Top 20 Best Things to Do in Cologne
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Top 20 Best Things to Do in Cologne

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  • Cologne Cathedraltop_1
    󰺂8.3
    Cologne.Cologne City Center440m from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoA romantic and artistic tour of Cologne Cathedral
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Night Attractions in Cologne
    Highlights:
    󱓊Panoramic view from the tower
    󱨜Cologne's 360° view from tower
    󱨠Saved by 349 users󱨠312 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    SUNSHINE ONUSSUNSHINE ONUS

    It is a famous attraction that is worth visiting. It is a pleasure to visit Cologne Cathedral. Through the introduction, we learned that Cologne Cathedral was built in 1248 by the then Archbishop of Cologne, Conrad. Von Hochstaden presided over the laying of the foundation stone. The construction process took hundreds of years and was interrupted many times due to wars, lack of funds and other reasons. The church was not completed until 1880, after a total construction period of 632 years. The cathedral is an outstanding example of Gothic architecture. Its architectural style is characterized by towering spires, pointed arches, flying buttresses and exquisite stained glass windows. As an important Catholic church, Cologne Cathedral is a place for believers to carry out religious activities, attracting a large number of believers to make pilgrimages every year. The church houses the remains of the "Three Holy Kings of the East", which gives it a very high religious status.

  • Cologne Chocolate Museumtop_2
    󰺂7.1
    70.17
    Cologne.Altstadt-Süd690m from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Cologne
    Highlights:
    󱨜Cologne's iconic chocolate fountain
    󱓊Fresh chocolate flows beneath tree
    󱨠Saved by 161 users󱨠29% positive reviews
    4.6/5
    Europe DudeEurope Dude

    I had an absolutely wonderful time at the Lindt Chocolate Factory in Köln. From the moment I stepped inside, the aroma of rich, creamy chocolate filled the air — pure heaven for any chocolate lover. The museum was fascinating and well-organized, showcasing the history of chocolate and Lindt’s craftsmanship in such an engaging way.The highlight was definitely watching the chocolatiers at work and tasting the freshly made Lindt chocolate — so smooth and delicious! The staff were friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about what they do. The shop at the end was a dream come true, with so many unique treats and exclusive flavors to choose from.I left with a big smile (and a bag full of chocolate!). Highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Cologne — it’s both fun and delicious! 🍫✨

  • Rheinauhafen Districttop_3
    󰺂7.0
    Cologne.Altstadt-Süd619m from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊Cologne Cathedral views by Rhine
    󰀆Next to Cologne Cathedral
    󱨠38% positive reviews
    4.5/5
    老少皆宜(程世荣)老少皆宜(程世荣)

    Cologne in Germany is a popular place for tourists to visit. It has the most famous Cologne Cathedral⛪️ and the Cologne Promenade. Cologne is the fourth largest city in Germany and is located on the banks of the Rhine in western Germany.

  • Duftmuseum im Farina-Haus
    4
    󰺂6.8
    55.28
    Cologne.Cologne City Center155m from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊300-year cologne history & factory
    󱨜300-year Farina perfume history
    󱨠Saved by 104 users
    4.2/5
    Sheda11Sheda11

    This was a unique experience! Farina is the original Eau de Colonge, and the tour is in the origianl house. (The factory moved out of the city center.) Our tour guide was Weibke, who did a wonderful pesentation in English. She is very knowledgable, and explained a lot of historical facts. The museum is small, but packed with a lot of antiques and information. I was glad that I didn't buy the other brand of colonge at the Cathedral, since 4711 it is not the original

  • Museum Ludwig
    5
    󰺂5.9
    Cologne.Cologne City Center370m from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊Picasso prints & paintings exhibition
    Art museum by chocolate moguls
    4.2/5
    Sheda11Sheda11

    The galleries are enormous and many areas flooded with light. It is a pleasure to walk round. Interpretive material in English and German, the emphasis being to put the artworks in historical context, grouped by 'movement'. The collection is based on two private donations. Admission expensive with no reduction for pensioners, but worth the charge for the Picasso, the Russian avant-garde and Max Beckmann. There is a really excellent bookshop with many books in English.

