Is Cologne Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

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. However, like any big city, there might be pickpocketing and it is advised to stay alert especially in crowded places and during famous events like the Carnaval. Always keep an eye on your belongings.

Safety rating

Meet new people

Get the Travel Ladies app to meet new people, find travel buddies, share solo travel experiences and stay with locals through couch surfing.
Download from App StoreDownload from Google Play
Get the Travel Ladies App

How safe is Cologne?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Safe

Cologne is generally a safe city, even at night. As with any urban areas, it is advised to stay in well-lit and populated areas. There may be some areas where extra caution should be exercised, but crime rate is relatively low. Public transportation is reliable and secure too. Being mindful of your surroundings and personal belongings would further ensure your safety.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Cologne, is generally reliable and safe. The city has an efficient network of trams, buses and trains operated by KVB (Kölner Verkehrsbetriebe) that run regularly, even during the night. Security personnel are often visible and emergency protocols are robust. However, like anywhere, you should remain vigilant, especially late in the evening. Avoid empty compartments and always keep your belongings close.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Low

Cologne is generally considered a safe city for solo female travelers. Street harassment is not a widespread issue and instances of this are relatively low. It is heavily populated with a diverse mix of people, including many international students and tourists. Furthermore, most of the locals maintain a respectful demeanor. However, like everywhere, it's always advised to stay cautious and aware of your surroundings, especially during the night and in less crowded areas.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Low

Cologne has an overall low risk for petty crimes such as pickpocketing and purse snatching. Main hotspots are the more touristy areas and public transportation where crimes of opportunity have a slightly higher chance of occurring. However, by remaining vigilant and keeping personal belongings secure, you can significantly reduce your risk.
Tap water:

Tap water:Very safe

In Cologne, the tap water is considered extremely safe to drink. The country upholds strict standards for water filtration and quality checks, resulting in excellent and reliable water directly from the tap. The quality and safety standards are so high that bottled water is often considered unnecessary.

Is Cologne safe to travel?

4.8 /5

Based on 10 experiences

Dana

Dana (24)

Mexico

Family travel experience

I went to Cologne during Christmas with my best friend and her dad, I had the best time! I felt completely safe at all times (even when we were walking during the night, I started feeling scared because it was getting dark but everyone was minding their own business) Definitely go inside the Cathedral and climb the stairs, though it is a bit tiring to do so, it's so worth it once you see the view of all of Cologne!! I stayed in the Novum Hotel Mariella Airport and it was pretty nice, the breakfast was delicious, it wasn't so expensive, the only con is that they didn't clean my room during my whole stay, but overall it's a great hotel. It is a few minutes away from the Köln Porz Markt station. I got around the city through public transportation, it is real easy to use and economical (you can buy a 24 - 72 hr pass I believe).

Posted: June 13, 2024Experienced: December, 2023
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Bridget

Bridget

Germany

Solo travel experience

Cologne was one of my favourite cities that I’ve visited so far in Germany. Not only was it extremely safe, but the architecture and food scene was out of this world. I had great kölsch and the best schnitzel I’ve ever had in my life there. Furthermore, as a Catholic, the church in front of the train station is a must see.

Posted: February 7, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Couple travel experience

Quite nice and safe place to visit. The Colonge Cathedral - my absolute love. There was a lot of visitors on weekends, but still such a good experience. Highly recommend to climb the Cathedral tower. Amazing views!

Posted: December 2, 2023Experienced: September, 2023
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Solo travel experience

Cologne is a really beautiful place to visit, very safe for people traveling alone, at least according to my experience, and most Germans know at least a bit of English. Nearby there is also another city, Aachen, which is also worth visiting.

Posted: November 2, 2022
favorite_border 78
mode_comment 0

Is Cologne safe for women?

Safety rating

3.8 /5

Based on 12 experiences

Crime rates rating

1.3 /5

Based on 12 experiences

Cologne is as safe as any other German or western city. If you're as cautious as in other big cities you'll be fine. In Karneval season there are a lot of drunk people, especially in the city centre and the left side of Cologne.

