Cologne hits differently than most German cities. It’s so laid back and easily the melting pot of Germany and add the allure of the Rhine river and you have a quintessial European city with lots of history and culture. This 2,000-year-old city on the Rhine River manages to feel both ancient and alive, with a Gothic cathedral towering over craft beer bars and Roman ruins sitting next to contemporary art galleries and cobblestone streets reminiscent of European architecture and makeup.
If you’re planning to visit Cologne, you’re in for a treat. The city is compact enough to explore on foot, but there’s enough here to keep you busy for days. From climbing medieval towers to wandering through streets that look like they’ve been plucked from a fairy tale, Cologne offers something for everyone. And yes, the beer culture alone is worth the trip.
Here are the top 7 attractions you absolutely need to experience when you visit Cologne, Germany in no particular order.
- Marvel at Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom)
Let’s start with the obvious one, because honestly, you can’t talk about Cologne without talking about the Dom. The Cologne Cathedral is one of those buildings that makes you stop dead in your tracks. This UNESCO World Heritage site took over 600 years to complete, and when you see it up close, you understand why.
The twin spires reach 157 meters into the sky, making it the second-tallest church in Europe. The Gothic architecture is ridiculously intricate, with flying buttresses, gargoyles, and detailed stone carvings covering almost every surface. Stand in front of the main entrance and just look up. It’s overwhelming in the best way.
Inside, the cathedral is equally impressive. The massive stained glass windows fill the space with colored light, especially the modern window by artist Gerhard Richter, which looks like 11,500 squares of pure color. There’s also the Shrine of the Three Kings, a golden reliquary that supposedly holds the remains of the Three Wise Men. Whether you’re religious or not, the craftsmanship is incredible.
Now, about those 533 steps to the top of the south tower. Yes, it’s a workout. Yes, it’s a narrow spiral staircase that gets pretty tight in places. But the view from the top is absolutely worth it. You can see across the entire city, over the Rhine River, and on clear days, all the way to the surrounding countryside. Plus, you get to see the massive bells up close, including Peter, which weighs 24 tons and is the largest free-swinging bell in the world.
Practical tips: The cathedral itself is free to enter, but climbing the tower costs around €6 and you can get tickets onsite. Try to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds. The light inside is particularly beautiful in the late afternoon when the sun hits the stained glass windows at an angle.
2. Wander Through Cologne’s Picturesque Streets in the Old Town and Nippes
This is where Cologne really shows its charm. The Altstadt (Old Town) is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets lined with colorful buildings, many of them reconstructed after World War II but keeping their traditional Rhine-Franconian style. You know the ones with the painted facades in yellows, pinks, and blues?
Start at Alter Markt, the old market square right in the heart of the Altstadt. The square is surrounded by these gorgeous narrow houses and filled with outdoor cafes where you can sit and watch the world go by. From there, head to Heumarkt, another historic square that comes alive in the evenings with locals meeting up for drinks and walk down to Neumarkt, the city center with the Central train station, restaurants, cafes and malls close by. Lots of Cologne locals, young and old hang out here, it definitely has something for everyone.
But here’s where it gets really good: get lost in the streets between these squares. Streets like Sternengasse and Salzgasse are lined with half-timbered houses, quirky boutiques, and traditional restaurants. The Fischmarkt area near the Rhine has some particularly photogenic spots, especially around the old fish market building.
Then make your way to the Rhine promenade; this riverside walk stretches for kilometers and is where Cologne really comes to life, especially in good weather which may not be daily. There are steps leading down to the water where people sit with beers, buskers playing music, and joggers weaving through the crowds. The view back toward the cathedral from the Deutzer Brücke (Deutz Bridge) is probably the most photographed angle in the city.
Don’t miss Nippes: While most tourists stick to the Altstadt, locals will tell you that Nippes, a neighborhood north of the city center, has some of the most charming streets in Cologne. Wilhelmplatz is the heart of the area, a tree-lined square surrounded by beautiful Gründerzeit buildings (that late 19th-century architectural style with ornate facades and bay windows).
The streets stretching from Wilhelmplatz, like Siebachstraße and Florastraße, are absolutely worth exploring. You’ll find independent cafes, vintage shops, and local bakeries. The vibe here is much more residential and relaxed than in the tourist-heavy Altstadt. On weekends, there’s often a small market on Wilhelmplatz where locals sell flowers, fresh produce, and handmade goods.
Neusser Strasse, the main shopping street in Nippes, has a completely different feel from the fancy stores downtown. It’s where you’ll see actual Cologne life happening, with Turkish grocers next to traditional German bakeries, kids playing in small parks, and neighbors chatting on street corners. Don’t miss getting the popular Brot and Brötchen (bread and rolls) fresh from the local Bäckerei(bakery). One of my favorite things to do when I lived in Cologne was bike down to my local bakery and get fresh rolls for breakfast!
3. Drink Kölsch Beer Like a Local
Okay, this isn’t just about drinking beer (though that’s definitely part of it). Kölsch culture is a whole thing in Cologne, and experiencing it is essential to understanding the city.
First, the beer itself: Kölsch is a light, crisp, top-fermented beer that’s only brewed in Cologne. It’s protected by an agreement that says only breweries within Cologne can call their beer Kölsch. The taste is lighter than most German beers, slightly fruity, and incredibly easy to drink.
But here’s what makes it unique: Kölsch is served in small 200ml glasses called Stangen (literally “sticks”). At first, you might think this is annoying. Why such a small glass? But there’s method to the madness. The small size means your beer stays cold and fresh, and in Cologne’s traditional brewhouses, the waiters (called Köbes, who are known for being gruff but lovable) will keep bringing you fresh glasses automatically. They’ll mark your coaster each time and keep the beers coming until you signal you’re done by placing your coaster on top of your glass.
