As one of Germany’s largest and most vibrant cities, Cologne is brimming with sightseeing opportunities and popular events throughout the year. Nestled on the Rhine River, visitors flock here to enjoy cultural attractions such as museums, art galleries and historic architecture. That’s not forgetting distinctive neighbourhoods and the iconic harbour, where one of Europe’s best Christmas markets takes place.

With an Avis car hired at Cologne Train Station, you’re free to explore the best of this city and beyond.

We make car rental easy, because we know you can’t wait to feel the freedom of the road and get the very most out of your stay. Wherever your travels take you, the keys are waiting for you to unlock the world.

Your journey begins at Cologne Train Station, right in the city centre, where many top sights await you. The most eye-catching element of Cologne’s skyline is the Kölner Dom. This attractive gothic cathedral draws the eye day and night with its soaring spires, which make it one of the tallest churches in Europe. For a short period it was even the tallest building in the world, after its two towers were completed in 1880. While the foundations of this UNESCO World Heritage Site were laid in the 13th century, the cathedral wasn’t finished until the 19th century.

Cologne boasts a world-class collection of museums. For modern art, head to Museum Ludwig near Cologne Train Station where both permanent and temporary exhibitions are held. Fine art, from the medieval period through to the 20th century, is exhibited at the Wallraf-Richartz-Museum. To learn about the city’s Roman history, visit the Römisch-Germanisches Museum.

If you’re travelling in Cologne during the festive period, the harbour Christmas markets are a must. However the riverfront is a fascinating area to navigate year round. Seeing the Kölner Dom and Hohenzollern Bridge lit up at night from here is the ultimate postcard image.

Wander through diverse districts from the historic Heumarkt to the uber-modern Rheinauhafen, where regeneration has made way for contemporary flats and business premises along the harbour.

While there’s plenty to see in the city centre, further top sights await you in the towns and cities beyond Cologne.

 

Explore Cologne’s intriguing surroundings at your leisure on unforgettable road trips through the German countryside. With an Avis rental car from Cologne Train Station, just take to the open road and enjoy the drive.

Bonn

Perched on the banks of the Rhine river, around a 30-minute drive away from Cologne, Bonn is one of Germany's oldest cities with a history dating all the way back to Roman times.

Bonn is also famous for being the birthplace of classical music maestro Beethoven. As such, it's no surprise that a major attraction here is the Beethoven-Haus Museum. Situated in the house where the composer was brought up, this museum boasts the largest collection of artefacts relating to his life and work. Other top sights in the city include the Museum Koenig, the natural history museums, the Bonn Minster, and the Godesberg – a fortress built in the 13th century.

Essen

The city of Essen, just an hour’s drive on the A3 from Cologne, has transformed itself from an industrial centre to a cultural hotspot brimming with multiple attractions and historic sights.

The most celebrated of these sights has to be the Zeche Zollverein coal mines – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s been converted into a cultural haven housing restaurants, art galleries and several museums, including the Ruhr and Red Dot Design museums. Dance and music performances also take place here.

Driving in Cologne provides you with the freedom to discover this city and the regions beyond without having to compromise. Collect your car from the Avis desk at Cologne Train Station and start your road trip around Germany.