Cologne

Enter your dates to find available activities
All categories
Sightseeing tours
Local culture
Food & drink
Transportation

Top attractions in Cologne

See all tours & things to do in Cologne

Best things to do in Cologne

Enriched by some of Europe's most striking churches, numerous museums, and one of the oldest universities in the world, Cologne is the Rhineland's cultural heart. If you're looking for its best places to visit, look no further!

  • Cologne Cathedral

    1. Cologne Cathedral

    By far the city's most famous attraction, the Cologne cathedral was built to house the reliquary of the Three Kings. Construction began in 1248, however, it wasn't finished until 1880!

  • Cologne Zoological Garden

    2. Cologne Zoological Garden

    Founded in 1860, Cologne's zoo is world renowned. With over 700 species on display, it has an aquarium and inveterbrate house, although its emphasis is on primates.

  • Imhoff Chocolate Museum

    3. Imhoff Chocolate Museum

    Located in the Old Town, Cologne's superb chocolate museum covers the entire history of the world's favorite treat from its Central American origins to its modern day production.

  • Roman Tower and Walls

    4. Roman Tower and Walls

    Cologne's Roman fortifications take you about as far back into the city's history as is possible to go. The tower is at Ulrepforte, along with the best preserved section of wall.

  • Hohenzollern Bridge

    5. Hohenzollern Bridge

    Known as the "Love Bridge" for its countless engraved padlocks honoring star-crossed couples, it's the best way across the Rhine to the cathedral, if not everlasting happiness!

  • Kolumba

    6. Kolumba

    One of the city's oldest museums houses an eclectic mix of religious art and iconography in its exemplary exhibition rooms. To this day it's run by the Archdiocese of Cologne.

  • 7. Sculpture Park

    Enter from the main entrance at Riehler Strasse to discover a modest yet picturesque park peppered with quirky, modern sculptures. The best part is that it's free!

Planning Your Visit

  • When to go?

    Summer can get quite humid in Cologne, meaning the city's peak season is actually in the fall, so don't be surprised if your hotel costs more in October! Spring is also a good time as the beer gardens start to open up and the city awakens from its winter slumber. That said, it's worth going in winter too for the famous Christmas markets, and the city's carnival begins in February!

  • When are the Christmas markets?

    Cologne has 6 main Christmas markets, each with its own personality. (Check out the Medieval-themed one outside of the Chocolate Museum!) They run from November 23rd to December 23rd.

  • How many days should you spend in Cologne?

    2 or 3 days should be enough to cover Cologne's top attractions but bear in mind that the city is located in a cluster of others worth visiting, such as Bonn and Düsseldorf. Also, the breathtaking Rhine Gorge is just a short journey south, so it might be worth booking more time to accommodate a day trip or two!

Good to know

  • Language
    German
  • Currency
    Euro (€)
  • Time Zone
    UTC (+01:00)
  • Country Code
    +49
  • Best time to visit
    Spring and Fall offer milder temperatures, but the Winter brings with it the famous Christmas markets.

Top Attractions in Cologne

Things to Do in Cologne

Cities in Germany

Other Sightseeing Options in Cologne

Want to discover all there is to do in Cologne? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Cologne

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 6,315 reviews

Ralph was an amazing tour guide. Got to see the history of cologne with light humour and brilliant scenery. Ralph was really inclusive and made the tour suit us and the other guests. Would definitely do it again.

Cologne: 3-Hour Guided Bike Tour Reviewed by Ashleigh, 9/12/2020

Helpful?

It is a city that I am recommending to everyone interested to see one very beautiful place. With “GetYourGuide” we were finding the best things to do there in Köln.

Experience Cologne: KölnCard Reviewed by Dan Aurel, 9/20/2020

Helpful?

Piet was a great tour guide with much enthusiasm and passion for street art. The pace was perfect and we even stopped for a coffee.

Cologne: Street Art Bike Tour Reviewed by , 9/5/2020

Helpful?

It was very nice experience, thank you, KD company, your boot and your team there was making us to have a nice time

Cologne: Panorama City Cruise Options Reviewed by Dan Aurel, 9/10/2020

Helpful?

Great experience if you just follow the directions it will take you directly to the meeting point.

Cologne: Panorama City Cruise Options Reviewed by Ryan, 9/6/2020

Helpful?

Top destinations

Popular on GetYourGuide

Popular Attractions