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Cologne

Situated on the Rhine River in western Germany, the city of Cologne beckons with its rich history and vibrant culture. Unmissable is its towering centerpiece: the iconic Cologne Cathedral, a stunning Gothic masterpiece that tells a grand tale of architectural determination and prowess. Old Town, with its ancient buildings and narrow, winding streets, offers a quaint charm filled with inviting traditional breweries and taverns where you can sample the city’s famous local beer, Kölsch. Known for its vibrant art scene, Cologne houses the Museum Ludwig which boasts an impressive collection of modern art, juxtaposing the city's antiquity with commendable contemporary aesthetics. Along with the world-renowned trade fairs and annual spectacles such as the exhilarating Carnival, Cologne truly is a versatile gem on Germany's cultural landscape.

Cologne is currently ranked #55 best place for solo female travellers. Check full ranking.

4.3 /5

Based on 9 experiences

3.9 /5

Based on our research

4.8 /5

Based on safety reports

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Safety:Very safe

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.

Transport:Easy

Cologne is quite manageable for solo female travelers. The city is compact, and most attractions, restaurants, and shops are within walking distance from each other. Additionally, the city has a comprehensive public transportation system, including trams, buses, and local trains, making it easy to explore further afield. However, signage and announcements are primarily in German, which may be a bit challenging for non-German speakers. Nevertheless, locals are usually willing to help if you ask.

Things to do:Interesting

Cologne is an engaging city with a lot to offer, from historic landmarks such as the renowned Cologne Cathedral and the old town to exciting contemporary attractions like the chocolate museum. The city provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities including strolling by the Rhine River. The art and culture scene is also active, with numerous galleries, museums, and street art displays. Furthermore, Cologne boasts a variety of shopping options and a diverse culinary scene for food lovers. While generally safe, solo female travelers should take standard precautions, particularly during the evening.

Food:Above average

Cologne offers a unique culinary experience with a sufficient diversity in food. The city is known to have a grand tradition of brewing beer and the local dishes, that usually revolve around meat and fish, are something worth trying. Vegetarian and vegan options, as well as international cuisine, are also plentiful throughout the city. Preparing for the seasonal specialties like honey-roasted almonds during Christmas will add to your delight. While not every dish may cater to individual tastes, overall, the food scene in Cologne boasts of authenticity and flavor diversity.

Budget:Moderate

Cologne falls in the mid-range when it comes to budget friendliness. Accommodation, eating out, and transport can be fairly affordable if you plan carefully. Sites like the famous Cologne Cathedral are free to visit. However, costs can increase if you frequent high-end restaurants or choose luxury accommodation. The city also offers a variety of price ranges when it comes to shopping, depending on where you choose to go.

Overall rating

4.3 /5

based on 9 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.4/5

Safety

4.8/5

Food

4.2/5

Budget-friendly

3.4/5

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

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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

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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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

Things to do: 5/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5

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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

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5

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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

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Solo travel experience

Go to the Lindt Chocolate Museum in Cologne, and then hop over to Bonn to visit Beethoven's house! I definitely recommend stopping by the Cologne Cathedral.

Posted: October 19, 2022

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

I had a great time during the visit, but the city was much less charming than I thought it would be (this does not mean that parts of the city are not charming!). There are many ugly, mismatched buildings filling it, which I guess are the result of damage to buildings suffered during World War II. I can't stop wondering how much character was lost and what it would look like today if it hadn't been bombed so heavily. Only when I left and reflected on the visit, I appreciated the city more. I will definitely go back there for Kolsch, which was one of the highlights of the visit!

Posted: August 31, 2022

Things to do: 4/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

The cathedral in Cologne is amazing and worth visiting. Stop at any of the open markets / bars and try Kolsch (traditional beer from Cologne). Paulner Tavern is excellent for dinner. Order Schnitzel!!!! Enjoy it, Germany is the best.

Posted: June 21, 2022

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5

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I recommend the Chocolate Museum and the Dom Cathedral (you must see it). It's worth checking out the treasury, even if it might seem a little expensive on the spot. Be sure to see the Hohenzollern Bridge and the waterfront with colorful houses. Then go to the Alter Markt (old market) and see the town hall and St. Martin's church. If you like art, I highly recommend the Ludwig Museum.

Posted: November 27, 2022

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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.

Sahar

About Me

I‘m easy going, enjoy good food, wine, good talks.

Speaking

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Lisa

About Me

I'm a happy person and i like to meet new people. I would like to get to know new cultures

Speaking

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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.

Jasmin

Cologne

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi 👋 I'm Jasmin, I'm born in Germany and I'm half Moroccan. I'm a registered nurse and currently I'm studying midwifery. I love to travel and meet new people, when it's possible I like to do internships in different countries. Last time I did a midwifery internship in Ghana and India. When I'm not focused on Midwifery stuff, I love to sing and play guitar/ukulele, draw something or meet friends to grab a coffee or drink a wine or a couple beer's (always depends on the person I'm with) I love to dance at the clubs until the sunrises, but I can also enjoy a Picknick in the park or meet with a friend for a Yoga class. You could call me a social chameleon. The most important thing for me, is to enjoy the day, no matter how. My friends would call me optimistic, almost always happy and the kind of person that is REALLY spontaneous.