With a history dating back 2,000 years, the city of Cologne is a fascinating metropolis — and not just for its legacy of perfume making. This German city first began as a Roman colony, and later became known for its architectural feats and rich culture.

Cologne is dotted with old town squares, towering cathedrals and iconic fragrance houses. An ideal way of discovering its sights is by joining a free walking tour in Cologne.

Here's all you need to know about free walking tours, one of the best options for sightseeing tours in Cologne.

How do free walking tours work?

Free walking tours have become a popular way of seeing Cologne in recent years. Join a guide as they show you the most significant sites in the city over a couple of hours.

There are no set charges for a walking tour, nor are there charges for reserving your spot. Instead, you can tip your guide at the end for their efforts and at the rate you value the tour.

How much should you tip?

Travelers will determine how much to tip their guide depending on how they experienced the tour.

Most people typically tip between €10 and €15 each. Some may even choose to tip upwards of €50.

When deciding how much to tip your guide, take into consideration how much you feel you learned on the tour, how you interacted with your guide, and your level of enjoyment.

What are the best free walking tours in Cologne?

While there are many walking tours in Cologne, there are multiple free walking tour options available. There may be some overlap with popular locations, but these tours are some of the best in terms of variety and insight.

Free walking tour of Cologne with fountain highlights

Gain an in-depth knowledge of Cologne’s culture on a tour, created by a group of friends with a passion for the city, and they will share some of Cologne’s richest sites on a walking tour.

This tour starts at the Cologne Cathedral stairs before heading towards the Heinzelmännchenbrunnen fountain, an iconic water feature linked to a tale of gnomes.

Your guide will then take you to notable locations in Cologne, including the City Hall and the popular Rheingarten park located on the Rhine River.

Head to Fish Market, a bustling attraction. Let your guide then show you to another stunning fountain, the Willi-Ostermann-Brunnen.

Next, stop by the Wallraf-Richartz Museum and Kolumba Museum before moving on to Dufthaus 4711, Cologne’s perfume house.

Make a stop by EL-DE Haus, the former headquarters of the Gestapo, before concluding your tour at Kölnisches Stadtmuseum and the Römerbrunnen fountain.

Free walking tour in Cologne with local culture highlights

Get to know Cologne through the eyes of a local. Join your guide as they take visitors on an insightful walking tour of their hometown, introducing you to an otherwise unseen side to Cologne.

On this tour, visit notable Cologne sites including the historic Cologne Cathedral, modern Hohenzollern Bridge, and the town center and hall.

While your guide takes you to important locations such as the Jewish district and the Farina Fragrance Museum, they will also narrate local stories.

Go beyond the usual facts and let your guide introduce you to Cologne culture and the best cooking highlights.

Original free walking tour Cologne

Discover Cologne’s history and heritage on this free walking tour, which covers significant periods in Cologne’s past, including the Roman era and Middle Ages.

During this tour, your guide will narrate stories and secrets from Cologne’s history. Visit significant locations beyond the Cologne Cathedral, City Hall, and Fish Market with a stroll through the streets of Old Market.

In addition to a visit to the original Cologne water house, your guide will provide valuable insight into Cologne’s history as a Roman city. They will also enlighten you on its heritage with stories of the Cologne Carnival.

While walking Cologne’s ancient streets, listen to your guide’s legends and humorous tidbits that bring the city to life.

In which languages is it operated?

The majority of free walking tours in Cologne are operated in English. Some also offer tours in either Spanish, German or Portuguese alongside English. There is one tour available in Spanish only.

Where does it start?

Free walking tours in Cologne will usually start within the city center, often near the landmark Cologne Cathedral. Check your tour details to determine where your starting point is, and how to identify your guide.

The free walking tour in Cologne with fountain highlights start at Domtreppen, next to the cathedral.

The free walking tour with local culture highlights will start at Kreuzblume monument near the entrance to the cathedral.

The original Cologne walking tour will start at the Starbucks near the train station.

How long does it last?

A free walking tour in Cologne typically lasts either 2 or 2.5 hours depending on the range of locations covered. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes for the journey, and pack a bottle of water to keep hydrated.

When is the best time to join a free walking tour in Cologne?

The best time for a free walking tour in Cologne is the morning. While tours are also available in the afternoon, a morning walk may be preferable for avoiding crowds and determining your itinerary for the rest of the day.

Given the plethora of sites you will encounter on your walking tour, it may be best to join one early on in your trip. This will give you an idea of which further places you’d like to visit.

Should you book tickets online?

There are many benefits to booking a free walking tour in Cologne online. Some tours only allow a certain number of attendees and may cap it to a small group. By booking online, you can reserve your spot in advance.

Making your reservation online is free of charge. It will also enable your guide to determine group size ahead of time and ensure no one is disappointed if the tour is full.

Instead of searching for tours in the city, this will free up time on your travels and enable you to determine your itinerary.

Should your plans change, you can cancel for free and check for the next available dates and times.

Free Walking Tours in Cologne