Gamescom Cologne 2025: The Complete Travel Guide for Attendees
Photo: Koelnmesse image database / gamescom
Heading to Gamescom Cologne this summer? You're in for a treat.
Gamescom isn't just a gaming event - it's the gaming event.
Scale-wise, think Glastonbury. But instead of tents and warm cider, it's VR headsets, cosplay and the odd ten-foot anime sword.
And with Cologne as the backdrop, you can sandwich your gaming marathon between a bratwurst and a Gothic cathedral.
For visitors flying in from abroad, I've put together this guide on how to make your German gaming pilgrimage as smooth as possible. Let's dive right in.
Photo: Koelnmesse image database / gamescom / Marvin Ruppert
When Is Gamescom 2025?
First held in 2009, Gamescom has grown to become the world's largest gaming expo.
It's not just for hardcore gamers either. Indie devs, casual players, cosplayers, collectors - everyone's invited.
Last year, Gamescom 2024 welcomed over 335,000 visitors from all over the globe, featured 1,400+ exhibitors, and dominated social media with tens of millions of impressions.
Photo: Koelnmesse image database / gamescom / Marvin Ruppert
The event has grown from a German trade show into a global gaming phenomenon that rivals even E3's glory days.
Unlike other conventions that can feel increasingly corporate, Gamescom still captures that magical blend of industry showcases and genuine community spirit.
Key Dates And Venue Location
Gamescom 2025 is set to run from 20th - 24th August 2025 at the Koelnmesse exhibition centre in Cologne, Germany.
Mark your calendars, gaming enthusiasts.
- 19th August: Press and industry day - closed to the public.
- 20th to 24th August: Public exhibition days.
- Opening hours: 09:00 to 20:00 daily.
All the gaming goodness takes place at Koelnmesse (Messeplatz 1, 50679 Cologne), one of Europe's largest exhibition centres.
The venue spans multiple massive halls connected by walkways that will have your step counter begging for mercy.
What's On At Gamescom 2025?
It might be easier to ask what isn't on. Gamescom Cologne is the gaming equivalent of an all-you-can-eat buffet where the chicken wings never run out.
Opening Night Live kicks everything off with a tonne of world premieres and announcements that'll have you struggling to keep up.
Last year, Canadian video game journalist and television presenter Geoff Keighley unveiled over 45 games in just a couple of hours.
Photo: Koelnmesse image database / Geoff Keighley at Opening Night Live, Gamescom / Marvin Ruppert
The Entertainment Area is where you'll find the big publishers showing off their latest and greatest.
Expect queues for the most anticipated titles. But the bragging rights of saying "I played it before release" will no doubt ease the pain.
For the competitive among us, the eSports stage hosts tournaments where you can watch professionals make you question every gaming decision you've ever made.
"I could totally do that," you'll lie to yourself, while a 17-year-old pro performs digital acrobatics you couldn't manage with three extra hands.
What Areas Do They Have At Gamescom 2025?
Photo: Koelnmesse image database / gmescon / Vimagineo / Marvin Ruppert
Browsing the Gamescom Cologne hall plan for 2025, you can plan visits to your priority areas and explore some of the following spaces.
- Event Arena: The heart-thumping epicentre of Gamescom, this is where the action kicks off. Featuring esports tournaments, celebrity appearances, major stage shows and jaw-dropping reveals.
- Cosplay Village: A dream come true for those who love costumes and characters, the cosplay area will feature international cosplayers, artists, music acts and show acts across four days. There will also be a cosplay contest hosted by Google, selecting the best cosplays in six categories.
- Artist Area: New for 2025, the artist area is a space where you can discover and buy works inspired by gaming and pop culture and meet the artists behind them.
- Retro and Family Area: A nostalgia-fuelled playground packed with retro consoles, arcade classics and kid-friendly fun.
- Indie Area: A love letter to creativity, this area showcases boundary-pushing titles from small studios around the world. Playtest unreleased gems, chat to devs and find your next cult favourite before it goes big.
