Things to Do in Cologne: Our 17 Top Highlights & Tips

Orientation: Cologne Sights on a Map

To help you get your bearings, we’ve marked all the top Cologne sights on a map.

These Top 6 Sights in Cologne You Have to See

What You Can Do in Cologne in One Day

If you only have one day in Cologne, you can still take in a lot of highlights in a short amount of time. Here’s how:

• Stay in the Old Town! The historic center has the best attractions plus great restaurants, and it sits right on the Rhine. It doesn’t get better than that.
• Here you can visit, for example, Cologne Cathedral, Alter Markt, the Hohenzollern Bridge, and countless brewhouses.
• On foot, it only takes about six minutes from the Cathedral to Alter Markt. So you can freely wander back and forth, explore the entire old quarter, eat, drink, and even do a little shopping.
• Hop on the Hop-on/Hop-off Bus in Cologne! You’ll get a really great overview of the city and see many of the coolest things to see in a relatively short time without having to walk much.
• Still have time for a museum? The Farina House, the Wallraf-Richartz Museum, and the Museum Ludwig are all located right in the Old Town.

We’ll introduce you to the individual highlights in detail below and tell you everything you need to know.

Of course, there’s even more to do in Cologne. If you have more time, you’ll also find the most beautiful neighborhoods and parks further down, along with tips on what to do in Cologne when it’s raining or when you’re traveling with kids.

Also read our article with the best Cologne insider tips

Cologne Cathedral

What do you need to know? The Cathedral is without a doubt one of the most famous points of interest in Germany and the heart of Cologne. It’s almost a miracle that it survived World War II — and today it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! If anything deserves the word “magnificent,” it’s Cologne Cathedral. You can visit the Gothic cathedral for free, climb the 533 steps of the south tower for a stunning panorama, or explore the Cathedral Treasury.

Our tip: Guided tours of the Cathedral Treasury take place every Thursday and Saturday. They’re genuinely fascinating — especially if you’re into churches and history.

Alter Markt

What do you need to know? Alter Markt is just a few meters south of the Cathedral and is probably the oldest of Cologne’s squares. “Probably,” because there’s no definitive record of exactly how old it is — the earliest written records date back to 922.

Is it worth it? Alter Markt is the center of the tourist Old Town. All around you’ll find shops, cafés, restaurants, brewhouses, and Cologne City Hall. It’s very touristy, but you should at least give it a quick stroll.

Our tip: As you wander through the Old Town’s alleys, keep an eye out for passageways on either side. If you spot one, go in! You’ll often end up in charming courtyards with great restaurants.

Hohenzollern Bridge

What do you need to know? The Hohenzollern Bridge crosses the Rhine, leading directly to Cologne Central Station. All trains into Cologne pass over this bridge — and it’s also home to the famous love locks.

Is it worth it? Totally! The Hohenzollern Bridge impresses not just as a structure, but above all for its stunning views. Walk across it on foot from the Cathedral plaza to the Rhine promenade on the other side — it’s seriously the best spot to photograph the Cathedral.

Our tip: Along the Rhine promenade you’ll find the luxurious Hyatt Hotel and small restaurants. There’s plenty to take in, and you can grab a bite to eat with views of the Rhine and the Cathedral.

Rhine River Cruise

What do you need to know? Cologne locals love their Rhine. By now there’s a huge variety of boat cruises on the river — running multiple times a day.

Is it worth it? From the Rhine, you get a whole different perspective on the city and its highlights. And the best part: you can just sit back and enjoy without having to dodge tourist crowds.

Our tip: The Rhine boat tour past Cologne’s top attractions is absolutely fantastic! You experience the beauty of the city from the water and learn more about the sights and Cologne’s history through on-board commentary.
In a separate article, we recommend seven great boat tours in Cologne and give you all the important info.

Farina Fragrance Museum

What do you need to know? The Farina House and its fragrance museum tell a fascinating, little-known story from Cologne’s history. It’s the actual birthplace of Eau de Cologne — yes, really! Not 4711, but Farina was the one who kickstarted the perfume industry.

Is it worth it? 100%! The Farina House, dating back to 1709, is the world’s oldest perfume factory still in operation. The museum takes you through several floors of perfume history and tells the story of the first major case of product piracy: Farina vs. 4711.

Our tip: You can buy the original perfume right in the shop inside the Farina House — it makes a great souvenir. Even Napoleon is said to have sprayed it on his head and shoulders every morning.

Cologne Brewhouses

What do you need to know? Kölsch can only be called Kölsch if it’s brewed in Cologne. Luckily, Cologne has plenty of brewhouses. Among the most popular are Gaffel am Dom, the Malzmühle, and the Sünner Walfisch Brauhaus.

Is it worth it? Without a doubt! A visit to a brewhouse is an absolute must on your Cologne itinerary. The cozy atmosphere and the traditionally grumpy Köbes — the server — are simply not to be missed.

