Hop-on Hop-off Cologne Bus Tours

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Expert guides. Unique insights.
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Tours in multiple languages
Top experiences in Cologne
Top experiences in Cologne
























Hop on Hop off City Tour bus in front of Hohenzollern Bridge, Cologne.
Hohenzollern Bridge over Rhine River with Cologne Cathedral at sunset.
Hop on Hop off City Tour bus in Cologne near historic fountain.
Red double-decker Hop on Hop off tour bus in Cologne near historic tower.
Cologne Cathedral exterior on a sunny day, featured in the City Tour: Cologne Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour.
Hop on hop off bus near Cologne Cathedral with Gothic architecture in background.
Hop on Hop off City Tour bus in front of Hohenzollern Bridge, Cologne.
Hohenzollern Bridge over Rhine River with Cologne Cathedral at sunset.
Hop on Hop off City Tour bus in Cologne near historic fountain.
Red double-decker Hop on Hop off tour bus in Cologne near historic tower.
Cologne Cathedral exterior on a sunny day, featured in the City Tour: Cologne Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour.
Hop on hop off bus near Cologne Cathedral with Gothic architecture in background.
Hop on Hop off City Tour bus in front of Hohenzollern Bridge, Cologne.
Hohenzollern Bridge over Rhine River with Cologne Cathedral at sunset.
Hop on Hop off City Tour bus in Cologne near historic fountain.
Red double-decker Hop on Hop off tour bus in Cologne near historic tower.
Cologne Cathedral exterior on a sunny day, featured in the City Tour: Cologne Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour.
Hop on hop off bus near Cologne Cathedral with Gothic architecture in background.
4.1(28)

City Tour: Cologne Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

from
€24
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Flexible duration
Audio guide

4.1/5

(28)

Frank Ernst

Frank

Aug 2025
Verified booking
Very nice bus driver. Bus was absolutely ok. Tour was also good. I would have liked a bit more information. Because of me, the "speaker" was allowed to babble almost the whole time.
Sven Büder

Sven

Aug 2025
Verified booking
Clear online booking. The route was ok, but not as fluid and interesting as in Düsseldorf. Therefore one star less.
Marie Magdalene van der Merwe

Marie

Apr 2025
Verified booking
In a hour and a half I saw so much of Köln. Driving over the river and just sitting and enjoying the beautiful City, with some good information about a city I didn't know.
Routes
TOTAL DURATION90 minutes
FREQUENCY30 minutes
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus
FIRST DEPARTURECathedral at 10:00 AM
LAST DEPARTURECathedral at 5:00 PM
Timeline
Map

1

Cathedral

Get direction

3 attractions

2

Old Town

Get direction

2 attractions

3

Gürzenich

Get direction

2 attractions

4

Rothgerberbach

Get direction

2 attractions

5

Chlodwigplatz

Get direction

2 attractions

6

Chocolate Museum

Get direction

2 attractions

7

Triangle tower

Get direction

2 attractions

8

Lanxess Arena

Get direction

1 attractions

9

Odysseum/Köln Arcaden

Get direction

2 attractions

10

Zoo/Flora

Get direction

2 attractions

11

Eigelstein

Get direction

2 attractions

12

Mediapark

Get direction

2 attractions

13

Friesenplatz

Get direction

2 attractions

14

Neumarkt

Get direction

2 attractions

Cover Cologne’s top spots on a bus tour and brag about your German getaway with maximum efficiency

  • Paint the town your way with a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour in Cologne. This unlimited ticket lets you hit all the hotspots exactly when you want to.
  • Freedom is the name of the game, with buses rolling up every 30 mins at 14 stops. You're in charge of your Cologne itinerary and schedule.
  • Kick back in the double-decker ride while the audio guide 9 languages dishes out fascinating stories about Cologne's epic history.
  • From the famed Chocolate Museum to the jaw-dropping Cathedral and the peaceful Rhine riverside, see it all along your route.

