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Jam-packed with popular tourist attractions, picking what to see in Cologne may be difficult for tourists with limited time.
A Cologne blog is all you need to decide amongst the top things to do in Cologne.
An itinerary of 5 days is good to see the most popular tourist attractions in Cologne. But if you can spare couple of days more that’s even better, you can take the sights more slowly. So, without further ado, let me present you some of the best things to do in Cologne, top things to do in Cologne and some helpful travel tips.
1. Cologne Chocolate Museum
It is a museum that explores the history and evolution of chocolate in the region.
And not only that, you can also try on a variety of chocolates here.
Quick Facts:
- Located in 1993, Cologne Chocolate Museum was established in Cologne quarter of Altstadt-Süd.
- Heumarkt is the nearest public transit access to it.
Address: Am Schokoladenmuseum 1A, 50678 Köln, Germany
2. Museum Ludwig
Located in a popular district in Cologne, Museum Ludwig is dedicated to collecting the best of modern art.
Visitors come to marvel at the varied collection of artworks, which includes everything from abstract paintings, digital art, unique photographs and expressionism. Those who like modern art will not be disappointed as the collection includes works by a wide variety of twentieth-century artists.
Quick Facts:
- While artwork by Picasso constitutes the highlights of Modern Art Museum, art pieces by Roy Lichtenstein, Salvador Dali and Andy Warhol is also worth a look.
- Grab the audio guide on your way, it’s quite helpful.
An incredible sight, Museum Ludwig scores high in the list of the best things to do in Cologne.
Address: Heinrich-Böll-Platz, 50667 Köln, Germany
3. Roman-Germanic Museum
Taking you on a trip to the roman times is the Roman-Germanic Museum.
The collection comes from the Cologne’s past when it was a roman settlement known as Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium.
Quick Facts:
- The highlight of the place includes glassware, mosaic floors and jewelry belonging to the Roman times.
- Cologne Central Station is the nearest public transit access to it.
- 1974.
Address: Roncalliplatz 4, 50667 Köln, Germany
4. Wallraf-Richartz Museum
Wallraf-Richartz Museum is an art gallery focusing on fine arts by the famous artists of Germany.
The museum also houses collection by some of the genre’s well-known international artists.
Quick Facts:
- While fantasic Gothic and Renaissance artwork constitutes the highlights of fine arts museum, the impressionist section which includes paintings by greats such as Van Gogh is also worth a look.
- It is Oswald Mathias Ungers who conceptualized and turned it into a reality.
A natural crowd puller, Wallraf-Richartz Museum is right up there in the list of best things to do in Cologne.
Address: Obenmarspforten 40, 50667 Köln, Germany
5. Basilica of St. Ursula
Don’t forget to pay a visit to Basilica of St. Ursula, which is regarded to be one of Cologne’s most beautiful churches.
The highlight is the shrine made up of bones. These are believed to be of people who were once buried in the cemetery ground on which this church is built upon. As the legend goes 11,000 virgins were related with the story of Saint Ursula were buried here.
There is so much beauty in this church, from the front facade to the interior that it’s hard to choose a favorite. As this is a sacred location, anyone who want to enter are advised to cover their knees and shoulders.
Quick Facts:
- A beautiful example of Romanesque architecture style, the church holds the burials of Saint Ursula.
Address: Ursulapl. 24, 50668 Köln, Germany
6. Königsforst
Königsforst is a pristine area of natural beauty located in Cologne region.
A whole world of discovery and adventure awaits you upon your visit to Königsforst.
The park consists of well-marked hiking trails leading you to some of the most incredible vistas in Germany. Start with the visitor center to help yourself get oriented.
With so much to offer, no wonder Königsforst is one of the top things to do in Cologne.
Address: Königsfort, Germany
7. Hahnen Gate
This Restored gate dates back to 13th-century and bears Cologne’s coat of arms.
Address: Rudolfpl. 1, 50674 Köln, Germany
8. Cologne Cathedral
Cologne Cathedral is a majestic Cathedral standing tall in the city of Cologne, Germany.
The way the light falls at different times of the day is astounding. You may climb to the top of the church’s distinctive dome for an even better panoramic view of the city.
Quick Facts:
- It is 157 m high and measures a length of 144.5 metres (474 ft).
- A fine example of Gothic architecture, the cathedral is a center of Roman Catholic faith.
- Master Gerhard, Barbara Schock-Werner are the prominent architects who were involved in designing and building it.
- It is also the seat of Archbishop of Cologne.
Without a doubt this wonderful cathedral is one amongst the top things to do in Cologne.
Address: Domkloster 4, 50667 Köln, Germany
9. Phantasialand
Phantasialand is essentially a theme park, a rather fun place to be.
