Farina Fragrance Museum Tours

Step into the sensory world of Giovanni Maria Farina, the legendary Italian perfumer who created the original eau de cologne in 1709. The Farina Fragrance Museum chronicles the rise of the family’s perfume dynasty in Cologne and offers a fascinating insight into perfume-making throughout the centuries.
The Basics
Visitors to the Farina Fragrance Museum can learn about Giovanni Maria Farina’s early experiments in perfumery and follow the history of the eau de cologne fragrance style from its birth in the Rococo era to its current popularity. Highlights include the chance to see historic distillation apparatus, learn about the perfume-making process, and smell a variety of ingredients. Visits to the Farina Fragrance Museum must join a guided tour, so book ahead to ensure entry.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get There
The museum is located on the corner of Obenmarspforten and Unter Goldschmied. The closest metro station is Köln Rathaus (Line 5), just a short stroll away.
When to Get There
The museum is open every day, year-round. Guides runs several private and group tours each day, in multiple languages, and advance booking is highly recommended. It is possible to visit the shop without touring.
4711 Eau de Cologne
Cologne’s other renowned perfume brand is 4711, which has been producing its original eau de cologne since 1792. Perfume enthusiasts can also visit the popular 4711 House of Fragrances perfume shop, a short walk from Cologne Cathedral, to tour of the museum or take part in fragrance seminars and perfume-making workshops.
The Basics
Visitors to the Farina Fragrance Museum can learn about Giovanni Maria Farina’s early experiments in perfumery and follow the history of the eau de cologne fragrance style from its birth in the Rococo era to its current popularity. Highlights include the chance to see historic distillation apparatus, learn about the perfume-making process, and smell a variety of ingredients. Visits to the Farina Fragrance Museum must join a guided tour, so book ahead to ensure entry.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Admission price includes a guided tour of the museum; entrance is free for children under 10. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for English-language tours.
- Tours last about 45 minutes, but plan to spend at least an hour at the museum, especially if you want to spend time at the gift shop.
- The on-site gift shop offers a range of colognes.
- The museum is not accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
The museum is located on the corner of Obenmarspforten and Unter Goldschmied. The closest metro station is Köln Rathaus (Line 5), just a short stroll away.
When to Get There
The museum is open every day, year-round. Guides runs several private and group tours each day, in multiple languages, and advance booking is highly recommended. It is possible to visit the shop without touring.
4711 Eau de Cologne
Cologne’s other renowned perfume brand is 4711, which has been producing its original eau de cologne since 1792. Perfume enthusiasts can also visit the popular 4711 House of Fragrances perfume shop, a short walk from Cologne Cathedral, to tour of the museum or take part in fragrance seminars and perfume-making workshops.
Address: Obenmarspforten 21, Cologne 50667, Germany
Admission: Varies
Admission Tickets (1)

English guided tour (other languages offered)
Learn how Eau de Cologne was first produced 300 years ago, by visiting Farina Fragrance Museum in Cologne. You'll avoid long lines by having a pre-booked ticket, and going on a guided tour will help make the most of your visit. Smell different fragrances, see the original arched cellar, learn about perfume production, and see rare historic items. A magnificent tour that helps you step back in time, and understand true craftsmanship.
…More
From
$6.15
From
$6.15
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
4 Tours and Activities to Experience Farina Fragrance Museum
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English guided tour (other languages offered)
Learn how Eau de Cologne was first produced 300 years ago, by visiting Farina Fragrance Museum in Cologne. You'll avoid long lines by having a pre-booked ticket, and going on a guided tour will help make the most of your visit. Smell different fragrances, see the original arched cellar, learn about perfume production, and see rare historic items. A magnificent tour that helps you step back in time, and understand true craftsmanship.
…More
From
$6.15
From
$6.15
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

Sancta Colonia: Through the Heart of Cologne Walking Audio Tour by VoiceMap
Avoid the rigid schedules of traditional walking tours and explore Cologne at your own pace with this self-guided audio tour. Narrated by Marcel Krüger, the tour takes you past major city sights, such as the Cologne Cathedral and Museum Ludwig, and offers insight into the city’s history and culture.
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From
$5.20
From
$5.20

11 Cologne stories - an exciting scavenger hunt
Discover Cologne playfully, with a scavenger hunt!
You can expect a modern city rally, where you come across tricky puzzles and interesting information about Cologne's history. Feel like Sherlock Holmes and reveal the secrets of the city. Playfully gain new insights and have fun.
On the approx. 2.5km long route you will learn interesting facts and myths, meet women who have shaped the development of Cologne, get to know the attractive places of the Rhine metropolis.
Immediately after the start you dive into a world full of hidden clues and enigmatic pictures. At the end of each task, exciting information about the respective sights awaits you.
⭐ HIGH lights
»Independence of tourist guides and groups
»Only a smartphone with internet connection needed
»Suitable for individuals and groups
»Playful mediation of interesting contents
»Informative, exciting, amusing
»Already from 6 Euro per person
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From
$38.33
per group
From
$38.33
per group

Sightseeing tour Cologne with a private tour guide only for you or your group!
Discover Cologne with all your senses!
We are offering sightseeing tours in Cologne, Germany, for groups, individuals and businesspersons.
Our clients benefit from our local guides. The tour is not centered only around the historical facts and the famous Dom Cathedral, but also around the local culture and people, culinary highlights, hidden gems and insider stories.
Please feel free to reach out. Tour timings and itinerary are flexible and can be changed depending on availability and demand.
--- Travel brings power and love back into your life .--- by Rumi
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From
$189.27
per group
From
$189.27
per group

Best of Cologne with a private guide
Birthplace of Eau de Cologne, Cologne is a wonderful medieval city composed of several World Heritage Sites like the Cologne Cathedral and Brühl Castle. This tour covers all Cologne's great architectures, but also its history by visiting the Fragrance Museum, and the Chocolate Museum. It will be a wonder for your sense of smell, taste, and sight.
Tour timings are flexible and can be amended depending on availability.
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From
$422.89
per group
From
$422.89
per group
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