Things to do in Cologne

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Cologne travel guide

Hohenzollern Bridge featuring night scenes, a bridge and a church or cathedral

Cologne featuring heritage architecture, cruising and a river or creek

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What to do in Cologne

Popular places to visit

Cologne Cathedral

Admire the stunning Gothic architecture and golden sarcophagus of the three wise men in this magnificent cathedral.

Phantasialand

Enjoy the thrills at Phantasialand and see why everyone loves this theme park in Bruehl. Discover the fascinating museums in this walkable area or seek out the local tours.

LANXESS Arena

Catch an event at LANXESS Arena during your trip to Cologne. Amble around this culturally rich area's riverfront or experience its fascinating museums.

RheinEnergieStadion

Catch an event at RheinEnergieStadion during your trip to Cologne. Stroll along the riverfront in this culturally rich area or visit its local chocolate shops.

Alter Markt featuring a city and street scenes

Old Market

Cologne's marketplace during medieval times is now a hot spot for café culture and outdoor entertainment.

Cologne Zoo

Visit Germany's largest collection of animals in one of the country's oldest zoological gardens.

Musical Dome

Enjoy a show at Musical Dome, a theatre with a story to tell in Cologne. Make time for the stunning cathedral and local tours in this culturally rich area.

Chocolate Museum

Delve into the delectable history of chocolate and sample the confectionary as you find out about the different ways that it is produced around the world.

Palladium

Enjoy a performance at Palladium, a popular theatre in Cologne. Stroll along the riverfront or experience the fascinating museums in this culturally rich area.

Areas of Cologne

Innenstadt

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

Old Town Cologne

Cologne Cathedral and Hohe Strasse are a few top attractions in Old Town Cologne. Hop around the city on the metro at Heumarkt U-Bahn or Neumarkt U-Bahn and check out the area's stunning cathedral, stunning river views and popular shops.

Altstadt-Nord

4.5/5(293 area reviews)

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

Rheinboulevard showing a sunset, a river or creek and a city

Deutz

3.5/5(32 area reviews)

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.

Altstadt-Süd

4.5/5(106 area reviews)

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.

Pedestrian bridge over the entrance to the Rhine port Muelheim, Germany; Shutterstock ID 689931151

Mülheim

3.5/5(29 area reviews)

Mülheim is a destination travellers like for its museums, and you might hop aboard the metro at Am Emberg U-Bahn or Im Weidenbruch U-Bahn to explore sights like Palladium.

Troisdorf

Wilhlemshöhe in Hürth vom Weiler Berrenrath aus

Huerth

Langenfeld

Pulheim

Overath

Buir

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.