Quick Facts:
- Spread over an area of 28 ha, the highlight of Phantasialand includes mystery castle, colorado adventure, river quest.
- Richard Schmidt, Gottlieb Löffelhardt are the prominent architects who were involved in designing and building it.
- 1967.
Address: Berggeiststraße 31-41, 50321 Brühl, Germany
10. Hohenzollern Bridge
Hohenzollern Bridge is small but interesting footbridge adorned by colorful padlocks placed as a symbol of love.
Built over the majestic Rhine river, the bridge is conveniently located near the Cathedral.
Quick Facts:
- The padlocks bridge measures a total length of 409 m with a longest span of 168 m.
- The construction started in June 1907 and it was Franz Heinrich Schwechten who designed it.
With so much to offer, no wonder Hohenzollern Bridge is one of the top things to do in Cologne.
11. Brühl Palace
This beautiful palace was built from 1729 to 1740 and by François de Cuvilliés. The chataeu lies outside Cologne and it takes about 15 minutes to get here by train.
A very wealthy family constructed this chataeu, and it definitely looks like so. Take a liesurely stroll on the villa grounds, where you will find a well-maintained garden, a calm pond, and a colorful ensemble of flower beds.
Quick Facts:
- Spread over an area of 89 ha, it was designated as World Heritage Site in 1984.
- A marvel of design, it was François de Cuvilliés who was responsible for building it.
- It doesn’t take an expert to see that it is built in a Rococo style.
- Grab the audio guide on your way, it’s quite helpful.
Address: Parkplatz, Max-Ernst-Allee, 50321 Brühl, Germany
12. Cologne Zoological Garden
A popular zoo in Cologne, Cologne Zoological Garden shelters a variety of animals.
If you get tired you can sit in the on-site cafe and relax. With an in-house animal care center, the Cologne Zoological Garden puts a high value on the well-being of its residents..
Quick Facts:
- Designed by the architects Master Gerhard, Barbara Schock-Werner, it finally opened in 1860.
- While elephants, sea lions constitutes the highlights of zoo, rainforest house, aquarium is also worth a look.
- Spreading over an expanse of 50 acres, it’s difficult to see it all in one go.
An incredible sight, Cologne Zoological Garden scores high in the list of the best things to do in Cologne.
Website – www.koelnerzoo.de
Address: Riehler Str. 173, 50735 Köln, Germany
13. KölnTriangle
KölnTriangle is one of the tallest structure in the skyline of Cologne.
From the observation deck you can see some fantastic city views. The KölnTriangle is a highly visible structure, no matter from which direction you look.
Quick Facts:
- This 29 floors tall structure has a height of around 103 meters.
- The highlight of the place includes The views of the cathedral tower and the Rhine river.
- It is actually Dörte Gatermann who is credited with designing this whole place.
- 2006.
Address: Ottopl. 1, 50679 Köln, Germany
14. Great St. Martin Church
A beautiful addition to city’s architecture, Great St. Martin Church is a pretty old church located in Cologne.
The church is built on the site of Roman temple ruins which you can still see today. It was then turned into a Benedictine monastery and now is a restored church.
A quiet looking cemetry adores the church ground. Frescoes and gold details adorn the ceiling of the church.
Quick Facts:
- The church follows the Romanesque architecture style, easily evident to a person with keen eye.
Add it to your Cologne trip if you have time.
Address: An Groß St. Martin, 50667 Köln, Germany
15. Flora und Botanischer Garten Köln
Flora und Botanischer Garten Köln is a large expanse of green located in the very heart of Cologne.
The Flora und Botanischer Garten Köln is divided into several section, with each having its own importance.
The plants come from different environments and climate zones. This includes tropical, subtropical, wetland, mountainous and plenty others. This greenhouse is where city’s most exotic plant species are to be found.
Quick Facts:
- 1864.
Address: Alter Stammheimer Weg, 50735 Köln, Germany
16. Cologne City Hall
Cologne City Hall is a historic town hall located in the old town of Cologne.
Undoubtedly, the opulent city hall reflects the riches and success of Cologne at that time.
Quick Facts:
- Built in the classic Renaissance architecture style, its highlight include tall gothic tower.
- 1393.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Cologne trip.
Address: Rathaus, 50667 Köln, Germany
17. Rheinpark
Rheinpark is a beautifully landscaped park spread over a large area in Cologne.
Take a walk through this lovely park and simply enjoy the outdoors.
Voted in 2007 as country’s best park, Rheinpark features an open-air theater and a public bath.
The gardens are beautiful in nearly every season, but if there’s one time of year to visit, it’s around spring season.. Amble along on the crunchy gravel path and enjoy the foliage that spreads through the park.
