Top 9 Best Things To Do in Cologne

Discover the best things to do in Cologne, from climbing the spires of its world-famous cathedral to sipping Kolsch where it was born. Hunt for street art in Ehrenfeld and feel the city’s pulse in its beer halls and historic squares. This guide is your key to unlocking Cologne’s one-of-a-kind mix of culture, flavor, and fun.

If you’re looking for a city that’s full of history, culture, and character, Cologne (or "Koln," as the locals proudly call it) deserves a spot on your list. Sitting on the Rhine River, this bustling German city is home to the country’s most stunning Gothic cathedral, an incredible collection of Roman artifacts, and a world-class art scene.

Cologne is a top European destination because of the way it blends its 2,000-year-old history with its fun, modern charm. You’ll see it everywhere, from the wide range of activities and tours in Cologne to the way old and new come together. 

Think the majestic Cologne Cathedral alongside trendy cafes, ancient Roman sites next to buzzing nightlife, and a city that knows how to throw a festival like Karneval.

If you’re planning a visit, choosing the best places to stay in Cologne can make all the difference. Whether you’re drawn to a boutique hotel in the Old Town or a modern riverside stay, you’ll find plenty of great options. For a smoother trip, check out top vacation packages in Cologne, which often include itineraries, accommodations, and optional extras like car rentals for a seamless experience.

Feeling inspired to plan your trip? The list of best things to do in Cologne is just getting started. Keep reading to find out what you can’t miss!

9. Stroll Through Melaten Cemetery

A cemetery might not be the first thing you think of when exploring a new city, but trust us on this one. Strolling through the over two centuries old Melaten Cemetery is one of the best things to do in Cologne. It offers a peaceful escape in the heart of the city and feels more like a beautiful park where locals come to stroll.

With around 55,000 graves, including those of Cologne’s famous residents like the Millowitsch theater dynasty and the Farina family (creators of Eau de Cologne), Melaten Cemetery is a captivating open-air museum of the city’s cultural heritage. Watch out for stunning monuments and works of art showcasing architectural styles ranging from classicist to neo-gothic and neo-baroque styles. 

A "Life, Love, & Death" tour through Melaten Cemetery offers a chance to connect with the stories of those who rest here. As you wander through the peaceful paths, you'll hear tales of love, loss, and the rich history of Cologne’s most iconic figures.

If you're wondering what to see in Cologne, this unique spot is definitely worth adding to your list.

8. Spend an Afternoon in Stadtgarten

Stadtgarten is one of those places that combines the best of Cologne—it's a public park, a lively beer garden, and a cozy restaurant rolled into one. That’s why it’s on our list of the best things to do in Cologne. 

The park offers a laid-back spot to relax if you’re a fan of great food and local beer. In warm weather, the open-air restaurant area, surrounded by tall trees, is the perfect place to kick back, enjoy a bite, and soak in the friendly atmosphere. It’s one of the top Cologne attractions if you’re looking to unwind with good company or simply people-watch.

With over 400 events each year, there’s a good chance you’ll catch something exciting during your visit. The calendar features everything, including contemporary jazz, improvisation, indie rock, and much more. You’ll always find something happening here.

If you purchase a ticket for the hop-on, hop-off bus in Cologne, you can easily access Stadtgarten. Get off at the Friesenplatz stop and walk 1140 feet (350 meters) to Stadtgarten. 

7. Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at the Chocolate Museum

If you're looking for a sweet adventure in Cologne, the Chocolate Museum is an absolute must. This is where you can dive into over 5,000 years of chocolate history. Learn how chocolate first arrived in Europe and how its production has changed over time. 

The real treat, though, is the 3-meter-high chocolate fountain inside the museum. Sampling the flowing chocolate should be high on your list of things to do in Cologne. 

Dr. Hans Imhoff, a Cologne native, is the genius behind this chocolate paradise. After founding his chocolate company post-World War II, he opened the Imhoff-Schokoladenmuseum. Thanks to a partnership with Lindt starting in 2006, the museum continues to be one of the most beloved Cologne attractions. 

Since this is a popular spot, it’s a good idea to book your tickets to the Chocolate Museum in advance to skip the lines and get straight to the fun.

6. Check Out Cologne’s Street Art

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Cologne isn’t just a city of museums and historic landmarks—it’s also a huge open-air gallery. Street art is everywhere, turning grey walls, lampposts, and junction boxes into vibrant canvases. Whether it’s massive murals or hidden gems tucked into side streets, the city’s urban art scene adds a whole new layer to its creative energy.

