Travel Budget for Cologne Visit Cologne on a Budget or Travel in Style

Cologne, Land Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
Europe / Germany /
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Cologne is a fun city known for its large and detailed cathedral, its festive Christmas markets, and its location along the Rhine River. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Cologne and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're exploring the museums or enjoying the nightlife.

How much does it cost to travel to Cologne?

You should plan to spend around $215 (€197) per day on your vacation in Cologne. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $94 (€87) on meals
  • $21 (€19) on local transportation
  • $198 (€182) on hotels

A one week trip to Cologne for two people costs, on average, $3,006 (€2,758). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $215
    €197
  • One Week Per person
    $1,503
    €1,379
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $3,006
    €2,758
  • One Month Per person
    $6,440
    €5,910
  • One Week For a couple
    $3,006
    €2,758
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $6,011
    €5,516
  • One Month For a couple
    $12,881
    €11,820
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Cologne cost?

A one week trip to Cologne usually costs around $1,503 (€1,379) for one person and $3,006 (€2,758) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Cologne on average costs around $3,006 (€2,758) for one person and $6,011 (€5,516) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Cologne will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Cologne on average costs around $6,440 (€5,910) for one person and $12,881 (€11,820) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Cologne expensive to visit?

Cologne is a big, vibrant city with plenty of activities. It's a melting pot of travelers with different budgets and styles, making it an exciting place to explore. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.

If you're not cautious, Cologne can become costly, but you can save with strategies like eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.

On average, budget travelers spend $96 (€88) per day, mid-range travelers spend $215 (€197) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $428 (€393) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Cologne.

Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Cologne is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Lake Garda or Inner Hebrides.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Cologne Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Cologne?

The average Cologne trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Cologne travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Cologne cost?

Cologne on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$42
(€39) 		$99
(€91) 		$206
(€189)
Local Transportation 1 $9
(€8.38) 		$21
(€19) 		$39
(€35)
Food 2 $41
(€37) 		$94
(€87) 		$186
(€171)
Entertainment 1 $9
(€8.69) 		$22
(€20) 		$43
(€40)
Alcohol 2 $5-16
(€5-15) 		$12-37
(€11-34) 		$23-70
(€21-64)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

Having realistic expectations for your travel expenses is important. While many assume they can visit Cologne on a tight budget, the truth is that most people don't enjoy traveling that way. Think about what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer staying in resorts or hostels? Do you love exploring sights and attractions, or dining out? Your preferences will directly impact your budget and travel plans.

What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?

You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $96 daily average that backpackers get away with.

Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.

Cologne has plenty of hostels available, like Die Wohngemeinschaft, Weltempfänger Backpacker Hostel, and 404 Hostel. Here, you can enjoy low-cost dorm lodging and a vibrant social environment, though amenities might be minimal. Lastly, the city offers an effective public transit system, enabling budget travelers to sidestep expensive taxis or rideshares.

What Makes You an Average Traveler?

For couples or families traveling for enjoyment, opting for a mid-range hotel, dining at popular restaurants, and exploring major museums and attractions with entry fees is likely. When visiting Cologne, most people will want to check out the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. Remember, many activities do come with costs. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $215 per person, per day.

In Cologne, you'll find a broad range of hotels and vacation rentals. If traveling with companions, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or your children, helping to cut costs. Families will want to look for hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. Stern am Rathaus is a fantastic option for families, and Hotel Casa Colonia is also a great pick. Explore more family and couple-oriented hotels in our hotel guide for Cologne here.

Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?

If you're looking for a complete getaway that features every luxury and a high level of service, plan on a cost of about $428 daily. To enjoy nicer hotels, dine at award-winning venues, indulge in extravagant experiences, and travel around the city with taxis or private drivers, you'll need to set aside a luxury budget. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Private walking tour of Cologne's old town - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Cologne

The cost of hotels in Cologne can be surprisingly wide-ranging. Some hotels charge a lot more because they offer extra luxury and amenities. Prices are also much higher during peak season. Off-season rooms average $82, but the demand in peak summer season pushes that average to around $153. Budget hotels range from $57 to $250, and hostels provide a cheaper option, especially in dorms. Booking early, traveling off-season, or finding special deals can help save money.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Cologne for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $198 (€182). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $99 (€91) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $99
    €91
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $198
    €182

Hotels in Cologne

Looking for a hotel in Cologne? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Cologne

The average hotel room price in Cologne based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $82 in the low season and $153 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Cologne include:

  • Savoy Hotel Cologne starting at $108
  • Hotel Stadtpalais Cologne starting at $98
  • Villahotel Rheinblick starting at $153
  • Appartel am Dom starting at $77
  • Lindner Hotel City Plaza starting at $103
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Cologne

As a large city, Cologne has a diverse selection of accommodations available. Whether you prefer hostels like Die Wohngemeinschaft, rental apartments, or high-end hotels, there's something for everyone. Keep in mind that staying close to the city center usually comes with higher rates, but you'll enjoy convenient access to public transport and key sites.

Cologne has an excellent public transit that lets you stay outside the city to save on accommodations. But you'll likely end up spending more time and money on transportation.

As a family-friendly city, Cologne is perfect for traveling with kids, so you may want to find an apartment with more room. Since it's a big city, rooms can be on the smaller side and may feel a bit cramped.

Choosing to travel in the shoulder or low season and avoiding summer will help you save on lodging costs and escape the tourist rush.

Exploring Cologne on foot is popular among many, so consider staying in a central area. Just keep in mind that this might lead to higher prices.

The city's famous old town is a major attraction for travelers. While hotels in this area can be more expensive, they usually offer a lot of charm and easy access to all the main sights.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Cologne

In a large city like Cologne, transportation is essential, but the public transit system makes getting around easy. KVB operates the system that includes trains, trams, and buses. The city is also easily connected to other nearby towns so it makes a great base for exploring the entire area. For the best value, stick to public transit, but taxis and rideshares are always an option for convenience.

Visitors who prefer to discover the area by walking will find it enjoyable. If you stick to the Old Town and nearby neighborhoods, you'll be able to explore easily on foot.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (excellent)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (great)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $21 (€19) per person, per day, on local transportation in Cologne. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Cologne is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $21
    €19

Transportation Tips

If you plan on utilizing public transit frequently, multi-day passes can be a great way to save money.

Be mindful of pickpockets on buses and trains, as well as in the stations. Cologne is a large city, so it's wise to stay vigilant.

A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:

  • Cologne hotels to Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) - Departure Private Transfer for $48 details
  • Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Bonn hotels - Arrival Private Transfer for $54 details
  • Superior Private Transfer from Cologne City to Dortmund City for $63 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Cologne
How much does it cost to go to Cologne? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Cologne
The price of renting a car in Cologne will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Cologne

The food scene in Cologne is solid, but it's not usually the main tourist attraction. However, there are some charming eateries in the city that you should check out. The food scene consists mostly of brewhouses and pubs, where you'll find local cuisine. There are also a number of international restaurants around town if you want something a little different. In particular, you'll find many Turkish kebab shops near the train station. Local dishes from Cologne include Halve Hahn (an open face sandwich), Hämmche (pork with sauerkraut or potatoes), and Mettbrütche (minced pork bread roll). For a sweet treat, there is no shortage of donut shops with decadently decorated toppings.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Cologne can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Cologne is $94 (€87) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $94
    €87

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Cologne is around $94 (€87) per person, with previous travelers spending from $41 to $186. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Cologne are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $9 to $28
  • Lunch: $14 to $38
  • Dinner: $28 to $66
  • Coffee: $8
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $14

Being a large city the cuisine of Cologne is rich and diverse with anything from Middle Eastern, Asian, and Italian to the more traditional local foods of the region. Some of these include dutch gouda cheese on a rye roll called halver hahn, a dish called Himmel und Äd mit Flönz which consists of a fried blood sausage with mashed potatoes, apple sauce, and fried onions, as well as the famous Sauerbraten which consists of a link (beef or horsemeat) marinated in vinegar with raisins, usually served with red cabbage and a kloss (potato dumpling). Pig's legs (Schweinshaxe or Hämchen) are also popular as are potato pancakes (Rievekoochen or Reibekuchen) sometimes served with apple sauce or horseradish. Most traditional German dishes are hearty and rustic, usually found in local pubs throughout the city. Germany is also renowned for its brewing, and the typical Cologne beer is called "Kölsch." There are plenty of breweries and pubs throughout the city, serving kolsch and many other local varieties.

