Written by Celine Fournier, Elsa Holm, Felix Schmidt, Finn Weber, Sandrine Simon
16/09/2025
Renato Dehnhardt, Pexels
Cologne, a vibrant city on the Rhine River, offers a rich blend of history, culture, and modern energy. It is particularly known for its iconic Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a lively atmosphere fostered by its arts scene, unique Kölsch beer culture, and significant carnival celebrations.
For those seeking to socialize, Cologne offers several districts with a vibrant atmosphere. The Old Town (Altstadt) is a bustling hub with numerous beer gardens and pubs, especially lively in the evenings. The Belgian Quarter provides an artsy and cosmopolitan environment, featuring trendy cafes and a dynamic bar scene, ideal for meeting other travelers. Areas like Ehrenfeld are also recognized for their artistic community and street art. Several hostels, such as Wohngemeinschaft and Station Hostel for Backpackers, are designed for social interaction, offering bars, common areas, and organized events to connect guests and locals alike.
Top 7 Things to do in Cologne
Experiences in Cologne range from exploring ancient history and iconic architecture to savoring local traditions and modern art.
1. Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom)
Standing proudly as the city's most recognizable landmark, the Cologne Cathedral is a breathtaking Gothic masterpiece that took centuries to complete. I found its sheer scale truly humbling, both from the outside and within its towering interior, with its stunning stained-glass windows. Climbing the South Tower's 533 steps offers unparalleled panoramic views across Cologne and the Rhine, a rewarding effort for the incredible vista. It is worth noting that while entry into the main cathedral is free, there is a fee to ascend the tower and visit the treasury.
Cost: Entry to the cathedral itself is free. Access to the South Tower: €8 for adults, €4 for reduced entry (children, students). Combi ticket for tower and treasury: €12 for adults, €6 for reduced entry. Guided tours: €11 for regular, €9 for concession, kids under 6 free.
Transport: The Cathedral is centrally located, directly next to Cologne Central Station (Köln Hauptbahnhof) and is easily accessible on foot from most central accommodations. It is a major hub for public transport (U-Bahn, S-Bahn, bus).
2. Stroll Across Hohenzollern Bridge
Walking across the Hohenzollern Bridge is an experience that combines romance with impressive engineering. As you cross, you'll be among countless 'love locks' affixed to the railings, a charming tradition that started around 2008. The bridge is a busy railway crossing, creating a unique sensation as trains rumble by, and it offers one of the best viewpoints for photographs of the Cologne Cathedral towering over the cityscape, especially at sunrise or sunset. From the Deutz side, one can capture the entire panorama of Cologne's city center.
Cost: Free to walk across. Padlocks can be purchased in souvenir shops nearby if you wish to add one.
Transport: The bridge is located directly behind the Cologne Cathedral and Museum Ludwig, easily reachable on foot. It is also a short walk from Dom/Hauptbahnhof U-Bahn station.
3. Rhine River Cruise
Embarking on a Rhine River cruise provides a distinct perspective of Cologne's iconic waterfront. It's a relaxing way to admire key landmarks like the Cathedral, the Old Town's colorful buildings, the Hohenzollern Bridge, and the modern 'Kranhäuser' (crane houses) in Rheinauhafen. I found the audio commentary on board to be quite informative, enhancing the scenic views by sharing insights into the city's rich history. Various cruise options are available, from short daytime sightseeing tours to longer evening cruises.
Cost: One-hour sightseeing cruises typically start from approximately €21-€28 per person. Drinks and snacks are usually available for purchase on board.
Transport: Boats depart from various points along the Rhine River in the Old Town, often near the Hohenzollern Bridge or Cologne Cathedral. These areas are central and easily accessible on foot or by public transport to Dom/Hauptbahnhof.
4. Explore the Old Town (Altstadt) and Great St. Martin Church
The Old Town (Altstadt) is the historical heart of Cologne, a charming area with narrow, cobbled streets and colorful traditional buildings. I enjoyed simply wandering through its alleys, discovering quaint squares like Alter Markt and Fischmarkt, bustling with cafes and pubs. A highlight within the Old Town is the Great St. Martin Church, one of Cologne's twelve Romanesque churches. Its distinctive design and long history, built atop ancient Roman remnants, make it a fascinating stop.
Cost: Exploring the Old Town is free. Entry to churches is typically free, with donations welcomed.
Transport: The Old Town is very walkable and located directly by the Rhine River, adjacent to the Cathedral. It is easily accessible on foot from the city center.
5. Visit the Chocolate Museum (Schokoladenmuseum)
For those with a sweet tooth, the Chocolate Museum offers a delightful journey through the 5,000-year history of chocolate. Located right on the Rhine River waterfront, it features interactive exhibits detailing cacao cultivation and chocolate production. The highlight for me was observing the live chocolate production and, of course, sampling freshly made treats from the impressive chocolate fountain. It's a particularly engaging activity for families.
Cost: Admission is approximately $15 (around €14).
Transport: The Chocolate Museum is located in the Rheinauhafen area. It is approximately a 15-20 minute walk south along the Rhine from the Cathedral and Old Town. Alternatively, it can be reached by public transport (e.g., tram lines 15, 16, 17 to Ubierring or Chlodwigplatz, then a short walk).
6. Immerse in Art at Museum Ludwig
Situated conveniently next to the Cathedral, Museum Ludwig is a must-visit for modern art enthusiasts. I was impressed by its extensive collection, which spans from classical modernism to contemporary art, including a significant collection of Picasso works, Pop Art masterpieces by Warhol, and Russian Avant-Garde pieces. The museum's striking architecture also contributes to the experience, offering spacious galleries and views of the Rhine and Cathedral. It's a place where one can spend hours appreciating diverse artistic expressions.
Cost: Adults: €11. Reduced tickets: €7.50. Children and teenagers up to 18 years old: free admission. Online booking is encouraged.
Transport: The museum is centrally located next to Cologne Cathedral and the main train station, easily accessible on foot from the city center. Public transport to Dom/Hauptbahnhof.
7. Kölsch Brewery Tour
To truly experience Cologne's local culture, a Kölsch brewery tour is essential. Kölsch is a unique local beer, protected by tradition and only brewed in Cologne. I enjoyed visiting traditional brew houses in the Old Town, such as Brauhaus Sion or Früh am Dom, where I tasted several Kölsch beers and learned about the city's brewing heritage and humorous legends. These tours offer a great opportunity to socialize and gain insight into a deeply ingrained local tradition.
Cost: Guided brewery tours typically cost around €25-€27.50, often including 3 Kölsch beers.
Transport: Most brewery tours start in the Old Town, often near the Cologne Cathedral or Heumarkt, which are central and easily walkable areas.
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Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
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