For some of the best Cologne tourist attractions beyond the usual landmarks, start in Ehrenfeld. This neighborhood has the highest concentration of large-scale murals, featuring works by world-renowned artists like ROA, Herakut, and Faith47. Each piece tells a story, making it worth exploring every corner. 

If you want a deeper look into the artists and their work, you can also join a street art tour in Ehrenfeld, where a guide will walk you through the stories behind these striking murals.

In the Belgian Quarter, you’ll find a different kind of street art—small-format works by local artists decorating facades, doors, and even sidewalks. If graffiti is more your style, Nippes is the place to go. The neighborhood’s railway pillars serve as a canvas for some of the best graffiti artists in Cologne.

If you’re wondering what to see in Cologne, the city’s street art scene offers a fresh and dynamic perspective. Keep your eyes open as you wander—you never know when you’ll stumble across your next favorite piece.

5. Savor Local Flavors at a Kolsch Brewery

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You can’t leave Cologne without tasting its most iconic beer—Kolsch. This light, crisp brew is instantly recognizable by its bright, straw-yellow color and subtle fruity notes. But Kolsch isn’t just a beer; it’s a point of local pride, deeply woven into Cologne’s culture and traditions.

That’s why visiting a traditional Kolsch brewery is one of the best things to do in Cologne for beer lovers and curious travelers alike.

In this city, Kolsch is everywhere. Walk into any bar or brauhaus, and you won’t even need to ask—they’ll serve you a fresh glass automatically. While some places may offer other beers, they’ll likely be bottled. Kolsch, on the other hand, is always on tap, poured into the signature Stange, a slim, cylindrical glass that keeps it refreshingly cool.

Cologne takes its beer seriously. It’s the only beer in Germany with protected geographical status. This means it must be brewed within 30 miles (48 kilometers) of the city and follow strict guidelines set by the Kolsch Konvention and the German Purity Law. These rules ensure that every glass you drink stays true to the original recipe, preserving the tradition that locals hold dear.

If you’re curious to learn more (and drink more), join a Cologne brewery tour with tasting. You’ll visit historic breweries—some of the best places to visit in Cologne—for a sample of Kolsch straight from the tap. Hear fascinating stories from your beer expert guide and experience Cologne’s beer culture firsthand. 

4. Discover the Museum Ludwig

If modern and contemporary art is your thing, Museum Ludwig is a must-visit. It's one of the most important art museums in Europe and easily one of the top Cologne attractions.

Inside, you'll find an incredible lineup of artists, including Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Jackson Pollock, Marc Chagall, Otto Dix, and Pablo Picasso. The collection spans more than 125 years of artistic evolution, found around every corner.

The museum’s impressive collection exists thanks to a few major donations. In 1946, Cologne lawyer Josef Haubrich gifted the city a trove of Expressionist works, including a striking portrait by Dix. Then in 1976, Peter and Irene Ludwig added their own world-class collection, packed with American Pop Art and countless Picassos. Today, Museum Ludwig holds the third largest Picasso collection in the world, with around 900 pieces.

If you're planning your itinerary and wondering about the best things to do in Cologne, exploring this museum belongs at the top of the list. The museum’s proximity to other cultural sites, like the street art in Ehrenfeld, makes it a perfect addition to curated art tours in Cologne. 

Museum Ludwig offers a thought-provoking experience that lingers long after you leave. It’s a rewarding stop for lifelong art lovers and those who are just curious to see what all the fuss is about.

3. Relax Along the Rhine Promenade

You can’t come to Cologne and skip the Rhine Promenade—it’s one of the city’s most scenic and peaceful spots. Just a 10-minute walk from Cologne Central Station, this riverside stretch offers the perfect place to slow down and take in the views. It’s one of those classic Cologne tourist attractions where locals and visitors both go to unwind.

No matter the season, the promenade is full of life. You’ll see people cruising by on bikes or Segways, couples strolling hand in hand, and travelers snapping photos of Cologne’s famous gabled houses and old churches. This is also where you’ll find cozy breweries, charming inns, and open squares tucked between winding medieval alleys. It’s a great spot to linger, sip a drink, and people-watch.

Depending on the time of year, you might catch a summer concert along the water or see the glow of Christmas market lights across the river during winter. The promenade also makes a perfect starting point for a scenic walk south toward the modern Rheinauhafen district or north into the heart of the Old Town.

Want to take in the views from the water? A Rhine river cruise is a relaxing way to experience some of the most iconic sights and a fun answer to the question of what to see in Cologne. And if you want to wake up just steps away from this beautiful stretch of the city, pick hotels in Cologne that are along the river.

