The Ultimate Cologne Soccer Travel Guide

At Soccer Trippers, we’ve explored the world’s greatest stadiums, matchday cultures, and fan experiences. This soccer travel guide combines expert knowledge and local insights to help you plan the perfect football trip to Cologne.

Why Cologne is a Top Destination for Football Fans

Cologne blends football and culture like few other cities. 1. FC Köln may not always be at the top of the Bundesliga, but the city lives and breathes football, with fan passion that rivals Germany’s biggest clubs.

What sets Cologne apart is its open, welcoming atmosphere and the way matchdays merge with city life. Whether it’s carnival season or a Saturday afternoon in the Südstadt, football is always part of the rhythm.

Insider tip: A game at RheinEnergieStadion feels like a festival—join fans at the nearby Aachener Weiher before kickoff.

Must-Visit Football Stadiums in Cologne

RheinEnergieStadion

The iconic home of 1. FC Köln, this 50,000-seat stadium is one of Germany’s most atmospheric grounds. Expect red-white waves, nonstop singing, and plenty of goat references.
Read our full stadium guide to RheinEnergieStadion

Hidden gem: The “Südkurve”—the beating heart of the home support. Arrive early to watch the stadium come alive.

Where to Stay in Cologne as a Football Fan

Cologne offers a wide range of accommodations for football fans:

• Hotels near RheinEnergieStadion
• Luxury Hotels in Cologne
• Budget-Friendly Hotels in Cologne
• Hotels near Cologne Bonn Airport

Best Neighborhoods for Football Fans

• Ehrenfeld: Cool, creative district with great nightlife.
• Altstadt-Süd: Historic center, walkable and packed with pubs.
  Explore Cologne’s best neighborhoods for football fans

Pro tip: Stay in Ehrenfeld for a local vibe and easy access to both the stadium and downtown.

Best Sports Bars & Places to Watch the Match

Football is everywhere in Cologne, but these bars are fan favorites:

• Lotus Bar: Lively Bundesliga and Champions League screenings.
• Joe Champs: American-style sports bar near Rudolfplatz.
• Gaffel am Dom: Traditional beer hall with screens and 1. FC Köln energy.

See our full list of Cologne sports bars

Top bar for 1. FC Köln fans: Gaffel am Dom on matchday—it’s loud, loyal, and pure Cologne.

How to Get Around Cologne

Cologne’s transport system (KVB) makes it easy to get around:

Getting to the Stadium:

• Tram line 1 to RheinEnergieStadion stop
• Stadium is located in Müngersdorf, about 20 minutes from the city centre

Read our guide to Cologne’s public transport system

Local tip: Your match ticket usually includes free public transport on game day within the VRS network.

Other Must-Visit Landmarks for Football Fans

Cologne is full of football-flavored places to explore:

• 1. FC Köln Museum: Dive into the club’s storied past.
• Geißbockheim: The team’s training ground and fan hotspot.

Check out our football landmarks guide to Cologne

Where to Eat with a Football Vibe

• Haus Töller: Traditional Kölsch pub packed with fans.
• Stüsser: Authentic food and local football talk.
  Explore more restaurants for football fans in Cologne

Conclusion

Cologne offers everything a football traveler could ask for—iconic stadium, passionate fans, great beer, and a city that knows how to celebrate.

Been to a match in Cologne? Tell us your story, or dive deeper into our other guides:

• Stadium guide: RheinEnergieStadion
• City guide: Düsseldorf
• Best football pubs in Germany

In Cologne, every matchday is a party—join the celebration.