Cover Cologne’s top spots on a bus tour and brag about your German getaway with maximum efficiency

  • Paint the town your way with a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour in Cologne. This unlimited ticket lets you hit all the hotspots exactly when you want to.
  • Freedom is the name of the game, with buses rolling up every 30 mins at 14 stops. You're in charge of your Cologne itinerary and schedule.
  • Kick back in the double-decker ride while the audio guide 9 languages dishes out fascinating stories about Cologne's epic history.
  • From the famed Chocolate Museum to the jaw-dropping Cathedral and the peaceful Rhine riverside, see it all along your route.

Inclusions

  • 24-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off tour
  • Access to Red route
  • Audio guide in German, English, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Dutch, Chinese & Japanese

Please click here for the detailed route map and boarding points.

You can join the tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket.

  • First bus: 10am from Cathedral
  • Last bus: 5pm from Cathedral
  • Frequency: Every 30 mins
  • Popular stops: Chocolate Museum, Cologne Zoo, Old Town
  • The buses are wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
  • Your pets are welcome onboard.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
How do we collect reviews?
Snapshots from our guests
4.1
28 ratings
11
12
1
4
0
  • United States
  • United Kingdom
  • South Africa
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Brazil
  • Sweden
  • India
  • Italy
  • Finland
Guests from United States, United Kingdom, South Africa and over 10 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
reviewer
Frank
Aug 2025Verified booking
4/5

Very nice bus driver. Bus was absolutely ok. Tour was also good. I would have liked a bit more information. Because of me, the "speaker" was allowed to babble almost the whole time.

View original review in German

reviewer
Sven
Aug 2025Verified booking
4/5

Clear online booking. The route was ok, but not as fluid and interesting as in Düsseldorf. Therefore one star less.

View original review in German

reviewer
Monika
May 2025Verified booking
3/5

The ride was lovely. The drivers were super nice and friendly. But: The stops are not easy to find. No signs, signs are not easy to see, very small! Buses were overcrowded. One bus didn't take us at all. We then waited half an hour. Supposedly there were special buses on the way. Did not see any special buses

View original review in German

reviewer
Cynthia
Jul 2025Verified booking
4/5

Easy to sign up online. The driver was very nice.

reviewer
Fransisca
Jul 2025Verified booking
4/5

Ticket access was Simple and easy. The bus was clean. Driver was professional, drove smooth over the road

reviewer
Cynthia
Jun 2025Verified booking
5/5

Even though it was raining, you could see all of the great highlights of the city. The driver was very nice.

reviewer
Daniela
Jun 2025Verified booking
5/5

Everything was fine and the trip was very interesting. Very nice driver.

View original review in German

reviewer
Mats
May 2025Verified booking
4/5

Good guide on my ear Easy to jump on and off.

reviewer
HÙNG
May 2025Verified booking
5/5

On schedule, clear guide, helpful drivers. A lot better than Berlin.

reviewer
Anke
Aug 2025Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Ronnie
Aug 2025Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Jan
Jul 2025Verified booking
4/5

reviewer
Andrew
Jun 2025Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Jari
Jun 2025Verified booking
4/5

reviewer
Clare
Jun 2025Verified booking
4/5

reviewer
Nagaraja
Jun 2025Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Jody
Jul 2025Verified booking
2/5

The preplanned stops did not go to many interesting places. We passed a cute village around lunch time that had a big open market and lots of shops and restaurants after the zoo stop and it would have been too far to walk from stop 10.

reviewer
David
Jun 2025Verified booking
2/5

I did not live the experience as I was unable to use the audio.

reviewer
Giuseppe
Jun 2025Verified booking
2/5

Nice but to be much improved audio guide

View original review in Italian

reviewer
Marie
Apr 2025Verified booking
5/5

In a hour and a half I saw so much of Köln. Driving over the river and just sitting and enjoying the beautiful City, with some good information about a city I didn't know.

reviewer
Janine
Apr 2025Verified booking
5/5

The bus driver was great and the tour was well planned :-)

View original review in German

reviewer
Hazel
Apr 2025Verified booking
5/5

It was great experience for our short visit to Cologne.