Our tip: If you want more than just sitting and drinking, there are also great brewhouse tours with Kölsch tastings. Delicious and educational.

Book a brewhouse tour through Cologne
You can find the ten best brewhouses in Cologne here:

The Most Beautiful Neighborhoods and Parks in Cologne

We love blending in with the locals and experiencing Cologne from a different angle. The best way to do that is through a city’s neighborhoods and parks. These are our favorite spots in Cologne:

Belgian Quarter

What do you need to know? The Belgian Quarter — trendy for years now — sits in the western part of Cologne’s city center. The neighborhood was largely spared during World War II, so it still has a genuine old-building character.

Is it worth it? The Belgian Quarter simply looks cool. Around Brüsseler Platz you’ll find numerous cafés, bars, galleries, and fashion boutiques. Street art fans will also discover small and large treasures on the building walls here.

Our tip: On Brabanter Straße there’s an incredibly cool record store. Super vintage vibe, great selection, and bargain prices.

Rheinauhafen

What do you need to know? The Rheinauhafen is a former harbor complex in Cologne’s Old Town, since transformed into a residential and commercial area right on the Rhine.

Is it worth it? A stroll through the Rheinauhafen shows you a different side of Cologne. Among the listed historic former customs buildings and the famous crane houses, you’ll also find cafés and restaurants for a break with views of the Rhine.

Melaten Cemetery

What do you need to know? A bit west of the Belgian Quarter lies the Melaten Cemetery — Cologne’s largest and oldest, with over 55,000 graves. A great Cologne attraction away from the hustle and bustle.

Is it worth it? Here you’ll find not only the graves of various Cologne celebrities, but also the cemetery’s iconic symbol: the Grim Reaper! The life-sized, eerie sculpture stands watch over the grounds with a scythe and hourglass.

Our tip: If you’d like to learn more about the cemetery and the notable figures buried here, we really recommend taking a guided tour of the grounds.

Book a guided tour of Melaten Cemetery

Cologne Flora

What do you need to know? The Cologne Flora is a truly beautiful botanical garden right in the heart of the city. Both outdoors and in greenhouses, you can explore more than 10,000 native and exotic plant species.

Is it worth it? If you love colorful flowers and gorgeous gardens, the Cologne Flora is the place for you. You’ll stroll through pergolas, past ponds and fountains, through lily gardens and greenhouses. Seriously beautiful!

What You Can Do in Cologne When It Rains

What can you do in Cologne when it rains? Definitely not sit in your hotel room! We have much better activities for you:

Wallraf-Richartz Museum

What do you need to know? The Wallraf-Richartz Museum sits between Alter Markt and Heumarkt and is one of the largest art galleries in Germany, home to one of the most important collections of medieval painting.

Is it worth it? The paintings here are true treasures! Works by Rembrandt, van Gogh, Munch, and Monet all hang under one roof. You won’t be able to stop marveling.

Museum Ludwig

What do you need to know? Museum Ludwig sits right on the Cathedral plaza and, with its collection of 20th- and 21st-century art, ranks among the most significant museums in Europe. 70,000 works are on display across around 8,000 square meters.

Is it worth it? If you’re into modern art, Museum Ludwig is a real must-see. You’ll find major works by Picasso, Dalí, and Andy Warhol, among others.

TimeRide Cologne

What do you need to know? With TimeRide, you take a virtual reality ride through historic Cologne during the Imperial era. You sit in a recreated streetcar, put on the headset, and you’re right in the middle of it.

Is it worth it? We had a blast! It’s not only incredible what technology can do these days, but also how much the city has changed. You won’t get a view of Cologne like this anywhere else — not even in history books.

Our tip: Around TimeRide Cologne there are various cafés and restaurants. Perfect for grabbing something delicious to eat after the experience or just having a coffee.

Get tickets for TimeRide Cologne

What You Can Do in Cologne with Kids

Cologne is also a ton of fun with kids! From a cable car to kids’ museums to the Cologne Zoo — boredom is guaranteed not to set in.

Cologne Cable Car

What do you need to know? With the Cologne Cable Car, you can glide over the Rhine from April to October, traveling between the Zoo and Rheinpark at heights of up to 50 meters.

Is it worth it? At just under seven minutes per trip, the ride is pretty short — but it offers a fantastic view of the city. And especially with kids, that’s plenty of time. The gondola moves at a pleasantly slow pace without swaying much, so you can really sit back and enjoy.

Odysseum

What do you need to know? The Odysseum is an adventure museum made up of a hands-on museum with the Mouse for younger kids and rotating blockbuster exhibitions for the whole family.

Is it worth it? In the permanent museum with the Mouse, kids learn through play — how robots work, why we have seasons, and more. The blockbuster exhibition takes you into the worlds of cool films like Jurassic Park or Harry Potter. Super varied and exciting!

