Discover Cologne: A Guide to the City's Top Attractions

Cologne, a historic cathedral city along the Rhine River, stands out as a significant cultural and commercial hub in western Germany. Renowned for its 12 great Romanesque churches, including the iconic Cologne Cathedral, Cologne's rich heritage is accessible within a short walk from the charming Old Town.

The city's origins date back to the first century CE as a Roman provincial capital. Today, Cologne's attractions span Roman ruins, medieval churches, Baroque palaces, and museums covering art, literature, and the city's more somber mid-20th-century history. Cologne is also celebrated for its fragrances, mustard, and chocolate.

Now a vibrant cultural center, Cologne boasts one of Europe's oldest universities, over 100 galleries, and numerous museums. Shopping enthusiasts will enjoy the pedestrian-friendly streets like Hohe Straße and Schildergasse.

For a comprehensive sightseeing experience, explore the top attractions and activities in Cologne. You can even book your car online.

See also: Where to Stay in Cologne

1. Visit Majestic Cologne Cathedral

Standing near the Rhine's left bank, the Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of High Gothic architecture. Its 157-meter-tall twin towers and the cathedral's interior, with its 12th-century relics and the Treasure Chamber, are must-sees. Panoramic views are available from the south tower, and the cathedral offers a variety of English-language guided tours.

Address: Domkloster 4, 50667 Cologne, Germany

Official site: www.koelner-dom.de/en/first-page

2. Explore Historic Old Town Cologne

Cologne's Old Town (Altstadt) is a tapestry of historic churches, alleys with traditional houses, and monuments. Don't miss the Archaeological Zone with its Roman ruins and the ancient Praetorium under the City Hall.

Guided tours in Cologne by locals

3. Cologne City Hall (Rathaus)

Cologne's historic City Hall, the Kölner Rathaus, is Germany's oldest public building. Its architecture reflects various influences, including a Renaissance-style loggia. The carillon plays three times daily.

Address: Rathauspl. 2, 50667, Cologne, Germany

4. Hop aboard a Rhine River Cruise

Experience Cologne from the water with a Rhine River Evening Panorama Cruise or explore the Rhine Valley with a hop-on hop-off KD Rhine Pass from Cologne.

5. The Wallraf-Richartz & Ludwig Museums

Art enthusiasts should visit the Wallraf-Richartz Museum and the Ludwig Museum, which showcase European paintings, including works by Rembrandt and Manet.

Address: Obenmarspforten 40, 50667, Cologne, Germany

Official site: www.wallraf.museum/en

6. NS Documentation Centre of the City of Cologne

This memorial and museum, set in the former Gestapo prison, provides a stark look at life under the Nazi regime. English-language tours are available.

Address: Appellhofplatz 23-25, Cologne, Germany

Official site: https://museenkoeln.de/ns-dokumentationszentrum/default.aspx?s=315

7. Monkey around at Cologne Zoological Gardens

The Cologne Zoo, founded in 1860, features historic buildings, Ape Island, an aquarium, and a big cat enclosure.

Address: Riehler Str. 173, 50735, Cologne, Germany

Official site: www.koelnerzoo.de/en/home-en

8. Get a Bird's-Eye View of Cologne from a Cable Car

The Cologne cable car offers stunning views of the Old Town and Cologne Cathedral. The Cologne Telecommunications Tower and KölnTriangle also provide panoramic views.

Address: Riehler Straße 180, 50735, Cologne, Germany

Official site: www.koelner-seilbahn.de/en/

9. Satisfy your Sweet Tooth at the Cologne Chocolate Museum

Learn about chocolate's journey from bean to bar, enjoy interactive displays, and create your own chocolate bar at the Cologne Chocolate Museum.

Address: Am Schokoladenmuseum 1a, 50678 Cologne, Germany

Official site: www.schokoladenmuseum.de/discover-experience/?lang=en

10. Flora and Botanical Garden

Stroll through the Flora and Botanical Garden to admire over 10,000 plant species and enjoy seasonal flower displays.

Address: Amsterdamer Straße 34, Cologne, Germany

11. The Roman-Germanic Museum

Discover Cologne's archaeological heritage, from the Paleolithic period to the early Middle Ages, at the Roman-Germanic Museum.

Address: Roncalliplatz 4, D-50667 Cologne, Germany

Official site: https://roemisch-germanisches-museum.de/Homepage

12. Take a Trip to Brühl to See Augustusburg and Falkenlust Palaces

Visit the 18th-century Augustusburg Palace in Brühl, known for its staircase hall and park, and the nearby Falkenlust Palace.

Address: Schlosstrasse 6, D-50321 Brühl, Germany

Official site: www.schlossbruehl.de/en_home

13. St. Gereon's Basilica

St. Gereon's Basilica is a unique Romanesque church with medieval murals and mosaics.

Address: Gereonskloster 2, 50670, Cologne, Germany

14. Altenberg Cathedral

Altenberg Cathedral is a stunning example of Early Gothic architecture, featuring Gothic stained glass and numerous tombs.

Address: Eugen-Heinen-Platz 2, 51519 Odenthal, Germany

15. Get Your Design Fix at the Museum of Applied Art

The Museum of Applied Art (MAKK) showcases over 100,000 pieces of applied and decorative art from the medieval period onwards.

Address: An der Rechtschule, D-50667 Cologne, Germany

Official site: https://makk.de/Start

Where to Stay in Cologne for Sightseeing

For first-time visitors, Cologne's Old Town is the ideal location, close to the cathedral and the Rhine River. Consider luxury hotels like the Excelsior Hotel Ernst, the Savoy Hotel, and the Hyatt Regency Cologne. Mid-range options include Stern am Rathaus and CityClass Hotel Residence am Dom. Budget travelers can opt for Hotel Engelbertz or Ibis Koeln Am Dom.

More Must-See Destinations near Cologne

Cologne is a gateway to western Germany's attractions, including Bonn, Düsseldorf, Koblenz, and the Rhine Valley. Nearby Aachen is close to Belgium and the Netherlands, offering easy access to Maastricht and Liège.