reviewer
Gilberto
May 2025Verified booking
4/5

reviewer
Vira
Apr 2025Verified booking
4/5

reviewer
Richard
Apr 2025Verified booking
4/5

River cruise and red double-decker bus tour in Cologne, Germany.
Cruise ship on the Rhine River with Cologne Cathedral in the background.
Tourists on a boat enjoying a panoramic view of Cologne Cathedral and Great St. Martin Church.
Hop on Hop off City Tour bus in front of Hohenzollern Bridge, Cologne.
Hop on Hop off City Tour bus in Cologne near historic fountain.
Cruise ship on the Rhine River with Cologne Cathedral in the background during a 1-hour city cruise.
Cruise boat on the Rhine River with Cologne's Kranhäuser buildings at sunset.
Hop on hop off bus near Cologne Cathedral with Gothic architecture in background.
Hohenzollern Bridge over Rhine River with Cologne Cathedral at sunset.
River cruise and red double-decker bus tour in Cologne, Germany.
Cruise ship on the Rhine River with Cologne Cathedral in the background.
Tourists on a boat enjoying a panoramic view of Cologne Cathedral and Great St. Martin Church.
Hop on Hop off City Tour bus in front of Hohenzollern Bridge, Cologne.
Hop on Hop off City Tour bus in Cologne near historic fountain.
Cruise ship on the Rhine River with Cologne Cathedral in the background during a 1-hour city cruise.
Cruise boat on the Rhine River with Cologne's Kranhäuser buildings at sunset.
Hop on hop off bus near Cologne Cathedral with Gothic architecture in background.
Hohenzollern Bridge over Rhine River with Cologne Cathedral at sunset.
River cruise and red double-decker bus tour in Cologne, Germany.
Cruise ship on the Rhine River with Cologne Cathedral in the background.
Tourists on a boat enjoying a panoramic view of Cologne Cathedral and Great St. Martin Church.
Hop on Hop off City Tour bus in front of Hohenzollern Bridge, Cologne.
Hop on Hop off City Tour bus in Cologne near historic fountain.
Cruise ship on the Rhine River with Cologne Cathedral in the background during a 1-hour city cruise.
Cruise boat on the Rhine River with Cologne's Kranhäuser buildings at sunset.
Hop on hop off bus near Cologne Cathedral with Gothic architecture in background.
Hohenzollern Bridge over Rhine River with Cologne Cathedral at sunset.
4.1(387)

Combo (Save 5%): 1-Hour Cologne Panorama Cruise + Cologne Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour Tickets

from €42
€39.90

5% off

Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Audio guide

4.1/5

(387)

MARIANNE NASSEF

Marianne

Jul 2025
Verified booking
We bought the hop on hop off bus tour plus river cruise combo. The river cruise was amazing: great spoken commentary in German and English for the duration of the trip, cruised past the city's top sights and had multiple opportunities to get the right shots. Also had perfect weather! The bus tour was also good, but commentary was a little lacking in places. We had long stretches of just driving. Also, due to road construction, the route changed a bit. This would have been helpful to highlight upon purchase of tickets--could easily have been included in the text/email with the ticket link. Still worth, it though. We rode the route twice in order not to miss anything!
Sabine Platen

Sabine

Jun 2025
Verified booking
Everything went very smoothly, from booking to disembarkation. The panorama ship was beautiful and the stories about Cologne were easy to understand. I could have spent the whole day on board. We were thrilled. However, it would be nice if you could pay with Paypal. Thank you for the wonderful experience, we will certainly do this more often.
Anja Dolenga

Anja

May 2025
Verified booking
The one-hour trip on the Rheinfantasie was very nice, but it would have been very helpful if there had been explanations on the upper deck about the individual sights. Unfortunately, these were completely missing, which was a shame for those not familiar with the area. Otherwise a very nice ship for this short tour.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION2 hours 30 minutes - 24 hours
Timeline
Map
START POINT

Cologne

You have the flexibility of choosing the timings of the sightseeing cruise and the hop-on hop-off bus tour as per your preference and convenience.

