Best Things to Do In Cologne: What to See & Do

Destinations, Germany / / 1 Comment

Looking for the best things to do in Cologne? Located on the Rhine River, Cologne is one of Germany’s most important commercial and cultural hubs. Home to one of Europe’s largest cathedrals, vibrant local festivals, and world-class museums, discovering the top things to do in Cologne makes for an unforgettable travel experience.

Top Things to Do in Cologne: Where to Go & Places to See

Cologne is a city that pulses with life every day of the year, offering a fresh sense of discovery and excitement at every turn. Its vibrant energy, rich historical backdrop, and cultural depth make time seem to fly by as you explore its colorful streets, historic buildings, and bustling squares. With a new story waiting around every corner, Cologne provides an exhilarating experience for both curious travelers and locals, making each visit a thrilling adventure.

Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom)

When you exit the Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) in the city center, the majestic Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) greets you. This Gothic-style historic building, a significant place of worship for Catholics, began construction in 1248 and took a remarkable 632 years to complete. The construction was finished in 1880. With its captivating architecture and a height reaching 157 meters, the cathedral is one of the most impressive structures in Northern Europe.

For more information about visitor details, please visit the official website of the Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom).

A man standing in front of the historic Gothic Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), one of the top things to do in Cologne, Germany.
Historic stone graves and a crucifix outside Cologne Cathedral, one of the most remarkable things to do in Cologne, Germany.
Majestic interior view of Cologne Cathedral with soaring Gothic pillars, wooden pews, and stained glass windows.
The ornate central altar and sanctuary of Cologne Cathedral, a must-see highlight among things to do in Cologne, Germany.
Vibrant stained glass window panel inside Cologne Cathedral depicting biblical scenes, a highlight among things to do in Cologne, Germany.
The inner sanctuary and high altar of Cologne Cathedral with ornate candelabras.
A man standing in front of the historic Gothic Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), one of the top things to do in Cologne, Germany.
Standing in awe of the iconic Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), a must-see landmark in Germany.
Historic stone graves and a crucifix outside Cologne Cathedral, one of the most remarkable things to do in Cologne, Germany.
Discovering the quiet historical details and ancient memorial stones surrounding the iconic Cologne Cathedral.
Majestic interior view of Cologne Cathedral with soaring Gothic pillars, wooden pews, and stained glass windows.
Walking through the breathtaking Gothic interior and grand nave of Cologne Cathedral.
The ornate central altar and sanctuary of Cologne Cathedral, a must-see highlight among things to do in Cologne, Germany.
Gazing at the intricate high altar and religious statues inside the magnificent Cologne Cathedral.
Vibrant stained glass window panel inside Cologne Cathedral depicting biblical scenes, a highlight among things to do in Cologne, Germany.
Admiring the intricate stained glass artistry and colorful biblical scenes inside Cologne Cathedral.
The inner sanctuary and high altar of Cologne Cathedral with ornate candelabras.
A serene view of the altar area and Gothic pillars inside the majestic Cologne Cathedral.
A man standing in front of the historic Gothic Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), one of the top things to do in Cologne, Germany.
Historic stone graves and a crucifix outside Cologne Cathedral, one of the most remarkable things to do in Cologne, Germany.
Majestic interior view of Cologne Cathedral with soaring Gothic pillars, wooden pews, and stained glass windows.
The ornate central altar and sanctuary of Cologne Cathedral, a must-see highlight among things to do in Cologne, Germany.
Vibrant stained glass window panel inside Cologne Cathedral depicting biblical scenes, a highlight among things to do in Cologne, Germany.
The inner sanctuary and high altar of Cologne Cathedral with ornate candelabras.

Hohenzollern Bridge (Hohenzollernbrücke)

When you say you’re going to Cologne, and your friends tell you, “There’s a bridge there where people attach love locks. Bring a lock with you and attach it there,” they are referring to this bridge. The Hohenzollern Bridge (Hohenzollernbrücke) spans the Rhine River, which flows through several countries including Germany, Switzerland, and France. Built between 1907 and 1911, it is quite impressive with its color and steel architecture.

