The best things to do in Cologne, Germany, go far beyond the famous Cathedral.
Did you know that over six million people visit the Kölner Dom every year? It’s easy to see why—it dominates the skyline and leaves you in awe. Yet, there’s more to Cologne than this towering landmark.
This was my third visit to the city. Returning after decades of visiting here with my German family, I saw the city as a traveller. Curious to uncover what to see in Cologne, the sightseeing attractions that visitors might enjoy, including the Rhine, the narrow streets of the Old Town, and a museum or two.
I’ll share my discoveries of all the Cologne things to do that make this city worth visiting.
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The Must-See Sights in Cologne
If it’s your first time in Cologne, there are a few sights you simply can’t skip. These are the landmarks that give the city its character—and they’re easier to enjoy if you know a few insider tips.
Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom)
No visit to Cologne is complete without stepping inside the Cathedral. Its twin spires soar above the city. So high you can’t even see to the top of them.
If you have the energy, climb the 533 steps to the viewing platform—it’s worth the view of the Rhine and the rooftops.
Tip: Entry is free, but tickets for the tower climb are sold separately.
Old Town (Altstadt)
The heart of Cologne is in its Old Town. Cobbled streets, colourful façades, and hidden squares make wandering a joy.
I like to take my time, pausing at the end of new streets to turn and popping into shops. The area is compact enough to explore in a couple of hours.
A few highlights to be on the lookout for:
- Glockenspiel des Ratsturms
- Town Hall (Ratskeller)
- Tünnes und Schäl bronze statues (fairytale folklore characters)
- Willi-Ostermann-Brunnen fountain (a popular meeting point)
- Old Market Square (Alter Markt)
- Fischmarkt (a square with colourful buildings and restaurants)
- Heumarkt (a large market square where festivals are held, like the Christmas Market)
Hohenzollern Bridge
Famous for its love locks, the Hohenzollern Bridge offers one of the best walks in the city. I like to cross it slowly, watching the skyline unfold.
Tip: It’s pedestrian-friendly, but stay aware of cyclists who share the path. Listen for their bells, letting you know you might have strayed onto their path.
Cologne Things to Do for History Lovers
Cologne has layers of history, and for anyone who loves the past, there’s plenty to explore beyond the Cathedral. Take a walking tour to gain deeper insight, or if going it alone, here are the spots I always recommend.
Great St. Martin Church
This Romanesque gem anchors the Old Town with its distinctive tower. Inside, the architecture is quiet.
Tip: If you walk the church’s exterior, you might notice a plaque in German commemorating the Robert-Blum-Gedenktafel. It roughly translates to say that he was born in Cologne, was a German politician, and executed for his role in the 1848 revolution.
Romano-Germanic Museum (Römisch-Germanisches Museum)
Cologne’s Roman roots are visible through its mosaics and everyday artifacts—focusing on how the city grew from a Roman settlement to the Cologne we know today.
Tip: This is temporarily closed for renovations in 2025/2026.
NS Documentation Center (EL-DE Haus)
If you enjoy WWII history as much as I do, this would be an interesting thing to do. This former Gestapo headquarters now tells the story of Cologne under Nazi rule. I skipped it, as when living in Berlin, I visited so many of these types of museums.
Tip: I always recommend a guided audio tour—it adds context and brings history into sharper focus.
Cool Things to Do in Cologne for Art & Culture Seekers
Cologne may not announce itself as an art city, but that’s part of its charm. Culture here feels lived-in. On each visit, I find something new by slowing down and stepping inside.
Museum Ludwig
If you visit only one museum, make it Museum Ludwig. It houses one of Europe’s most important collections of modern art, including Picasso, Warhol, and German Expressionism. I appreciate how light-filled the space feels, with views back toward the Cathedral.
Tip: Start on the upper floors and work your way down to avoid crowds.
Street Art in Ehrenfeld
Head to Ehrenfeld, where murals cover entire building façades, telling stories of identity, politics, and creativity. It reminds me of neighbourhoods in Berlin known for their street art.
Tip: Allow yourself time to wander—some of the best pieces aren’t marked on any map.
