hours and also enables reduced-price admission to most attractions and excursions.

You can buy all travel-only tickets from automated ticket machines at the stations or from bus drivers. The KölnCard is available at the tourist office or online (www.koelntourismus.de/willkommen/koelncard/partner.html).

For a multicoloured tourist train extravaganza that also gets you from A to B, don't forget The Bimmelbahn. The Bimmelbahn (www.bimmelbahnen.de) is a land train that departs every half hour from Roncalliplatz, at the side of the Dom. The itinerary covers all the spots that children will love, such as the chocolate museum, the zoo and the Christmas Markets (during December).

Taxis

Taxi Ruf (tel: +49 221 2882) is recommended.

Driving

Driving into Cologne has all the drawbacks of driving and parking as in any other major city and is not recommended unless absolutely necessary. If you have arrived by car, it makes sense to check out the park and ride or to consult with your hotel.

Car hire

You'll find all the major car hire companies in Cologne. Operators include Avis (www.avis.de), Budget (www.budget.de), Europcar (www.europcar.de) and Sixt (www.sixt.de).

Bicycle hire

Travelling on two wheels isn't as terrifying in Cologne as it can be in other cities. In fact, it can be a great way to see a little more of the city and break free from the crowds.

Radstation Köln at the central railway station (tel: +49 221 139 7190; www.radstationkoeln.de) hires out bicycles and also offers guided tours from April to October. In addition, if you arrive here with a bike of your own, you can safely store the bicycle while you wander around the city on foot.

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Book Accommodation

Featured Hotels

Excelsior Hotel Ernst

This grand dame of accommodation in Cologne continues to impress with its sweeping spiral staircases, great service and central location. Rooms come in beige and earth tones or calming blue and white. Taku, one of Cologne’s most exciting restaurants, is housed here and the Piano Bar offers an interesting range of cocktails.

Hyatt Regency Cologne

If you're looking for luxury and arresting views, Hyatt Regency Cologne fits the bill perfectly. The spacious, well-appointed rooms look out onto the Rhine and towards looming towers of the Dom. It also has an indoor pool, fitness club and spa, and a restaurant housed in a panoramic glass atrium.

Grand Hotel Schloss Bensberg

Visitors are easily dazzled by the Grand Hotel Schloss Bensberg. Housed in a renovated baroque palace, each of the 120 rooms and suites maintains a sense of grandeur while supplying all the mod cons. Look out for the midnight blue ceiling above the swimming pool and spa. It's a way out of town but the payoff for that is the easy access to horse riding and golf.

Centro Hotel Conti

Rooms at this cheerful hotel in the Belgian quarter are on the basic side, with a bed, small cupboard and small TV. The decor is no-frills as well, but it is good value and sits above a great Thai restaurant. It is also close to other restaurants and shops and has its own car park.

Hotel Engelbertz

A family-run hotel in the centre of Cologne, the Engelbertz has clean rooms, each equipped with a satellite TV. But do come prepared for some noise after dark as revellers stumble home outside.

Hilton Cologne

Set in a quiet side street by the cathedral, this smart, sophisticated hotel has all the quality you'd expect from a large chain. Its trendy IceBAR, which serves its signature shot in a glass made of ice, and onsite Konrad restaurant are popular meeting places for locals.

Introducing Cologne

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