1

KD/DSC Ticket Office

Cruise

Boat

Passes by

stop-image

Hohenzollern Bridge

stop-image

Cologne Cathedral

stop-image

Altstadt (Old Town)

stop-image

Deutzer Brücke (Deutz Bridge)

stop-image

Chocolate Museum

stop-image

German Sports & Olympia Museum

stop-image

Rheinauhafen District

stop-image

Severinsbrücke (Severins Bridge)

2

KD/DSC Ticket Office

At the end of your 1-hour panoramic sightseeing cruise, you will be brought back to the boat pier.

3

Cologne Cathedral

3 attractions

Nearby things to do

1. Cologne Cathedral

The Cologne Cathedral and its towering twin spires loom over the city and the Rhine River. Its impressive Gothic exterior is matched by its soaring interiors with its vaulted ceiling and stained glass windows. Climb to the top of the South Tower for panoramic views of the city's skyline.

2. Museum Ludwig

Home to one of Europe’s largest Picasso collections, Museum Ludwig is one of the continent’s premier modern art museums. With contemporary installations, pop art, and other modern forms of artwork, it’s a haven for art enthusiasts.

3. Roman-Germanic Museum

Step into Cologne’s Roman past at the Roman-Germanic Museum, where the city’s ancient origins come to life through an extraordinary collection of Roman artifacts—including the impressive 70-foot Dionysus mosaic that once adorned a lavish villa.

A/C Bus

4

Old Town

2 attractions

Nearby things to do

1. Great St. Martin Church

With its distinctive cloverleaf layout and Romanesque grandeur, the commanding Great St. Martin Church anchors the historic charm of Cologne’s Old Town with its unforgettable silhouette.

2. Alter Markt

In the heart of Cologne’s lively Old Town, Alter Markt offers the perfect setting to enjoy a Kölsch beer amid cheerful crowds and the charm of brightly colored historic buildings.

A/C Bus

5

Gürzenich

2 attractions

Nearby things to do

1. Gürzenich Hall

Once a medieval banquet hall, Gürzenich now serves as a cultural hotspot, where grand Gothic interiors provide a stunning backdrop for concerts, galas, and events in a richly historic space.

2. Hard Rock Cafe Cologne

At Hard Rock Cafe Cologne, savor classic burgers while surrounded by rock memorabilia—each piece telling a story and turning your meal into a nostalgic journey through music history.

A/C Bus

6

Rothgerberbach

2 attractions

Nearby things to do

1. Water Tower

Once a 19th-century water tower, this striking red-brick landmark now houses a luxury hotel, blending historic architecture with modern elegance in one of Cologne’s most unique transformations.

2. St. Pantaleon Church

St. Pantaleon Church invites visitors into a serene space where Romanesque and Carolingian architecture merge, offering a peaceful retreat steeped in centuries-old charm and spiritual heritage.

A/C Bus

7

Chlodwigplatz

2 attractions

Nearby things to do

1. Severinstorburg

Severinstorburg, once a mighty fortress and now a preserved city gate, is one of 12 medieval entrances that still echo Cologne’s rich and fortified history.

2. Ubierring

Stroll along Ubierring, where tree-lined paths are framed by elegant art nouveau architecture and inviting cafés, all nestled around the bustling campus of the Cologne University of Applied Sciences.

A/C Bus

8

Chocolate Museum

2 attractions

Nearby things to do

1. Chocolate Museum

At the Chocolate Museum, discover the fascinating journey of cocoa to chocolate, and indulge in the sweet experience with complimentary samples that will satisfy every chocolate lover's craving.

2. German Sports & Olympia Museum

The German Sport & Olympic Museum brings sporting history to life through interactive exhibits and iconic memorabilia, making it an essential stop for any sports enthusiast.

A/C Bus

9

Triangle Tower

2 attractions

Nearby things to do

1. KölnTriangle

Take in stunning 360-degree views of Cologne from the KölnTriangle’s observation deck, where the cityscape unfolds beneath you in every direction for an unforgettable aerial perspective.

