10 best things to do in Cologne [Germany] that You Can’t Miss

Cologne is a city located on the Rhine River in western Germany. It is the fourth largest city in the country, with a population of over 1 million people. Cologne is a popular tourist destination, and there are plenty of Things to Do in Cologne. The top attractions include the Cologne Cathedral, the Chocolate Museum, and the Botanical Gardens. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars in Cologne, and the nightlife is vibrant.

Introduction of Things to Do in Cologne

Cologne is a vibrant and diverse city with plenty of activities to keep visitors busy. The city offers something for everyone, from its world-famous CathedralCathedral to the trendy bars and restaurants in the trendy Belgian Quarter. There are also plenty of museums and parks to explore and a lively nightlife scene. Cologne is a great place to spend a weekend or longer, and there is always something new to discover.

Cool things to do in Cologne, Germany

There’s plenty to do in Germany, whether you’re looking for a fun day out or an interesting cultural experience. If you’re looking for something to do during the day, why not visit the Cologne Zoo or take a walk along the Rhine River? If you’re after something a bit more cultural, why not check out some of the city’s famous churches or explore the Roman ruins? In the evening, there are plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from, or you could catch a show at one of Cologne’s many theatres. Whatever you decide, you will have a great time in Cologne!

Explore Cologne’s Café Culture

If you are looking for a unique European city to explore, look no further than Cologne. This historic city is home to a lively and diverse cafe culture, which offers plenty of things to do and see.

Start your day by exploring one of the many charming cafes in the city centre. Here you can enjoy a cup of coffee and take in the sights and sounds of Cologne. Many cafes also offer delicious pastries and sandwiches, so try a few different places.

Stroll through one of Cologne’s beautiful parks or gardens in the afternoon. The Botanical Garden is a great place to start, or you can explore one of the many green spaces in the city centre. When evening falls, head to one of Cologne’s many lively bars or clubs.

Sightseeing The things to do in Cologne

Cologne’s Romanesque architecture and Gothic churches are a must-see. The city of Cologne is one of the oldest in Germany, dating back to the Roman Empire. The architecture in the city reflects this long history, with Romanesque and Gothic churches dotting the landscape. A walk through the old city is a must for any visitor, as is a visit to at least one of the churches.

The Cologne Cathedral is perhaps the most famous landmark in the city and worth a visit. It’s also one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Europe. Other notable churches include St. Peter’s Basilica and St. Andreas Church, both Romanesque.

In addition to sightseeing, there are plenty of things to do in Cologne. The city has a lively nightlife, with plenty of bars and clubs. There are also several museums dedicated to art, history, and chocolate!

Cologne’s Romanesque architecture

The Cologne Cathedral is a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture. Construction on the CathedralCathedral began in 1248 and continued for over 600 years. Visitors can climb to the top of the south tower for stunning views of the city.

The Rathaus, or City Hall, is also worth a visit. The imposing building dates back to the 14th century and features a magnificent Gothic facade.

Other Romanesque landmarks in Cologne include the Basilica of St. Gereon, built in the 11th century, and the Church of Our Lady, which dates back to 1248.

The Gothic churches

The Gothic churches in Cologne are some of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. The Cologne Cathedral, St. Martin’s Church, and St. Cecilia’s Basilica are all beautiful examples of Gothic architecture and are worth a visit if you’re in the area.

Climb the Cathedral for Killer Views of Cologne

There is no shortage of things to do in Cologne, but climbing the spires of the CathedralCathedral for killer views of the city is a must. Make your way up the narrow steps and enjoy panoramic views of the Rhine River, Cologne’s old town, and the modern skyline. Don’t forget to take a selfie while you’re at it!

Explore Cologne’s Old Town – Altstadt

When most people think about Cologne, they think of the city’s vibrant and modern skyline. However, the heart of Cologne is its Altstadt (Old Town). This historic district is full of charming streets, beautiful architecture, and plenty of things to do.

Start your exploration of the Altstadt at the Heumarkt. This square is surrounded by colourful houses and lively bars and restaurants. From there, wander down the narrow streets and alleyways. Be sure to check out the impressive CathedralCathedral, the Chocolate Museum and dozens of other museums and churches.

In the warmer months, be sure to enjoy a walk or bike ride along the Rhine River. And when night falls, head to one of Altstadt’s many lively pubs, clubs, or beer gardens. There’s something for everyone in Cologne’s Old Town!