The best places to experience this are the traditional brewhouses like Früh am Dom, right near the cathedral, is probably the most famous and the most touristy, but it’s still a good introduction. The atmosphere in these places is communal. Long wooden tables, strangers sitting together, everyone speaking a little louder as the evening goes on. I would advise you to head into the city to one of the biergartens where the locals hang out for a non-touristy serving of Kölsch Beer and great German food.
For a more authentic local experience, try Gaffel am Dom (less touristy than Früh despite the similar location), Peters Brauhaus in the Altstadt (great traditional German food too), or Päffgen in the Friesenstraße area (where you’ll mostly find locals and the Köbes are particularly sarcastic).
One rule: never ask for a large beer. Just don’t. You’ll mark yourself as an outsider immediately, and the Köbes will probably make fun of you. Embrace the Stangen system. It’s part of the experience.
Tickets to one of the most popular breweries can be gotten here: https://getyourguide.stay22.com/ijetravels/qgYP_Nz2pu
4. Explore World-Class Art at Museum Ludwig
Even if you’re not usually a museum person, Museum Ludwig deserves your time. This is one of the most important museums of modern art in Europe, and the collection is genuinely impressive.
The museum sits right next to the cathedral (you literally can’t miss it, it’s the modern building that some people think clashes with the Gothic architecture around it). Inside, you’ll find an incredible range of 20th and 21st-century art. The Pop Art collection is one of the largest outside the United States, with major works by Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Robert Rauschenberg.
The Picasso collection is massive, over 900 works covering different periods of his career. You can see his evolution as an artist, from early sketches to his famous Cubist period. There’s also a strong collection of German Expressionism, Russian avant-garde art, and contemporary photography.
What I really appreciate about Museum Ludwig is how they display the art. The rooms don’t feel stuffy or overly academic. The layout encourages you to wander and make your own discoveries. There are usually good temporary exhibitions too, often featuring contemporary artists who are pushing boundaries.
Plan to spend at least two hours here, maybe three if you’re really into art. The museum café has decent coffee and a nice view if you need a break. And if you visit on the first Thursday of the month, admission is free after 5 PM.
Practical info: Regular admission is around €13, with discounts for students. The museum is closed on Mondays. Audio guides are available and actually add a lot to the experience, especially for the Picasso collection.
5. Cross the Hohenzollern Bridge and Its Famous Love Locks
The Hohenzollern Bridge is a pedestrian and rail bridge that connects the cathedral area with the Deutz neighborhood on the other side of the Rhine. What makes it special? Well, aside from the incredible views, there are thousands upon thousands of love locks attached to the railings.
The tradition started around 2008, when couples began attaching padlocks to the fence and throwing the keys into the Rhine below as a symbol of their eternal love. Now the bridge is completely covered with them. There are easily over a million locks at this point, adding tons of extra weight to the bridge structure (the city has said they’re monitoring it, but so far they’ve left them up).
Is it cheesy? Maybe a little. But it’s also kind of romantic in a very public, communal way. And even if you’re not there to add your own lock, walking across the bridge is worth it for the views alone. Looking back at the cathedral and the Old Town from the middle of the bridge, especially at sunset or when the cathedral is lit up at night, is one of those moments that makes you understand why people fall in love with this city.
On the Deutz side of the bridge, there are some great beer gardens and cafes with river views. In summer, this is where locals hang out on warm evenings. The Köln Triangle building nearby has an observation deck that gives you yet another stunning view of the cathedral and the city skyline.
Photo tip: The best shots are from about halfway across the bridge, looking back toward the cathedral. Early morning light is beautiful, but evening shots with the cathedral lit up are probably more dramatic. I love riding a rented bike across the bridge to the square with lots of cafes and restaurants or the main mall at Heumarkt which is a trainstop away.
6.Glowing Rooms – 3D Schwarzlicht Minigolf Cologne Ehrenfeld
This is an indoor 3D blacklight minigolf in Cologne’s Ehrenfeld neighborhood. You play in the dark with glowing neon artwork everywhere and special 3D glasses that make the walls pop out at you. Three themed worlds: ‘Deep Intoxication’ (underwater), ‘Inka Trail’ (mystical ruins), and ‘Cosmos’ (outer space) Mindtrip. The fluorescent murals are so detailed that it’s sometimes hard to tell what’s painted versus what’s real, making the game trickier and funnier.
Takes 45 minutes to two hours depending on crowds . You get clubs, scorecards, and 3D glasses. Drinks allowed on the course.
Practical Details: It takes a little while for your eyes to adjust to the glowing neon lights but its so much fun when it does. The mini golf course is fashioned after historical concepts. If you have kids, they will love it!
https://www.glowingrooms.com/en/locations/cologne-city
7.Cologne Rhine River Sightseeing Cruise
This is a one-hour boat tour along the Rhine showing Cologne’s main sights from the river. A relaxing way to see the city without walking. There is also refreshment aboard this boat and a nice rooftop to get a better view of the Rhein and Deutz area.
The Route:
Cruise past Cologne Cathedral, Old Town, and the crane houses in Rheinauhafen GetYourGuide. Pass under five bridges including Hohenzollern Bridge, heading south to Rodenkirchen. Its a great idea to grab a jacket as it gets chilly and with Cologne getting rain 300 out of 365 days, you might experience some shivers even on summer days.
You can grab your tickets from here https://getyourguide.stay22.com/ijetravels/GtPJ54NBsL
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