2. Rheinpark

Rheinpark stretches along the Rhine as a peaceful green escape, ideal for relaxed strolls or sun-soaked summer picnics amid its open lawns and inviting natural scenery.

A/C Bus

10

Lanxess Arena

1 attractions

Nearby things to do

Lanxess Arena

Lanxess Arena pulses with energy as Cologne’s premier venue, where electrifying concerts, thrilling sports showdowns, and spectacular entertainment events come together under one massive roof.

A/C Bus

11

Odysseum/Köln Arcaden

2 attractions

Nearby things to do

1. Odysseum

At Odysseum, hands-on exhibits fuse science with play, creating an engaging space where curiosity thrives—an ideal adventure for children and anyone young at heart.

2. Köln Arcaden

Köln Arcaden offers a sleek shopping experience, where visitors can browse the latest fashion, grab a bite in bustling food courts, and enjoy all the conveniences of a contemporary mall.

A/C Bus

12

Zoo/Flora

2 attractions

Nearby things to do

1. Cologne Zoo

Meet animals from around the world at Cologne Zoo, where diverse natural habitats, engaging exhibits, and family-friendly paths make it easy to spend a relaxed, fun-filled day outdoors.

2. Flora Botanical Garden

Wander through the tranquil paths of Flora Botanical Garden, where seasonal flowers and rare plants flourish, and don’t miss the charming glasshouse tucked away as a quiet highlight.

A/C Bus

13

Eigelstein

2 attractions

Nearby things to do

1. Eigelsteintorburg

Built in the 12th century to guard against northern invaders, Eigelstein-Torburg is one of Cologne’s four preserved city gates—a striking medieval landmark perfect for a memorable photo stop.

2. Agnesviertel

Agnesviertel invites you to discover its creative spirit, where art galleries, cozy cafés, and unique boutiques line the streets of this fashionable and lively Cologne neighborhood.

A/C Bus

14

Mediapark

2 attractions

Nearby things to do

1. KölnTurm

Head up the 44-story KölnTurm skyscraper to take in sweeping views of Cologne’s skyline, then unwind with a meal at the rooftop restaurant while enjoying the city from above.

2. Stadtgarten

The verdant park of Stadtgarten offers a green escape in central Cologne, where peaceful walks meet vibrant culture, thanks to its lively schedule of concerts and events set against a backdrop of trees and lawns.

A/C Bus

15

Friesenplatz

2 attractions

Nearby things to do

1. Friesenplatz

Friesenplatz buzzes after dark, drawing crowds to its cluster of pubs, bars, and clubs—making it a go-to spot for anyone looking to experience Cologne’s energetic nightlife.

2. St. Gereon's Basilica

Spend some time in the calm, reflective atmosphere of St. Gereon’s Basilica, one of Cologne’s historic churches, and admire its rare decagonal architecture and ancient Roman mosaics.

A/C Bus

16

Neumarkt

2 attractions

Nearby things to do

1. Neumarkt

The lively Neumarkt is a shopper’s paradise, offering everything from popular high-street brands and local boutiques to seasonal markets and street performances, ensuring something for every taste and style.

2. Käthe Kollwitz Museum

Visit the Käthe Kollwitz Museum, dedicated to Käthe Kollwitz, a 20th-century German artist, to engage with the powerful themes of humanity, war, and social justice in her poignant artwork—an experience that resonates deeply and stirs the soul.

A/C Bus

25

END POINT

Cologne

Save 5% and discover Cologne from two different vantage points with a hop-on hop-off bus tour and a Rhine River cruise.

  • Experience two Cologne must-dos with this budget-friendly combo! Admire Cologne Cathedral and Old Town on the bus tour, then cruise under the historic Rhine bridges and past Rheinauhafen and the Chocolate Museum with audio commentary.
  • With bus and boat, commute less and explore more. The cruise pier is just a few minutes’ walk from Hohenzollern Bridge, letting you see more while saving time and money.
  • Based on your itinerary, you can go on both tours on the same day or spread them across 2 days for a more relaxed experience.

Save 5% and discover Cologne from two different vantage points with a hop-on hop-off bus tour and a Rhine River cruise.

  • Experience two Cologne must-dos with this budget-friendly combo! Admire Cologne Cathedral and Old Town on the bus tour, then cruise under the historic Rhine bridges and past Rheinauhafen and the Chocolate Museum with audio commentary.
  • With bus and boat, commute less and explore more. The cruise pier is just a few minutes’ walk from Hohenzollern Bridge, letting you see more while saving time and money.
  • Based on your itinerary, you can go on both tours on the same day or spread them across 2 days for a more relaxed experience.

Inclusions

1-Hour Cologne Panorama Cruise:

  • 1-hour panorama cruise
  • Audio commentary in English & German (on loudspeaker)

Cologne Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour:

  • 24-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off tour
  • Access to Red route
  • Audio guide in German, English, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Dutch, Chinese & Japanese

Exclusions

  • Food and beverages (available for purchase onboard)

24-hour Cologne Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour:

  • The buses are wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
  • Your pets are welcome onboard.

1-hour Cologne Panorama Cruise:

  • It can get chilly on the cruise boat, so carry a light jacket.
  • This experience is pram/stroller accessible.
  • Pets and guide dogs are allowed on this experience.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
How do we collect reviews?
Snapshots from our guests
4.1
387 ratings
150
172
40
14
11
  • United States
  • United Kingdom
  • France
  • Austria
  • Canada
  • Australia
  • Finland
  • Malaysia
  • Taiwan
  • Portugal
Guests from United States, United Kingdom, France and over 24 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
reviewer
MARIANNE
Jul 2025Verified booking
4/5

We bought the hop on hop off bus tour plus river cruise combo. The river cruise was amazing: great spoken commentary in German and English for the duration of the trip, cruised past the city's top sights and had multiple opportunities to get the right shots. Also had perfect weather! The bus tour was also good, but commentary was a little lacking in places. We had long stretches of just driving. Also, due to road construction, the route changed a bit. This would have been helpful to highlight upon purchase of tickets--could easily have been included in the text/email with the ticket link. Still worth, it though. We rode the route twice in order not to miss anything!

review media 0
reviewer
Sabine
Jun 2025Verified booking
5/5

Everything went very smoothly, from booking to disembarkation. The panorama ship was beautiful and the stories about Cologne were easy to understand. I could have spent the whole day on board. We were thrilled. However, it would be nice if you could pay with Paypal. Thank you for the wonderful experience, we will certainly do this more often.

View original review in German

review media 0
review media 1
review media 2
review media 3
reviewer
Chantal
Jun 2025Verified booking
5/5

Funny, friendly staff. Good atmosphere. All information was easy to hear over the loudspeakers. Very clean. We felt comfortable.

View original review in German

review media 0
review media 1
reviewer
Corina
Jul 2025Verified booking
5/5

Everything was good and it was very nice

View original review in German

review media 0
reviewer
Frank
Aug 2025Verified booking
4/5

Very nice bus driver. Bus was absolutely ok. Tour was also good. I would have liked a bit more information. Because of me, the "speaker" was allowed to babble almost the whole time.

View original review in German

reviewer
Sven
Aug 2025Verified booking
4/5

Clear online booking. The route was ok, but not as fluid and interesting as in Düsseldorf. Therefore one star less.

View original review in German

reviewer
Daniela
Jun 2025Verified booking
3/5

The ride was nice and the staff very friendly. Unfortunately, the tape with the explanations was set so quietly that you could hardly understand anything and that was very unfortunate and annoying

View original review in German

reviewer
Monika
May 2025Verified booking
3/5

The ride was lovely. The drivers were super nice and friendly. But: The stops are not easy to find. No signs, signs are not easy to see, very small! Buses were overcrowded. One bus didn't take us at all. We then waited half an hour. Supposedly there were special buses on the way. Did not see any special buses

View original review in German

reviewer
Anja
May 2025Verified booking
4/5

The one-hour trip on the Rheinfantasie was very nice, but it would have been very helpful if there had been explanations on the upper deck about the individual sights. Unfortunately, these were completely missing, which was a shame for those not familiar with the area. Otherwise a very nice ship for this short tour.

