Germany Travel Guide: Discovering The Best Things to Do in Cologne

Germany, , 58 Comments

On our recent trip around Europe, we spent a few days in Cologne, the fourth-largest city in Germany.

Cologne is spread out over both sides of the Rhine River and has a vibrant cultural scene with many museums, art galleries and a mouthwatering food scene that makes it an interesting place to visit.

We devoted three full days to exploring the city and were able to squeeze in a ton of wonderful spots.

From a historical perspective, I’d argue that it’s one of the most intriguing cities in Germany. 

Cologne was settled by the Romans, who lived along the Rhine River for close to 500 years. The city was later a key player in the medieval commercial and defence network known as the Hanseatic League.

The majority of the city was bombed and obliterated during WWII, so very few historic buildings are left in the city, and those that are standing were rebuilt after the war.

The architecture was quite fascinating as there’s such a juxtaposition between those old buildings and the 1950s-1960s brutalist style of buildings.

Read More: Cochem, Germany | Your Guide to Discovering the Hidden Gem of the Mosel Valley

Discovering the best things to do in Cologne

While the world-famous Cologne Cathedral is a must-see, there are many more interesting things to do in Cologne.

Let me show you some of the can’t-miss attractions, as well as the secret places that we discovered along the way.

But don’t forget that the best thing to do, especially on a first visit, is to just roam around through the city centre streets and marketplaces to soak up the ambience.

Read More: 10 Tips and Sights for an Unforgettable Day Trip to Monschau, Germany

Cologne Cathedral with its towers

 Start by exploring Cologne Old Town

Before you embark on exploring Cologne’s Old Town, keep in mind that it was almost completely destroyed in World War II – the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force alone dropped almost 35,000 tons of bombs on the city.

So, don’t expect rows of old buildings and a charming Old Town like you’d find in many European cities.

Instead, you’ll find endless bars, restaurants, breweries and a lively atmosphere around every street corner, and much of what makes it good requires nothing more than showing up.

Many of the city’s landmarks are located within the Old Town, such as Cologne Cathedral, restored historic houses facing the river and Great St. Martin’s Church with a 75-meter-tall spire.

Read More: How To Spend One Day In Munich: An Efficient Itinerary For a First-Time Visitor

The charming Old Town of Cologne

Take in the Views from the Cologne Triangle

One of the most popular Cologne tourist attractions and one of our favourite things to do in the city was the Cologne Triangle – an observation deck 29 stories high, perfectly positioned to offer unparalleled 360-degree views of the Rhine River, the city skyline, and the famous Cologne Cathedral.

The building, which is primarily used as an office building, was designed by Dörte Gatermann, a Cologne-based architecture firm, and was completed in 2006.

It is located across the river from the old town, in the Deutz district and is easily reachable on foot by crossing the Hohenzollern Bridge.

Once you arrive and pay the entrance fee, a fast elevator whisks you all the way to the 29th floor in a few seconds, from where you can enjoy the very best skyline views of the city.

The observation desk is enclosed by glass panels, thus protecting visitors from the elements while still offering unforgettable photo opportunities.

  • Opening times: Daily, 11:00 am – 8:00 pm; closed during storms or high winds
  • Adresse: Ottoplatz , 50679 Köln, Deutschland.
  • Admission: Adults 5 Euro, and children up to 12 are free.

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Taking in the views from Cologne Triangle

Be in Awe Of the Mighty Dom Cathedral

No bit of Cologne sightseeing would be complete without a visit to Germany’s most visited landmark, the mighty Dom Cathedral.

Standing at 157 meters tall, the cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage site, the tallest twin-spired church in the world, as well as the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe.

The cathedral is a quintessential example of Gothic architecture, and a symbol of resilience and endurance as it remarkably survived bombardment.

While many visitors are on a pilgrimage to see the relics of the Three Kings of biblical fame and catch a glimpse of the largest hanging bell in the world, we visited to marvel at its grandeur – the sheer scale of the cathedral is sure to make you stop mid-step.

We admired intricate stone carvings and soaring spires, and were equally impressed by the cathedral’s interior, which featured expansive stained-glass windows and high, vaulted ceilings.

We didn’t climb the 500+ stairs to the top of the bell towers because the girls were tired, but we visited the Cathedral Treasury for a small entry fee.

