In the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Cologne is one of Germany’s busiest industrial cities. Spending a few days in this city on the Rhein will allow you to easily see its stunning architecture, which is known across the world for its distinctive cathedral, week-long Karneval celebrations, and unusual architecture. You may already be aware that Cologne is the location of the 18th-century invention of Eau de Cologne, everyone’s favorite perfume. However, the city’s history goes far further back, to the 1st century BC, when it was discovered as a Roman colony, or “Colonia.
Then you may explore the lovingly preserved Old Town, go to art galleries, scent and chocolate museums, and even a museum of mustard! Then, as you explore this historic city on the banks of the powerful River Rhine, you may learn about the best things to do in Cologne. The city experiences a surge of tourists in the summer who come to take Rhein cruises, enjoy a coffee at the harbor, and wander the cobblestoned streets. It turns into a winter wonderland in the winter because of the often dense snowfall. A staggering variety of Christmas markets are also held in the city, drawing tourists from all over the world.
Roman remains, medieval churches, Baroque palaces, and museums that cover a wide range of topics, including art and literature as well as the more somber periods of the middle of the 20th century, are just a few of the city’s many tourist attractions. Additionally, a ton of Cologne attractions have appeared that commemorate the numerous goods for which the city is famous, such as chocolate, mustard, and scents. You might not know where to start because there are so many amazing things to see and do. Therefore, we have put together a list of the top things to do in Cologne for you. You will without a doubt have a fantastic time seeing this magnificent German city if you follow these entertaining and interesting Cologne bucket list ideas!
01. Visit the magnificent Cologne Cathedral.
The towering feature of the city is the Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), which lies close to the left bank of the Rhine. This magnificent building, known in full as the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Mary (Hohe Domkirche Sankt Petrus), is a masterpiece of high Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It was considered the most ambitious construction effort of the Middle Ages and is now one of the greatest cathedrals in all of Europe. Construction on it began in 1248. A must-see when traveling to this bustling city, the cathedral’s spectacular interior is just as impressive as its 157-meter-tall twin towers.
02. Consume chocolate at the Lindt Museum.
This museum, also known as the Imhoff-Schokoladen Museum, was established in cooperation with the well-known Swiss chocolate manufacturer Lindt. You’ll find a sizable collection of practically everything related to the origins and development of chocolate inside (and, yes, you’ll get to taste some, too!).
Along with the interesting exhibitions, there is a chocolate café that offers delectable cakes, brownies, milkshakes, and other cocoa-related treats. If you don’t consume them first, the enormous selection of sweet delights available at the Lindt store make wonderful gifts or keepsakes to bring home with you.
03. Take a Rhine River cruise.
It would be a shame to visit this lovely city without taking a boat trip on the Rhine to see it and the surrounding river landscapes. You’ll receive unmatched views of the most significant Cologne monuments during an hour-long sightseeing cruise, including the Hohenzollern Bridge, the Old Town’s charming buildings, and the cathedral’s twin spires.
The Rhine River Evening Panorama Cruise, a leisurely two-hour tour to view the city lit up, is one of the most popular things to do in Cologne at night. On the three-hour Cologne Rhine River Dinner Cruise, you may even take in the scenery while dining from a buffet of local favorites.
04. Visit the Romano-Germanic Museum to delve into the past.
We’re sure you’ll adore the Romano-Germanic Museum if you’re into history. This superb museum is still among the top things to do in Cologne, even if you simply have a passing interest in the past. The museum was constructed over Roman ruins that date back to the first century BC, when Cologne was founded, just like the majority of the city. The enormous Roman villa’s ruins and its vibrant mosaics were found during World War II, and the museum was built to preserve them.
The central mosaic of the villa, which is considered to have been constructed in the third century AD, was so delicate that it was decided to preserve it by erecting the contemporary museum over the ruins. Along with the restored Dionysis Mosaic, this location is home to a sizable collection of Roman artifacts that have been discovered all throughout Cologne. A beautiful window into the secret past buried beneath the ground you stand on, the Romano-Germanic Museum is definitely worth a visit.
05. Explore the Old Town.
The Old Town of Cologne, which features characteristic old German architecture and winding cobblestone lanes, is one of the most significant parts of the city. Many of the city’s attractions, including the cathedral and Town Hall, are located in this neighborhood, which is also quite centrally located.
There are also many adorable stores, oddball cafes, restaurants, and other places to go; you never know when street performers or weekend activities will be taking place while you’re there. The vibrant residences create a great backdrop for photographs, and in the evening, the neighborhood bars and clubs come alive, making them the perfect place to try some German beer.
06. Visits to the Ludwig and Wallraf-Richartz Museums.
When in Cologne, art enthusiasts should visit both the Ludwig Museum and the Wallraf-Richartz Museum. These two outstanding galleries offer a large selection of European paintings to view, and they are housed in one of the city’s more recent architectural constructions. The works of Rembrandt, Manet, Renoir, Leibl, Liebermann, and Slevogt are particularly noteworthy.
