Car rental in Cologne

Car hire at Cologne Airport

The international airport Cologne / Bonn ( Cologne You Airport then Bonn You ) - download scheme

IATA code: CGN
Location: 15 km from Cologne
Official website: https://www.koeln-bonn-airport.de/
Information: +49 2203 404001

The following companies provide car rental services at Cologne Airport: Hertz, Europcar, Avis, Sixt, Enterprise, Buchbinder. Car rental desks are located in the arrivals hall. Near the airport there is a short-term parking and long-term. It is better to book a parking space in advance on the airport website.

What to see in Cologne: interesting sights of the city

Cologne Cathedral

http://www.koelner-dom.de/

Having rented a car, go look at the masterpiece of world architecture - Cologne Cathedral. The exterior of the building is fascinating at first sight. The wide facade and towers go straight into the sky, and on the magnificent stained-glass windows glimpses of the sun are visible. The halls of the cathedral are decorated with exquisite sculptures, stucco molding, relief arches and columns. Inside the walls are gilded and decorated with mosaics, and the outer walls are paved with Rhine stone. If you are full of strength and energy, having overcome 509 steps, you can climb the 157-meter tower and see the city from a bird's eye view. Once the cathedral was the tallest in the world, but today it is rightfully considered one of the largest in Europe.

Museum of Spirits

Obenmarspforten 21

The Museum of Spirits presents an exposition dedicated to the history of the development of perfumery art. Interestingly, it is located in the oldest factory building, which to this day is operational. During the tour, you will be able to see paintings and photographs that depict the production process of the treasured bottles and their contents. The museum also features unique distillation apparatuses and a collection of original bottles for different spirits.

Church of St. Martin

Am grosse st martin

One of the most memorable attractions in Cologne is St. Martin's Church. It was completely destroyed during the war and only after several decades was restored. The construction is made in the Romanesque style, there is no interior decoration as such. The building organically complements the landscape of the city, and in the evening it becomes especially beautiful: the included lighting turns the church into a mysterious and romantic place.

Chocolate Museum

Am Schokoladenmuseum, 1a http://www.schokoladenmuseum.de/

When traveling in Cologne with a rental car, don’t disregard the Chocolate Museum. It is located in an unusual building, which stands on the island and clearly resembles a ship. Visitors will not only be interested to get acquainted with artworks made of chocolate, to learn the history of production, but also to look at an unusual structure in the vicinity. During the tour, it will also be possible to taste chocolate products, and get acquainted with the principles of trade.

Ethnological Museum of Rautenstrauch-Jost

Cacilienstrasse 29-33

Another place of art in Cologne is the Rautenstrauch-Jost Ethnological Museum. The collection consists of more than 100,000 photographs, 40,000 magazines and monographs, 60,000 artifacts. The main topics of the exposition are the construction and awareness of the world. The Children's Museum with interesting rooms is also located here. While the younger generation will be immersed in an unusual atmosphere, visitors of a more mature age will be told about how women and men get along together, the role of religion and what drives people.

Near Cologne: best car routes

Fantasyland

Berggeiststrasse, 31-41, Bruhl http://www.phantasialand.de/en/

It doesn’t matter whether you are traveling with children, friends or with another company, everyone will definitely be interested in visiting Fantazyland. Just a 15-minute drive from Cologne there is a fascinating amusement park, which for 40 years makes an unforgettable impression on visitors. From the first minutes of your stay here, you can go on an exciting journey along the Milky Way. A dynamic simulation of flight and stunning special effects will add fuel to the fire. The most memorable shows are “Adventures in Colorado with Michael Jackson”, the space show “Galaxy” and “Phantom show”. Fans of extreme sports will appreciate the “Viking Ship”, “Berlin Carousel” and “The Dead Loop”.

Koblenz

Hire a car and go explore the heart of western Germany - the city of Koblenz. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it is at the junction of the Moselle and the Rhine. Ancient quarters, medieval buildings, of course, impress, but this is not its main feature. What really deserves attention is the neighborhood of the city, where literally every kilometer there is an ancient castle. After the tour, you can drink cool moselle or wine. When leaving, make sure that you have visited the Deutsche Angle (the confluence of the Moselle and the Rhine), climbed the cable car to the Ehrenbreitstein fortress and examined the Basilica of St. Castor. Note to tourists: in the area of ​​the “German Corner” there is a pier, from where in the warm season you can go along the famous night route “Rhine on Fire”.

Rhine Valley

If you do not suffer from seasickness and want to see even more beauty, you can go on a short trip along the Rhine. For example, board a ship in Cologne and get off at Bingen. Here you can spend an exciting time exploring the local shops, cultural and historical sites, and finally take a ride on the cable car. There are many route options, however, on the way back after a walk you can have a hearty meal in a restaurant on a ship and explore the surroundings from the other side.

Bonn

The next point on the map of the tourist route is Bonn, located just 30 kilometers from Cologne. This is Beethoven's Homeland, where you can not only see the bright sights, but also the house where the great composer once lived. Fans of cathedral churches will be interested in visiting the Bonn Cathedral, the Double Church. Those who prefer to visit ancient castles can go on an excursion to the Poppelsdorf Palace. If none of your travels goes without visiting museums, in Bonn you will have a wide choice: the Robert Schumann House Museum, the Federal Republic of Germany History House, the Museum of Modern Art in Bonn, and the Rhine Museum of Local Lore.