When we visited the cathedral at the beginning of June, entry was free for all. But from July 1st, 2026, the Cathedral started charging tourists an entry fee.

  • Entry fee: €12 regular, €6 students and Free for children under 14
  • Cathedral Treasury: €8 regular

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The mighty Dom at nighttime

Walk Across the Hohenzollern Bridge

A walk across the Hohenzollern Bridge is a must-do because not only is it a beautiful and symmetric steel bridge of three arches, it is also a lovely spot to pause for a moment and take in the surroundings.

When built early in the 20th century, it was named after the Royal family of Prussia and was designed for cars, trains and pedestrians. Since its renovation after its WWII destruction, it only carries trains and pedestrians.

The railway bridge connecting the cathedral quarter to the east bank of the river is the city’s landmark that’s weighed down by thousands of padlocks, attached by lovers- a tradition that started in the late summer of 2008 and has not slowed down since.

From the bridge, you can enjoy fantastic views of the Rhine and Cologne Cathedral and feel the deck shudder as a high-speed train passes.

The pedestrian footpath is separated from the rail tracks, and the walk across doesn’t take longer than ten minutes, but we took our time and lingered mid-bridge to take in the views across the river and the classic postcard view back to the Dom.

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Hohenzollern Bridge with love locks

Visit Lindt Chocolate Museum

Cologne isn’t just a city of cathedrals and delicious pretzels; it is also a paradise for chocolate lovers.

Originally, we had no plans to stop by the chocolate museum, but once the girls found out about the museum’s famous three-meter chocolate fountain, we initially incorporated it into our Cologne itinerary.

The interactive museum with the well-laid-out exhibits that trace the full history of chocolate from the cacao forests of Mesoamerica through to modern production sits on a small peninsula in the Rhine, within easy reach of Old Town.

The best thing about the museum is the fact that they’re actually producing Lindt chocolate in the museum, and you can see the whole process.

On the second floor, you can see handcrafted chocolates being made and can even create your own unique chocolate bar.

  • Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Admission fee: 17.50 euros for Adults and 45 euros for a family ticket

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The main foyer of the chocolate museum

Try Delicious Food

If you are a foodie and want to dive into local cuisine, you’ll find a good few tasty options.

As vegetarians, we skipped meat options but still ended up sampling lots of wonderful foods.

  • Sweet Pretzel / a yoghurt glaze-covered pretzel coated in almonds with a slightly crunchy texture. It is a perfect thing to grab as an on-the-go snack and costs less than 1.5 euros. We got ours from Merzenich, which is one of the most famous bakery chains in the city.
  • Reibekuchen / another delicious speciality, are crispy, pan-fried potato pancakes made from grated potatoes. They are mixed with egg, onion, flour, and fried until golden brown on the outside while staying tender inside. In Cologne and the Rhineland, they’re served with applesauce, but you can also have them with sour cream.
  • Kölsch – Kölsch is the city’s own lager, brewed exclusively in the Cologne region, served in a slim 0.2-litre Stange glass. Yes, it’s not food, but it is a must-try when in Cologne. The beer is replaced automatically by the waiter until you until you place your coaster over your glass. Now that’s service.
  • Himmel un Ääd – Translating to Heaven and Earth is a combination of blood sausage, mashed potatoes and apples. It is served in Cologne Brauhauses and traditional restaurants.

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Visit Museum Ludwig

If you are a museum-goer, you’ll be pleased to learn that Cologne has its fair share of museums, many dedicated to art.

There’s East Asian Art, Applied Arts, Glass Art, Medieval Art, and Impressionist Art, but the one we liked the best was the Ludwig Museum because it meets the requirements of a great museum.

Not only will you find well-organised and awe-inspiring collections and a unique geometric facade, but also a peaceful haven where you can relax and reflect.

You can also sign up for a workshop, guided tour or simply browse the shelves of the Museum Shop, which is located on the 1st floor.

The museum was originally founded by Peter and Irene Ludwig in the 1980s, who donated their own multi-million-dollar art collection to the museum.

It has Europe’s largest collection of Pop Art and one of the largest Picasso collections in the world. Its modern art is an eclectic selection of artists from the last 125 years, including Dalís, Mondrian’s, Hockney’s, and Klee’s, all under one roof.

  • Address: Heinrich-Böll-Platz, a short stroll from the Cologne Central Station
  • Admission: Tickets start at  €19.80  and kids under 18 go free.
  • Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Closed on Mondays.