Quick Facts:
- Spreading over an expanse of 40 ha, it’s difficult to see it all in one go.
- public bath, open-air theater and a cable car ride.
Address: Auenweg Rheinpark, 50679 Köln, Germany
18. St. Gereon
Located in the heart of Cologne, St. Gereon, is another of the city’s architectural masterpieces.
The church was awarded the rank of a minor basilica in 1920.
In the church grounds there is a cemetry as well. It is well worth to pay a small donation, as it goes towards supporting the ongoing upkeep of this piece of history.
Quick Facts:
- Built in the classic Romanesque architecture style, its highlight include a grand 10 sided dome.
- Some of the famous people who are buried here include Johannes Bonrade.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Cologne trip.
Address: Gereonshof 2, 50670 Köln, Germany
19. Claudius Therme
Quick Facts:
- Beware parts of the sauna are strictly no-clothing allowed.
Address: Sachsenbergstraße 1, 50679 Köln, Germany
20. Hohe Straße
Hohe Straße is the city’s most exclusive shopping and fashion destination.
. And when you are tired by the long shopping excursion rest your legs at one of the street’s fine cafe.
Add it to your Cologne trip if you have time.
21. Beethoven Monument
Erected as a monument, Beethoven Monument is a beautifully sculpted statue in Cologne.
Actually, the iconic composer, Ludwig van Beethoven, to whom the statue belong, was born here in Cologne. The bronze statue is located in Münsterplatz and was installed in 1845.
Address: Münsterpl. 11, 53111 Bonn, Germany
22. Deutsches Sport & Olympia Museum
Deutsches Sport & Olympia Museum is a museum of sports history located in Cologne.
Add it to your Cologne trip if you have time.
23. Colonius Broadcasting Tower
A sky-high structure, Colonius Broadcasting Tower is a long standing telecommunications tower.
A sky-high structure, Colonius Broadcasting Tower is a long standing telecommunications tower.
Quick Facts:
- This 266 meters high structure was designed by the great Erwin Heinle.
- 1981.
Address: Innere Kanalstraße 100, 50672 Köln, Germany
24. Odysseum
Wather you are an adult or with kids satisfy your inner nerd at Odysseum.
Based on the scientific theme, there are hundreds of displays spread over different zones.
The sheer diversity of topics covered in these galleries will keep you interested throughout. The Science Centre is a great place for kids to learn about light and magnetism via hands-on activities.
Add it to your Cologne trip if you have time.
Address: Corintostraße 1, 51103 Köln, Germany
26. Schildergasse
Schildergasse is a long shopping strip located in the central Cologne.
It is considered the busiest shopping street in entire Europe, with 13000 people crossing it every hour!
For those who aren’t up for a long shopping spree, you may rest your legs in a cafe and marvel at the crowds as you sip your coffee.
Add it to your Cologne trip if you have time.
27. Lindenthaler Tierpark
A compact zoo located in the city of Cologne.
If you get tired you can sit in the on-site cafe and relax.
Quick Facts:
- The highlight of the place includes Highland cows, peacocks, deers.
Address: Marcel-Proust-Promenade 1/ Ecke, Kitschburger Str., 50935 Köln, Germany
28. Altenberger Dom
Altenberger Dom, one of city’s medieval church, is one of the city’s many architectural gems.
A special feature of the basilica is its high altar and ceiling, which are both decorated with beautiful artwork. The cemetry is where the famous and powerful people of the Cologne are buried.
Quick Facts:
- A beautiful example of Gothic architecture style, the church holds the burials of Margaret of Ravensberg.
Add it to your Cologne trip if you have time.
Address: Eugen-Heinen-Platz 2, 51519 Odenthal, Germany
29. Käthe Kollwitz Museum
A museum with a definitive collection of …
A museum with a definitive collection of …
The museum holds drawings & sculptures by the famed German artist Kathe Kollwitz. Interestingly, Kreissparkasse Köln savings bank is the owner and maintainer of this museum.
Quick Facts:
- The solo artist museum was established in 22 April 1985 and has been open to the public ever since.
- Neumarkt is the nearest public transit access to it.
Address: Neumarkt 18-24, 50667 Köln, Germany
Thanks for reading this travel blog, hope now you know plenty of must see places in Cologne. All in all, whether you are a backpacker, a solo traveler, slow traveler, a female traveler or a couple there are plenty of interesting things to do in Cologne for everyone.
And if you plan it well, these popular tourist attractions in Cologne can be easily covered in a short itinerary. So what are Cologne sights to see or you have already been here? Let me know in the comments along with your tips and experiences.
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