Europe
Germany
North Rhine-Westphalia
Cologne
Cologne Attractions

Top Things to Do in Cologne

Things to Do in Cologne

Ways to tour Cologne

Book these experiences for a close-up look at Cologne.
See all

Top Attractions in Cologne

See all
1
2
3
4
5
6
…

Day Trips

From quick jaunts to full-day outings.
See all
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • Marti324
    Sarasota, FL142 contributions
    Review of: Cologne Cathedral
    Wonderful walk
    The cathedral in Cologne is beautiful. The impressive cathedral was not destroyed during the bombing in World War II, which is great. There is a photo showing all the destruction in the surrounding area - with the cathedral still standing. I loved walking around Cologne - a beautiful downtown area.
    Written 3 May 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Linda W
    Durham, UK27 contributions
    Review of: KölnTriangle
    Amazing 360 degree view of Cologne.
    We took the underground train across the river from the city to the Cologne Triangle and then the lift for the 28 floors to the viewing gallery. The glass-walls of the viewing gallery has graphics on it so you can tell what you're looking at in the distance. After taking it all in, we walked back to the city along the railway bridge with its tens of thousands of 'lovelocks' fastened to the bridge railings.
    Written 22 April 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Gemini29
    30 contributions
    Review of: Museum Ludwig
    Fantastic collection of 20th Century Art
    Firstly, the collection itself is fantastic - this is a vast museum with a wide ranging collection of 20th century art, hitting every key art movement and key artist. This is really a perfect gallery for someone who is already familiar with 20th century art and has lots of special pieces which anyone who has studied art would recognise.

    My criticism would be that it isn't very accessible to anyone else - the layout is not easily navigated, there's not a lot of supporting information to the pieces/collections, the staff stalk after you to make sure you don't get too close to anything which makes it quite hard to relax.
    Written 20 May 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Quila F
    Baumholder, Germany8 contributions
    Review of: Koelner Zoo
    Zoo
    The zoo was amazing. So big and so many animals to see. There is a lot of shade and beautiful places to take pictures. Parking is right across the street and if you bring your ticket you can get it stamped and parking would only be €4. There is also an aquarium right next to the zoo. Definitely recommend to families.
    Written 20 June 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Nick_PerthAU
    Perth, Australia27 contributions
    Review of: NS Documentation Centre of the City of Cologne
    Make this your first stop in Cologne
    Where do you start?

    Key items included the Gestapo jail cells, courtyard and the memorial room.

    Spent 2.5 hours here and that was skimming through a floor and a half of information before going underground to the cells and courtyard. There is a lot of information on the first and second storeys. As noted by others, most of the upper floors has no written English translation or explanation unless you have the audioguide. In some ways, it was almost too much information to get through, unless you have 3 or 4 hours to spend there. Even 3 or 4 hours might not be long enough!

    The second storey was about the rise of the Nazis more generally and what they did across Germany. The first storey was more specific to Nazi operations in Cologne itself. Perhaps not worth going to both storeys, depending on what your existing knowledge base is.

    There are no real words for the jail cells, memorial room and outdoor courtyard. They put a lot of things into perspective. A must see.
    Written 19 May 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Mehek Kapoor
    Amersfoort, The Netherlands14 contributions
    Review of: Hohenzollern Bridge
    Walk on this bridge is a walk in time!
    As you walk on this bridge, you will see thousands and thousands of locks, tied on the bridge right next to you. Some have names on them, some initials, some numbers and some years.

    You are reminded of how fickle life is. There would have been millions of people who have walked on this bridge before you, and there will be a million others to do that after you. You are nothing, but a speck in time, there at the moment. The bridge has been through so much, from second world war to present day, it has seen the world change, but it is still there.

    This bridge is nothing, but a living time-machine, that takes you back in time and also brings you back by the time you reach the end of it.

    Walk on this bridge with someone you love. So that you can remember it for your life, and for your time on this planet...
    Written 25 April 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Kip F
    Sacramento, CA1,301 contributions
    Review of: Botanical Gardens Flora
    Family and friend visit, what a lovely place to wander in
    Quiet and peaceful, beautiful flowers, just a nice place to spend a few hours. We took photos and just wandered.
    Written 22 May 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Eaton_Out
    Greenville, SC427 contributions
    Review of: Historic Old Town
    Wonderful city
    Cologne's Old Town contains narrow, cobbled lanes. Many houses in various colors line the streets. Visit the Cologne Cathedral while here. Much of Cologne was destroyed during WW2 so much of what you see has been rebuilt to emulate the old.
    Written 13 May 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • TopsMA
    Den Bosch, The Netherlands455 contributions
    Review of: Chocolate Museum
    If you don't have kids avoid the weekend!
    The museum is definitely popular with families, so if you don't have kids I recommend you go during a week day! Weekends are busy! The museum is well set out & interesting for all ages with interactive information but during a pandemic I was a little reluctant to keep touching everything! Social distancing was not adhered too & it was very busy so it felt a little stressful.

    The museum was informative & certainly makes you think about the impact of our addiction to chocolate. The actual process areas were not manned when we were there so we only saw the machines churning out little Neopolitans. Lots of free chocolates though & a well stocked store!

    The cafe was very nice with a view of the Rhine & attentive staff but sadly no gluten-free options....so disappointing! I just had to watch my husband tuck into a delicious slice of cake!
    Written 21 February 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Rowdy G
    Murphy, TX409 contributions
    Review of: Wallraf-Richartz Museum
    Fantastic. Must visit while in Cologne.
    This is an excellent museum with high quality art and a local focus. So much of the art is from Cologne, so it is almost like getting a local history lesson while enjoying the amazing art. Top notch!
    Written 13 May 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Eyekaytoo
    Leverkusen, Germany2,118 contributions
    Review of: Heumarkt
    Christmas market still in full swing - in January
    I have been coming here, off and on for the best part of 20 years now. My most recent visit was earlier today. I tend to try to park directly under the Heumarkt which is expensive but I guess typical of city centre underground parking fees nowadays.

    Even though it's well into January I was surprised to see that the Christmas market was still on. There were also quite a few hardy souls skating on the temporary ice rink.

    I quite like this place because there are loads of bars and restaurants close by, you're more or less in the Altstadt and only a stones throw from the river Rhein. All good. I'll continue to come from time to time.
    Written 7 January 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • FTMDave
    Adria, Italy5,521 contributions
    Review of: Gross St. Martin
    Stunning architecture
    As you look from the opposite side of the Rhine, three buildings immediately stand out - the cathedral, the town hall and this magnificent romanesque church.

    The "current" church was built between 1150 and 1250 although it had to be almost completely restored after World War Two and only reopened in 1985.
    Written 21 August 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Sumitkumar_13
    Mumbai, India872 contributions
    Review of: Duftmuseum im Farina-Haus
    Informative
    Duftmuseum im Farina-Haus is quite an informative museum. It is dedicated John Maria Farina and the wonders produced by him.
    Written 30 September 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • rohitblk
    Neuss, Germany348 contributions
    Review of: Cologne Central Station
    Crowded and central as it is !!
    This is the main station of cologne connecting other cities across eu to cologne. You will alight here on way to cologne via train. Cologne cathedral is just situated on exit to dom side. There is underground metro at the exit of station and to the entrance of cathedral on right side. The station name is dom hbf. You can take 18 to go to Neumarkt, just two stops from here. At Neumarkt, you will find schildergrasse shopping street. One more thing just behind the station you will find scenic promenade and riverfront area. Thats more or less it is.
    Written 13 March 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Kip F
    Sacramento, CA1,301 contributions
    Review of: Melaten-Friedhof
    visiting a friend's grave, but beautiful spot for the mourners
    Paying my respect to a friend that died recently and found it to be peaceful and lovely. the grounds are well maintained and it's quiet.
    Written 22 May 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cologne