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Cologne, Germany

Destination Guide

Cologne

Germany

Best things to do in Cologne

27 curated attractions in Cologne, Germany. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

May - September

Average temp

11°C/52°F

Budget

Mid-range

Safety

Generally safe

About Cologne

Cologne is defined by its iconic Gothic Cathedral, which towers over the city and seems to cast a shadow on everything else. This UNESCO World Heritage site took more than six centuries to complete, and it remains a striking point of reference amidst the city’s blend of modern and historical architecture. The city hosts over a dozen museums, ranging from art at Museum Ludwig to history at the NS Documentation Center. The Rhine River runs through it, providing a scenic backdrop for the annual Cologne Carnival, where locals indulge in festivities and a seemingly endless supply of Kölsch beer served in tiny glasses. Tourists come for the Cathedral and the art scene, which thrive alongside the region's impressive beer culture, ensuring a full calendar of events and constant merriment year-round.

Who it's for

Good for those who enjoy museums, history, and trying out local beers. It’s a poor choice for anyone looking for a quiet retreat or a city focused solely on nature, as the lively atmosphere can sometimes feel overwhelming. Prepare for crowds during festival seasons, which can be more than you bargained for.

Getting around

Public transport: Good

  • The city center is walkable in about twenty minutes but expect to walk more than planned
  • Public transport is efficient, with trams and buses running frequently
  • The main station connects to other German cities and is centrally located
  • The Rhine promenade is a popular walking route, especially in warmer months
Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum

Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum

Specialty & quirky museums
Cologne Philharmonic Hall (Kölner Philharmonie)

Cologne Philharmonic Hall (Kölner Philharmonie)

Concert halls
Claudius Therme (thermal bath)

Claudius Therme (thermal bath)

Spas & bathhouses
Chocolate Museum (Schokoladenmuseum)

Chocolate Museum (Schokoladenmuseum)

Specialty & quirky museums
NS Documentation Center

NS Documentation Center

History museums
Wallraf-Richartz Museum

Wallraf-Richartz Museum

Art museums & galleries
Time Ride

Time Ride

Entertainment
St. Maria im Kapitol

St. Maria im Kapitol

Churches & cathedrals
Ehrenfeld

Ehrenfeld

Streets & neighbourhoods
Cologne City Museum (Kölnisches Stadtmuseum)

Cologne City Museum (Kölnisches Stadtmuseum)

History museums
St. Gereon’s Basilica

St. Gereon’s Basilica

Churches & cathedrals
KölnTriangle

KölnTriangle

Observation decks & city views
Great St. Martin Church

Great St. Martin Church

Churches & cathedrals
Rheinauhafen

Rheinauhafen

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Botanical Gardens Flora

Botanical Gardens Flora

Botanical gardens
Hohenzollern Bridge

Hohenzollern Bridge

Bridges
Cologne Zoo

Cologne Zoo

Zoos
Cologne Cathedral

Cologne Cathedral

Churches & cathedrals
Cologne Old Town

Cologne Old Town

Old towns & historic quarters
Cologne Cable Car

Cologne Cable Car

Observation decks & city views
Grüngürtel

Grüngürtel

Natural Wonders
Museum Ludwig

Museum Ludwig

Art museums & galleries
Roman-Germanic Museum

Roman-Germanic Museum

History museums
Farina Fragrance Museum

Farina Fragrance Museum

Specialty & quirky museums
WWII Air Raid Bunker

WWII Air Raid Bunker

Cultural & Heritage Sites
Cologne City Hall (Kölner Rathaus)

Cologne City Hall (Kölner Rathaus)

Historic houses & mansions
Rhein-Seilbahn

Rhein-Seilbahn

Urban Attractions

Where to eat in Cologne

The places worth planning a meal around.

Früh am Dom

Früh am Dom

German

★ 4.2 · 1,719 reviews

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