Things to do in Cologne: The best plans

1. Cologne’s historic district

The historic district is an easy choice when looking for plans in Cologne: within a few blocks you’ll find all of Cologne’s main touristic attractions. In only one hour you can go through 2,000 years of history – from Roman times to the reconstruction that followed World War II.

You can begin at the famous Gothic cathedral or Kölner Dom, which may still be surrounded by scaffolding. As the building has stood for 800 years, its maintenance has been constant. Inside you’ll find the reliquary of the Magi and other jewels such as the Cross of Gero and the Virgin of Milan – the two most important miraculous images in the cathedral. 

In less than 10 minutes from the cathedral, passing by the Roman-Germanic Museum, you’ll reach Alter Markt Square where you’ll see the Church of St. Martin the Great, a 12th century basilica. Take a moment to observe its square tower and the other small circular towers that give it an air of a medieval castle. 

You can find Heumarkt Square by walking another ten minutes along the avenue of the same name. It’s one of the most important squares in the city, where carnival is celebrated, and the popular Christmas market is held. Visiting it is one of our favorite activities since you can enjoy a lively atmosphere on the adjoining streets filled with bars and restaurants.

2. On the other side of the river

A visit to the promenade on the banks of the Rhine is one of the essential plans for its visitors. It’s the best vantage point from which to see the skyline of the city, presided over by the cathedral. Leaving the historic center behind and crossing the river by the Deutzer Bridge, you can enjoy a nice postcard image of the city, especially at sunset. 

You can also cross the river by the Hohenzollern Bridge or the Bridge of Love, so called for its innumerable padlocks with engraved names. You cannot miss the views from this side of the city!

3. Cologne’s many museums

If you like art or history and are wondering what to do in Cologne, the city has several museums that you can visit. One example is the Ludwig Museum that shares a building with the Philharmonic. On the top floor there is a permanent collection of Cubism, Dadaism, Surrealism and Modernism. You might also have the opportunity to attend a Philharmonic Orchestra as well. 

If you’d like to see something different, visit the Chocolate Museum. It’s located in the old town and tells the story of this popular sweet treat from its origins in Central America to its production today. 

Another option is the Fragance Museum. It was precisely in this city that 'Cologne water' was first made in 1705. In this museum you’ll learn about where the famous perfume 'Eau De Cologne 4711' was born in Glockengasse. When Cologne was occupied by the French, Napoleon ordered his soldiers to count the buildings. The 'Eau de Cologne' building was number 4711 and the perfume took its name from this historic event.

4. The best views in Cologne

One of the things to do in Cologne that we most recommend is going to the Rheinboulevard, a 500 m long stretch of external steps that provides a spectacular view over Cologne. And if you enjoy heights, try the amazing and unique views from Koelntriangle Tower. On a clear day you can even see Dusseldorf from the top of the building.

5. Visit the zoo

If you find yourself exploring the city center, we propose a trip to Cologne’s mythical zoo. Founded in 1860, it’s world famous. Though it specializes in primates, it has more than 700 species as well as an aquarium and a terrarium for invertebrates. Dedicate a morning or an afternoon to explore this unique space.

6. A tour of the gates

One of the most iconic choices is to complete a tour of the gates and walls of the city, where you’ll see some of the historical constructions of the Cologne fortification such as Eigelsteintorburg, Hahnentorburg, Severinstorburg (next to the Hotel NH Köln Altstadt) and Ulrepforte. To move from one to another, you can use the underground between Ebertplatz, Rudolfplatz, Chlodwigplatz and Ulrepforte stations, respectively.

7. Cologne’s parks

Cologne’s parks are part of its wealth. The best way to see them is by going for a stroll or, if you like running, by entering a race. Sculpture Park, filled with extravagant modern art sculptures, is one of the more interesting. Use Riehler Strasse to get to this unique place in the city.

8. Shopping in Cologne

Cologne’s fairgrounds are a great place to buy fine art. This area is considered the fourth largest shopping space in the world. In the center of the city, head to Schildergasse Street, one of the busiest and most commercial in Germany – full of shops of national and international renown. 

Also, between Hansaring and Barbarossaplatz there are many clothing, accessories, and furniture stores. You can find more shopping on some of the smaller streets such as Opernpassage or Neumarktgalerie.

Also visit The Belgisches Viertel, the highest concentration of alternative, cafes, theatres, and goldsmiths. And those who like trendy boutiques must take a stroll in Ehrenstraße. 

Pick up the best souvenir from this city in the Galeria Kaufhof: the eau de Cologne.

9. Cologne’s gastronomic offer: Beyond currywurst

Cologne’s culinary offering is immense, but, in this guide, we’ll suggest some of the more suitable places depending on what you are looking for. 

In Wein am Rhein, in the north of the city, you’ll taste a modern menu in a sophisticated dining room, ideal for a formal lunch or dinner. 

If you have trying the most typical local food on your list of activities, reserve a table in Gaststaette Bei Oma Kleinmann, where they claim to make one of the better schnitzels – the typical breaded XL-sized steaks – in Cologne. 

For a more informal meal, we suggest Lommerzheim on the other side of the iron Hohenzollern bridge. It’s a local place, not frequented by tourists, making it a hidden gem where you can try copious plates of ribs or sausages.

10. Nightlife: The night belongs to Kölsch

If you love nightlife, going out for drinks is one of the main things to do in Cologne that you need to make time for. 

The local beer or kölsch can be drunk in several breweries in the city – typical local places reminiscent of a wine cellar or an English pub. After an afternoon of beer, move on to the Altstadt district, around Buttermarkt and Salzgasse, or a head a little further afield, to the Belgishe Viertel, between Rudolfsplatz and Friesenplatz, where you’ll encounter many trendy bars and restaurants. 

Two other areas for getting a drink are Zülpicher Platz and the university district Univiertel, near Barbarossa Platz. On the Koeln website you’ll be able to find out about all the events that are organized in these neighborhoods.

We recommend you

Hotels in Cologne

Our Travel Guides

The best hotels close to EURO 2024 stadiums in Germany

Author: John Klar

Guest Relations Manager at NH Collection Köln Mediapark

I come from a small village with 130 inhabitants in the Southern Palatinate. After completing my training at a renowned wellness resort, I discovered my passion for guest care and the satisfaction of their needs. This host role has always fascinated me. In search of new challenges, I was drawn to the vibrant city of Cologne. Here, in the open atmosphere and among the friendly people, I feel at home. As Guest Relations Manager at the NH Collection Köln Mediapark, I can now live out my passion full-time. It gives me great pleasure to see our guests leave our hotel with a smile, knowing that my team and I have contributed to this.