The bridge, which is over 400 meters long, is always bustling and colorful since it is open to pedestrians. On each end of the bridge, you will see an equestrian statue. The statue at the western end represents Kaiser Wilhelm II, while the one at the eastern end is of Kaiser Friedrich III. You might remember Kaiser Wilhelm II from history classes as the last German Emperor and King of Prussia.

The historic Hohenzollern Bridge over the Rhine River with its equestrian statue in Cologne, Germany.
The iconic green steel arches of the Hohenzollern Bridge with an equestrian statue in Cologne, Germany.
A man posing next to the famous love locks on Hohenzollern Bridge, one of the top things to do in Cologne, Germany.
Thousands of colorful love locks attached to the fence on Hohenzollern Bridge in Cologne, Germany.
The historic Hohenzollern Bridge over the Rhine River with its equestrian statue in Cologne, Germany.
A view of the famous Hohenzollern Bridge and its iconic equestrian statue along the Rhine River in Cologne.
The iconic green steel arches of the Hohenzollern Bridge with an equestrian statue in Cologne, Germany.
A striking view of the Hohenzollern Bridge and its grand equestrian statue along the Rhine River in Cologne.
A man posing next to the famous love locks on Hohenzollern Bridge, one of the top things to do in Cologne, Germany.
Standing beside the colorful collection of love locks on Cologne’s iconic Hohenzollern Bridge.
Thousands of colorful love locks attached to the fence on Hohenzollern Bridge in Cologne, Germany.
Walking along the famous pedestrian path of Hohenzollern Bridge covered in endless love padlocks in Cologne.
The historic Hohenzollern Bridge over the Rhine River with its equestrian statue in Cologne, Germany.
The iconic green steel arches of the Hohenzollern Bridge with an equestrian statue in Cologne, Germany.
A man posing next to the famous love locks on Hohenzollern Bridge, one of the top things to do in Cologne, Germany.
Thousands of colorful love locks attached to the fence on Hohenzollern Bridge in Cologne, Germany.

The bridge also has an intriguing story related to World War II. Despite the city being bombed several times during the war, the Hohenzollern Bridge managed to survive. However, the Germans blew up the bridge on March 6, 1945, to prevent Allied forces from crossing. Fortunately, today the Hohenzollern Bridge continues to connect both sides of the city and assists lovers by supporting their love locks.

Ehrenfeld District

The Ehrenfeld district is the vibrant and dynamic face of Cologne. Here, as you walk through its streets, you’ll almost forget you’re a tourist and feel as if you’re exploring the city’s hidden corners. Those who seek to experience a city beyond just visiting museums and places of worship will find this area particularly enjoyable. What you should do is get lost in the streets, take a break in a café, and admire the street art and graffiti that color the walls. Ehrenfeld will offer you everything else you need to experience its unique charm.

A man standing in front of a colorful mural in Ehrenfeld, Cologne, with parked bicycles, a unique aspect of things to do in Cologne, Germany
A cozy boutique shop with a public bookcase and outdoor plant display in Ehrenfeld, a unique stop among things to do in Cologne, Germany.
Modern storefront of the SCHEE design shop in Ehrenfeld with bicycles parked outside, a cool highlight among things to do in Cologne, Germany.
A cyclist riding through a vibrant street square in Ehrenfeld with a historic church in the background, a unique local highlight among things to do in Cologne, Germany.
Front view of the Belle boutique vintage clothing store in Ehrenfeld in Cologne, Germany.
A man standing in front of a colorful mural in Ehrenfeld, Cologne, with parked bicycles, a unique aspect of things to do in Cologne, Germany
A cozy boutique shop with a public bookcase and outdoor plant display in Ehrenfeld, a unique stop among things to do in Cologne, Germany.
Modern storefront of the SCHEE design shop in Ehrenfeld with bicycles parked outside, a cool highlight among things to do in Cologne, Germany.
A cyclist riding through a vibrant street square in Ehrenfeld with a historic church in the background, a unique local highlight among things to do in Cologne, Germany.
Front view of the Belle boutique vintage clothing store in Ehrenfeld in Cologne, Germany.
A man standing in front of a colorful mural in Ehrenfeld, Cologne, with parked bicycles, a unique aspect of things to do in Cologne, Germany
A cozy boutique shop with a public bookcase and outdoor plant display in Ehrenfeld, a unique stop among things to do in Cologne, Germany.
Modern storefront of the SCHEE design shop in Ehrenfeld with bicycles parked outside, a cool highlight among things to do in Cologne, Germany.
A cyclist riding through a vibrant street square in Ehrenfeld with a historic church in the background, a unique local highlight among things to do in Cologne, Germany.
Front view of the Belle boutique vintage clothing store in Ehrenfeld in Cologne, Germany.

