Lounges at Cologne Köln Bonn Airport

The Roman Catholic cathedral is one of Germany’s most visited landmarks. The Gothic church sits on the Rhine River and boasts the second tallest spires in northern Europe. The cathedral is a two-minute walk from the Cologne Central Station, which is a 15-minute direct train from the airport.

To get out in nature and stretch your legs, head to the Freizeitpark Rheinaue, with walking paths, a lake to stroll around to do some boating in, or just relax in the gardens or among the bridges and fountains. You will need at least a seven hour layover to get through security, visit the park, and get back two hours before your flight. The park is in Bonn and takes about 20 minutes by taxi or an hour on public transport (SB60 to Bonn Hbf, the 66 bus to the park).

The 4-star Leonardo Hotel is the closest from the airport. It's only a 5-minute walk, or you can use the complimentary shuttle bus by contacting the hotel from the airport information desk’s courtesy phone. It is a decent hotel, ideal for a layover. Free Wi-Fi is available in all public areas while the rooms have soundproof windows and a writing desk for doing work. Rates start at EUR 72 per night.