View original review in German

reviewer
Wolfgang
Aug 2025Verified booking
4/5

Plenty of seats on board, easy check-in

View original review in German

reviewer
Cynthia
Jul 2025Verified booking
4/5

Easy to sign up online. The driver was very nice.

reviewer
Marita
Jul 2025Verified booking
3/5

Everything was okay. Everyone was friendly.

View original review in German

reviewer
Courcier
Jul 2025Verified booking
4/5

The view of the river and riverbanks from the boat deck is breathtaking.

View original review in French

reviewer
Sofia
Jul 2025Verified booking
4/5

It was interesting and you got to see a lot of the city. I liked it a lot

View original review in German

reviewer
Andreas
Jul 2025Verified booking
4/5

The fresh breeze and the relaxed swell

View original review in German

reviewer
Rebecca
Jul 2025Verified booking
4/5

It was nice to ride and hear facts.

reviewer
Shafik
Jul 2025Verified booking
4/5

A wonderful boat trip with a great view - absolutely recommendable!

View original review in German

reviewer
Fransisca
Jul 2025Verified booking
4/5

Ticket access was Simple and easy. The bus was clean. Driver was professional, drove smooth over the road

reviewer
Cynthia
Jun 2025Verified booking
5/5

Even though it was raining, you could see all of the great highlights of the city. The driver was very nice.

reviewer
Daniela
Jun 2025Verified booking
5/5

Everything was fine and the trip was very interesting. Very nice driver.

View original review in German

reviewer
Yuri
May 2025Verified booking
5/5

Fresh air on the deck, food and drinks.

reviewer
Mats
May 2025Verified booking
4/5

Good guide on my ear Easy to jump on and off.

reviewer
Colin
May 2025Verified booking
5/5

Lovely cruise to see highlights of Cologne

reviewer
Monika
May 2025Verified booking
4/5

Very friendly staff, beautiful cruise

View original review in German

reviewer
Gabriele
May 2025Verified booking
4/5

Punctuality of the ship, friendliness of the staff. Only the prices for drinks are quite high.

View original review in German

What is a Hop-on Hop-off tour?

A Hop-on Hop-off tour offers a flexible and convenient way to explore Cologne's rich history and vibrant culture. With the freedom to board and alight at any designated stop, you can tailor your sightseeing experience to your interests and pace. These open-top double-decker buses provide panoramic views of the city, accompanied by informative audio commentary in multiple languages.

Why choose Hop-on Hop-off Cologne?

Comprehensive city coverage

The tour covers 14 strategically located stops, ensuring you experience Cologne's key attractions, from the majestic Cologne Cathedral to the vibrant Old Town and the renowned Chocolate Museum.

Flexible exploration

With buses arriving every 30 minutes, you have the freedom to explore each attraction at your own pace, making it ideal for both quick visits and leisurely sightseeing.

Informative audio guides

Enhance your journey with multilingual audio commentary available in languages such as English, German, French, Spanish, and more, providing insights into Cologne's history and culture.

Comfortable and accessible travel

The double-decker buses offer comfortable seating and are equipped with facilities to accommodate passengers with mobility challenges, ensuring a pleasant experience for all.

Hop-on Hop-off buses are a great choice for

First-time visitors

Gain a comprehensive overview of Cologne's layout and attractions, helping you decide which sites to explore in depth.

Families

The ease of boarding and disembarking near attractions reduces walking distances, making it convenient for families with children and elderly members.

Solo travelers

Enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace, with the added benefit of informative commentary to guide your journey.

Time-constrained tourists

Maximize your sightseeing in a limited timeframe by covering major attractions efficiently.

