Köln (Cologne) travel guide - where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
Cologne's table is Rhenish and built around Kölsch, the pale top-fermented beer served in 0.2 litre Stange glasses by blue-aproned Köbes waiters who refill until a coaster is placed on the glass. Brauhäuser serve Halver Hahn (a rye roll with aged Gouda), Himmel un Ääd (black pudding with apple and mashed potato), Rheinischer Sauerbraten and Hämmchen. The city also has a strong fine-dining scene, including the two-star Ox & Klee.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Köln.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
German
Rhenish
French
Food tours & tastings in Köln
Eat your way through Köln with a guide.
Browse food experiences in KölnWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Halver Hahn
The classic Cologne snack: a rye roll with aged Gouda, butter, mustard and onion, served in most Brauhäuser and at kiosks.
Price: EUR 3-5
Mettbrötchen
A bread roll topped with seasoned minced raw pork and onions, a standard bakery and market snack in the Rhineland.
Price: EUR 2.50-4
Currywurst and Bratwurst
Grilled sausage with curry-ketchup or mustard and a Brötchen, sold from stands in the city centre and near the station.
Price: EUR 4-7
Reibekuchen
Crisp fried potato pancakes served with apple sauce or dark syrup, traditional at fairs and Christmas markets.
Price: EUR 4-6
Döner Kebab
Cologne has a large Turkish community, and döner and dürüm shops on Keupstraße in Mülheim and Weidengasse are a cheap staple.
Price: EUR 5-8
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Wochenmarkt Wilhelmsplatz (Nippes)
A weekly produce market on Wilhelmsplatz in Nippes with vegetables, cheese, bread, flowers and street snacks.
Hours: Market days vary; confirm days and hours with the City of Köln market list.
Wochenmarkt Eifelplatz (Südstadt)
A Südstadt market for regional produce, cheese and baked goods near Eifelplatz.
Hours: Market days vary; confirm days and hours with the City of Köln market list.
Wochenmarkt Clarenbachplatz (Braunsfeld)
A neighbourhood market for fruit, vegetables and fresh food at Clarenbachplatz.
Hours: Wednesday about 07:00-13:00 (confirm).
Wochenmarkt Venloer Strasse (Ehrenfeld)
Ehrenfeld has a multicultural weekly market around Venloer Strasse with Turkish, Mediterranean and German produce.
Hours: Market days vary; confirm locally.
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
In a Brauhaus the Köbes keeps bringing 0.2 litre Kölsch until a beer mat is placed on top of the glass.
Order Halver Hahn as a cheap snack; it is a cheese roll, not chicken.
Shared tables are normal in Brauhäuser; ask before sitting.
Tipping is customary at 5-10 percent rounded up; say the total when paying.
Some old-town pubs prefer cash, so carry euros.
Opening hours in third-party listings conflict; confirm on the venue website before travelling.
- Vegetarian
- Halver Hahn is vegetarian, but most Brauhaus mains are meat-based; ask for the vegetarian plate or choose the Belgian Quarter restaurants.
- Vegan
- Traditional Brauhäuser offer few vegan dishes; the Belgian Quarter and Ehrenfeld have more options.
- Gluten free
- Schnitzel, bread rolls and dumplings contain gluten and Kölsch is a wheat-free but barley beer; ask the server, as allergen information is a legal requirement on German menus.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Street food Halver Hahn or a Mettbrötchen about EUR 3-6 (~$3.45-6.90), Note Brauhaus snacks and bakery lunches are the cheapest meals | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |