10 Things to Do in Cologne

With over 2,000 years of history, Cologne is not only one of Germany's most popular tourist destinations but also one of the most photographed places in the world, especially due to its Catholic cathedral , which was once the tallest building in the world and one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture.

However, Cologne has many more attractions to offer, including the Belgian Quarter, the historic city centre, the extensive Ludwig Museum, Brühl Castle and the Hohenzollern Bridge, which was very popular during the 20th century when it was dynamited and later rebuilt. Here's everything you need to know about these places.

Cologne Cathedral is one of the most iconic Gothic monuments in Europe and a representative symbol of Germany. Its construction began in 1248, but it was not completed until more than 600 years later, making it a masterpiece that spans centuries of history.

Designed to house the relics of the Three Kings, which are kept in a golden reliquary, the cathedral marks the city's ground zero. During World War II, it suffered significant damage , although its structure remained intact, making the building a symbol of resilience for the city and the country. The images of the Corpus Christi procession in 1946, with the ruins of the cathedral in the background, are famous .

Visible from almost anywhere in the city, at 157 metres high, it is the third tallest church in the world. With stained glass windows dating from the 14th to 16th centuries, as well as a collection of sacred art and ancient mosaics, it is one of the most impressive sites you will visit during your tour.

There are also several attractions in the vicinity of the cathedral that can complement your visit. One of the main activities is climbing the 533 steps to the viewing platform on the south tower, from where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the River Rhine. If you decide to take a guided tour of Cologne, you will see it from the outside and learn much more about its history from the guide.

Cologne's historic centre is the heart of the city and one of the places you cannot miss in this destination. This site, which stretches along the banks of the Rhine River, is a vibrant area that combines centuries of history with a lively and cultural atmosphere. Although much of Cologne was destroyed during World War II, the historic centre has been rebuilt, preserving its medieval essence and architectural beauty.

One of the main points of interest in the historic centre is the cathedral we mentioned earlier, the city's most famous monument. But there is much more to see. From there, you can begin your tour of the area, where you will also find other places of interest such as St. Martin's Church, the Town Hall Square and numerous restaurants and bars, where you can take part in a beer tour.

Visiting the old town is one of the best ways to discover the soul of this destination. Likewise, if you plan to hire a private tour of Colonia, you can include this neighbourhood and all the nearby attractions, which are very noteworthy .

If you want to get to know the alternative side of Cologne, then you can't miss the Belgian Quarter, which is the bohemian corner of the city and the perfect place for those looking for an out-of-the-ordinary experience. This district gets its name from the streets named after Belgian cities and regions, such as Brüsselstraße and Antwerpenstraße.

The neighbourhood is known for its relaxed atmosphere and lifestyle, making it an ideal place to stroll around at a leisurely pace and discover its authentic essence. There , street art, independent design boutiques and cafés create an atmosphere that attracts locals, young people and tourists alike.

One of the best ways to explore the Belgian Quarter is to book a bike tour in Cologne. The neighbourhood's cobbled streets and wide avenues make cycling a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Another of the main reasons to visit the neighbourhood is its cultural life. As you walk along its cobbled streets, you will come across art galleries, local fashion shops and craft shops.

Bruhl Castle, located on the outskirts of Cologne, is an exceptional architectural gem of the Rococo style. Built to be a luxurious residence and a symbol of ecclesiastical power, it is surrounded by gardens that were designed in the style of Versailles, which is why it has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

At Bruhl Castle, you can explore rooms decorated with frescoes, marble and ornamental details that reflect the splendour of 18th-century nobility. The Grand Staircase, designed by architect Balthasar Neumann, is one of the castle's most popular stops and a highlight of German Rococo.

In addition, inside you will find the original furniture, works of art and the castle chapel, which is Baroque in style. During the summer months, the palace organises open-air concerts and other cultural events that add a cultural touch to the visitor experience.

One of the main reasons to visit this site is to enjoy its gardens, which offer ideal spots for strolling among sculptures, fountains and geometric mazes that reflect the style of French Baroque landscaping. Tickets for the castle can be purchased at the ticket office, but if you want to save money, you can opt to buy the Koln Card tourist card, which includes this site in its extensive list of activities.

A cruise on the Rhine is one of the most iconic experiences you can have in Cologne, as this river has been the soul of the city for centuries. Crucial to Germany's commercial and cultural development, the Rhine is also one of Europe's most important waterways, connecting multiple countries and cities along its course.

Since Roman times, the Rhine has been a vital centre for German transport and trade, and today it remains an essential artery flowing through the heart of the city, offering visitors a unique perspective on its history and beauty. When you embark on a cruise, you will have the opportunity to admire Cologne from a completely different angle. Some cruises also offer dining options on board.