Food & Dining Tips

By opting to eat at nicer restaurants for lunch instead of dinner, you can save some money. Numerous restaurants in touristy areas or business centers have lunch specials or a 'menu of the day.' These often consist of smaller and less costly versions of their dinner selections. With the right choices, you can even enjoy a complete multi-course gourmet meal at a reasonable price. For dinner, just stick to something light.

If you're traveling with little ones, try to find restaurants that feature a children's menu. This can really cut costs since these meals are often cheaper. Remember, some places don't display kids' options, so it's a good idea to ask the waiter first.

Some hotels include breakfast in the overall cost, while others add it as an extra charge. The quality and price of breakfast can vary greatly depending on the hotel. Being informed beforehand can help you determine if you need to set aside additional funds. The hotel's buffet may be worth it, or you might consider visiting a local bakery or cafe for a more budget-friendly option.

Instead of constantly buying drinks, bring along a water bottle. It's also great for the planet.

If you're going to take a tour, make sure you understand which meals are included. You could end up paying for some food yourself, which might affect your budget.

If you want to experience the culture in Cologne, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:

  • Hard Rock Cafe Cologne With Set Lunch or Dinner for $29 details
  • Hard Rock Café with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner for $26 details

Recommended

What did other people spend on food and dining in Cologne?

Below are some standard food costs in Cologne, gathered from real travelers. These prices should give you a general idea of what you can expect to spend on dining and meals. Keep in mind, though, that your own costs may differ depending on your taste in restaurants, travel habits, and menu choices.


  • Dinner
    €14
  • Donner Kebab
    €4.00


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Cologne

It's no wonder that so many visitors make their way to Cologne for its museums and attractions, nightlife, family-friendly activities, and food.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Cologne typically cost an average of $22 (€20) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $22
    €20

The Cologne Cathedral, or Kolner Dom, is perhaps the most recognized landmark of the city. It towers above everything with over 500 stairs up to the south tower. In addition, the city has a dozen more Romanesque churches open to the public some of which include St. Kunibert with beautiful stained glass windows, St. Andreas with 14th century frescoes, St. Aposteln with controversial paintings from the 1990s, as well as St. Gereon, St. Ursula, and St. Pantaleon amongst others.

Other architectural sights worth seeing are the Die Kolner Synagoge; the Hohenzollern Bridge, also known as the Locking Bridge as it is covered in padlocks that couples have placed there to pledge their love; and also the Rheinauhafen (or harbor) where there is a great mix of old and new.

As with any city, there are a handful of parks to provide pleasant green space for visitors and locals alike. And then there are the museums and galleries-one of the world's best collections of museums and galleries for a city of its size. Some of these include world class museums of art and archaeology, two museums of ecclesiastical art, an ethnographic museum, a chocolate museum, and the German Sport Museum, as well as an abundance of Roman remains.



This is a city of rich history and thriving culture. Once you've experienced the landmarks, galleries, and museums, which should all be on your list of things to do in Cologne, you can delve into its ethos of today by enjoying the shopping, dining, and nightlife.

Germany is known for its festivals, and Cologne has a few like the Kolner Karneval - one of the biggest in the city. Occurring in February, this winter carnival holds an annual parade and accompanying festivities. There are also many Christmas Markets held throughout December, the most famous being the one close to the cathedral and the one at Neumarkt. Here you will find many local crafts, brews, and foods to warm you up in the cold winter weather.

Other attractions of Cologne include the zoo and aquarium, the Phantasialand amusement park, Kolner Seilbahn which provides cable car rides across the Rhine River, and Claudius Therme which features a series of indoor and outdoor pools and saunas. River cruises and city tours are also popular.

