For lovers of museums, historic attractions, beer and chocolate, this exceptional city on the banks of the Rhine River delivers an unforgettable visit.
Captivating Cologne is largely centred around its breathtaking cathedral, yet there is so much more to unearth in this historic city. With Romanesque and Gothic treasures, contemporary architecture and museums, festive beer halls and celebrations throughout the year, a range of attractions await the curious traveller.
Things to do in Cologne
First-time visitors should first stop at the Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the pride of the city. Its towering spires and intricate façade recall the medieval era and showcase the city’s rich religious heritage.
Be sure to cross the Hohenzollern Bridge, adorned with countless love locks, on your way to the Chocolate Museum. Here, chocoholics can learn about the 5,000-year-old history of cocoa, from the mystical ceremonies of Central America to the luxury chocolate drink that European aristocracy so loved.
Take a walk on the Rhine River Promenade, which stretches from the Zoo Bridge to the Severin Bridge. It’s a favourite of residents for its picturesque views of the city skyline and the numerous bars and restaurants located along the water.
For shopping, head to the streets of Schildergasse, Ehrenstrasse and Hohe Strasse, where you’ll find high-end boutiques, international brands and charming locally owned shops. In December, the historic Newmarkt square hosts the Cologne Christmas Market, a must-see for its festive ambience and traditional crafts and holiday treats. If you’re not in town over the holiday, consider visiting in February or March for the annual Carnival celebration, with masked balls, parades and parties.
Visit the chic Belgian Quarter for its laid-back ambience, off-mainstream fashions sold in shops housed in historic buildings, local jewellery boutiques and trendy pubs, café and restaurants that radiate the charm of traditional Brussels in the heart of Cologne.
Just a short distance away from Cologne, and perfect for a day trip, the city of Bonn pays homage to a musical genius at the Beethoven House. Learn about the life and legacy of the renowned composer.
Cologne’s history and culture
Cologne’s dedication to the arts is evident at the Museum Ludwig, where a diverse collection of modern and contemporary art is on display. Admire one of the world’s largest Picasso collections, as well as an extensive pop art assortment, masterpieces of Expressionism and the New Objectivity style and photography through the centuries. From here, move to the Wallraf-Richartz-Museum & Fondation Corboud, housing an incredible collection of medieval and Impressionist paintings.
Make time to visit the Museum of Applied Arts, where design objects are displayed in relationship to fine art, the glass collection at the Romano-Germanic Museum, the Museum Schunutgen, with its important sacred art from the medieval period, and Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum, known for its ethnological collection. The latter two museums are part of the Neumarkt museum district.
Explore the city’s 12 large Romanesque churches, set in a semi-circle around the city centre. Built between 1150 and 1250, and known for their rounded arches, pillars and columns, the structures include Great St. Martin’s Church in the Old Town, St. Andreas in the banking district and St. Kunibert in the northern section of the city.
Dining and nightlife in Cologne
Cologne’s culinary delights include the famous Kölsch beer that flows freely in local taverns and beer gardens in places like Alter Mark and Neumarkt. Sip a pint while savouring traditional cuisine such as Himmel un Ääd (Heaven and Earth), a dish blending mashed potatoes with applesauce and black pudding.
For after-dinner entertainment, consider a performance at the 1,300-seat Cologne Opera House, one of the most revered in Europe, or a show at the Live Music Hall, Gloria Theatre or Theatre am Dom. The Belgian Quarter and the Ehrenfeld areas provide a dynamic mix of bar and lounges.
Getting around Cologne
Fly into Cologne Bonn Airport, then rely on Cologne’s extensive public transportation network for fast and convenient travel around town. The KVB transport company hosts bus and tram lines throughout the city. The VRS network supports the S-Bahn and RegionalExpress trains.