Finally, a cruise on the Rhine is an excellent way to experience the essence of Cologne and its connection to this important river. Whether you choose a daytime cruise to enjoy the views in the sunshine or an evening cruise when the skyline lights up, sailing along this waterway will allow you to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city while discovering its rich history and natural landscape.

Cologne Zoo is one of the oldest and most respected zoos in Germany and remains one of the most popular destinations for visitors to the city. This sanctuary is home to animals from more than 850 different species and, with its combination of well-designed spaces, dedication to conservation and rich history, the zoo is an excellent choice to explore, especially if you are planning to travel with children.

Here you will find animals from every continent, from elephants and giraffes to meerkats and penguins, but the zoo also has an interactive area where children can feed goats and other farm animals, adding an educational and practical dimension to the visit. In addition, there is a playground for the little ones to have fun and relax between walks through the different habitats.

Another reason why I recommend booking tickets to Cologne Zoo is its aquarium, which houses a collection of aquatic species from all over the world. There you will find tropical fish, deep-sea creatures and reptiles that live both on land and in water. The aquarium also includes a section dedicated to insects, offering a comprehensive look at the most diverse and complex ecosystems on the planet.

If you want to visit one of the best museums in Cologne, don't miss the Ludwig, which houses one of Germany's most prestigious collections of modern art, with a special emphasis on pop art, expressionism and surrealism. Its building, located near the cathedral and on the banks of the Rhine, is a work of art in itself and a cultural landmark that attracts thousands of visitors every year.

The Ludwig Museum's collection mainly includes works by Pablo Picasso, with dozens of paintings, sculptures and drawings that span the various stages of the Spanish genius's career, from his blue and pink periods to his cubist experiments. In addition, the museum houses one of the most important collections of pop art outside the United States, with iconic works by artists such as Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein.

Within German Expressionism, you will also find works by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, after whom the museum is named, and other members of the Die Brücke group, as well as examples of Surrealist art with works by Max Ernst and René Magritte, among other exponents of this artistic movement.

Also, keep in mind that the Ludwig Museum is located in the historic centre of the city, so it is close to the main attractions and you can combine your visit with other activities in the area, such as booking a gastronomic tour of Cologne.

If you enjoy alternative activities in the destinations you visit, then you can't miss the Cologne Chocolate Museum. This paradise for chocolate lovers is one of the city's most popular attractions and offers an experience where you can immerse yourself in the history and production process of this cocoa-based sweet treat.

From ancient methods of cultivating the raw material to modern industrial techniques, the museum has a range of exhibits detailing how this treat has evolved over time. During the tour, you will find a miniature chocolate factory where you can see all stages of production in real time. You can also see how cocoa beans are transformed into chocolate productsCologne Chocolate Museum Tickets

Booking a ticket to the Chocolate Museum is not only an opportunity to satisfy your cravings, but also to learn about the cultural and economic importance of cocoa in different parts of the world, although the best part of the exhibition is possibly at the end. In a specially designed and decorated room, you can take part in tastings and discover a wide variety of chocolates.

The Hohenzollern Bridge is one of Cologne's landmarks and a symbol of the city that you cannot miss. This railway bridge crosses the Rhine and connects the historic centre with the areas east of the river. Over the years, the bridge has witnessed historical moments, including its partial destruction during World War II and its subsequent reconstruction.

One of the reasons why the Hohenzollern Bridge stands out is its architectural beauty. With its metal arches and early 20th-century industrial design, the bridge combines functionality and aesthetics in equal measure. Although it was originally designed for rail and pedestrian traffic, it is now exclusively for trains and pedestrians, making it an ideal place to discover the panoramic views.

The bridge is also famous for its romantic tradition. Thousands of couples from all over the world have left padlocks on the bridge's railings as a symbol of their eternal love, throwing the keys into the Rhine River as a gesture of commitment. This colourful phenomenon has given the bridge a special character and makes it a favourite spot for lovers and tourists seeking a symbolic and photogenic experience during their visit to Cologne.

The KölnTriangle is a modern 103-metre-high tower located on the banks of the Rhine in Cologne, but it is also one of the best places to enjoy panoramic views of the city. From the observation deck, you can enjoy a 360-degree view that offers a complete perspective of the skyline.

From the top of the KölnTriangle, you can see Cologne Cathedral, whose Gothic silhouette dominates the skyline. This is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the view, as it allows you to appreciate the magnitude and beauty of the cathedral from a different angle, making it ideal for taking photographs. However, you can also see the Hohenzollern Bridge and the Rhine River winding through the city.

In addition to the most famous monuments, from the KölnTriangle you can see Cologne's old town with its colourful medieval houses, the modern buildings surrounding the city and, on clear days, even the hills of the neighbouring regions.