Sightseeing Tips

Museums and Attractions:
Attractions in CologneCologne is famous for its world-class museums and historic sites. At the heart of the city is Cologne Cathedral, which is stunningly intricate and highlights High Gothic architecture. It is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Other famous sights around town include Cologne City Hall, the Wallraf-Richartz & Ludwig Museums, and Hohenzollern Bridge.

Shopping:
Shopping in CologneYou'll find shopping here to be an experience worth having. There is no shortage of clothing shops around Cologne. You'll find all of the major European chains with many souvenir shops mixed in. Schildergasse is a major shopping street in town, but there are also many shopping malls to choose from. For local markets, head to Wilhemplatz.

A nice way to explore destinations in Cologne is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Street Art Tour Köln Ehrenfeld for $28 details
  • City Tour per Rikscha in Cologne for $47 details
  • Compact tour (7km) for $70 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Cologne

In Cologne, the nightlife buzzes with energy, and visitors love to spend their evenings enjoying the local bars, clubs, and parties. Head to one of the many beerhalls to check out the local nightlife scene. Make sure you try the local beer, Kölsch. Some of the most popular places for night include Ona Mor, Pepe, and Engel & Weiss.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $25 (€23) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Cologne per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $25
    €23

Nightlife in Cologne

Nightlife Tips

While nightlife is a key part of many trips, scaling back on drinks can help free up some extra cash in your budget.

Drinking at night can be fun, but make sure you're aware of your surroundings. You could attract pickpockets, so it's best to stick with people you trust and stay in a group.

Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Cologne. A few favorites from other travelers include:

  • Public brewery tour in Cologne in English for $21 details
  • Entertaining Brewery Tour: Feel Good Package including local beer for $30 details
  • The Legendary Kölsch Brewery Tour for $32 details

Recommended


Budgeting and Travel Tips for Cologne

  • In summer, prices tend to soar, and the city gets pretty packed. If you want to save money and enjoy a quieter experience, plan your visit for the shoulder or low seasons.
  • Cologne is sizable, so you can typically find a range of prices for everything from hotels to food and activities. To cut costs, shop around, make reservations in advance, and take advantage of free entertainment.
  • Embracing a slower travel style can save you money, allowing you to enjoy the stunning sights at a leisurely pace. If your schedule is jam-packed with activities, you can quickly rack up expenses. Slowing down not only enhances your experience but often reduces costs as well.

Budgeting Challenges

  • If you're journeying with small children, you'll likely prefer a private vehicle or taxi. It can often be a lot easier to bypass the difficulties of public transit, though it will cost you a little more.
Expert Advice from Local Travelers

We're asking our community members and registered users to contribute their experiences about Cologne.

Why would you recommend Cologne to budget travelers? Or, why not?

I found a lot of free and cheap things to do here, such as the famous Cathedral, the public parks, the zoo, and lots of affordable food options.

on_a_budget
-
Aug 18 2023

What makes Cologne a budget-friendly destination? Or not?

It's generally an affordable city by European standards, but there's not as much to do as there is in many nearby cities. I've been to the Christmas markets a few times and they're great, but go on a weekday to avoid the crowds.

west_476
-
Dec 12 2023

How can you save money during your time in Cologne?

There are plenty of cheap restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat near the train station.

Tessa
-
Nov 3 2023

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Spanning the Rhine River in western Germany, the city of Cologne dates back 2,000 years, once existing as the largest city of the Holy Roman Empire in medieval times. Today, it is the region's cultural hub - a center of museums, galleries, and towering Gothic cathedrals.



Neighborhoods & Around

Cologne is full of traditional neighborhoods, or "Veedel", scattered throughout the city. One of the most notable is the bohemian Agnesviertel which features independent designers, bookshops, bars, and art galleries. Here you can spend the day sightseeing historical monuments, visit an exhibition, explore local markets, and wind down in a traditional pub or local cafe. Other "Veedel" include Ehrenfeld, Nippes, and the historical Südstadt. Old Town with its signature Cologne Cathedral, cobblestone alleys, and historic town hall is perhaps one of the most picturesque parts of the city-a great place to explore all day and then kick back at a brewery to take in the scenery.

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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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