Rudesheim

If you have already traveled all the surroundings and looked at the sights of Cologne, renting a car, go to the town of Rudesheim. A day is enough to imbue its atmosphere. Especially worth a visit to the Museum of Music, which presents ancient instruments. Some exhibits can be touched or listen to how they work. Numerous aristocratic estates will make an indelible impression, for example, the Bassenheimer estate, the residence of Sikingen, the castle of Folrads. Finally, take a look at the Catholic parish church, and then go to have a meal at a local restaurant and taste the best wines.

Food: atmospheric restaurants, cafes and bars

Merzenich backereien

Wallrafplatz 4 http://www.merzenich.net/

For breakfast, head to the Merzenich Backereien bakery, where you will find fresh pastries, sandwiches and coffee. The establishment is a great alternative to breakfast at the hotel. There is a large selection and quick service. The bakery is popular in Cologne because of the cozy atmosphere, fresh bread and the huge variety of buns. Nearby is the cathedral, therefore, taking with it goodies, you can go to explore local attractions.

Frueh am Dom

Am Hof ​​12 http://www.frueh.de/

Frueh am Dom is a typical broeyhouse with its own traditions and a long history. The highlight of the establishment is a delicious local beer, which is served two times cheaper here than in other establishments. The menu includes a traditional German appetizer: sausages, sausages with sauerkraut, Schweinschnitzel with french fries. The interior of the institution is made in a typical German style, and the dungeons make an unforgettable impression. Waiters are masters of their craft, who have been working here for several decades.

Cafe noa

Maastrichter Str. 3 http://www.cafe-noa.de/

Looking for a cozy place for a delicious dinner? Stop at Cafe Noa. The menu offers dishes of national and Mediterranean cuisine. There is also an assortment for vegetarians. In the cafe you should try a salad with chanterelles, a Viennese schnitzel, a glass of riesling. The institution is suitable for both a family meal and a business snack. For gatherings in the warm season, a summer playground is equipped. To get to the cafe on a weekend, it is better to book a table. By the way, for rental cars there is convenient parking nearby.

Pasta bar

Salierring 46 http://www.pastabar.de/

If you are a fan of delicious pasta, head to the Pasta Bar. Here are some of the most affordable prices for dishes, a cozy atmosphere and good service. The owners of the restaurant are Italians who know a lot about the organic combination of products and cooking technology. The establishment is popular, therefore it is better to book a table in advance. Pasta Bar is open until late, which means you can take your time to enjoy delicious food and a glass of wine.

Zippiri Gourmetwerkstatt & Wein-Bar

Riehler Str. 73 http://www.zippiri.de/

Another point on the gastronomic map of Cologne is Zippiri Gourmetwerkstatt & Wein-Bar. This is an Italian restaurant serving a wide selection of dishes, including for vegetarians. If you went to a wine museum or a zoo for excursions, then be sure to look into this institution. Here a cozy atmosphere reigns, having a pleasant pastime. Attentive staff tries to please every guest. A nice bonus is a wide selection of delicious wines.

Where to live: comfortable hotels in Cologne

Pullman cologne

Helenenstrasse 14
+49 221 2750 Pullman Cologne double room - from € 144

Planning to rent a car and looking for a convenient place to stay? Choose your own Pullman Cologne. This is an elite hotel with a stylish interior and high quality service. Nearby is a park, the main pedestrian streets. The panoramic elevator impresses, at least once it is definitely worth a ride. It offers parking, room-service, fitness center, spa treatments. Couples are offered babysitting services.

Ameron hotel regent

Melatengurtel 15
+49 221 54990 https://www.ameronhotels.com/de/hotel-regent-koeln double room - from € 133

Ameron Hotel Regent is a comfortable hotel with spacious rooms and good service. Nearby is a Chinese restaurant, office buildings, a supermarket. The apartments are equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay. Breakfast is delicious and hearty. The hotel provides laundry services, a conference room, a fitness center, and a spa. The hotel has rooms for couples as well as for those traveling alone or with friends.

Savoy hotel

Turiner Str. 9
+49 221 16230 http://www.savoy.de/en/ double room - from € 158

The advantage of the Savoy Hotel is its convenient location. The hotel is near the train station and Cologne Cathedral. Despite this, the room does not feel any extraneous sounds. The interior of the apartment is made in red and black colors - very sensual and stylish. If you want to relax after a busy day, you can head to the jacuzzi or spa treatments. For tourists who adhere to a healthy lifestyle, a fitness center is equipped. In case of need for a business meeting or training, a conference room is equipped

Rheinblick

Uferstrasse 20
+49 221 3409140 http://www.villahotel-rheinblick.de/ double room - from € 128

If you want a break from the bustling streets, opt for Rheinblick. This is a stylish villa located in a prestigious area of ​​the city. The rooms are spacious and equipped with everything necessary. It offers scenic views of the Rhine. The friendly staff will help resolve any misunderstanding. After having a delicious breakfast in the hotel restaurant, you can go for a walk in the surroundings or explore the sights of Cologne. It will be convenient to leave a rental car in free parking.

Steigenberger hotel

Habsburgerring 9-13
+49 221 2280 https://www.steigenberger.com/hotels/alle-hotels/deutschland/koeln/steigenberger-hotel-koeln double room - from € 121

The Steigenberger Hotel is centrally located. The rooms are spacious and functional. Large beds, soft pillows, bath accessories, crystal cleanliness - all this makes a welcome impression. To services of travelers the fitness center, room-service, a conference room are provided. For special occasions, a banquet room is equipped. The competent staff will make you feel comfortable.

Where to park a rented car in Cologne