Top 25 Must-Do Attractions in Cologne, Germany

On the Rhine, Cologne (German: Köln) stands as a cultural hub and an esteemed university city, enriched by over 2,000 years of historical significance. In ancient Roman times, Cologne was the administrative center of a province, and remnants of its illustrious past are evident in the form of medieval Romanesque churches and the captivating Romano-Germanic Museum.

If you appreciate immersing yourself in museums for several hours, the city provides a plethora of art and history that can engage you for days. Adequate planning and prioritization are essential to ensure that you can experience a selection of these attractions. Moreover, Cologne holds the distinction of having the highest density of pubs in Germany. Consequently, with its vibrant neighborhoods, a revitalized riverside district, and an iconic cathedral, you may find yourself reluctant to depart.

Let us delve into the top attractions in Cologne:

1. Cologne Cathedral

A renowned pilgrimage destination, Cologne Cathedral has housed the reliquary of the Three Kings since 1164. In 1248, construction commenced on a new Gothic distinguished setting for these revered relics, drawing inspiration from the sublime cathedrals of Northern France.

Now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Cologne Cathedral remains Germany’s most visited landmark, with its 19th-century towers standing as the second tallest structures in the city.

Inside, visitors can behold a remarkable array of priceless art, including stained glass windows from the 1500s, the 10th-century Gero-Kreuz crucifix, and a black marble high altar from the 1300s, intricately decorated with niches featuring scenes from the Coronation of the Virgin.

However, it is the gilded shrine of the Three Kings that captivates the largest crowds.

This triple sarcophagus is adorned with 12th-century reliefs depicting various events in the life of Christ, prophets, and apostles, all crafted by Nicholas of Verdun.

2. Ludwig Museum

Dedicated to exhibiting art from the 20th century onwards, the Ludwig Museum was established in the 1980s within a modern, purpose-built facility located near the cathedral.

The museum’s inception occurred in the 1970s when Peter and Irene Ludwig generously donated an extensive collection of 20th-century art worth millions.

Among its impressive collection are notable works by Picasso and a significant collection of Russian Avant-Garde masterpieces, alongside iconic illustrations of Pop Art, such as Warhol’s “Brillo Boxes” and “Maybe” by Roy Lichtenstein.

This collection complements the Sammlung Haubrich collection, which features Expressionist works by artists including Erich Heckel, Kirchner, and August Macke, to name a few.

3. Romano-Germanic Museum

An excavation undertaken during World War II near the cathedral uncovered a Roman villa while constructing a bomb shelter.

This site was fully excavated later on, and instead of relocating the centerpiece—a stunning mosaic of Dionysus—an entire museum was erected around it in the 1970s.

The museum showcases a plethora of artefacts unearthed from the period of Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium, which served as the capital of the Germania Inferior province.

This settlement specialized in glassmaking, and the sheer quantity and craftsmanship of the glassware, including shape-blown, snake-thread, and ground glass, is indeed captivating.

Its most significant artifact is the 4th-century “Cologne cage cup,” inscribed with the Greek phrase “Drink, live well forever.”

4. Wallraf-Richartz Museum

Founded in 1824 following a significant bequest from Franz Ferdinand Wallraf, the Wallraf-Richartz Museum showcases an impressive collection of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Impressionist art.

The museum features exquisite Gothic artworks executed by Stefan Lochner, a 15th-century artist from Cologne best known for his Dombild Altarpiece housed within the cathedral.

Notable pieces, such as The Last Judgment, Madonna of the Rose Bower, and the Triptych with the Virgin in the Garden of Paradise, merit considerable attention.

Additionally, the museum houses masterpieces by Albrecht Dürer, Hieronymous Bosch, Rubens, Van Dyck, Rembrandt, Degas, and Monet, among many others, making for a remarkable visit.

5. Cologne’s Old Town

As you meander through the historic city center, it is important to remember that three-quarters of Cologne was devastated during the war.

Wandering through cobblestone alleys serves as a humbling reminder that this area once lay in ruins just 70 years ago.

Yet, the atmosphere of the old world still resonates on streets and plazas such as Heumarkt and Altermarkt, even amidst the newer concrete structures from the post-war era.

Along Am Hof, you may spot the Heinzelmännchenbrunnen, a fountain dating back to 1899, featuring Cologne’s beloved Heinzelmännchen—gnomes tasked with performing the city’s labor at night, allowing citizens to enjoy restful evenings (until the gnomes were offended and departed permanently).