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Embark On A Day Trip

If you have more than a few days in the city, I highly suggest a day trip.

Cologne has a fantastic train station and is close to some beautiful German cities like Aachen, Trier, Koblenz, Düsseldorf, Bonn, Essen and Frankfurt, just to name a few.

If you have a hard time choosing which ones to visit, here are a few suggestions:

  • Bonn – Beethoven’s birthplace and a very compact, walkable city that can be reached in 20–30 minutes by train
  • Aachen – beautiful city with an amazing cathedral, imperial history, and the Carolus Thermen thermal baths for an afternoon unwind. Only takes 45 minutes by train
  • Düsseldorf – offers a unique mix of modern architecture, a vibrant food scene and a flashier, bigger bar scene. Better for a more active day and takes 20 minutes to reach by train

Read More: Slovenia Travel Guide: 9 Incredible Things To See And Do At The Beautiful Lake Bled

Best time to visit Cologne

Cologne is a year-round destination, but the best time to come to Germany is from May to September.

Just like pretty much any other European city, Cologne gets flooded with visitors during July and August.

  • Summer | While Accommodation and travel costs are at their highest during the peak travel months, it is also a time of long, warm days that are perfect for relaxing in the city’s green spaces, beer gardens, and enjoying festivals like Eat Play Love, Summerjam and the Christopher Street Day parade.
  • Autumn | In September and early October, the weather is still mild, crowds are smaller, and hotel prices drop, making it a great time to visit Cologne. The second half of October arrives with very beautiful autumn foliage, and by November the weather turns grey, chilly, and quiet.
  • Winter | Wintertime is usually cold and dark, with the sun setting around 4 p.m, but for a cosy, festive atmosphere with Christmas markets and twinkling lights, winter in Cologne is unbeatable.  Outside of Christmas, winter’s early nights and wet weather can limit activities.
  • Spring | is a mixture of sunny days, overcast skies and rain. But when the sunshine appears, the city wakes up; outdoor patios, city squares and beer gardens fill up quickly. While the first few weeks of spring can be chilly, Cologne comes alive with blooming daffodils and cherry blossoms.

We visited at the beginning of June and found it to be an excellent time to explore the city. We had long daylight hours and plenty of sunshine for being outdoors.

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The beautiful promenade along the Rhine

Getting to and from Cologne airport to city centre

The easiest way to get from Cologne-Bonn Airport to Cologne City Centre is by using the S-Bahn train S13 or S19. These trains go directly to Köln-Hauptbahnhof station.

They depart every 10-15 minutes during the day from the airport train station, and the journey is around 14 minutes.

  • Location: The station is located right between Terminals 1 and 2
  • Cost: around €3 to €4 one way.

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Cologne Airport

Final Thoughts: Is Cologne Worth Visiting?

So there you have it – our top recommendations for some of the best things to see and do in and around Cologne.

We loved our time in the city and found it to be  social, lively and absolutely full of energy

It’s a living city with edges, layers, and a charm that reveals itself the more time you spend here.

Catching a glimpse of the Cologne Cathedral alone justifies the trip. 

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Now, over to you!

Have you ever been to Cologne? Let us know in the comments below!

Let us know if you are planning a visit to Cologne and have travel-related questions

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58 thoughts on “Germany Travel Guide: Discovering The Best Things to Do in Cologne”

    1. Seeing mighty Cologne Cathedral in person was a memorable moment – it is a true masterpiece of history and Gothic architecture. It’s so big that you need at least an hour to walk through the main nave, view the shrine and architecture and climb the 533 steps of the South Tower for panoramic views. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  2. Cologne sounds wonderful Aiva. And I agree with you that often the best way to immerse ourselves in a new city is simply to stroll the streets, taking in the ambience and sights. Obviously the Cathedral is magnificent and a must do as is, for me, (a die hard chocoholic), the Lindt factory! Fabulous post! x

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    1. Thank you kindly, dear Miriam 🙂 You would love Lindt Chocolate Museums because glass-walled production lines let you watch how raw cocoa beans transform into finished Lindt bars, complete with fresh samples right off the belt. You can also walk through a tropical greenhouse that introduces live cacao plants, followed by 5,000 years of cocoa history and retro 20th-century chocolate advertising. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Hello, Sheree 🙂 My sister-in-law used to travel to Cologne for major international trade fairs and cultural exhibitions and was always singing praises to the city. I was delighted to finally see it in person and compare notes with her. It is a truly delightful city. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  4. Cologne bombed nearly to nothing, then rebuilt brick by brick, and now you’re walking across a bridge weighted down with lovers’ padlocks, looking back at a cathedral that refused to fall. That’s not just a city, that’s resilience standing 157 meters tall. You’ve captured the whole story: the juxtaposition of old and new, the scars and the beauty growing back. Thank you for showing us Cologne this way. 💙

    / Love & Hugs / Khadija 💕🤗

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    1. Thanks so much for your wonderful comment, dear Khadija. Cologne has been through a tremendous amount of hardship, destruction, and dramatic rebuilding throughout its long history. It’s amazing to think that the iconic Cologne Cathedral stood battered amid a sea of rubble, surviving multiple direct bomb hits while the surrounding cityscape was flattened. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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      1. That’s such a striking image, Aiva — a cathedral standing almost untouched while everything around it was leveled. It says so much about the spirit of the city that they rebuilt it stone by stone rather than starting over. Thank you for sharing such a rich piece of history! 🇩🇪🕊️

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  5. How could I have been to Cologne twice and never visited the chocolate museum?? Granted, both times were day trips of just a few hours, and the first time I was a teenager with zero control over the itinerary, but another factor is I didn’t even know about it. There are so many cities in Germany I want to visit – such an interesting country.

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    1. I have exactly the same agenda when it comes to Germany – it has so many interesting cities that blend deep history, modern arts, and unique architecture that I just want to visit. I suspect it could even become my new favourite country. Regarding the chocolate museum, I had no idea it even existed. It was brought to our attention by the lovely hotel receptionist, and we had no choice but to check it out. I mean, how can you refuse the kids the chance to see a 3-meter-tall fountain shaped like a cocoa bean, where 200 kilograms of warm, flowing milk chocolate bubbles constantly? Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  6. What a fantastic guide to Cologne! My husband and I were thinking of visiting Germany, but have no idea where to go, and this might just be it! The old town looks charming, especially the sound of the breweries to be found there! The Dom cathedral seems like a wonderful landmark to visit; I do love seeing cathedrals in different countries. The Lindt chocolate museum and art galleries are right up my street, although I think I’d end up taking a lot of souvenir chocolates home with me (if I didn’t end up eating them before we left)! Thanks for sharing this fab guide with us. 🌻🌸🍫

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    1. Thank you kindly for your wonderful comment. Cologne’s art galleries and world-class museums are definitely worth it if you love modern, contemporary, or medieval art. It also has a vibrant street culture, with neighbourhoods like Ehrenfeld and the Belgian Quarter offering incredible public and street art. There were so many museums and attractions to check out that, unfortunately, I didn’t even have the time to hunt down any of the city’s bookshops. Apparently, Cologne has dozens of well-stocked bookstores, catering to different interests and age groups.  Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 I hope you are enjoying the first few days of September 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Thank you 🙂 I hope you get to visit Cologne one day, as it is a truly fascinating German city to explore. I’ve heard only good things about Hamburg – it’s a city on my travel wish list. I’ll stop by your blog later on to have a peek at your adventures. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Cologne has a fascinating and diverse mix of architecture, ranging from world-famous Gothic masterpieces to post-war modernism and striking contemporary designs. The city is also known for its 12 Romanesque churches, but we didn’t have a chance to visit them all. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  9. Ah great guide! I appreciate the vegetarian food suggestions, as sometimes the German offering can be very meat heavy. I’ve been to Cologne but only on a day trip, and spent most of it in the chocolate museum ( no regrets!) so I’d love to return and explore properly.

