Top 14 Cologne Tours for an Unforgettable Experience

With more than 2,000 years of history, it’s understandable that the German city of Cologne is recognized as a cultural hub in both Germany and all of Europe.

Cologne’s location along the Rhine River, coupled with its medieval architecture, including the renowned Cologne Cathedral, enhances the city’s visual appeal.

A picturesque riverside district and historic Old Town area are merely the beginning. The city boasts dozens of museums, hundreds of art galleries, and one of the oldest and largest universities on the continent.

With a population exceeding one million, Cologne ranks as the fourth largest city in Germany. The city’s inhabitants are celebrated for their vibrant, present-focused lifestyle. Notably, Cologne has a higher concentration of pubs than any other city in the nation.

Various festivals are also hosted in Cologne throughout the year, featuring events such as The Cologne Carnival, Ringfest, and the Christmas Market.

Below are 14 of the most notable tours available in Cologne.

1. Tour Cologne with a Local

One of the most effective ways to acclimate to a new city is to venture beyond the confines of your accommodation and explore independently. However, the most beneficial method is to engage with a local who possesses insider knowledge and insights, allowing for a more effortless navigation of their environment; they can direct you to the finest establishments for dining, drinking, and immersing yourself in the local culture and history.

Your local guide will meet you at your hotel and initiate your walking tour with an introduction to your surroundings. Share your preferences with your guide to tailor the tour to your interests.

Over the next several hours, you will visit prominent landmarks and learn about the city’s history while grasping a sense of local life. Conclude the tour with the confidence that you are equipped with all the insights necessary to enhance your stay in Cologne.

2. Take a Virtual Trip Back in Time

Although TimeRide Cologne does not enable actual time travel, this virtual reality experience offers a remarkably immersive alternative.

Prepare to don VR glasses and journey back to the early 20th century to witness the city of Cologne as it once was.

For 45 minutes, engage in a visual exploration of Old Town, showcasing an accurate depiction of the year 1900, complete with trams and bustling street life.

Visit a cinema space where you can view a brief film detailing Cologne’s past and present, along with 3D renderings of iconic sites.

3. Experience the Darker Side of Cologne

Cologne was significantly different during the Medieval period. This two-hour evening walking tour transports you to those times marked by struggle.

Commence your journey at Heumarkt and stroll through the historic core of Cologne. Listen attentively as your guide narrates tales of witches, specters, and ominous events.

4. Learn About the History of Chocolate at Cologne’s Chocolate Museum

The history of chocolate spans millennia. The Cologne Chocolate Museum features a comprehensive array of exhibits detailing 5,000 years of chocolate evolution, with a single-day entry ticket that allows quick access without long waits.

Located in the Old Town district, this museum serves as an essential destination for chocolate enthusiasts. Discover the origins of this beloved treat and its historical significance in South America before its introduction to Europe. Observe the transformations chocolate has undergone through the ages.

5. Tour Cologne on a Bicycle

Meet your guide and get fitted with a bicycle, helmet, and rain poncho before embarking on an exploration of the scenic city of Cologne.

Your adventure kicks off at the Eigelsteintor in Old Town, and for the next three hours, you will traverse the streets of this historic city, reveling in the refreshing breeze.

Cross over the Zoobrucke bridge while encountering various attractions and landmarks, including Prussian Fort X, Philharmonic Hall, the 3 Crane Houses, Museum Ludwig, the Siebengebirgshaus, and Rheinpark, regarded as one of the most splendid parks in the country.

Unwind at a brewery with a chilled beer and visit the exclusive Rheinauhafen district. Return to your starting point via a picturesque route along the Rhine.

6. Taste Local Beer on a Cologne Brewery Tour

Cologne, similar to much of Germany, is renowned for its beer. In this city, which boasts more pubs than any other in the country, numerous opportunities await to savor a refreshing beverage.

Commence your journey at the cathedral, meeting your guide at the Kreuzblumen monument, and embark on an informative tour of the local breweries.

Over two hours, appreciate the sights while visiting various breweries along the way. Your guide will engage with each group member to tailor the stops to everyone’s preferences.

At three different breweries, sample unique local beers while learning about the history of brewing in the area and hearing captivating anecdotes.

7. Take a Cruise Along the Rhine

Appreciate the city of Cologne from an alternative perspective with a one-hour cruise along the Rhine. Discover many of Cologne’s major attractions from the water, including Old Town and the Cologne Cathedral.

Snacks and beverages are available for purchase onboard. Additionally, you may opt for a Sunday Brunch or evening buffet cruise experience.

8. See Cologne from a Rickshaw

Another distinct approach to touring the city of Cologne is via rickshaw. Meet your guide and driver in the city center and embark on a 1.5-hour journey through Cologne’s streets.

During your tour, your guide will showcase key attractions, including the Cologne Cathedral, Middle Ages Town Hall, Old Town, and the Rhine River Boulevard. In the event of inclement weather, warm blankets and rain gear will be provided.

9. Fast-track your way into the Hard Rock Cafe Cologne

A visit to the Hard Rock Cafe Cologne is essential. This pass allows you to bypass any lines and dine in comfort. Valid for one full day, the ticket grants access to an array of delicious options, featuring authentic American cuisine and indulgent desserts.

Marvel at the musical memorabilia displayed or purchase a souvenir as a memento of your exceptional dining experience.

10. See Cologne from the Air

Experiencing a city from an aerial perspective offers a comprehensive view of its landscape and landmarks. Visitors to Cologne have the opportunity to embark on a one-hour flight over the city.

Arrive at Bonn/Hangelar Airport and meet your experienced pilot, who will provide an overview of the flight before you embark on this unforgettable adventure. Witness iconic sights such as the Cologne Cathedral, Rurstausee, Hohenzollern Bridge, and the Rhine River.

Throughout the flight, you will be equipped with a headset for seamless communication with your pilot.

11. Unlock Haunted Cologne

If you seek an independent yet interactive exploration of Cologne with a unique twist, this walking tour game provides an entertaining method to familiarize yourself with the city and its eerie side.

Your adventure commences by purchasing access to the game via your smartphone.

Follow the map to navigate through areas reputed to be haunted. As you progress, you will uncover clues to reveal chilling stories about various locations and attractions, including the Cologne Cathedral and Alter Market.

The game has no strict time constraint, allowing you to proceed at your leisure, either individually or in a group.

12. Party Your Way Through Cologne on a Private Pub Crawl

Cologne is famed for its vibrant nightlife, and this four-hour exploration allows you to partake with the guidance of an experienced local who is familiar with the city’s premier party locations.

No need for extensive planning; simply convene with your guide at your hotel at a time that suits you. Initiate your evening with a welcome shot, then venture out with your guide to experience the most popular nightspots, enjoying live music, beverages, and an exhilarating ambiance. Your participation guarantees prompt entry, and you will receive complimentary schnapps at each venue you visit.

13. Discover Melaten Cemetery

Melaten Cemetery offers a serene environment enriched with art and history, representing the contrast between life and death. During this two-hour experience, you will stroll through the captivating grounds, housing approximately 55,000 gravesites.

Revel in the tranquility of this central Cologne location while gaining insight into the cemetery’s history and the notable individuals interred there.

14. Admire Cologne’s Street Art while Touring on a Bicycle

Make your way to Eigelsteintor, where you will meet your guide, acquire your rental bicycle, and embark on a three-hour exploration through the Belgian Quarter and Ehrenfeld District of Cologne.

As you navigate the city’s avenues, witness diverse street art created by artists from around the globe. Your guide will elaborate on the various techniques utilized in this art form and its historical significance. Conclude your tour with a respite at a charming café.