Discover Cologne’s Dark Past at the NS Documentation Museum

If you’re looking for a unique and interesting thing to do in Cologne, visit the NS Documentation Museum. The museum is dedicated to exploring the city’s dark past under Nazi rule. It’s a fascinating and sobering experience and one that provides a lot of context for understanding modern-day Cologne. The museum is small but packed with exhibits, including photos, videos, and artefacts. There’s also a helpful audio guide available in several languages.

Soak up a sunset from the top of KölnTriangle

Are you looking for a unique way to experience the sunset in Cologne? Head to K in a triangle, where you can take in panoramic views of the cityscape while enjoying the natural beauty of the setting sun. Whether you’re looking for a romantic spot to share with a loved one or an Instagram-worthy location to show off to your friends, this is one attraction you won’t miss.

Take a stroll through Love Lock Bridge

Love Lock Bridge is a pedestrian bridge in Cologne, Germany. It was completed in 2004 and spanned the River Rhine. The bridge is decorated with padlocks that couples have locked to symbolise their love.

The bridge has become a popular tourist attraction and is often crowded with visitors taking photos of the locks or simply enjoying the view of the river. Several restaurants and bars are also located nearby, making Love Lock Bridge a great spot to spend an afternoon or evening in Cologne.

Enjoy the views from Koln Triangle

The Koln Triangle offers visitors some of the best views of the city. The area is situated in the northwest section of Cologne and comprises three hills that provide picturesque views of the Rhine River, downtown Cologne, and the CathedralCathedral. The hills are known as the Rudolfplatz, Heumarkt, and Alter Market.

The Rudolfplatz is home to a large square surrounded by shops and restaurants. The Heumarkt hill is next to the Rudolfplatz and is a popular spot for picnics and relaxing in the park. The Alter Markt hill is home to the Christmas Market during December and has some of the best views of the CathedralCathedral.

Take a break at the Flora and Botanical Gardens

The Flora and Botanical Gardens offer a break from the cityscape and a chance to enjoy nature. The gardens are open every day from 7 am to dusk. Admission is free. There are plenty of things to do in the garden, including a children’s play area, a large pond with a walking path, and plenty of green space for picnics or relaxation. The botanical gardens feature over 6,000 plants worldwide, making it a great place for plant lovers.

Take a cruise along the River Rhine

The River Rhine is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Germany. Cruising along the river is a great way to see the beautiful scenery and enjoy some of the best things to do in Cologne. There are many different cruise operators, so you can find one that fits your budget and schedule. Some of the highlights include:

The Cologne Cathedral

This iconic Cathedral Cathedral is a must-see for any visitor to Cologne. It’s the largest Gothic church in Europe and has been standing since 1248.

The Chocolate Museum

If you have a sweet tooth, you won’t want to miss this museum dedicated to all things chocolate. It’s located in the old city centre of Cologne and is home to over 1,500 exhibits.

Shopping: From high-end boutiques to local markets, there’s something for everyone in Cologne’s shopping scene.

There’s no shortage of shopping options in Cologne, from high-end boutiques to local markets. If you’re looking for designer clothes, head to the Hohe Strasse or the Mittelstrasse. If you’re looking for something more unique, check out the Rudolfplatz or Neumarkt markets. You can find everything from handmade jewellery to fresh produce at these markets. And if you’re looking for a bargain, the city’s many department stores are sure to have what you’re looking for.

Shop at Schildergasse

There are many shopping streets in Cologne, but Schildergasse is the most famous and popular. It’s a pedestrian zone, so you can wander up and down the street, admiring the shops and taking your time to find the right purchase. You’ll find all sorts of stores here, from high-end fashion boutiques to souvenir shops. There are also several department stores so you can do all your Christmas shopping in one go! If you get hungry or thirsty while shopping, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes along Schildergasse.

The German city is famous for the perfume it produces

The city of Cologne is known for many things: its CathedralCathedral, its beer, and, most recently, its perfume. The city has been producing perfume since the 1800s and is now famous for its unique scents. There are several factories in Cologne that produce perfumes, and they are all open to the public.

Visitors to Cologne can take tours of the factories and learn about the history of perfume-making in the city. They can also watch workers create new fragrances and smell different samples. In addition to perfume factories, Cologne has many other attractions visitors can enjoy. These include a large shopping district, a zoo, and a riverfront park.

Dining: try some traditional German cuisine.

