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

4.4 /5

Based on 18 experiences from female travelers

4.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

4 /5

Based on 61 experiences from local women

Cologne is currently ranked #5 safest place in Germany for solo female travellers, with an overall safety rating of 4.4 out of 5. . Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Cologne?

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: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: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: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.

Is Cologne worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.3 /5

based on 18 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4/5

Safety

4.4/5

Food

3.7/5

Budget-friendly

3.2/5

Group travel

Cologne is a very touristy city. Consider your travel date if you want to avoid the crowds. During my short one-day trip, I visited the Lindt Chocolate Museum, the Cologne Cathedral, which you can't miss, and the shopping streets. I recommend heading away from the city center if you want to feel more immersed in the city.

Posted: May 30, 2025Experienced: April, 2025

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Solo travel

For me it was a little difficult, sometimes I felt alone and had no one to go out with, there aren't that many things to do and they don't have festivals or as much street music as I expected there would be, the people are friendly but they don't make much of an effort to include you, unfortunately the first day I arrived I had a very persistent experience in terms of xenophobia but nothing went wrong.

Posted: April 14, 2025Experienced: March, 2025

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Solo travel

I felt safe. You can see the churches around, there are 12 of them. It's nice to see the botanical garden, grab some Kölsch and stroll around the river. I stayed at Novo Hotel. I walked mostly on foot but it's easier if you rent a bike or go by bus.

Posted: March 10, 2025Experienced: February, 2025

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Gülsüm

Turkey

Solo travel

It was my first time doing a solo trip. I felt pretty safe considering the fact that the city itself has free wifi and you can find an english speaker everywhere in the city. The only thing that out me off was the food options. Maybe I couldn't find something good but everything was pretty bland, especially after trying amazing food all around in my Paris trip.

Posted: February 10, 2025Experienced: November, 2024

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Solo travel

my experience cologne was really nice, i went for the concert there, and felt quite safe throughout the day, though maybe not as much during the night time. the transportation was okay, though there were some problems with bus, which made me amost miss my train

Posted: January 4, 2025Experienced: September, 2024

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Solo travel

I felt really safe in Cologne, maybe because I travel in the day time :) But overall it's very lively in the city, there lots of people, lots of events going on, lots of cafes, especially with ice cream

Posted: October 11, 2024Experienced: August, 2024

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Is Cologne safe for women?

Safety index

4 /5

Based on 61 local experiences

Crime index

1.9 /5

Based on 61 local experiences

One of the safest places I‘ve been to. But ofc even here I experience catcalling regularly. There are places safer than others in here but if you stay around ehrenfeld, Südstadt, Lindenthal, Rodenkirchen you will be fine. Try to avoid „Ebertplatz“. Germany is a safe place compared to others.

Posted: July 8, 2025

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It is usually safe except for the drug addicts at several locations like Neumarkt and Kalk. They usually don't do anything to you, but it just feels scary. In Kalk, there are chances of robbery, so stay safe or avoid traveling after dark there

Posted: June 24, 2025

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