6. Groß St. Martin

A prominent feature of the skyline since the 12th century, Cologne would be unrecognizable without the splendid crossing tower of Groß St. Martin.

When this remarkable Rhenish monument suffered bombing during the war, the chance to rebuild provided valuable insights into its foundations, which trace back to Roman times.

Beneath the iconic trefoil chancel, you can now observe where the church’s walls seamlessly integrate with those of a Roman warehouse.

The restoration extended until the 1980s, and the church interior reflects the typical characteristics of a Romanesque place of worship, marked by austere architecture and minimalist decor.

7. St. Maria im Kapitol

Located in the Kapitol Viertel, this Romanesque church occupies a site that once housed an ancient Roman temple of Colonia.

As the largest of Cologne’s surviving Romanesque churches, St. Maria im Kapitol dates back to the mid-11th century, with its apses modeled on the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.

Remarkably, the original wooden doors, dated to 1046, remain in excellent condition, displayed on the southern side of the aisle.

Framed by intricate designs, they bear reliefs illustrating the life of Christ.

In addition to the church’s tombs and impressive wooden sculptures, be sure to admire the poignant pietà of Christ on the cross located in the northeastern apse, carved in the 1300s and distinguished by its emotional depth.

8. Botanical Garden

Nestled in the northern part of the city, adjacent to the zoo, lies Cologne’s most picturesque park, featuring 11.5 hectares of expansive lawns, individual gardens, and greenhouses surrounding a stunning glass palace inspired by London’s Crystal Palace, constructed in the 1860s.

Known as the Flora, this monument was originally intended as an orangery and, after undergoing recent renovations, now hosts concerts, lectures, and private events.

The park contains additional glass structures, including the Main Greenhouse dedicated to tropical rainforest ecosystems, the Small Tropical House displaying crops such as sugar cane and vanilla, alongside a Subtropical House and a Cactus House.

Outside, visitors will find a Mediterranean garden beside a serene pond and an exquisite Italian Renaissance garden complete with stone planters, pergolas, a cascade, and a temple.

9. KölnTriangle

The World Heritage designation of Cologne Cathedral prohibits structural developments that significantly disrupt the city’s skyline.

Consequently, the KölnTriangle skyscraper was capped at just over 100 meters.

Perched on the right bank of the Rhine, its panoramic observation deck provides breathtaking views of the old town, the cathedral towers, and the 266-meter Colonius telecom tower in the background.

Informative descriptions accompany each landmark visible from this vantage point, enhancing the experience.

The observation deck remains open until 23:00, making it an ideal location to witness the sunset behind the cathedral.

10. Hohenzollern Bridge

This tiered-arch bridge, which connects the cathedral to the KölnTriangle, dates back to the early 20th century. After it was rebuilt following the war, its use was restricted to rail and pedestrian traffic only.

Crossing the bridge provides a splendid view of one of Europe’s major rivers, with Großen St. Martin Church to your left and the towers of Cologne Cathedral directly ahead.

In recent years, the bridge has become a popular destination for the “love locks” phenomenon.

Couples fasten a padlock to the bridge’s grating and toss the key into the river as a symbol of everlasting love.

Currently, over two tons of locks adorn the structure, and while love locks have posed challenges for other infrastructures in Europe, the robust Hohenzollern Bridge easily bears the additional weight.

11. Museum für Angewandte Kunst Köln

This remarkable museum boasts a collection of 100,000 decorative art pieces, spanning from historical artifacts to contemporary works.

Exhibitions are organized chronologically and include a variety of items such as furniture, weapons, jewelry, porcelain, puppetry, textiles, and modern industrial design.

You can undertake a journey through the evolution of applied arts, or explore the sections that appeal to your interests.

Among its treasures is an exquisite 18th-century chinoiserie cabinet crafted by the renowned cabinet-maker David Roentgen, accompanied by an allegorical tapestry representing Africa from the 1700s, and 5,000 years of Rhine-crafted jewelry.

Additionally, the museum hosts masterpieces of industrial design by notable figures such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Ray Eames, and Philippe Starck, alongside artworks by Mondrian and Kandinsky.

12. Kolumba Museum

Functioning as the museum for the Archdiocese of Cologne, Kolumba Museum was established on the site of the St. Kolumba Church ruins.

This exquisite Late-Gothic church was destroyed during World War II, with the new structure designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Peter Zumthor harmoniously enveloping the remnants of the old church.

Visitors enter through the bombed church, providing an evocative experience before ascending to the exhibition spaces.

The museum’s collection illustrates the influence of Christianity across different eras and geographical areas, ensuring that each artwork uncovered tells a unique story.

