The most visited place in Cologne is the Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), which is not only the city's top landmark but also one of the most visited sights in all of Germany. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, drawing millions of tourists annually.
Cologne is home to about one million people — and about six million visitors come to this metropolis on the Rhine every year to explore the city and its tourist attractions. Of course the most outstanding highlights are Cologne Cathedral and the city's 12 famous Romanesque churches.
Germany's most beautiful places vary by preference, but popular choices include the fairy-tale towns of Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Bamberg, the stunning landscapes of the Rhine Gorge (Middle Rhine Valley) with its castles, the majestic Bavarian Alps and Lake Königssee, the dense, charming Black Forest, and the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle for fairytale castles, offering everything from medieval charm to dramatic natural beauty.
Cologne Travel Guide 2025 - Best Places to Visit in Cologne Germany in 2025
Is tap water drinkable in Köln?
Water suppliers in Germany are obligated to conduct regular testing to monitor the water quality. Any issues are quickly addressed to maintain the highest standards. There may be slight regional variations in taste, but overall, you can confidently drink tap water in Germany.
Cologne is generally a safe city for solo female travelers. There is a low crime rate and the residents are friendly and open-minded. Public transportation is safe and efficient, even during evenings. There are also plenty of open areas and popular sites to visit where there are always other people around.
The "3-1-1 rule" for cologne (and other liquids) in carry-on luggage, set by the TSA (Transportation Security Administration), means containers must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller, all fit into 1 clear, quart-sized, resealable bag, and each passenger gets only 1 such bag. Larger bottles must go in checked luggage, but you can pack travel-sized cologne (under 3.4oz) in your carry-on by following these guidelines for a smooth security screening.
As such, the local cuisine is Rheinisch. From crispy Himmel un Ääd (a hearty mash of potatoes, apples, and blood sausage) to the popular bar snack Halve Hahn (cheese plate with raw onions and crunchy Rye bread), there are a number of dishes that are unique and special to Cologne.
You can't go wrong visiting either Cologne or Düsseldorf; ultimately, it's a choice of which city you prefer. If you want to visit museums about art history, go to Cologne. If you're more into contemporary art, Düsseldorf has an exciting scene.
While France consistently ranks as the most visited country by international tourist arrivals (over 100 million in recent years), Bali, Indonesia was named the #1 destination (city/region) for 2026 by TripAdvisor based on traveler reviews, highlighting different ways to measure tourism success. The United States leads in tourism revenue, showing it's a major player even if not #1 in visitor numbers.
In the evening, you are not permitted to mow lawns after 8 p.m. General evening quiet time begins at 10 p.m. All loud activities are restricted throughout all of Sunday, to include lawn mowing, car washing, loud games or music...if it can be heard outside your dwelling or vehicle, it is too loud.
According to this rule, if an individual spends more than 183 days in a calendar year in Germany, they may be considered a tax resident and subject to German taxation on their worldwide income. Period Calculation: The 183 days can be cumulative and do not need to be consecutive.
In Germany, tenancy law often includes 'quiet hours' typically from 10 pm to 6 or 7 am, during which noise should be minimized. Using a bath or shower at 4 am in a shared apartment may disturb neighbors and violate these quiet hours.
Drinking water supply in Germany is generally in the hands of the local authorities and is not profit-oriented. Prices differ from municipality to municipality, sometimes significantly. They are usually higher in rural regions because there are fewer connections and the costs can be passed on to fewer people.
Switzerland. If you've ever been to Switzerland, it probably won't surprise you that the alpine nation is home to some of the world's cleanest tap water. ...