Ludwig Museum

The Ludwig Museum offers a highly satisfying experience for those who prefer to see contemporary art and the museums that showcase it during their travels. I recommend setting aside a few hours to visit this museum during your trip to Cologne. You will have the chance to view works by famous artists such as Picasso, Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, Natalia Goncharova, and Mikhail Larionov, as well as pieces by contemporary artists. With its elegant and modern architecture, I’m sure you will enjoy exploring the museum.

For more information about current exhibitions and visitor details, please visit the official website of the Ludwig Museum.

A smiling man with glasses and a black sweater standing in front of a wall text about Constructivism and a geometric painting at Museum Ludwig in Cologne.
Pablo Picasso's bronze sculpture of a woman pushing a baby carriage displayed in front of a large black-and-white canvas at Museum Ludwig.
Andy Warhol's Brillo and Campbell's boxes stacked on a central platform in the Pop Art gallery at Museum Ludwig in Cologne.
A lifelike hyperrealistic sculpture of a woman leaning against the wall next to a large blue screenprint artwork at Museum Ludwig in Cologne.
A smiling man with glasses and a black sweater standing in front of a wall text about Constructivism and a geometric painting at Museum Ludwig in Cologne.
In front of the Constructivism information wall at the Museum Ludwig in Cologne, Germany.
Pablo Picasso's bronze sculpture of a woman pushing a baby carriage displayed in front of a large black-and-white canvas at Museum Ludwig.
Pablo Picasso’s sculpture Woman with a Baby Carriage alongside a large-scale painting at the Museum Ludwig in Cologne, Germany.
Andy Warhol's Brillo and Campbell's boxes stacked on a central platform in the Pop Art gallery at Museum Ludwig in Cologne.
Andy Warhol’s iconic Brillo Boxes installation inside the Pop Art gallery at the Museum Ludwig in Cologne, Germany.
A lifelike hyperrealistic sculpture of a woman leaning against the wall next to a large blue screenprint artwork at Museum Ludwig in Cologne.
Duane Hanson’s hyperrealistic sculpture standing beside a blue Pop Art piece at the Museum Ludwig in Cologne, Germany.
A smiling man with glasses and a black sweater standing in front of a wall text about Constructivism and a geometric painting at Museum Ludwig in Cologne.
Pablo Picasso's bronze sculpture of a woman pushing a baby carriage displayed in front of a large black-and-white canvas at Museum Ludwig.
Andy Warhol's Brillo and Campbell's boxes stacked on a central platform in the Pop Art gallery at Museum Ludwig in Cologne.
A lifelike hyperrealistic sculpture of a woman leaning against the wall next to a large blue screenprint artwork at Museum Ludwig in Cologne.

Romisch Germanisches Museum (RGM)

The Romisch Germanisches (Roman-Germanic) Museum is a true paradise for history enthusiasts. The museum’s extensive collection of Roman-Germanic and prehistoric artifacts will satisfy even the most curious minds. As you wander through exhibition halls filled with busts, statues, glass works, mosaics, and much more, it’s as if you’re taking a journey through time. Update: The museum is now open in the Belgian House (Cäcilienstraße 46, 50667 Cologne)

For more information about current exhibitions and visitor details, please visit the official website of the Römisch-Germanisches Museum.

