Be Safe in Cologne

Cologne is, as a rule, a safe city for tourists. However, with its hyperactivity due to its bustling nightlife, numerous festivals, fairs and events comparative for its size and population, this brings along a real increased risk of petty theft and the loss of personal items. The large festivals alone attract up to two million guests, so one can expect a higher incidence of theft and loss due to the greater number of opportunists that prey on merrymakers.

Safety

You generally won’t feel vulnerable walking the streets of Cologne during the day or in the evening, but as with anywhere, the city comes with its fair share of undesirable elements. Watch out for pickpockets around the Dom and inside the train stations. Women are better off abandoning the whole idea of purses; men are advised not to carry wallets in their back pockets. It’s always safer to carry valuables such as money, passports and credit cards in a robust, below-the-belt security wallet.

Police: 110

Health

Sanitary and medical facilities in Cologne are very good, as they generally are everywhere in Germany.
Tap water is usually safe for consumption, but you may wish to employ caution with public sources of water such as rest-rooms. Good medical care is widely available in Cologne. Doctors and hospitals may expect immediate payment in cash for health services from tourists; most doctors, hospitals and pharmacies do not accept credit cards, so be sure that you are adequately covered with travel insurance before going abroad.

Emergency services: 112
St. Vinzenz Hospital: +49 221 77 120
St. Franziskus Hospital: +49 221 55 910