Things to Do in Cologne, Germany

Cologne, Germany's fourth-largest city, stands as one of Europe's oldest urban centers with over 2,000 years of history. The city seamlessly blends its Roman heritage and medieval charm with modern innovation, creating a vibrant cultural hub along the Rhine River. The magnificent Gothic Cologne Cathedral dominates the skyline, while world-class museums, thriving art galleries, and a legendary beer culture make this North Rhine-Westphalian metropolis a captivating destination. Beyond its historical significance, Cologne pulses with contemporary energy as a major media and cultural center. The city's numerous festivals, including the famous Cologne Carnival, its pioneering LGBTQ+ scene, and its status as Germany's comedy capital contribute to an atmosphere that's both deeply rooted in tradition and refreshingly progressive. With excellent connectivity to other European cities and a compact, walkable center, Cologne offers visitors an authentic German experience without the tourist crowds of Munich or Berlin.

Top Things to Do in Cologne

Cologne Cathedral Tour

Marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage Cologne Cathedral, one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Europe. Climb the 533 steps of the south tower for panoramic city views, or explore the cathedral treasury with its medieval artifacts and religious relics.

Booking Tip: Entry to the cathedral is free, but tower climbing costs €6 for adults. Book guided tours (€8-15) in advance during peak season, and visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds.

Rhine River Cruise

Experience Cologne from the water with a scenic Rhine River cruise that showcases the city's skyline and historic waterfront. These leisurely boat trips offer unique perspectives of major landmarks including the cathedral, old town, and modern architectural developments along the riverbank.

Booking Tip: Standard 1-hour cruises cost €12-18, while dinner cruises range €45-75. Book afternoon departures for the best photo opportunities, and choose operators like KD Rhine or Cologne Panorama for reliable service and multilingual commentary.

Old Town Walking Tour

Discover Cologne's 2,000-year history through its charming old town, featuring Roman ruins, medieval churches, and traditional brewhouses. Professional guides share stories of the city's evolution from Roman Colonia to modern metropolis while visiting key sites like the Roman-Germanic Museum and historic market squares.

Booking Tip: Free walking tours operate daily (tip-based, €10-15 suggested), while private tours cost €150-250 for groups. Morning tours are less crowded, and many operators offer specialized themes like Roman history or brewery tours.

Museum Ludwig Visit

Explore one of Europe's most important contemporary art collections at Museum Ludwig, featuring works by Picasso, Warhol, and Lichtenstein. The museum houses exceptional pop art, abstract expressionism, and photography collections, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts.

Booking Tip: Regular admission is €13 for adults, with discounts for students and seniors. Purchase the Cologne Museum Pass (€18 for 2 days) if visiting multiple museums, and visit Thursday evenings for extended hours until 10 PM.

Traditional Brewery Experience

Immerse yourself in Cologne's famous beer culture by visiting traditional brewhouses (Brauhäuser) that serve the local Kölsch beer in characteristic thin glasses. These historic establishments combine beer tasting with hearty Rhineland cuisine in authentic, centuries-old settings.

Booking Tip: Brewery tours cost €15-25 including tastings, while guided pub crawls range €25-40. Book evening experiences for the most authentic atmosphere, and look for tours that include multiple breweries like Früh, Gaffel, and Peters Brauhaus.

Getting There

Cologne is exceptionally well-connected, with Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) serving numerous European destinations and some intercontinental flights, located just 15 minutes from the city center via S-Bahn train. The city's central location makes it a major railway hub, with high-speed ICE trains connecting to Berlin (4.5 hours), Munich (4.5 hours), Paris (3.5 hours), and Amsterdam (3 hours). Cologne's main train station (Hauptbahnhof) sits directly beside the cathedral, making arrival incredibly convenient. For those driving, Cologne is easily accessible via multiple Autobahn routes, though parking in the city center can be expensive and limited.

Getting Around

Cologne's efficient public transportation system includes buses, trams, and S-Bahn trains operated by KVB, with day passes costing €8.80 for unlimited travel within the city. The compact old town is highly walkable, with most major attractions within a 15-minute walk of the cathedral. Bike rentals are popular and cost-effective, with numerous bike lanes and the flat terrain making cycling pleasant. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available, while the city's park-and-ride system allows visitors to leave cars on the outskirts and use public transport to reach the center.

Where to Stay

Altstadt (Old Town)

Innenstadt (City Center)

Belgisches Viertel (Belgian Quarter)

Ehrenfeld

Deutz

Südstadt

Food & Dining

Cologne's culinary scene balances traditional Rhineland specialties with international cuisine and innovative dining concepts. Local favorites include Himmel un Ääd (mashed potatoes with apples and black pudding), Sauerbraten (marinated roast beef), and Halver Hahn (rye bread with cheese). The city's numerous brewhouses serve hearty fare alongside Kölsch beer, while the trendy Belgian Quarter offers upscale restaurants and international fusion cuisine. Food markets like Wilhelmsplatz Market provide fresh local produce, and the growing street food scene includes everything from German currywurst to Vietnamese pho, reflecting the city's multicultural character.

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Cologne is from May to September when temperatures are mild (15-25°C) and outdoor activities are most enjoyable, though this is also peak tourist season. Spring (April-May) offers pleasant weather with blooming gardens and fewer crowds, while early autumn (September-October) provides comfortable temperatures and beautiful fall colors. Winter visits can be magical, especially during the famous Christmas markets from late November through December, though expect colder weather and shorter daylight hours. The legendary Cologne Carnival in February/March creates a unique festive atmosphere but also brings crowds and higher accommodation prices.

Insider Tips

Purchase a KölnCard for free public transport and discounts at over 40 attractions - the 24-hour card costs €9 and pays for itself quickly

Visit the cathedral's treasury and climb the tower early in the morning to avoid crowds and get the best photos of the city skyline

Try authentic Kölsch beer etiquette: servers will keep bringing fresh glasses until you place a coaster on top of your glass to signal you're finished

Things to Do in Cologne