Cologne Philharmonic Hall
Tucked beneath the square near the Cathedral, the Philharmonic Hall reflects Cologne’s deep musical roots. If you can, attend an evening concert. Even if you don’t, pause outside during rehearsal hours—you may hear music rising softly from below ground.
Tip: You’ll know when a concert (or practice) is being held, as it will be restricted to walking around certain areas of the exterior concert hall, so you don’t interfere with the vibrations.
Free Things to Do in Cologne for Slow Travellers
Cologne rewards those who don’t rush. This is not a city I try to conquer. It’s one to experience its atmosphere.
Walk the Rhine Without a Plan
The Rhine Promenade is where I always reset. I walk without direction, watching locals cycle past and couples linger on benches.
Do the same on the other side of the Rhine. Especially for photographers, you’ll want to walk the Rhine Boulevard in the Deutz district, where you’ll have views of the Dom and the city centre.
Wander Beyond the Old Town
I spend time in neighbourhoods like Agnesviertel and the Belgian Quarter, where daily life takes over. Independent boutiques, local designers, bookstores, and cafés sit side by side under tree-lined streets.
Tip: I recommend dining at Gruber’s or Caruso Pastabar while in Agnesviertel.
Kranhäuser (Crane Houses)
These incredibly modern, crane-shaped buildings along the Rhine Harbour are impossible to miss. They reminded me of the modern and unique architecture found in Hamburg. It pairs well with a riverside stroll at any time of day.
Cologne Triangle Observation Deck
For a modern perspective, the Cologne Triangle offers one of the best skyline views of the Cathedral framed by the city itself. I walked right past as I came to/from the train station and admired the modern architecture, but never realized until I returned home that there was an observation deck.
What to Do in Cologne for Families
Cologne is an easy city to explore with children. Add a fun activity like the hop-on-hop-off bus tour or a sightseeing boat cruise down the Rhine River.
Cologne Zoo
The Cologne Zoo is one of the oldest in Germany, and it still holds its charm. I visited here as a teenager on a family trip. Wide paths, thoughtfully designed enclosures, and plenty of places to pause make it ideal for kids of all ages.
Chocolate Museum (Schokoladenmuseum)
This museum is genuinely fun. It’s interactive, easy to follow, and surprisingly engaging for adults, too. Watching chocolate being made never gets old.
When I visited, I had just come from Marburg, where I discovered I’d missed their annual chocoART festival. Marburg is also known for its chocolate tradition, which made this stop in Cologne feel perfectly timed.
Tip: It’s located right on the Rhine, making it easy to combine with a river walk afterward.
Cologne’s Beer Culture: More Than Just Kölsch
Beer in Cologne isn’t a drink. It’s a ritual. And it comes with rules.
Kölsch is the city’s beer, served in small, narrow glasses called Stangen. They arrive quickly and keep coming until you say otherwise. When you’ve had enough, you place your coaster on top of the glass. That’s the signal. No words needed.
I like how communal it feels. Tables are often shared. Conversations are lively. The mood is friendly and jovial. There’s no pressure to linger or rush. Just be.
Traditional Kölsch breweries—called Brauhaus—are part pub, part living room. You’ll see locals debating, laughing, and ordering hearty food to match the beer. Himmel un Ääd or a simple sausage always seems to appear.
My tip for first-timers: embrace the system. Order Kölsch, don’t ask for alternatives, and let the vibe of the place guide you. In Cologne, beer culture is about belonging, not choice.
Choose how you experience—go it alone or take a Kölsch Brewery Tour. Here are some places I recommend you go for that fun experience:
Final Thoughts
Cologne is not a checklist city. It doesn’t reward rushing or box-ticking. It opens up when you slow down and soak up its vibes.
I find two to three days ideal. Enough time to see the essentials, but also to really get to know its neighbourhoods. To sit by the Rhine. To return to the same café twice. To notice the small things that others don’t.
My best advice is simple: choose depth over quantity. Pick a few anchors each day—a church, a neighbourhood, a museum—and give them your full attention. Cologne reveals itself in between the sights, not just at them.
If you enjoy travelling this way—thoughtfully, with curiosity and space—I share more reflections, city guides, and slow travel ideas in my newsletter. I’d love to have you there.
