Cologne – where networking is a lifestyle

Cologne is not only a business metropolis. The city offers a high quality of life and a unique lifestyle. The world-famous "Rhenish" temperament is decidely liberal, proving that high productivity and a laidback attitude to life are not incompatible!

An international city

Cologne is a cosmopolitan melting pot on the Rhine
People from 180 different nations call Cologne home
19 percent foreigners
40 percent inhabitants with international background
22 twin cities around the globe

A youthful city

Every third person in Cologne is under 30
The average age in Cologne is just 42 years (whole Germany: 44.5 years)
Seven percent population growth by 2040
Rich youth and student culture thanks to the over 100,000 students from 21 universities
Vibrant cultural and leisure offerings catering to students and young professionals

A relaxed city

“Rhenish” mentality: decidedly liberal and easy-going
Cologne inhabitants are proud of their laidback attitude and openness to strangers
Welcoming way of life: extremely easy to set foot and become part of the community
Rich afterwork-culture
Extensive natural and green spaces surrounding the city

An open-minded city

European Capitals of Diversity and Inclusion Award Gold medal winner
Inclusive, international outlook and diversity
Tolerance, openness, and respectfulness are key values of the local mentality
Germany's self-proclaimed LGBTQIA+ capital, with countless bars and clubs clustered in the city centre
One of the world’s largest LGBTQIA+ pride parades

A cultural city

Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO-world heritage site: most visited tourist attraction in Germany
Renowned Cologne opera and philharmonic hall
Several outstanding museums, galleries, and art studios
An international film festival
World's oldest fair for modern and contemporary art
One of Europe's largest literature festivals

A green city

Several parks, forests, lakes, and reservoirs as well as Cologne Zoo and the botanic garden offer space for leisure and relaxation
A multitude of lakes, forests, local recreation areas and nature reserves in the immediate vicinity
"Green Belt" surrounds most of the inner city
Many recreational areas by the waters of the river Rhine, which runs right through the city

A lively city

Germany's most popular Christmas market
Germany's biggest fireworks show
One of Europe's largest reggae music festivals
One of the world's largest and most famous carnivals
Many international stars perform at the LANXESS arena
One of the most visited shopping streets in Europe
Two professional sports clubs play in the highest national leagues – 1. FC Köln (football) and Kölner Haie (ice hockey)

A connected city

Central location and excellent infrastructure make Cologne the ideal starting point for exploring Germany and Europe
Famous tourist destinations: Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Bonn, and Aachen reachable in less than one hour driving time
High Speed train connections to Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam

International Desk