11 best things to do in Cologne you cannot miss
When it comes to city trips in Germany, Cologne is high up on the list of the best destinations. With a little over 1 million inhabitants, Cologne is one of the biggest cities in Germany. Located on the Rhine river, it offers a stunning scenery – the famous Cologne Cathedral is always in focus. Actually, Cologne is mainly known for the carnival – a traditional event which attracts millions of people each year. But the city is worth a visit anytime of the year. For some, it might even be the most beautiful city in North-Western Germany with a great variety of things to do and see. If you are planning a city trip, here are the x best things to do in Cologne to make your trip as memorable as possible.
Visit the majestic and impressive Cologne Cathedral
Number 1 on the list of the best things to do in Cologne is the absolute landmark of the city: the Cologne Cathedral. Most likely, this will be one of the first things you´ll see when you first enter the city. The Cathedral is not only a UNESCO World Heritage site but as well one of the most visited landmarks of the whole country. Reasons enough to pay it a visit, right?
You can admire the building from the outside and even enter it for free. Just be aware that you need to be dressed accordingly. Crop tops might not be the best idea.
If you really want to get the best experience of the Cologne Cathedral you can climb up the tower through a staircase to get the absolute best views over the city. If you are not afraid of heights, this might be a great adventure to put on your list.
Walk over the Hohenzollern Bridge
Together with the Cathedral, this is the famous Cologne view: the Hohenzollern Bridge or also known as the Love Lock Bridge. The connection to love can be seen immediately as the whole bridge is covered in padlocks. Names are engraved, symbolizing the love of thouasands of couples. Even if you are not travelling Cologne with your significant other or consider love locks rather cheesy and unnecessary, a visit to the bridge is still one of the best things to do.
Especially if you cross the bridge to enjoy the view of the Cathedral from the other river side – really one of the best places of the city.
Stroll through the historic Old Town and the Heumarkt
The center of Cologne is full of history and historic houses. The best place to get the full insight is the Old Town and squares like the Heumarkt. The so-called “Altstadt” is filled with colorful houses in pastel and home to restaurants, cafés and boutiques. The best way to explore the Old Town is to simply stroll around and see where it takes you.
Visit the impressive Kranhouse buildings at the Rheinauhafen District
Cologne does not only offer old and historic architecture but as well modern buildings which are far from average. The best example are the Kranhouses at the Rheinauhafen District, around 20 minutes by foot from the Cathedral. The Kranhouses are award-winning architectures which upper floors just our over the water. This really leaves you speechless and you can only imagine how impressive the view from the top must be.
Take your time to stroll around the Rheinauhafen District, which is mostly home to offices, restaurants and creative and modern businesses.
Drink a Kölsch
There is no Cologne city trip without a Kölsch – which might even be the most important aspect of the best things to do in Cologne. If you are a beer lover or simply would like to taste the number 1 beverage in Cologne, a cold Kölsch is all you need. Cologne is home to countlress beer houses (so-called Brauhäuser) where the beer is made. The most famous beer house in Cologne is the Früh, which is located close to the Cathedral. It is a little touristy, but still has the traditional vibe which you need for a true experience.
Good to know: if you finished your beer, make sure to put your beer mat on top of your class. If you do not do it, you might get another one without even ordering it.
Take the Cologne Cable Car for a fantastic overview (Rhein-Seilbahn)
Ready for the bird-eye view of Cologne? Around 20 minutes distance by foot along the riverside you will find the Cologne Cable Car (the Rhein-Seilbahn). For only 5 Euros you can cross the Rhine River in a Cable Car which will give you an amazing overview of Cologne. The drive is not that long but still a nice way of getting a different perspective of the city.
You can walk to the cable car station from the city center, cross the river with the cable car and afterwards, continue your way back along the other side of the river. Perfect for seeing more and more of the city.
Have a coffee and explore the Belgian Quarter
The Belgian Quarter is for some the most beautiful area in the city. And it is also considered to be the trendiest quarter. It is home to hip cafés and bistros and always offers a great place to have a coffee or do some yoga. With picturesque streets and an idyllic atmosphere, the Belgian Quarter is a must-do during any visit to Cologne.
Take a break and relax in the park
Luckily, Cologne is a city with quite some green parks and areas to escape the city chaos at least for a while. If you are walking around the city the whole day, a small break in a park is always more than welcome. The Rheinpark or the Aachener Weiher are some of the places where you can do so.
Stroll along the river
One of the best things to do in Cologne is definitely to spend time at the Rhine River. Water simply makes any city much more enjoyable and offers beautiful places to spend time at. A stroll along the river should be on your list for a Cologne city trip. This can be done during the day or even during the night – sunset time is also perfect for a walk. Grab a drink or something to eat and enjoy Cologne.
Have a drink at the beach river
This is your best thing to do in Cologne during the warmer months: a drink with view over the Rhine River and the city. And even better: plan the whole thing during sunset. A great place to do so is the km 689 Cologne Beach Club, where you can really get the typical beach club feeling. With white sand and comfortable sunbathing chairs you can lean back and savor the cold drink in your hands – is there anything better, especially after a full day of exploring and walking around?
Go on a (party) boat trip on the Rhine
And last but not least, a rather exclusive thing to do for the young travellers who never miss a chance to dance. There are special party boat cruises which offer an unforgettable party on the water. You will spend up to 3 hours on the water with a dance floor on top. The prices range from 20 Euros to 70 Euros (which does include drinks as well). If you travel during the summer months, this might be a great way to experience a different side of the city.
Click here to get to the official website of KD.
Ready for Cologne?
With this full guide of the bet things to do in Cologne, a great and unforgettable city trip is basically guaranteed. Cologne is a city which lives from its people. It might not be the most special city for a trip, and yet absolutely worth a visit. Make sure to take your time to get to know the less-touristy side of Cologne, meet locals and take time for a coffee and a Kölsch. Because in the end, this really is the best way to explore the city. Cologne is the perfect mixture of a big city and laid-back atmosphere – perfect for travellers as it offers activities and things to do for any kind of liking.
Click here for more German cities to put on your list.