When in Cologne, sample the city’s many international restaurants. From Thai to Indian, there’s something for everyone. If you’re looking for a taste of traditional German cuisine, plenty of restaurants serve hearty dishes like sausages and schnitzel. A great way to experience the city’s food scene is by taking a food tour. These tours will introduce you to some of Cologne’s best restaurants and give you a chance to try local specialities.

Cologne Christmas markets

Cologne is one of the most popular destinations in Germany during the Christmas season. The city is filled with markets selling various Christmas goods from the end of November until Christmas Eve. Here are some of the best markets in Cologne:

Cologne’s largest and most famous market is at the city’s main square, the Heumarkt. It’s open from Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm, and on Sundays from 11 am to 7 pm. You can find Christmas decorations, ornaments, toys, food, and drinks there.

Another popular market is at Rudolfplatz, which is open Monday to Friday from 11 am to 8 pm and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 8 pm. This market has more than 130 stalls, selling everything from handmade crafts to winter clothing.

Enjoy the festive season at Cologne’s Christmas markets

The Christmas markets are one of the most popular attractions in Cologne during the festive season. Several markets are located in different parts of the city, each with its unique charm.

The best way to experience the Christmas markets is to wander around and explore all the different stalls. You’ll find various festive decorations, handmade crafts, delicious food and drink, and plenty of Christmas cheer.

There’s no shortage of things to do in Cologne during Christmas. In addition to the markets, you can enjoy concerts, theatrical performances, and other festive events. Or take a walk through the city’s beautiful Christmas lights displays.

Try Cologne’s Best Local Dishes

There’s no need to stick to the tourist traps when trying local cuisine in Cologne – the city has plenty of great restaurants serving its best dishes. From hearty pork knuckles and sausages to sweet syrupy pancakes, here are 8 of the best local dishes to try in Cologne.

Früh Kölsch

This light and refreshing beer is a local favourite and can only be found in Cologne. It’s perfect for enjoying a sunny day outdoors.

Kölsch Wurst

A type of sausage unique to Cologne, kölsch wurst is made with pork, beef, bacon and black pepper. It’s usually served with a side of sauerkraut.

Gorge on chocolate at the Chocolate Museum

The Chocolate Museum in Cologne is a must-visit for any chocolate lover. The museum is home to various chocolate exhibits, including a replica of the world’s largest chocolate bar and a life-sized chocolate cow. There’s also a café on site where you can indulge in delicious chocolate treats. If you’re looking for something fun and tasty to do in Cologne, the Chocolate Museum is worth checking out.

Nightlife: Cologne is known for its lively nightlife, with plenty of bars and clubs.

When the sun goes down, the fun starts in Cologne. There’s an endless number of bars and clubs to choose from, so you’re sure to find something that fits your taste. If you’re looking for a lively atmosphere with plenty of people to meet, head to the city centre or the trendy districts of Ehrenfeld or Sülz. If you’re looking for something more low-key, plenty of quieter bars and lounges are scattered throughout the city.

Cologne has something to offer no matter what you’re in the mood for. Be sure to try out some local beers – Cologne is famous for its breweries. And don’t forget to enjoy the nightlife – it’s one of the things that makes Cologne so special.

Festivals: great festivals in Cologne, from music festivals to Christmas markets.

• There are always some great festivals happening in Cologne, from music festivals to Christmas markets. The city is well known for its events, and there is something for everyone to enjoy.
• One of the most popular festivals is the Cologne Carnival. This event takes place every year in February and attracts thousands of visitors. The parade is a must-see, as are the other festivities during the weeklong celebration.
• Another major festival in Cologne is the Christmas market. Held every year from late November to December 23rd, this event is one of the biggest Christmas markets in Germany. There are over 180 stalls selling all sorts of items and food and drink options. It’s a great place to get into the Christmas spirit!

final thought on Things to Do in Cologne

Cologne has something for everyone – whether you’re looking for a cultural experience, want to explore the city’s nightlife, or are looking for some fun activities to keep the whole family busy. There’s no shortage of things to do in Cologne, so you’re sure to find something that appeals to you.

Start your day by exploring one of Cologne’s many museums. The city has a great selection, including the Wallraf-Richartz Museum, home to a large collection of medieval and Renaissance art, and the Romano-Germanic Museum, which showcases artefacts from the Roman Empire.

If you’re interested in history and architecture, check out the Cologne Cathedral. This Gothic CathedralCathedral is one of the largest in Europe and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s worth a visit!