- Gamescom Campus Area: Perfect for future industry pros, this space is all about careers in gaming. Packed with talks, workshops, job booths and networking zones for students, grads and aspiring game-makers.
- Merchandise Area: This is paradise for loot lovers. Snap up exclusive merch, limited-edition collectables, fan gear and bizarrely specific plushies.
- Cards and Boards Area: Take a break from screens and get stuck into tabletop treasures. From battles and board game demos to strategy classics and quirky new finds - this area is all about that analogue joy.
Area Highlights
Big Shows, Big Experiences At The Event Area
The main entertainment halls are gaming heaven spread across multiple football fields' worth of space.
Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo and every other publisher with a marketing budget will have elaborate stands with playable demos, hourly presentations and staff wearing branded polo shirts who've heard your question about release dates 8,000 times already today.
Immerse Yourself In Fantasy In The Cosplay Area
Photo: Koelnmesse image database / gamescom /
A parallel universe where normal clothing laws don't apply, the Cosplay Village is home to contests, photoshoots, and repair stations (because wardrobe malfunctions are inevitable when your outfit involves 200 LED lights and papier-mâché wings).
Even if you're not in costume, it's worth visiting for the sheer spectacle. And to feel hopelessly inadequate about your own crafting skills.
The Hottest Gaming Swag On The Continent: The Gamescom Merchandise Area
This is where your bank account starts sweating.
Here you'll find everything from limited-edition collectables to gaming peripherals you definitely don't need but absolutely will buy.
Queues for the exclusive Gamescom merchandise start forming even before the doors open.
So if you're after that limited edition t-shirt, either be early or be prepared to see it on eBay for triple the price when you get home.
All The Latest Board And Card Games: Gamescom Cards And Boards Area
For when your eyes need a break from screens, the tabletop section offers demos of the latest board games, card games and tabletop role play games.
It's quieter than the video game halls, making it the perfect escape from mainstream mayhem.
Getting To Cologne and Gamescom 2025
Adobe Free Stock / ake1150
Best Airports For International Travellers
Most international visitors to Gamescom will likely fly into Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) just 15km from the city centre.
A direct train takes you from there to Cologne Central Station (Köln Hauptbahnhof) in about 15 minutes.
If you're looking for more flight options or cheaper fares, the following hubs are also workable.
- Düsseldorf Airport (DUS) is 60km away with excellent rail connections to Cologne (30 to 40 minutes).
- Frankfurt Airport (FRA) has the most international connections and is about an hour away from Cologne by high-speed train.
For the truly budget-conscious, Brussels Airport (BRU) or Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) sometimes offer cheaper long-haul flights, with onward train connections to Cologne taking two to three hours.
Affordable Train And Coach Routes From European Capitals
Adobe Free Stock / NVB Stocker
If you're more concerned with saving euros than time, Flixbus connects Cologne with major European cities for fares that'll make your wallet sigh with relief.
Just be prepared for long journeys, e.g., London to Cologne can take 12+ hours by coach.
But if you love an adventure and slow travel, it might be right up your street.
- London: Eurostar to Brussels, then connecting train - total journey five to six hours.
- Paris: Direct high-speed train - takes around three and a half hours.
- Berlin: Direct ICE train - around four and a half hours.
- Amsterdam: Direct IC train - around two and a half hours.
Getting Around Cologne
Cologne's public transport system is efficient, clean and blissfully air-conditioned. Which may provide a welcome respite from the August heat.
Gamescom's exhibition centre has its own train station, Koelnmesse, served by the U-Bahn, making it easy to reach from anywhere in the city.
Trains run every few minutes during Gamescom.
Useful Apps For Navigating Cologne
- KVB-App: Most locals rely on Cologne's public transport to get around, including its metro systems and trams. KVB-App is the city's official transport app where you can buy tickets and get real-time updates. Official KVB Site
- Google Maps: A trusty friend around the world, you can’t go wrong with Google Maps, although if you're not a user, plenty of alternatives are available.
- Citymapper: For those not as confident navigating cities, this one maps out your quickest journey from A to B. And aside from Cologne, its useful for most cities worldwide.
- Free Now: Uber and Bolt exist in Cologne, but Free Now seems to be the more popular choice among locals. So, if your go-to taxi apps aren't working, this one will likely come through for you. Free Now Germany
Where To Stay For Gamescom 2025 (Even If You're Booking Late)
Best Areas To Stay Near Koelnmesse
The bad news is, if you haven't already sorted your accommodation, you're already late to the party.
Hotels near Koelnmesse get booked faster than limited edition console pre-orders.
However, that doesn't mean you won't find somewhere to stay. Cologne is a big city, after all.
Popular areas for Gamesom attendees to stay include the following.
- Deutz: The area immediately surrounding Koelnmesse. Most convenient but most expensive and first to sell out.
- City Centre, aka. Innenstadt: Just across the Rhine from the venue, offering easy access plus restaurants and nightlife.
- Mülheim: North of the venue, slightly cheaper, still on direct transport lines.
- Kalk: East of the venue, more residential vibe, good value and quick transport links.
Budget Accommodation Tips And Last-Minute Hacks
Adobe Free Stock / Nomad_Soul
If you're reading this with Gamescom just weeks away and with no accommodation booking, don't panic.
The following options may still be viable.
- Look beyond Cologne: Bonn, Düsseldorf and Leverkusen are all within 30 to 40 minutes by train and may have sleeping options available.
- University dorms: Some institutions rent rooms during academic summer holidays.
- Last-minute cancellations: Set alerts on booking sites and be ready to pounce.
- Day trips: If all else fails, staying in Frankfurt or even Brussels and commuting daily may be a stretch, but it is possible.
Gamescom 2025 Survival Guide
Gamescom Ticket Types
Day Tickets get you entry for one specific day.
Wednesday and Thursday are less crowded, while weekend days reach max capacity.
Evening tickets are available for entry after 16:00. Perfect if you're more interested in the atmosphere than joining massive demo queues.
Family tickets are for up to five people (min. one adult, max. two adults; max. three or four children aged seven to 12). Children aged 13 or over need an additional discounted ticket.
Wild Card Tickets are limited and surprise-day tickets released in batches. Follow @gamescom on social for announcements.
Cosplay Dos And Don'ts
Photo: Koelnmesse image database / gamescom / Marvin Ruppert
If you're planning to attend in costume:
Gamescom Dos
- Bring a cosplay repair kit including safety pins, tape and glue.
- Schedule breaks from heavy or restrictive costumes.
- Ask for consent to take photos.
- Use the dedicated changing facilities.
Gamescom Don'ts
- Bring realistic weapon props without checking regulations first.
- Block major roads and walkways for photoshoot opportunities.
- Wear anything you can't sit down in.
Cologne Weather - What To Wear
August in Cologne can be unpredictable, but generally expect average temperatures of 18 to 26°C.
Dress in light, breathable clothing that can handle both air-conditioned halls and outdoor heat.
Layers are your friend, as is a packable rain jacket that can be stuffed in your bag.
Can I Bring A Bag To Gamescom?
Visitors are generally allowed to bring bags and backpacks into Gamescom Cologne.
As may be expected, the organisers have some requests when it comes to bags. They ask that you:
- Bring only what's necessary into the venue to reduce queues and waiting times.
- If you can't avoid bringing large bags and suitcases, you must use Gamescom's free cloakroom service.
- For security reasons, visual inspections and spot checks of bags may be carried out.
What To Leave At Home
We're all guilty of overpacking sometimes. Before you add it to your bag, ask yourself if you really need the following.
- Large camera equipment: Unless you have press accreditation, you can probably leave this at home. Phones are so advanced now that they're just as good, if not better, than many cameras on the market.
- External food and drinks: The event's official stance is no outside food and drinks, so they may be confiscated by security if you attempt it.
- Oversized props or costume pieces: It may be more comfortable all-round if you save these for photo areas rather than general wear.
- Valuable collectables: That rare signed poster? If you have something of great value, either monetary or sentimental, it may be best to leave it at home.
Where To Eat, Drink And Chill Near Gamescom
Fast, Cheap Food Near The Venue
When the convention hot dog counter doesn't appeal, here are some food options around the Gamescom venue.
- Deutzer Brauhaus: Traditional German fare and beers in Köln Messe/Deutz station just a short walk from the venue.
- Sushi Haus Deutz: This well-rated sushi restaurant offers an all-you-can-eat deal from Monday to Sunday.
- Sticky Fingers: Burgers and sandwiches are the order of the day at this riverside joint.
- Pizza and Döner Mediterrane: Popular with visitors to the exhibition centre, this place is noted for its cleanliness, generous portions and quality fast options such as shawarma, currywurst and pizza.
- McDonalds and Subway: Sometimes you need that fast, reliable and affordable option. There are branches of both at or near Köln Messe/Deutz station.
Gamer-Friendly Bars And Late-Night Spots
After a day of gaming, you can head out into Cologne and check out some of these well-regarded nightlife spots.
- Lost Level: Cologne's first gaming and esports bar is home to events such as the Nerd Quiz, Pen and Paper Night and Werewolf Night and serves games-themed cocktails. Pop along to try a Jigglypuff, King Koopa or Veilguard.
- Red Fox Bar: If you have any energy left, get your throw on at Cologne's first Skee-Ball bar, where you'll also find American arcade games, fancy drinks and hot dogs.
- Belgian Quarter: My recommendation would be to hit the Belgian Quarter for a great night out in Cologne. In the warmer summer months, you can see the city's outdoor drinking culture in full swing, enjoy some beers in the open air and dig into the area's quirky, relaxed bar scene.
- Ehrenfeld: This area is also great for nightlife and if you like your fun with a side of street art, there are plenty of works to spot here.
Exploring Cologne During Gamescom
Things To See Between Gamescom Sessions
Cologne offers more than just gaming. When you need a break, visit and try out some of the following.
- Cologne Cathedral: This Gothic masterpiece right by the central station is unmissable. Pop inside to appreciate its magnificence and to see a stained glass window designed by none other than Gerhard Richter.
- Hohenzollern Bridge: Covered in love locks with great Rhine views.
- Chocolate Museum: Self-explanatory deliciousness.
- Old Town: Stroll through the old square with its picturesque streets and traditional brewhouses.
- Kölsch: Make sure you sample the local beer Kölsch, which has an entire culture and etiquette of its own.
Adobe Free Stock / EdNurg
The Best Views and Photo Opportunities in Cologne
Apart from the top of the cathedral, Cologne has some great vantage points for some top snaps, including the following.
- KölnTriangle Observation Deck: Directly opposite the cathedral with the best city views.
- MediaPark: Modern architecture and good selfie backgrounds.
- Belgian Quarter: You'll find plenty of street art and photo opportunities in this chilled neighbourhood.
- Museum of Applied Arts: With its design-focused collections, this museum is the perfect stop for the aesthetically minded.
Travelling Solo To Gamescom?
Is It Safe To Go Alone?
Solo attendees make up a significant percentage of Gamescom visitors, Cologne is a popular city to visit and the gaming community is welcoming.
As with any kind of travel and/or large event, it's always wise to take basic safety measures. E.g., keeping valuables secure and being extra vigilant in crowded areas.
How To Meet People (Without Awkwardness)
Even the most introverted gamer can find their tribe at an event like Gamescom.
- Play multiplayer demos: Nothing breaks the ice like shared gaming experiences.
- Join workshop sessions: Smaller, interactive events are perfect for meeting like-minded people.
- Wear gaming merch: A conversation starter that signals your interests.
- Use the official Gamescom app: It has community features that could help you connect.
- Hostel common areas: Fellow gamers might make use of hostel social areas and events.
Stay Connected At Gamescom With An eSIM
Don't let unreliable Wi-Fi or surprise roaming charges ruin your Gamescom experience.
With a Germany eSIM from Airalo, you can access mobile internet as soon as you land.
Whether you're navigating the Koelnmesse halls, livestreaming the latest game reveal or coordinating post-con plans with your friends, a Germany eSIM can keep you online and in control.
Download the app, install your eSIM and let the games begin.
