Best Cologne Rhine River Cruises & Boat Tours

WANT TO DISCOVER COLOGNE ON A RHINE RIVER CRUISE?

You’re in the right place. I am from Cologne and in this article I highlight the best Cologne Cruises & Boat Tours.

Going on a Rhine River cruise is a relaxing way to discover the city of Cologne on a sunny day.

There is no need to wait any longer. Grab your ticket now and learn about the best Cologne Rhine River Cruises & Boat tours available.

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TOP 3 PICKS: BEST COLOGNE RHINE RIVER CRUISES & BOAT TOURS

BEST COLOGNE CRUISES & BOAT TOURS

1. Top Sights Rhine River Cruise

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When in Cologne on a sunny day, the Top Sights Rhine River Cruise might be the right boat tour for you.

The cruise will offer you stunning views of famous sights like the iconic Cologne Cathedral, Cologne’s Old Town and Rheinauhafen, where you can spot its distinctive crane houses.

The boat passes under five bridges to reach the district of Rodenkirchen in the south of Cologne.

During the cruise, ou will get to know importants facts and figures about the sights to be seen by recorded commentary.

For those, who would like to have a snack or a drink, local Kölsch beer, coffee or cake is available for purchase.

GOOD TO KNOW

• Price: From 19.90 € per person
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• Not allowed: Oversize luggage, Alcohol and drugs, Electric wheelchairs

2. Rhine River Cruise with Live Music

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If you enjoy music, a Rhine River Cruise with live music could be the boat tour for you.

This river cruise offers you charming sights of Cologne’s most spectacular architecture, like the church Great St. Martin, the district of Rheinauhafen with its L-shaped crane houses and famous Cologne Cathedral.

As the boat is heated, you can also enjoy this tour on coulder days.

While listening to live music, you can even have a local beer, tea or coffee on board. One beverage is included in the tour price.

GOOD TO KNOW

• Price: From 19.50 € per person
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• Not allowed: Oversize luggage, Alcohol and drugs, Electric wheelchairs
• Included: One drink included

3. Rhine River Cruise Through the Old Town

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This Rhine River Cruise will take you through Cologne’s Old Town, where you will get to see some famous sights.

You’ll take pictures of the Cologne Cathedral and the Old Town, and then go to the Rheinauhafen where the Schokoladenmuseum and Sportmuseum are located. You’ll also see some crane houses in the harbor area, and pass under 5 bridges to get to the Rodenkirchen borough in the south.

An Englisch speaking tour guide will provide you with facts and figures while on board. For those who would like take a break from the city’s hustle and bustle, there are also some drinks and snack available.

For this trip three different boats are available to choose from: MS Rheinperle, MS Rheinland, or MS Rheintreue.

GOOD TO KNOW

• Price: From 15.00 € per person
• Duration: 1 hour
• Tour Guide: Recorded commentary about the sights
• Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
• Not allowed: Oversize luggage, Alcohol and drugs, Electric wheelchairs
• Ships are not handicapped accessible: Guests in wheelchairs or with walkers are welcome but the toilets and the open deck are only accessible by stairs.

4. Panoramic City Cruise

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This boat tour will take you on a fascinating journey through the charming city of Cologne.

You will get to know the beautiful churches and historic buildings of Cologne’s Old town as well as modern buildings, such as the crane houses.

As some snacks and drinks can be purchased on board, the Panoramic City Cruise will give you the chance of taking a break while looking out at Cologne’s historic landmarks and bridges.

GOOD TO KNOW

• Price: From 15.00 € per person
• Duration: 1 hour
• Tour Guide: Audio Guide in Englisch and German available
• Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
• Not allowed: Foods & Drinks
• Wheelchair accessible

5. Winter Cruise with Live Music

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Are you visiting Cologne in Winter?

Why not enjoy a festive and romantic winter cruise along the Rhine River accompanied by live music?

This Winter Cruise is offering you great views of Cologne’s skyline, which is beautifully decorated during the holiday season.

While on the water you will see some of Cologne’s most iconic sites like Cologne Cathedral, the famous church “Groß St. Martin” as well as the former Rheinau Harbour.

As there is coffee, hot chocolate and mulled wine available for puchase, you can soak in the festive atmosphere, while enjoying a hot drink.

GOOD TO KNOW

• Price: From 19.50 € per person
• Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• Not allowed: Oversize luggage, Alcohol and drugs, Electric wheelchairs

6. Cologne Rhine River 1-Hour Sightseeing Cruise

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This sightseeing tour offers you stunning views of Cologne from a boat on the Rhine River.

You can choose when you want to go and see famous places like the big Cologne Cathedral, the Old Town, and the Hohenzollern Bridge.

While you ride on the boat, you can buy drinks like the local Koelsch beer and listen to a story about the city’s past.

There will be a guide who speaks English to tell you about the city’s history.

GOOD TO KNOW

• Price: From 15.00 € per person
• Duration: 1 hour
• Tour Guide: Englisch and German available
• Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
• Not wheelchair accessible

7. 3-Hour Harbor Tour Cruise

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The 3-Hour Harbor Tour Cruise is probably the longest Cologne River Cruises available.

This cruise offers you the chance to discover some of Cologne’s harbors and their facilities.

As you journey along, your local guide will provide interesting facts about Cologne’s harbors, including their history, important dates, and key figures. An absolute must-do for any maritime enthusiast.

Sit back and relax as you take in the stunning waterfront views, gliding in and out of Cologne’s harbors.

GOOD TO KNOW

• Price: From 29.90 € per person
• Duration: 3 hours
• Tour Guide: Only German available
• Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• Ships are not handicapped accessible: Guests in wheelchairs or with walkers can take part in the tour but the toilets and the open deck are only accessible by stairs
• Not allowed: Oversize luggage, Alcohol and drugs, Electric wheelchairs

COLOGNE RIVER CRUISES & BOAT TOURS – FINAL THOUGHTS

A Cologne river cruise is a fantastic way to explore the city and its most famous landmarks in a relaxed and enjoyable way.

By taking a leisurely cruise along the Rhine River, travelers can enjoy stunning views of Cologne’s iconic sights, including Cologne Cathedral, the Old Town, and the Hohenzollern Bridge.

While a river cruise may offer importants facts and figures about the city’s sights and picturesque views of the city’s landmarks, it’s important to note that the cruise only covers the areas along the river. It should therefore not be considered a substitute for a sightseeing walking tour.

A walking tour allows visitors to explore Cologne’s hidden gems, learn about its history and culture, and interact with the local community in a more meaningful way.

Therefore, a combination of a river cruise and a walking tour is the ideal way to experience all that Cologne has to offer.

IF COLOGNE CRUISES & BOAT TOURS ISN’T FOR YOU….

After reading this, you might not want to book a Cologne River Cruise after all.

If so, check out the articles linked below. There may be other activities suitable for you.

• Free Things to Do in Cologne
• Things to Do in Cologne with Kids
• Things Do in Cologne when it’s hot
• Things Do in Cologne when it’s Raining
• Things to Do in Cologne in Spring
• Things to Do in Cologne in Summer
• Things to Do in Cologne in Fall
• Things to Do in Cologne in Winter

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