City Tour: Cologne: at a glance

Green route

  • Timings: First bus: 10 am from Stop #1 (Cathedral), last bus: 5 pm from Stop #1 (Cathedral)
  • Frequency: Every 30 mins
  • Duration: 90 minutes
  • Popular stops: Chocolate Museum, Cologne Zoo, Old Town

How to book Hop-on Hop-off tickets

Step 1: Choose your route

Each tour follows a unique route. Review the routes and stops and pick the tour that covers your must-see attractions.

Step 2: Book your tickets

Purchase your Hop-on Hop-off tickets easily using PayPal or your credit/debit card.

Step 3: Check your email

Receive your ticket voucher instantly in your inbox.

Step 4: Download the operator’s app

Track the bus in real-time, plan your journey, and explore routes with an interactive map.

Step 5: Hop-on & explore!

Head to any designated stop, show your mobile voucher to the driver or staff, and start your adventure!

Tips to make the best of your Hop-on Hop-off Cologne tour

  • Start early: Begin with a full loop to get an overview before deciding where to spend more time.
  • Use the audio guide: Enhance your experience with informative commentary available in multiple languages.
  • Combine with local attractions: Consider purchasing combo tickets that include entry to popular attractions for added value.
  • Stay hydrated: Carry water, especially during warmer months.
  • Wear comfortable shoes: Some attractions may involve walking on uneven terrain.

Frequently asked questions about Cologne Hop-on Hop-off bus tour

Can I bring a stroller on the bus?

Yes, folded strollers are generally permitted onboard.

Do I need to print my ticket, or is a digital ticket accepted?

Digital tickets shown on your phone are accepted by most operators.

Do the buses have air conditioning?

Yes, most buses are equipped with air conditioning for passenger comfort.

Do the buses operate in rainy weather?

Yes, tours run rain or shine. The buses have covered sections or transparent canopies to shield you from the rain while still enjoying the sights.

Are pets allowed on the bus?

Only certified service animals are permitted on board. Regular pets are not allowed due to space and safety concerns.

Is commentary live or via audio guide?

Audio commentary in multiple languages is typically provided through headphones.

From happy customers

MARIANNE NASSEF
US

Marianne

United States
Jul, 2025
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We bought the hop on hop off bus tour plus river cruise combo. The river cruise was amazing: great spoken commentary in German and English for the duration of the trip, cruised past the city's top sights and had multiple opportunities to get the right shots. Also had perfect weather! The bus tour was also good, but commentary was a little lacking in places. We had long stretches of just driving. Also, due to road construction, the route changed a bit. This would have been helpful to highlight upon purchase of tickets--could easily have been included in the text/email with the ticket link. Still worth, it though. We rode the route twice in order not to miss anything!
1-Hour Cologne Panorama Cruise
Chantal Evelyn Mettlach

Chantal

Jun, 2025
review-image
review-image
Funny, friendly staff. Good atmosphere. All information was easy to hear over the loudspeakers. Very clean. We felt comfortable.
View original review in German
1-Hour Cologne Panorama Cruise
Petra Theis

Petra

Aug, 2024
We learned one or two new things even though we are from Cologne. The service and the narrator were very good. We enjoyed it very much and will definitely recommend this tour to others.
View original review in German
3-Hour Harbor Cruise in Cologne
Bernd Uwe Metlitzky
DE

Bernd

Germany
Jun, 2025
The view of the city from the water is really something special, and we had fabulous weather. Unfortunately, the announcements were not in sync with the ship's location.
View original review in German
Cologne City Highlights Cruise
Colette Thompson

Colette

Oct, 2024
We had a wonderful trip on the river. The view of the city was great. The information in the commentary was in German and English and was very interesting.
Cologne City Highlights Cruise
Frank Ernst

Frank

Aug, 2025
Very nice bus driver. Bus was absolutely ok. Tour was also good. I would have liked a bit more information. Because of me, the "speaker" was allowed to babble almost the whole time.
View original review in German
City Tour: Cologne Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
Sven Büder
DE

Sven

Germany
Aug, 2025
Clear online booking. The route was ok, but not as fluid and interesting as in Düsseldorf. Therefore one star less.
View original review in German
City Tour: Cologne Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour