22 Things To Do In Cologne

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Museum (8)
Garden & Park (4)
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1. Cologne Cathedral

1 km from city center

Church & Cathedral

Cologne Cathedral, known as Kölner Dom in German, is a renowned Gothic masterpiece situated in the heart of Cologne, Germany. Located adjacent to the main railway station (Köln Hauptbahnhof) and near the Rhine River, it is celebrated for its immense twin spires, each soaring to 157 meters, making it one of the tallest churches globally. A climb of approximately 533 steps to its south tower's viewi (Read More)ng platform offers panoramic vistas of Cologne and the Rhine River.

1 km from city center

Museum

The Lindt Chocolate Museum is situated on the Rheinauhafen peninsula in Cologne, Germany, approximately a 15-minute walk south from the city center. A highlight is the 10-meter-high tropical house, where cacao trees are cultivated, providing insight into the origins of chocolate. Also, the iconic three-meter-tall chocolate fountain offers a delightful tasting experience along with a miniature prod (Read More)uction line demonstrating the transformation from cocoa beans to finished chocolates.

Fun For Kids

3 km from city center

Wildlife

Cologne Zoological Garden, known locally as Kölner Zoo, is situated in the Riehl district of Cologne. It is renowned for its diverse exhibits, including the Elephant Park, Rainforest House, and an extensive Aquarium. Visitors can observe a wide range of animals, from primates and big cats to reptiles and aquatic life. Established in 1860, it spans 20 hectares and houses over 10,000 animals represe (Read More)nting more than 850 species. It also features an aquarium and several jungle and rainforest houses.

0 km from city center

Commercial Street

The Old Market, known locally as Alter Markt, is a historic square situated in the heart of Cologne's Old Town . Positioned near the Rhine River and adjacent to the City Hall (Rathaus), it is rnowned for its vibrant atmosphere and is lined with traditional German pubs, restaurants, and cafés. Throughout the year, the square hosts numerous events, with the Christmas market being particularly notabl (Read More)e. During this festive period, visitors can enjoy handcrafted gifts, seasonal foods, and ice-skating.

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5. Hohenzollern Bridge

1 km from city center

Bridge

The Hohenzollern Bridge, known as Hohenzollernbrücke in German, is a prominent railway and pedestrian bridge spanning the Rhine River in Cologne. Located just south of the iconic Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), it is renowned for the thousands of "love locks" attached to its railings by couples symbolizing their affection. Visitors can also enjoy panoramic views of the Rhine River and the Cologne (Read More)skyline, especially the majestic Cologne Cathedral, from the pedestrian pathways on the bridge.

Fun For Kids

2 km from city center

Museum

Odysseum is an interactive science and adventure museum located in Cologne's Kalk district. It is a science and technology museum featuring themed areas such as the "Museum with the Mouse," where concepts from the popular German children's show are brought to life, and a 3D cinema showcasing educational films. Temporary exhibitions, like the "Harry Potter: Visions of Magic" exhibit, provide fresh (Read More)experiences for repeat visitors.

7. Botanical Garden

2 km from city center

Garden & Park

The Flora und Botanischer Garten Köln is a historic botanical garden located in the Riehl district of Cologne. Established in 1864, it spans approximately 11.5 hectares and is situated adjacent to the Cologne Zoological Garden. The garden is renowned for its diverse plant collections, featuring over 10,000 species from around the world. The centerpiece is the historic glass palace, known as the Fl (Read More)ora, which serves as an event venue and houses exotic plant exhibitions.

0 km from city center

Museum

Museum Ludwig is a renowned art museum in Cologne, Germany, situated adjacent to the iconic Cologne Cathedral and directly opposite the central train station. Established in 1976, it boasts one of Europe's most significant collections of modern and contemporary art. Visitors can explore extensive exhibits featuring works by Picasso, Warhol, and Lichtenstein, as well as impressive collections of Po (Read More)p Art, German Expressionism, and Russian avant-garde pieces.

13 km from city center

Forts & Palaces

The Brühl Palaces, comprising Augustusburg Palace and Falkenlust Hunting Lodge, are located in Brühl. These 18th-century Baroque and Rococo masterpieces are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visitors can explore the opulent interiors, including the grand staircase designed by Balthasar Neumann, and stroll through the meticulously landscaped gardens.

Fun For Kids

Garden & Park

Rheinpark is a 40-hectare urban park located along the right bank of the Rhine River, between the districts of Deutz and Mülheim. It offers expansive green spaces, ornamental fountains, and unobstructed views of the iconic Cologne Cathedral across the river. The park features a large playground, a thermal bath, and an open-air theater. A notable attraction is the narrow-gauge railway that traverse (Read More)s the park, offering a leisurely 20-minute ride with scenic views.

1 km from city center

Landmark

Heumarkt is a historic square located in Cologne's Altstadt (Old Town), near the Rhine River. It is approximately a 10-minute walk southeast of the Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom). The square is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, featuring numerous restaurants, cafés, and traditional German beer halls. Heumarkt hosts various events, with the Christmas market being particularly notable. During the (Read More) festive season, the square transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with an ice-skating rink and numerous stalls offering local specialties and crafts.

1 km from city center

Viewpoint

The KölnTriangle is a modern high-rise building located in the Deutz district on the right bank of the Rhine River in Cologne, situated directly opposite the historic Cologne Cathedral. It main highlight is its observation deck on the 29th floor, approximately 103 meters above ground level that provides a 360-degree panoramic view of the city. The building itself houses several restaurants offeri (Read More)ng dining options with scenic views.

5 km from city center

Garden & Park

Stadtwald, or City Forest, is a vast park located in Cologne's Lindenthal district. Covering around 200 hectares, it offers a natural retreat with meadows, ponds, and wooded areas. Designed in the late 19th century, the park features native trees like beech, linden, sycamore, and oak. Visitors can enjoy various activities, including picnics, boating on the ponds, and exploring the Lindenthal Zoo, (Read More)which houses over 250 animals such as guinea fowl and Highland cattle.

2 km from city center

Garden & Park

Volksgarten is a public park located in the Neustadt-Süd district of Cologne. Around 14 hectares, it stretches from Sachsenring in the north to Vorgebirgswall in the south. The park features a large pond with a fountain that reaches up to 28 meters high, two children's playgrounds, and a charming rose garden near the remnants of a historical fort.

0 km from city center

Museum

The Farina Fragrance Museum is located directly opposite the historic City Hall in the Cologne city center. Established in 1709 by Johann Maria Farina, it is recognized as the world's oldest fragrance factory and the birthplace of the original Eau de Cologne. The museum can only be visited through guided tours, which last approximately 45 minutes.

Special Access Only

0 km from city center

Shows & Theatres

The Cologne Philharmonic Hall is situated in the heart of Cologne, Germany, near the iconic Cologne Cathedral and the main train station. Renowned for its exceptional acoustics and architectural design, the hall hosts approximately 400 concerts annually, featuring a diverse range of genres including classical, jazz, and pop. Visitors can enjoy performances in a setting designed to provide excellen (Read More)t sightlines and sound quality from every seat.

0 km from city center

Museum

The Wallraf-Richartz Museum & Fondation Corboud is an art museum located approximately a five-minute walk from the main train station and near the Cologne Cathedral. It is renowned for its extensive collection spanning from the medieval period to the early 20th century. Visitors can explore masterpieces from the Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Impressionist periods, including works by artists su (Read More)ch as Stefan Lochner, Peter Paul Rubens, Rembrandt, and Claude Monet.

1 km from city center

Museum

EL-DE Haus is a former Gestapo headquarters that now serves as the NS Documentation Centre. It is Germany's largest regional memorial site dedicated to the Nazi era. Visitors can explore the preserved prison cells in the basement, where over 1,800 inscriptions by former prisoners offer a poignant glimpse into the past. Given the museum's somber subject matter, it's recommended for visitors aged 1 (Read More)4 and above.

0 km from city center

Church & Cathedral

Great St. Martin Church is a prominent Romanesque Catholic church located in Cologne's Old Town. It is one of the city’s most recognizable buildings, with its large tower and unique trefoil design. It is most admired for its architecture and peaceful interior. The Roman remains under the church give a glimpse into Cologne’s long history. Inside, the church is simple but impressive, with high ceil (Read More)ings and stone walls.

2 km from city center

Spa & Wellness

Claudius Therme is a renowned thermal spa located in Cologne's Rheinpark. It is celebrated for its natural thermal mineral springs, which supply healing waters recognized for their therapeutic benefits. Visitors can enjoy a variety of indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, and wellness treatments in a beautifully designed space featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and views of Rheinpark and Cologne Cathe (Read More)dral.

1 km from city center

Museum

The Museum of Applied Arts Cologne (MAKK) is situated in the Altstadt-Nord district, approximately a 10-minute walk from the Cologne Cathedral. The museum is renowned for its extensive collection of European applied art spanning over 800 years, featuring items such as jewelry, porcelain, furniture, and weaponry. Visitors can explore both permanent and special exhibitions that highlight the evoluti (Read More)on of design and craftsmanship.

1 km from city center

Museum

The Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum is an ethnographic museum in Cologne's Altstadt-Süd district, near the Neumarkt square. It houses over 65,000 artifacts from Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania, offering insights into diverse cultures and human behaviors. A notable exhibit is the large rice barn from Sulawesi displayed in the lobby.