2. Stroll Through Cologne's Old Town

If you’re wandering along the Rhine Promenade, you’re already at the edge of Cologne’s Old Town—one of the most charming corners of the city. With cobbled alleys, pastel-colored houses with steep gables, and cozy squares tucked between winding streets, this area brings a taste of the past to life.

Many of the buildings were lovingly reconstructed, but the medieval charm still lingers. It’s easy to see why both locals and tourists love spending time here.

This area is home to some of the top Cologne attractions. Snap a photo at the Hohenzollern Bridge, known for its sea of love locks and views of the Cathedral. Grab a drink or a bite at the Alter Markt, a bustling square full of restaurants, cafes, and historic vibes. Don’t miss Saint Gereon’s Basilica, one of the city’s 12 Romanesque churches—its architecture alone is worth the stop.

Just around the corner, the Historic Town Hall—Germany’s oldest still-functioning city hall—adds another layer of architectural charm and civic history. And for a touch of folklore, look out for the Heinzelmannchen Fountain, which tells the tale of Cologne’s legendary house gnomes.

Planning one of those short city breaks in Cologne? A time-friendly way to experience the Old Town is joining an hour-long Cologne city tour. It’s one of the most efficient and fun things to do in Cologne when you want a quick yet meaningful look into the city’s history.

1. Explore the Iconic Cologne Cathedral

You can’t talk about Cologne attractions without starting with the Cathedral. The Cologne Cathedral isn’t just the city’s crown jewel; it’s one of Germany’s most iconic landmarks. Its twin spires tower above the skyline, making it the tallest twin-spired church in the world. It also boasts the largest facade of any church on the planet. 

If that doesn’t make you want to walk through its massive doors immediately, what will?

It took over 600 years to build, and even today, around 100 craftspeople from the Dombauhutte (the Cathedral’s masonry office) continue the work to maintain it. Locals like to joke, “When the Cathedral is finished, the world will end.” For now, the scaffolding stays, so God’s eternal building site isn’t done yet.

Inside, you’ll find centuries of history layered in stone and glass. One standout is the Shrine of the Three Kings, a gilded sarcophagus believed to hold the relics of the Magi. Another highlight is the underground Cathedral Treasure Chamber, home to sacred objects like the 4th-century St. Peter’s Staff.

Not sure what to do in Cologne first? A walking tour of the Cathedral is a great place to start. Many walking tours in Cologne revolve around this legendary site, offering fresh perspectives. You have options ranging from historical deep dives to immersive options like a virtual reality Cathedral tour that brings its stories to life.

Is 3 days enough for Cologne, Germany?

Yes, a 3-day city break in Cologne is enough to explore the city’s major highlights. You’ll have time to visit iconic Cologne attractions like the Cathedral and Museum Ludwig and enjoy a relaxing stroll through the Old Town and along the Rhine Promenade.

If you’ve got more time on your hands, why not stretch your stay to a week? You’ll get the chance to check out underrated gems like the Helios Lighthouse or Cologne Central Mosque—spots that show you a more unexpected side of the city.

And if you’re up for a bit of adventure, there are some incredible road trips in Cologne worth taking. Cities like Frankfurt and Heidelberg are just a few hours away, offering even more history, charm, and postcard-worthy views.

When is the best time to visit Cologne?

The best time to visit Cologne is spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October). These shoulder seasons bring pleasant weather, thinner crowds, and better deals compared to the busier summer and winter months.

Love festive vibes? December is also a magical time to visit Cologne’s for its famous Christmas markets that light up the city and draw visitors from all over Europe. Just be prepared for bigger crowds, and book your stay early.

Since Cologne shares a lot of seasonal trends with other German cities, you might want to check out this guide to the best time to visit Germany to help you plan. It covers everything from festivals to weather, and it’ll give you a solid sense of what to expect—no matter when you decide to go.

What event is Cologne famous for?

Cologne is most famous for the Cologne Carnival—or as locals call it, “die funfte Jahreszeit” (the fifth season). It’s one of the largest and most spirited carnival celebrations in Europe. Expect parades, quirky costumes, street dancing, and an electric atmosphere that takes over the whole city. 

The season officially kicks off every year on November 11 at exactly 11:11. But the real party ramps up in February, during the week leading up to Rosenmontag (Rose Monday), the highlight of the carnival. On this day, the city hosts a massive parade featuring floats, marching bands, and costumed revelers tossing candy and calling out, “Kolle Alaaf!”—the local cheer.

The carnival season officially ends on Ash Wednesday, marking the start of the Lent.