Chocolate Museum

What do you need to know? The Chocolate Museum sits on the peninsula in the Rheinauhafen. Why Cologne? Well, chocolatier Hans Imhoff simply made his dream of a chocolate museum — complete with a giant chocolate fountain — come true in 1972. That’s why.

Is it worth it? Here you’ll not only learn a lot about the history and production of chocolate, you also get to taste it — right at the big chocolate fountain. It’s fun and genuinely delicious.

Book a visit to the Chocolate Museum

Cologne Zoo

What do you need to know? The Cologne Zoo opened in 1860, making it one of the oldest zoos in Germany. More than 10,000 animals live here, making it one of the most species-rich zoos in Europe and the most popular Cologne attraction for families with kids.

Is it worth it? Monkeys, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, zebras — you’ll find them all here. The large outdoor enclosures and animal houses are really well done, and there are even playgrounds. If you can, plan your visit on a weekday — it’ll be much less crowded.

Book a trip to the Cologne Zoo

The 3 Coolest City Tours of Cologne

If it’s your first time in Cologne, a city tour is one of the best things you can do. In a short amount of time, you’ll get to know the most important attractions — and from the perspective of a real insider. These are our three favorites:

City Tours of Cologne's Highlights

What do you need to know? The highlights city tour takes you on a 1.5-hour walk through Cologne’s Old Town, to the Cathedral, along the Rhine riverfront, and to Alter Markt. A local guide explains everything there is to know about the sights along the way.

Is it worth it? This tour is great if you want to really understand Cologne and its historic center — not on your own, but in a genuinely professional and in-depth way. We also think the 1.5-hour duration is perfectly chosen.

Book the Cologne highlights city tour

Executioner's Tour of Cologne

What do you need to know? The Executioner’s Tour is a city tour with a spooky twist. With a costumed guide, you walk through the alleys of Cologne’s Old Town in the evening. At medieval locations, you’ll be treated to genuinely chilling stories.

Is it worth it? If you like things creepy and historical, this tour is perfect for you. We loved it! Especially in autumn, the stories about the plague, the gallows, and witchcraft really hit differently. It’s a completely different side of Cologne.

Book the Executioner’s Tour of Cologne

Guided Bike Tour of Cologne

What do you need to know? Time to get active. On this guided bike tour along a 15-kilometer route, you’ll discover Cologne’s most beautiful places away from the tourist crowds over the course of three hours. A bike is included in the price.

Is it worth it? Exploring Cologne by bike is a lot of fun! On this outing, you won’t be hitting the usual tourist spots — instead, you’ll discover truly special highlights and vantage points. Plus, the guide has a few local favorites up their sleeve.

Book the guided bike tour of Cologne
Want to see even more city tours? Then also read:

Tips: The Best Way to Visit Cologne's Sights

Public Transportation in Cologne

As in any city, public transportation in Cologne is your best friend. It’s the easiest way to get from one attraction to another.

You can find the schedule on the website of the Cologne Transit Authority (KVB). The best part: there’s a tourist network map that shows the most important sights and the lines that will get you there. Less relevant lines have simply been left off.

Within Cologne, you’ll need a Zone 1b ticket. If you’re making three or more trips, a day pass is worth it.

Our Top 3 Hotels in Cologne's Old Town

25hours Hotel: Located in a super central spot in the northern Old Town. The hotel is very modern with creatively designed, cheerful rooms. From the sun terrace, you also have a great view of the city.

Hopper Hotel St. Josef: Located in the southern Old Town in a landmarked collegiate building from 1891. Modern furnishings are combined with the building’s old ecclesiastical elements. A very special place to stay close to the sights.

Hotel Mondial am Dom: Just a stone’s throw from the main train station and the Cathedral. The hotel features modern rooms, a really cozy breakfast room, and a spa area to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
Find even more great hotels in Cologne here:

Save Money with the Köln Card

If you’re considering buying a day pass, we recommend going straight for the Köln Card. With the Köln Card, you not only get a day pass for public transportation, but also discounts on admission prices at many places around the city.

You can order the Köln Card online, but you’ll need to pick it up at the Köln Tourismus office. That’s no hassle though, since the tourist office right by the Cathedral is impossible to miss.

Book the KölnCard online

Avoiding Cologne's Rush Hours

You’ll probably never have the Cathedral all to yourself. But to avoid always ending up in overcrowded spots, here are a few pointers:

• Once you leave the area around the Cathedral and Alter Markt, the tourist crowds thin out quickly, and you’re right in the middle of everyday Cologne life.
• Take the side streets more often. Small detours often lead you to great spots.
• Head to a museum at lunchtime and eat after 3 p.m. to avoid peak hours.
• Cologne’s trams are packed from 7 to 8 a.m., 1 to 2 p.m., and around 5 p.m. During those times, it’s best to get around on foot.
• Weekdays are much quieter than weekends. A trip to Cologne from Tuesday to Thursday — for example as part of a road trip through Germany — is therefore the most worthwhile.