The RheinEnergieStadion is one of my favourite grounds in Germany. Rectangular, steep stands close to the pitch and iconic floodlight towers in each corner.
One of the first games I saw on the site (in the old Müngersdorfer Stadion) was West Germany vs Northern Ireland in 1977 (with Rainer Bonhof in the German side and George Best playing for Northern Ireland) and probably the most memorable was England's game there in the 2006 World Cup when Joe Cole scored a stunner against Sweden in a 2-2 draw.
Getting there from the city centre
The U1 underground line runs directly to the stadium (by which time it is running overground). City centre stops for boarding include Heumarkt and Neumarkt, both a short walk from the cathedral and main station.
TIP: If you want to get on before the masses in order to secure a seat, consider starting your journey east of the Rhine, for instance at the Bahnhof Deutz / Messe stop.
Depending on how long you're going to be in Cologne/Germany, it might be worth getting a Deutschlandticket (for unlimited travel on all local and regional public transport) or a KölnCard (for 24 or 48-hour travel on local public transport, plus discounts to many attractions).
Getting there from the aiport
For getting directly to the stadium from the airport, see my Cologne-Bonn Airport page
To keep this page uncluttered, I've not included any photos. Instead, I've put together a selection in this Cologne City and Stadium Gallery
Meininger Hotel Köln West
Budget accommodation just a 20-minute walk from the stadium. Single, twin, triple, quadruple and dormitory-style rooms available. 24-hour front desk, bar and free Wi-Fi.
Essential by Dorint
Business-class hotel 5 minutes from the ground by tram (or 25 minutes on foot). Ideal if travelling by car, as it is situated just off the A1 autobahn. Bar and restaurant. 24-hour front desk. Free W-Fi.
Triton
2-minute walk to the tram stop and then just 5 minutes to the ground (or about 30 minutes on foot). Like the Essential above, also close to the A1 motorway junction. Free parking and Wi-Fi. Bar and restaurant.
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