The Cologne school’s work is particularly well represented in the Wallraf-Richartz Museum, whereas modern and contemporary painting are the focus of the Ludwig. The Agfa-Foto-Historama, located in the same structure, features exhibits of photos and cameras dating as far back as 1840. Kolumba, the art gallery of the Archdiocese of Cologne, is also noteworthy for its collection of artwork and artifacts.
07. Cross the Hohenzollern Bridge by foot.
In front of the Cologne Cathedral on the Rhein, the Hohenzollern Bridge is a well-known sight that is frequently shown on postcards and keychains. If you’re taking a train from one of the nearby cities, you might cross the bridge since it accommodates both trains and pedestrians.
Although the Hohenzollern spans the entire width of the Rhine and affords stunning views of the city, it is best known for the tens of thousands of padlocks that have been fastened to its railings. The ideal way to observe it is to take a stroll across the bridge, taking in the beautiful scenery and the skyline from the other bank. The bridge is well-liked by photographers because it provides the traditional perspective of Cologne’s most famous sites, particularly at dusk.
08. Visit the Fragrance Museum and breathe the perfumes.
One thing — perfume — is associated with the name Cologne. More specifically, it’s Eau de Cologne, a category of perfume that dates back to the 18th century and is responsible for putting the city on the map. Almost any sort of perfume is referred to as “cologne” today, but it was initially created in this city by an Italian perfume maker who combined citrus fruits with alcoholic spirits.
Visit the city’s specialized Fragrance Museum to discover all about Eau de Cologne, which was popular throughout Europe, especially in royal circles. The Farina House, where Johann Maria Farina initially created Eau de Cologne, is home to the museum. The museum is also a piece of living history because his descendants continue to make cologne here. Before sampling some genuine Eau de Cologne in Cologne, you can discover how the Farina family dominated the perfume industry.
09. Rathaus, the city hall of Cologne.
The historic City Hall of Cologne, also known as the Kölner Rathaus or Stadt Köln, is one of the area’s top attractions. It is the oldest public structure of its kind in Germany and was constructed in 1573. It has a lengthy history that goes back more than 900 years.
The structure you see now shows a variety of architectural influences because it served as the center of the governing elite during the Middle Ages. These comprise the main structure from the 14th century, the tower from the 15th century, and a loggia and cloister in the Renaissance style. Even the 20th-century influences, as evident in the atrium, are attractive.
10. Enjoy a cable car experience in Cologne.
The Cologne cable car (Rhein-Seilbahn) has transported millions of passengers since its founding in 1957 as the first European cable car to span a river, in this instance the Rhine. Of course, the views, especially those of the Old Town and Cologne Cathedral, are the main attraction.
Visit the Cologne Telecommunications Tower for more breathtaking views. Colonius, as it is commonly known, is 243 meters tall and is situated northwest of Cologne’s Old Town. It has a fantastic viewing platform and a rotating restaurant. The remarkable modern structure, KölnTriangle, on Ottoplatz also includes a panoramic viewing platform.
11. A visit to the Cologne Zoological Gardens.
One of Germany’s oldest zoological parks is the Köln Zoo (Kölner Zoologischer Garten), which was established in 1860. Its impressive collection of 19th-century menagerie structures, which include an elephant house decorated in Moorish style and an old birdhouse that now houses chimpanzees and looks like a traditional Russian church, serve as a reminder of the property’s past.
The imitation rainforest on Ape Island, the well-stocked aquarium, and the outstanding large cat exhibit are among the other highlights. Additionally, there is a special biotope habitat where guests may see the animals through barre-free glass. The zoo’s ability to show how opinions toward zoos have changed over time and how modern facilities have been incorporated into older menagerie structures is one of its most alluring characteristics.
12. Flora and Botanical Garden.
The Flora and Botanical Garden (Flora und Botanischer Garten Köln) was built in the 19th century close to the riverfront in Riehl, a part of Cologne in the north, and it has 11.5 hectares with more than 10,000 plant varieties.
You can take a stroll through this public park to discover more about the many species or just to take in the stunning and vibrant flowers that are arranged in formal beds throughout the growing season. The tropical settings of the greenhouses and the Palm House are pleasant year-round and available year-round. The Flora, a historic building that holds flower exhibitions, concerts, and events, provides an attractive backdrop to the gardens.
The location of Cologne makes it easy to visit this intriguing region of western Germany. It is situated south of Düsseldorf and north of Bonn, two more lovely Rhine Valley cities. Koblenz is located where the Rhine and Mosel converge farther to the south. You must visit this unique city at least once in your life because it has everything to amaze you. If you enjoy this content, share it with your friends.
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