Things to do in Cologne

Activities, attractions and tours

A bridge with a gothic cathedral in the background.
A bird with a distinctive crest and red and blue plumage.
A river with a boat, a castle, and autumn trees.
A Gothic cathedral with two spires and a steel roller coaster in the foreground.
A bustling European street with shops, a prominent church spire, and a tree in the center.

Things to do

Picture 1 for Activity Cologne: Histories & Typical Cologne

Cologne: Histories & Typical Cologne

RM75
per adult
Cologne: Histories & Typical Cologne
Cologne: Kölsch Beer and Brew House 2-Hour Tour

Cologne: Kölsch Beer and Brew House 2-Hour Tour

RM91
per adult
Cologne: Kölsch Beer and Brew House 2-Hour Tour
Cologne: Brewery Tour with Kölsch and Halven Hahn

Cologne: Brewery Tour with Kölsch and Halven Hahn

RM138
per adult
Cologne: Brewery Tour with Kölsch and Halven Hahn
Cologne: Südstadt Guided Foodie Walking Tour

Köln Südstadt kulinarisch – Die Food Tour

RM231
per adult
Köln Südstadt kulinarisch – Die Food Tour
Outdoor seating at the Hard Rock Cafe in Cologne

Hard Rock Cafe Cologne Dining Experience

RM134
per adult
82% of travellers recommend
Hard Rock Cafe Cologne Dining Experience
Cologne: Top Sights Rhine River Cruise

Cologne: Top Sights Rhine River Cruise - Skyline Tour

RM113
per adult
76% of travellers recommend
Cologne: Top Sights Rhine River Cruise - Skyline Tour
Pub Crawl Cologne Including Admission Fee for Bars and Shots

Pub Crawl Cologne Including Admission Fee for Bars and Shots

RM117
per adult
Pub Crawl Cologne Including Admission Fee for Bars and Shots
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What to do in Cologne

Stay near popular Cologne attractions

A cathedral with two tall spires, a river with boats, and a cityscape with buildings and trees.

Cologne Cathedral

9.2/10 (5,405 reviews)
This Gothic masterpiece houses the Shrine of the Three Kings, a significant pilgrimage site since medieval times. Climb 533 steps up the south tower for breathtaking panoramic views of Cologne's historic centre.
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Where to stay in Cologne

Find the best Cologne areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Cologne
Learn more about Cologne
A cathedral with two tall spires, a river with boats, and a cityscape with buildings and trees.

Altstadt-Nord

Known for its stunning cathedral and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Altstadt-Nord. Check out top attractions like Cologne Cathedral and National Socialist Documentation Center, and jump on the metro at Appellhofplatz Breite Strasse U-Bahn or Heumarkt U-Bahn to see more of the city.

A bridge with a gothic cathedral in the background.

Altstadt-Süd

Known for its ample dining options and fascinating museums, there's plenty to explore in Altstadt-Süd. You can visit top attractions like Chocolate Museum and Rheinau Harbour, and jump on the metro at Severinstrasse U-Bahn or Poststrasse U-Bahn to see more of the city.

A tall brick tower with a metal railing and a smaller chimney.

Ehrenfeld

Noted for its bars and shopping, there's plenty to explore in Ehrenfeld. Top attractions like MMC Studios and Rhineland Nature Park are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Koernerstrasse U-Bahn or Venloer Strasse Guertel U-Bahn to see more of the city.

A row of historic buildings with varied architectural styles, including a prominent building with a pointed roof and a large window.

Belgian Quarter

While you're in Belgian Quarter, take in top sights like Friesenplatz and jump on the metro at Friesenplatz U-Bahn to see more of the city.

A river with bridges, a cathedral, and a tower.

Deutz

Museums, shopping and river views highlight some notable features of Deutz. Make a stop by Cologne Triangle or LANXESS Arena while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Deutzer Freiheit U-Bahn or Deutz Koelnarena U-Bahn to get around town.

A museum with red umbrellas, a modern building, a stone structure, and a historic red building with a tower.

Troisdorf

A historic building with a tower, surrounded by a calm lake with lily pads, and lush greenery.

Huerth

A yellow sign with a red heart and the text "Langenfeld (Rheinland)" against a blue sky with clouds.

Langenfeld

A rural landscape with a tree in the foreground, a power line tower in the background, and rolling fields.

Pulheim

Rolling hills, a field, and a distant building.

Overath

A bridge over a river, surrounded by fields and trees.

Buir

A historic yellow building with multiple towers and a moat.

Juechen

Frequently asked questions

Is Cologne worth visiting?
Known for its nightlife and culture, discovering fun things to do in Cologne is a cinch. Make sure to add Cologne Cathedral to your trip itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Cologne?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Cologne Zoo and Aqualand Leisure Pool at Fuhlinger Lake. Then, explore other areas of Cologne for local dining and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Cologne?
The top tourist attraction in Cologne is Cologne Cathedral, so don't forget to add it to your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Cologne?
Three days in Cologne is enough to visit the city's major attractions. Many travellers spend two days on average. Cologne Cathedral, Cologne Zoo and Museum Ludwig are top-rated sights. Want to see more? Stick around a while longer to visit nearby hotspots such as Düsseldorf.
Is Cologne a walkable city?
Some top attractions in Cologne, including Cologne Cathedral and Cologne Zoo, are within walking distance. You can also visit several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Only 0.48 kilometres from central Cologne is Innenstadt and Old Town Cologne is 0.32 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Cologne with kids?
Whether you're travelling with young explorers or playful teenagers, a schedule filled with fun activities makes a big difference. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Cologne with kids.

What to do in Cologne for adults?
LANXESS Arena and MediaPark are just a couple of the things to do in Cologne. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Cologne?
From enjoying parks to strolling around hip neighbourhoods, it's easy to discover free things to do in Cologne. If you need inspiration, ask a local tour guide for some tips. Cologne Cathedral is a must for anyone wanting to save on their sightseeing activities.