You can explore an enchanting Rhenish Romanesque crucifix featuring an ivory Christ, the gilded bronze Hermann Ida Cross from the 1000s, a Coptic Egyptian tunic dating back to the 400s, and modern provocative pieces by notable artists such as Joseph Beuys and Paul Thek.

13. St Gereon’s Basilica

One of Cologne’s twelve Romanesque churches, St Gereon’s Basilica stands out due to its distinctive architectural design.

This peculiar structure was constructed across four phases between the 12th and 13th centuries, resulting in the integration of newer sections with older ones to create a fascinating amalgamation.

Instead of a conventional nave, a decagonal dome measuring 21 meters in diameter can be found, and upon closer inspection, you can identify how its walls incorporate remnants of Roman ruins beneath.

This dome ranks as the largest built in the western world between the completion of Constantinople’s Hagia Sophia in the 500s and Florence Cathedral in the 15th century.

Architectural students of the medieval era will appreciate the opportunity to examine the nuances of this enigmatic building and discern the transition points of each construction phase.

14. NS Documentation Center

A visit to the former headquarters of the Gestapo secret police offers a poignant reflection on one of the darkest chapters in Cologne’s history.

Since its establishment in 1935, the EL-DE Haus has suffered minimal damage throughout World War II, rendering it a powerful testament to the era of Nazi rule.

The permanent exhibition features over 30 interactive multimedia stations that provide insights into Cologne’s experience under National Socialism.

The cellar, used as a detention center during those turbulent times, is one of the most well-preserved remnants of that era, adorned with approximately 1,800 inscriptions that serve as somber evidence of the suffering that transpired within its walls.

In the research area upstairs, the center has meticulously reconstructed files lost at the war’s conclusion, providing further context.

15. Schnütgen Museum

The Cäcilienkirche (St Cecilia’s Church), completed in 1160, retains much of its original architecture and now serves as a captivating museum of medieval liturgical art since 1956.

Cologne’s significance in the medieval Catholic world is highlighted through an array of exquisite craftsmanship, with each piece worthy of individual exploration.

The museum’s collection includes goldsmithery, wooden and stone sculptures, stained glass, paintings, ivory carvings, textiles, and manuscripts.

Among its treasures is the Romanesque tympanum of St Cecilia’s Church, along with a collection of wooden and bronze Madonnas and crucifixes, including the breathtaking Cross of St George, crafted in the 1000s.

16. Belgian Quarter

Cologne’s trendiest neighborhood lies between Aachener Straße in the south and Friesenplatz in the northeast.

This vibrant area is filled with galleries, trendy bars, cafes, theaters, live music venues, and boutiques offering vintage apparel and handcrafted accessories.

The streets bear names after cities and regions in Belgium, including Liège, Ghent, Brussels, Antwerp, Maastricht, and Utrecht, remnants from the German victory in the Franco-Prussian War (1870-71). Brüsseler Platz, lined with numerous bars and restaurants, has become a popular gathering spot for the city’s youthful crowd, especially during warm summer evenings.

17. Rheinauhafen District

Located south of the old town, a two-kilometer stretch along the Rhine’s left bank has been transformed into a thriving district for the digital and creative sectors.

Rheinauhafen, formerly a commercial port, has seen its old cranes and waterfront industries replaced by innovative architectural feats since the 1990s.

The most striking of these are the award-winning Kranhaus buildings, reaching 60 meters in height, resembling gigantic cranes with their upper floors cantilevered out over the water.

Several historic structures have been reinvigorated, like the Siebengebirge granary, recognized for its sharp gables and now refurbished as offices and residential units.

The arts scene continues to flourish within this new district, providing ample options for dining and relaxation alongside the Rhine.

18. Fragrance Museum

Situated just steps from the Rathaus, this museum dedicated to perfumes resides in the very location where Eau de Cologne was first crafted in the 18th century.

Visitors enter the oldest surviving perfume factory globally, originally established by Italian-born perfumer Johann Maria Farina, whose creation transcended the Rococo period and bolstered Cologne’s prestigious reputation.

Access is permitted only through a 45-minute guided tour, during which guests will explore vaults housing a cedar barrel that has endured for 300 years, and see a copper still and laboratory equipment that replicate those used by Farina.

Tour participants also learn about contemporary cologne production, and an exhibition displays imitations that can be compared to the authentic product.

19. Imhoff-Schokoladenmuseum

In partnership with the Lindt & Sprüngli chocolate brand, the Imhoff-Schokoladenmuseum ranks among the premier attractions worldwide in its field.