Posted: June 10, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Fabiana

Fabiana

Cologne is overall a safe city. As in other places you should be aware of your important possessions when in big crowds, overcrowded transports and tourists location. Right outside the central station I believe is where I have felt most uncomfortable, my advise if you really want to see the dome is just not to stay standing in one place alone but to keep walking until you are no longer in front of the station and more in front of the dome, don’t seat on the stairs and watch your stuff at all time. You can also have a lot of encounters with drug addicts all around the city center and I understand that this can be triggering/uncomfortable for many people, if this is the case I would try to avoid this metro stops: Appellhofplatz, Friesenplatz, Ebertplatz, Wiener Platz

Posted: June 1, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Is Cologne safe right now?

Before your visit to Cologne, it's essential to check travel advisories for Germany, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.
🇺🇸

United States Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The United States Government advises exercising increased caution in Germany due to terrorism. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: May 1, 2024
🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Canadian government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Germany due to the threat of terrorism. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: July 15, 2024
🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Australian government advises to **exercise a high degree of caution in Germany** due to the threat of terrorism. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: July 15, 2024

Is Cologne worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.3 /5

based on 10 experiences

Muriel

Muriel

Germany

Solo travel experience

I was travelling for work and I was hosted in a teacher’s house which was a very interesting experience since I got to exchange views about art and education. The city although not too big I think it has a great public transportation and a lot of cultural events going on. Not too expensive and very calm!

Posted: February 26, 2024
Things to do: 4/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Group travel experience

I stayed at the 25 Hours Hotel The Circle, it was amazing! I definitely recommend visiting the Kölner Dom cathedral - you can go all the way to the top (we didn't go because we were there during the New Year and I misread the opening hours of the tower, oops), be sure to check out the crane houses (Kranhäuser) by the river, really cool buildings. Kölntriangle offers stunning city views, and if you cross the Hohenzollern Bridge, you can check another sightseeing point off your list. It's also worth mentioning that Cologne is not too far from Bonn or Düsseldorf by train, so it's worth going there if you can, to see more.

Posted: October 27, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
favorite_border 69
mode_comment 0

Meet locals in Cologne

Meet local women in Cologne who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.
Laura

Laura

About Me

I‘m an open and positive person who love to travel and meeting new people! 🥰

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Green_Anna

Green_Anna

About Me

Very interested in History, philosophy and politics. I speak german, russian and english. Would especially love to go to gothic stores or metal concerts.

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Stay with locals in Cologne

Stay with local women in Cologne who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Couch surfing is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.
Fabiana

Fabiana

Cologne

Can host for:

3 days

About me

hiii girls! my name is Fabiana and I’m from Costa Rica. I’ve been living in Germany for about 6 years, I’m studying psychology in the uni in cologne and also work in a small cafe :) I would really like to connect with likeminded women travelers so I’m really happy I found this app💚 I’m into yoga, arts, dancing, spirituality, connection, nature, etc etc etc I can offer accommodation but I’m also down to just hang out :) Let’s meet!

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Diana

Diana

Cologne

Can host for:

3 days

About me

My name is Diana and I love travelling, exploring the world, hiking, meeting new people, drinking beer, carneval in Cologne, music festivals (rock, metal, techno), yoga ...

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Upcoming visitors to Cologne

Connect with upcoming visitors to Cologne who are looking for travel buddies or meet ups.
Patricia

Patricia

About Me

Hi, I'm Patri, I write videogame reviews for a website in Spain and my dream is to do something in the videogame industry. At the moment I don't have a job and my budget is very low, but I've been given a press pass for Gamescom in Cologne! That's why I'm looking for someone with a good heart to host me from August 20th to 26th in the city. In exchange I can do language exchange in Spanish and give you tips about travelling in Spain, especially Seville and Madrid.

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Safety in Germany