What to do in Cologne

Cologne rewards the curious — Gothic spires next to graffiti-covered backstreets, Kölsch served in tiny glasses, and a Carnival spirit that never fully switches off. Here’s where to start, plus our full guides and local recommendations for going deeper.

Local recommendations

Restaurants, bars, cafés and shops in Cologne, picked by the people who live here.

Cologne local recommendations

Travel guides & blogs

In-depth guides on food, neighbourhoods, day trips and travel tips for visiting Cologne.

Cologne travel guides and blogs

Our Top Sights

Cologne Cathedral

Cologne Cathedral
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Germany's most-visited landmark, and somehow still bigger in person than in photos.

Cologne Old Town

Cologne Old Town Altstadt
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Narrow lanes, riverside views, and the kiosk culture that makes Cologne, Cologne.

Hohenzollern Bridge

Hohenzollern Bridge Cologne
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Tens of thousands of love locks and one of the best skyline views in the city.

Chocolate Museum

Cologne Chocolate Museum
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A working chocolate factory disguised as a museum, right on the Rhine.

KölnTriangle

KölnTriangle viewing platform
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Skip the 533 cathedral steps; this rooftop deck gets you the same view for less effort.

Melaten Friedhof

Melaten Friedhof cemetery Cologne
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A 19th-century cemetery turned open-air museum, where Cologne's most storied residents rest beneath elaborate sculpture.
A website Banner featuring several images of Cologne's iconic buildings and sites including the Dom, The Train Station, Ehrenfeld's Light

Explore by Category!

Cologne has more to see than you’d expect and it’s harder to find than you’d think.  We want to make sure you get the best out of your time here.  Our blogs of what to do in Cologne will show you the best of our restaurants, half-day tours of different Veedels, what to drink, how to get around and so much more.  Help us help you!  Take a look.

Food & Drink Neighbourhoods Day Trips Travel Tips

Quick Answers about Visiting Cologne

One full day covers the cathedral and Old Town. Two to three days lets you add a neighbourhood, a brewery visit, and a day trip.
Yes. The city centre is compact and flat, and most major sights are within a 20-minute walk of each other.
Its Gothic cathedral, Kölsch beer, Carnival, and being one of Germany's oldest cities, founded by the Romans in 38 BC.
Spring and early autumn offer mild weather, February or March brings Carnival, and late November through December has the Christmas markets.
Yes. The cathedral and Old Town are both walkable from the main train station in under 10 minutes.

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