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

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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.

Is Cologne worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.5 /5

based on 15 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.3/5

Safety

4.5/5

Food

3.9/5

Budget-friendly

3.2/5
Gülsüm

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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Priyanshi

Priyanshi

India

Solo travel

Yes, it was a nice experience. I lived in Bonn, but I used to travel to Cologne. It was for a trip, and I visited the harbor bridge. It was already quite nice and had a lot of restaurants that matched my taste, so I very much loved the food. I really liked it, and I look forward to visiting it again officially. It was an unplanned trip because it was due to business. I had one more day, which I used to explore Cologne.

Posted: September 6, 2024Experienced: September, 2023
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Solo travel

I had a good time in Cologne with a lot of vegan food and nice people. The restaurant Zarathustra was really great experience and I would recommend it to everyone who visits the city. They also have a place which sells vegan spaghetti ice cream which is want to try the next time staying there.

Posted: August 5, 2024
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Dana

Dana

Mexico

Family travel

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
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Muriel

Muriel

Germany

Solo travel

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
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Bridget

Bridget

Germany

Solo travel

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
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Couple travel

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
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Solo travel

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
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Is Cologne safe for women?

Safety index

3.9 /5

Based on 40 local experiences

Crime index

1.8 /5

Based on 40 local experiences

Anjelina

Anjelina

Cologne is mostly a safe place. However, there is especially in summer a high risk of getting catcalled by men when just walking on the streets. It gets riskier at dawn. When going to the center, the risk of meeting pickpockets gets higher. Cologne also has a problem with addicted people sleeping and consuming on the streets or at subway stations.

Posted: February 14, 2025
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As in most big cities in Germany I feel pretty safe. There is definately a lot more catcalling than in smaller cities, there are some spots to avoid in the dark but mostly because it just makes me uncomfortable and keeping your phone and wallet close in tourist spots is obvious Inthink but that's about it.

Posted: February 6, 2025
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Meet locals in Cologne

Anjelina

Anjelina

About Me

Hey my name is Anjelina, but you can call me Anji! :) I’m located in cologne and would love to do my part in making traveling for women more safe, as I would also love to be safe when it comes to my travel plans! I LOVE sunrises and sunsets and would always be up to go to the best places to watch them. Also I fall in love with every dog I see.. I don’t have one yet tho! Whatever includes animals, u can count me in!

Speaking

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aline

aline

About Me

I am trying more solo traveling and am excited to meet new people and discover places from a local point of view. The hidden and unpopular spots are my favorites.

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Cologne

Anjelina

Anjelina

Cologne

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hey my name is Anjelina, but you can call me Anji! :) I’m located in cologne and would love to do my part in making traveling for women more safe, as I would also love to be safe when it comes to my travel plans! I LOVE sunrises and sunsets and would always be up to go to the best places to watch them. Also I fall in love with every dog I see.. I don’t have one yet tho! Whatever includes animals, u can count me in!

Speaking

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Eva

Eva

Cologne

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Ukrainian, learn languages and travel

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Cologne

Aleyna

Aleyna

About Me

Hi! I'm Aleyna! I love doing makeup, drawing, seeing new places and meeting new people around the world!

Speaking

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Rabia

Rabia

About Me

Hello, I'm Rabia. I'm currently living in the Czech Republic. I came with the European Union Project (ESC) and will stay here for 8 months. Since it's a small place, I really need to meet people from other countries, travel and have fun. I would love to improve my language skills a little more this way. I'm a fun, friendly and reliable person ❤️

Speaking

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Safety in Germany