The concrete exterior facade of the Romano-Germanic Museum in Cologne featuring bold red signage and Roman stone artifacts displayed at the entrance.
Ancient Roman busts, statues, and inscribed stone altars displayed on red and grey pedestals inside the Romano-Germanic Museum in Cologne.
A museum visitor sitting on a bench behind the large Roman Dionysus Mosaic with ancient wall paintings in the background at the Romano-Germanic Museum in Cologne.
A close-up view of ancient Roman marble bust portraits displayed on grey pedestals at the Romano-Germanic Museum in Cologne.
The concrete exterior facade of the Romano-Germanic Museum in Cologne featuring bold red signage and Roman stone artifacts displayed at the entrance.
Exterior view and main entrance of the Romano-Germanic Museum (Römisch-Germanisches Museum) in Cologne, Germany.
Ancient Roman busts, statues, and inscribed stone altars displayed on red and grey pedestals inside the Romano-Germanic Museum in Cologne.
Collection of ancient Roman sculptures, stone carvings, and inscribed altars at the Romano-Germanic Museum in Cologne, Germany.
A museum visitor sitting on a bench behind the large Roman Dionysus Mosaic with ancient wall paintings in the background at the Romano-Germanic Museum in Cologne.
The magnificent 3rd-century Dionysus Mosaic, the centerpiece of the Romano-Germanic Museum in Cologne, Germany.
A close-up view of ancient Roman marble bust portraits displayed on grey pedestals at the Romano-Germanic Museum in Cologne.
A row of ancient Roman stone portrait busts on display at the Romano-Germanic Museum in Cologne, Germany.
The concrete exterior facade of the Romano-Germanic Museum in Cologne featuring bold red signage and Roman stone artifacts displayed at the entrance.
Ancient Roman busts, statues, and inscribed stone altars displayed on red and grey pedestals inside the Romano-Germanic Museum in Cologne.
A museum visitor sitting on a bench behind the large Roman Dionysus Mosaic with ancient wall paintings in the background at the Romano-Germanic Museum in Cologne.
A close-up view of ancient Roman marble bust portraits displayed on grey pedestals at the Romano-Germanic Museum in Cologne.

Wallraf-Richartz Museum

Anyone interested in art produced from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century should definitely visit the Wallraf-Richartz Museum. The museum’s name comes from Ferdinand Franz Wallraf and Johann Heinrich Richartz. Wallraf was the owner of the initial collections that formed the museum, while Richartz was the benefactor who donated the museum’s first building. Today, the museum welcomes visitors in its new and minimalist building.

For more information about current exhibitions and visitor details, please visit the official website of the Wallraf-Richartz Museum.

Interior of the Wallraf-Richartz Museum in Cologne, Germany, with paintings displayed on the gallery walls and a visitor seated on a bench.
Marble sculpture displayed inside the Wallraf-Richartz Museum in Cologne, Germany, with paintings and visitors in the background.
A detailed bronze sculpture of a woman riding a horse inside the Wallraf-Richartz Museum in Cologne, Germany, with paintings framed on green gallery walls in the background.
Interior of the Wallraf-Richartz Museum in Cologne, Germany, with paintings displayed on the gallery walls and a visitor seated on a bench.
Exploring the art galleries of the Wallraf-Richartz Museum in Cologne, Germany.
Marble sculpture displayed inside the Wallraf-Richartz Museum in Cologne, Germany, with paintings and visitors in the background.
A marble sculpture among the art collections at the Wallraf-Richartz Museum in Cologne.
A detailed bronze sculpture of a woman riding a horse inside the Wallraf-Richartz Museum in Cologne, Germany, with paintings framed on green gallery walls in the background.
A bronze sculpture dynamic in action at the Wallraf-Richartz Museum in Cologne, Germany.
Interior of the Wallraf-Richartz Museum in Cologne, Germany, with paintings displayed on the gallery walls and a visitor seated on a bench.
Marble sculpture displayed inside the Wallraf-Richartz Museum in Cologne, Germany, with paintings and visitors in the background.
A detailed bronze sculpture of a woman riding a horse inside the Wallraf-Richartz Museum in Cologne, Germany, with paintings framed on green gallery walls in the background.