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    1. Thank you kindly. I was surprised to find out that  Germany isn’t a country of sausage and schnitzel.  Traditional German potato pancakes, served with a side of herbed sour cream sauce, were my favourite discovery.  I am not surprised that you spent most of your time in the chocolate museum – it was so much bigger than I initially thought, with lots to see and do. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  10. A very comprehensive guide of what to see, do and eat in Cologne Aiva. We have been to Germany before but never this city. It seems worth it, if only for the Lindt factory tour. I hope they give out free samples. Thanks for sharing and Happy Monday. Allan

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    1. The Chocolate Museum was very generous with their free chocolate samples, dear Allan. Our girls loved the wafer biscuits dipped into the famous three-meter-high fountain of warm, flowing Lindt milk chocolate, as well as all other freshly made free treats. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Thank you, Maggie. Cologne is a wonderful travel destination. We loved it because it was a walkable city filled with architecture, lots of museums and the most delicious pretzels. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. I agree with you, dear Tricia – strolling the streets is one of the best ways to get to know a new city. You can change direction instantly, pause for photos, or step off a main path on a whim. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Cologne Cathedral is an incredible and breathtaking sight that is well worth visiting. You would love the massive scale and Gothic architecture and the delicious chocolate. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. I am glad to hear that you had a great time in Cologne. Triangle is a wonderful addition to the city, as from above you have a tremendously beautiful view over the entire city, and you really see how Cologne is built. The view towards the Dom, the Hohenzollern Bridge, and the Rhine is very impressive. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Cologne is a wonderful city to visit, and I am so glad that we stayed for a couple of days to thoroughly explore it. From what I’ve learned, during the mid-1980s, Cologne was a premier European capital for the international contemporary art world, so it was a pretty cool place to be, even if just for a few hours. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Thank you kindly, dear Rebecca. Cologne is a wonderful travel destination where charming narrow alleyways are lined with traditional pastel houses, historic squares like Alter Markt, and lively pubs. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Cologne is worth visiting for 1 to 2 days, especially for its massive Gothic cathedral, local beer culture, and relaxed riverside atmosphere. I loved how the historic centre, the Rhine River promenade, and the love-lock Hohenzollern Bridge are tightly clustered and easy to explore entirely on foot. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  19. I enjoyed visiting Cologne, the first time for a winter weekend and then a couple of months ago we were there for a day at the start of our Rhine Cruise. I’ve not made it to Achen yet but hope to do so at some point. Another excellent guide Aiva.

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    1. Thanks so much, dear Marion. I am glad to hear you enjoyed your time in Cologne. As we have direct flights from nearby Sligo Airport to Cologne, we decided to finally visit and were pleasantly surprised by everything we had a chance to see and do. It’s a beautiful German city. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. The Hohenzollern Bridge is quite impressive, and it’s also interesting to see the hundreds of thousands of colourful padlocks covering the pedestrian fences. You would love Cologne’s sweet pretzels, with a creamy nougat centre and a crunchy topping of roasted almonds or hazelnuts. I certainly ate way too many. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  21. Lovely. I really enjoyed Cologne, even visiting in February when it was so cold. I’d also recommend 2 other museums – 1) There’s a really interesting documentation centre for anyone interested in WW2 history and 2) German Sport and Olympic museum for anyone interested in either. Plus another great day trip is to the Drachenfels if you want some hiking and a beautiful castle overlooking the river 🙂

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    1. I am glad to hear that you also enjoyed your time in Cologne, and thanks so much for all the wonderful museum recommendations. Before our trip to Cologne, I stopped by the Cologne Tourism page and learned that the city has 100 museums. There just never seems to be enough time to see and do everything. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  22. What a wonderful guide, Aiva, thank you! I was in Cologne for less than 24 hours so I unfortunately missed out on much of this. Clearly I need to return, but for now at least I have your virtual tour. I can’t believe how big your daughters are getting!

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    1. Thank you, dear Diana. I am glad to hear that you have also visited Cologne. It was our first time in the city, and we had a great time exploring it. Yes, the girls have grown up. You know, I find the perception of time quite interesting when it comes to kids – while daily routines can feel exhausting and slow, looking back makes the overall passage of childhood feel shockingly fast. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  23. You’re right, it’s interesting to see the contrast between the historic buildings that were restored and what was built a couple decades after the war. Looks like there’s quite a bit to do. And as a chocolate lover, the Lindt Chocolate Museum sounds amazing and delicious!

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    1. You would love Cologne, dear Linda. What makes the city interesting is this mix – on one hand, you have over 2,000 years of history, and on the other, a city that feels very open, creative and easygoing. The city is also family-friendly. The girls loved learning about the pixies known as the Heinzelmännchen, who worked for artisans such as bakers, butchers, carpenters and tailors back in the day. We even found a Pixies’ Fountain, which was built to honour little helpful house gnomes. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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