The exhibits strike a perfect balance between educational insights into chocolate’s origins and cocoa cultivation and the indulgence of witnessing chocolate crafted right before your eyes.

A three-meter-high chocolate fountain awaits, where your guide dips wafers into the molten chocolate for tasting purposes.

Additionally, the museum encompasses a “tropicarium” where cacao trees grow in a glass enclosure, silver Mesoamerican vessels for chocolate preparation, and simplified models of chocolate-producing machinery, demonstrating how this delightful treat comes to fruition.

20. Cologne Zoo

Established in 1860, the Cologne Zoo is notable for its dual identity as both one of the oldest and most modern zoological parks.

While many of its halls originated in the 1800s, recent developments, including the expansive Asian elephant exhibit, continue to enhance the space.

The zoo accommodates over 700 species and emphasizes primates, such as bonobos, gorillas, tamarins, orangutans, and the endangered golden-bellied capuchin.

By checking the daily itinerary, visitors can catch scheduled feeding sessions for an array of animals, including penguins, sea lions, meerkats, hippos, and piranhas at the aquarium.

21. 1. FC Köln

Following Germany’s acquisition of the 2006 World Cup, 1. FC Köln initiated renovations for their stadium to comply with the tournament’s standards.

The current RheinEnergieStadion has a seating capacity of 46,698 and is recognized among the finest stadiums in the Bundesliga, renowned for its electrifying atmosphere and the manner in which its tiers descend to the touchlines, immersing spectators in the action.

Football enthusiasts can expect an all-day event when attending one of the 17 home games, beginning with pre-game activities at supporters’ bars, and culminating in the stadium where the “Billy Goat” fans enthusiastically sing their anthem “Mer stonn zo dir FC Kölle” in the Ripuarian dialect to a familiar tune.

22. Boat Trip on the Rhine

At the Hohenzollern Bridge, several jetties provide access for embarking on a boat cruise along the enchanting Rhine River.

Three companies offer panoramic city tours (KölnTourist, KölnDüsseldorfer, and Colonia), and if you choose to book through the tourist board, you will enjoy a unified pricing structure while selecting your preferred cruise operator.

The most popular route leads south to the historic fishing village of Rodenkirchen on an hour-long cruise that passes the cathedral, the old town’s spires, and the new Rheinauhafen district, ultimately traversing four bridges, each steeped in interesting trivia.

23. Gamescom

The Koelnmesse exhibition hall serves as the venue for the world’s second-largest trade fair dedicated to interactive electronics, held each August.

Over the course of four days, Gamescom attracts approximately 350,000 visitors and features more than 900 exhibitors.

The event garners attention for exclusive announcements regarding upcoming releases, alongside opportunities to sample games and technology in development.

The fair also offers a wide range of video game-themed entertainment, including concerts and appearances by luminaries such as Wladimir Klitschko and Tony Hawk.

Reflecting its growing status, Angela Merkel inaugurated Gamescom 2017.

24. Christmas Markets

While many cities host Christmas markets ahead of the festive season, Cologne elevates this tradition, as nearly every public space in the city center features some form of Christmas market or activity.

For instance, a myriad of booths surround the Cathedral, complemented by a stage for live performances.

In Heumarkt, an ice skating rink is set up, whereas the Markt der Engel (Angel Market) creates a charming village of chalet-style huts adorned with twinkling lights selling delightful treats on Neumarkt.

The options are endless, including a special village for children dedicated to St. Nicholas on Rudolfplatz, and just around the corner, the lively gay and lesbian Christmas Avenue Market captivates attendees.

Another market near the Chocolate Museum by the Rhine offers a quaint setting to enjoy Glühwein and nibble on Lebkuchen.

Even now, we have merely scratched the surface of Cologne’s extensive winter offerings.

25. Kölsch and Halve Hahn

To impress fellow patrons in Cologne’s traditional pubs (Kneipen), order a Kölsch (a distinct local beer) along with a Halve Hahn (consisting of rye bread topped with gouda cheese). Kölsch, a top-fermented beer renowned for its straw color, is the local specialty brewed from Pilsener malt.

Typically served chilled in small 20 cl glasses, it is smooth and refreshing, certainly a pleasant choice.

Of course, there are ample other options available if you wish to broaden your tasting experience.

Halve Hahn (literally, half rooster), often exceeds expectations in its presentation.

The soft rye roll is accompanied by butter, tomatoes, sliced onions, and generous portions of gouda, allowing you to assemble your culinary delight as desired.