Chocolate Museum (Schokoladenmuseum)

Welcome to Cologne’s sweetest museum. Opened in 1993 by chocolate enthusiast Hans Imhoff (1922-2007), the Chocolate Museum (Schokoladenmuseum) offers a fascinating look at the history, production, and sales of chocolate. The museum features a variety of processes and materials related to chocolate, and it is especially popular with children but also highly enjoyable for adults. Given that it’s all about chocolate, it’s almost inevitable that visitors leave the museum with a chocolate bar in hand.

For more information about current events and visitor details, please visit the official website of the Chocolate Museum (Schokoladenmuseum).

Pedestrians walking across a steel bridge toward the Imhoff-Schokoladenmuseum (Chocolate Museum) building in Cologne, Germany, under a partly cloudy blue sky.
A visitor posing next to a chocolatier in a chef hat holding a chocolate wafer inside the Chocolate Museum in Cologne, Germany, with a golden chocolate fountain and the Rhine River in the background.
Alternative Text (Alt Text): A vintage chocolate and confectionery shop replica inside the Chocolate Museum in Cologne, Germany, featuring wooden display cabinets filled with old tin boxes, glass cases, and historic Sarotti advertisements.
Vintage metal chocolate molds, including a Saint Nicholas figure and a chocolate bar tray, displayed inside a glass case at the Chocolate Museum in Cologne, Germany.
Pedestrians walking across a steel bridge toward the Imhoff-Schokoladenmuseum (Chocolate Museum) building in Cologne, Germany, under a partly cloudy blue sky.
Walking across the bridge toward the famous Chocolate Museum in Cologne, Germany.
A visitor posing next to a chocolatier in a chef hat holding a chocolate wafer inside the Chocolate Museum in Cologne, Germany, with a golden chocolate fountain and the Rhine River in the background.
Tasting fresh chocolate with a master chocolatier at the Chocolate Museum in Cologne, Germany.
Alternative Text (Alt Text): A vintage chocolate and confectionery shop replica inside the Chocolate Museum in Cologne, Germany, featuring wooden display cabinets filled with old tin boxes, glass cases, and historic Sarotti advertisements.
Exploring the nostalgic 19th and early 20th-century chocolate shop exhibit at the Chocolate Museum in Cologne, Germany.
Vintage metal chocolate molds, including a Saint Nicholas figure and a chocolate bar tray, displayed inside a glass case at the Chocolate Museum in Cologne, Germany.
Historic metal molds used for crafting shaped chocolates at the Chocolate Museum in Cologne, Germany.
Pedestrians walking across a steel bridge toward the Imhoff-Schokoladenmuseum (Chocolate Museum) building in Cologne, Germany, under a partly cloudy blue sky.
A visitor posing next to a chocolatier in a chef hat holding a chocolate wafer inside the Chocolate Museum in Cologne, Germany, with a golden chocolate fountain and the Rhine River in the background.
Alternative Text (Alt Text): A vintage chocolate and confectionery shop replica inside the Chocolate Museum in Cologne, Germany, featuring wooden display cabinets filled with old tin boxes, glass cases, and historic Sarotti advertisements.
Vintage metal chocolate molds, including a Saint Nicholas figure and a chocolate bar tray, displayed inside a glass case at the Chocolate Museum in Cologne, Germany.

Hohe Strasse (Street)

One of the liveliest and most crowded streets of Cologne. It is possible to find different brands on the street where there are many stores on both sides. You can spend a few hours on the Hohe Strasse where you can buy gifts for yourself and your loved ones and join the lively daily life of the city.

Crowded pedestrian zone on Hohe Straße shopping street in Cologne, Germany, filled with shoppers, store signs, and pharmacy logos.

Last but not Least – Cologne and Eau de Cologne

The city also holds a special place in the world of perfume as the birthplace of Eau de Cologne. Created in the 18th century by Giovanni Maria Farina (1685 Santa Maria Maggiore, Italy / 1766 Cologne, Germany), this light, citrus-scented fragrance took its name from the city and has since become a staple in the perfume industry. Although the term “cologne” has evolved to represent a broad category of fragrances, it all began with Farina’s innovative blend.

If you’re wondering where and what to eat in Cologne, don’t miss my guide to the city’s best local dishes, traditional specialties, and places to eat.

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