Things to do in Cologne

Activities, attractions and tours

A bridge with a gothic cathedral in the background.
A bird with a distinctive crest and red and blue plumage.
A river with a boat, a castle, and autumn trees.
A Gothic cathedral with two spires and a steel roller coaster in the foreground.
A bustling European street with shops, a prominent church spire, and a tree in the center.

Things to do

Picture 1 for Activity Cologne: Histories & Typical Cologne

Cologne: Histories & Typical Cologne

€16
per adult
Cologne: Histories & Typical Cologne
Outdoor seating at the Hard Rock Cafe in Cologne

Hard Rock Cafe Cologne Dining Experience

€29
per adult
82% of travellers recommend
Hard Rock Cafe Cologne Dining Experience
Cologne: Südstadt Guided Foodie Walking Tour

Cologne Südstadt Culinary – The Food Tour

€49
per adult
Cologne Südstadt Culinary – The Food Tour
Cologne: Kölsch Beer and Brew House 2-Hour Tour

Cologne: Kölsch Beer and Brew House 2-Hour Tour

€20
per adult
Cologne: Kölsch Beer and Brew House 2-Hour Tour
Public brewhouse tour in English

Public brewhouse tour in English

€20
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Public brewhouse tour in English
Cologne: Melaten Cemetery Life, Love and Death Tour

Cologne: Melaten Cemetery Life, Love and Death Tour

€14
per adult
Cologne: Melaten Cemetery Life, Love and Death Tour
Cologne: Brewery Tour with Kölsch and Halven Hahn

Cologne: Brewery Tour with Kölsch and Halven Hahn

€30
per adult
Cologne: Brewery Tour with Kölsch and Halven Hahn
Cologne: Night Watchman Old Town Walking Tour

Cologne: Night Watchman Old Town Walking Tour

€16
per adult
Cologne: Night Watchman Old Town Walking Tour
Pub Crawl Cologne Including Admission Fee for Bars and Shots

Pub Crawl Cologne Including Admission Fee for Bars and Shots

€25
per adult
Pub Crawl Cologne Including Admission Fee for Bars and Shots
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Most popular experiences in Cologne

Tours & day trips

See all 222 activities
Cologne: Experience the Cathedral City from the Water

Cologne: Experience the Cathedral City from the Water

Activity duration is 1 hour
8.4 out of 10 with 996 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €20 per adult
Cologne: Experience the Cathedral City from the WaterOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 68 activities
Cologne Haunted Quest: The Witch Self-Guided Tour

Cologne Haunted Quest: The Witch Self-Guided Tour

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
3.8 out of 10 with 7 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €7 per adult*
Cologne Haunted Quest: The Witch Self-Guided TourOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 24 activities
Public brewhouse tour in English

Public brewhouse tour in English

Activity duration is 2 hours
9.8 out of 10 with 42 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €20 per adult
Public brewhouse tour in EnglishOpens in new tab

Cruises & boat tours

See all 12 activities
Cologne: Experience the Cathedral City from the Water

Cologne: Experience the Cathedral City from the Water

Activity duration is 1 hour
8.4 out of 10 with 996 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €20 per adult
Cologne: Experience the Cathedral City from the WaterOpens in new tab

Attractions

See all 10 activities
KölnCard - City Pass

KölnCard - City Pass

Activity duration is 2 days
8.0 out of 10 with 29 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €18 per traveller
KölnCard - City PassOpens in new tab

What to do in Cologne

Stay near popular Cologne attractions

A cathedral with two tall spires, a river with boats, and a cityscape with buildings and trees.

Cologne Cathedral

9.2/10 (5,405 reviews)
This Gothic masterpiece houses the Shrine of the Three Kings, a significant pilgrimage site since medieval times. Climb 533 steps up the south tower for breathtaking panoramic views of Cologne's historic centre.
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Where to stay in Cologne

Find the best Cologne areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Cologne
Learn more about Cologne
A cathedral with two tall spires, a river with boats, and a cityscape with buildings and trees.

Altstadt-Nord

Known for its stunning cathedral and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Altstadt-Nord. Check out top attractions like Cologne Cathedral and Cologne City Museum, and jump on the metro at Appellhofplatz Breite Strasse U-Bahn or Heumarkt U-Bahn to see more of the city.

A bridge with a gothic cathedral in the background.

Altstadt-Süd

Known for its ample dining options and fascinating museums, there's plenty to explore in Altstadt-Süd. You can visit top attractions like Chocolate Museum and Schildergasse, and jump on the metro at Severinstrasse U-Bahn or Poststrasse U-Bahn to see more of the city.

A tall brick tower with a metal railing and a smaller chimney.

Ehrenfeld

Noted for its bars and shopping, there's plenty to explore in Ehrenfeld. Top attractions like MMC Studios and Neptunbad are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Koernerstrasse U-Bahn or Venloer Strasse Guertel U-Bahn to see more of the city.

A row of historic buildings with varied architectural styles, including a prominent building with a pointed roof and a large window.

Belgian Quarter

While you're in Belgian Quarter, take in top sights like Friesenplatz and jump on the metro at Friesenplatz U-Bahn to see more of the city.

A river with bridges, a cathedral, and a tower.

Deutz

Museums, shopping and river views highlight some notable features of Deutz. Make a stop by LANXESS Arena or Tanzbrunnen Köln while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Deutzer Freiheit U-Bahn or Deutz Koelnarena U-Bahn to get around town.

A museum with red umbrellas, a modern building, a stone structure, and a historic red building with a tower.

Troisdorf

A large yellow building with white windows and a pond reflecting its image.

Leverkusen

A cobblestone street lined with historic buildings, including a church with a prominent tower and a brick structure with a green archway.

Dormagen

A cobblestone street lined with historic buildings, shops, and cafes.

Bonn

A grand hall with high ceilings, arched windows, and ornate wall decorations.

Bergisch Gladbach

A historic brick building with a tower and a large archway.

Kerpen

A rural landscape with a tree in the foreground, a power line tower in the background, and rolling fields.

Pulheim

A large brick building with a spire, surrounded by trees and a calm lake.

Bedburg

Frequently asked questions

Is Cologne worth visiting?
Known for its nightlife and culture, discovering fun things to do in Cologne is a cinch. Make sure to add Cologne Cathedral to your trip itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Cologne?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Cologne Zoo and Aqualand Leisure Pool at Fuhlinger Lake. Then, explore other areas of Cologne for local dining and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Cologne?
The top tourist attraction in Cologne is Cologne Cathedral, so don't forget to add it to your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Cologne?
Three days in Cologne is enough to visit the city's major attractions. Many travellers spend two days on average. Cologne Cathedral, Cologne Zoo and Museum Ludwig are top-rated sights. Want to see more? Stick around a while longer to visit nearby hotspots such as Düsseldorf.
Is Cologne a walkable city?
Some top attractions in Cologne, including Cologne Cathedral and Cologne Zoo, are within walking distance. You can also visit several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Only 0.48 kilometres from central Cologne is Innenstadt and Old Town Cologne is 0.32 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Cologne with kids?
Whether you're travelling with young explorers or playful teenagers, a schedule filled with fun activities makes a big difference. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Cologne with kids.

What to do in Cologne for adults?
LANXESS Arena and MediaPark are just a couple of the things to do in Cologne. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Cologne?
From enjoying parks to strolling around hip neighbourhoods, it's easy to discover free things to do in Cologne. If you need inspiration, ask a local tour guide for some tips. Cologne Cathedral is a must for anyone wanting to save on their sightseeing activities.

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