  • Hohenzollern Bridge
    6
    󰺂4.9
    Cologne581m from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 2 of Night Attractions in Cologne
    Highlights:
    󱓊Lock your love & promise
    󰋄Love locks adorn the bridge
    󱨠Saved by 108 users
    4.5/5
    魔女锦鲤魔女锦鲤

    The classic photo that is often seen is the photo of the Hohenzollern Bridge and the Cologne Cathedral. Walking eastward along the Cologne Cathedral, you will come to the bridge. There are sidewalks and bicycle lanes on both sides of the bridge, and a railway track in the middle. Walking on the bridge, trains will pass by on the middle track from time to time. Standing in the middle of the bridge or on the west bank of the bridge is a better viewing position. On the side of the sidewalk close to the track, there are colorful and dense love locks. It is said that if you hang a lock on the Hohenzollern Bridge and throw the key into the Rhine River, love will last forever, so many locals and tourists who come here to admire it have their own and their loved ones’ names engraved on the locks and left on this bridge. Over time, there are more and more locks, and colorful copper locks of various types form a unique landscape. Reasons to go: Germany's most romantic bridge

  • Great St. Martin Church
    7
    󰺂4.9
    Cologne.Cologne City Center140m from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊Clover-shaped floor & ancient origin
    󱓊Clover-shaped ground & tower top
    4.3/5
    M50***26M50***26

    The landscape is what you see, and it will make you feel "wow". The most interesting thing about the tour is its history and its story. It took 600 years to build, and every sculpture and every brick is a picture.

  • Old Street along Rhine
    8
    󰺂4.7
    Cologne198m from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 3 of Night Attractions in Cologne
    Highlights:
    󱓊Rebuilt 60 years ago, traditional
    󰀆Cathedral to Chocolate Museum walk
    4.6/5
    Sheda11Sheda11

    This is an excellent place to take a stroll along the rhine River. This place us popular with locals as well and they are colourful buildings along the bank.

  • Cologne City Hall
    9
    󰺂4.5
    Cologne.Cologne City Center126m from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊Quirky clock's tongue show
    󰋄Gothic & Renaissance architecture fusion
    󱨠26% positive reviews
    4.3/5
    Sheda11Sheda11

    After the Cathedral, this beautiful medieval building is the major attraction of Cologne.It's a working town hall, in fact when I went there was a wedding party outside, and an extension with modern architecture is juxtaposed to the medieval part.

  • Cologne Christmas Markets
    10
    󰺂4.3
    Cologne.Cologne City Center441m from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊Rudolph Square's magical Christmas experience
    󱓊Crafts & starlit market
    󱨠27% positive reviews
    4.4/5
    Sheda11Sheda11

    We visited all of the Christmas markets in Cologne this year, with out favourites being. at Heumarkt and Neumarkt. All have their own character and identity and it is nice to visit them all over the weeks.

Best things to do in Cologne (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Cologne? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Cologne offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Cologne

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Cologne experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Cologne Cathedral

• Cologne.Cologne City Center | 440m from downtown

• : Panoramic view from the tower,Cologne's 360° view from tower

Cologne Chocolate Museum

• Cologne.Altstadt-Süd | 690m from downtown

• : Cologne's iconic chocolate fountain,Fresh chocolate flows beneath tree

Rheinauhafen District

• Cologne.Altstadt-Süd | 619m from downtown

• : Cologne Cathedral views by Rhine,Next to Cologne Cathedral

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Cologne

If you want to explore attractions just outside Cologne, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Cologne, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Cologne special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Cologne

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Cologne

Ready to explore the best of Cologne? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Cologne?
These are all Best Things to Do in Cologne:Cologne Cathedral, Cologne Chocolate Museum, Rheinauhafen District, Duftmuseum im Farina-Haus, Museum Ludwig
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Cologne?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Cologne include:Cologne Cathedral:4.8, Cologne Chocolate Museum:4.6, Rheinauhafen District:4.5, Duftmuseum im Farina-Haus:4.2, Museum Ludwig:4.2
At what locations in Cologne can Best Things to Do in Cologne be found?
The Best Things to Do in Cologne are mainly located in:Cologne Cathedral:Cologne, Cologne Chocolate Museum:Cologne, Rheinauhafen District:Cologne, Duftmuseum im Farina-Haus:Cologne, Museum Ludwig:Cologne
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