Cologne tourist destinations

Cologne is not just a city, but a true open-air museum. It combines medieval architecture, modern art spaces and a rich cultural life. Hiking around Cologne is a pleasure. There are convenient pedestrian zones, picturesque promenades and many cozy places to rest, which will make your walk unforgettable. But be aware that Cologne is quite busy, especially during the tourist season, so popular spots can be crowded.

Best places to walk in Cologne

Walking around a city with such a rich history can be endless. No matter what the weather or time of year, you'll always find somewhere to go in Cologne.

City Center

If you're a first-time visitor, start your Cologne itinerary in the center. This is where the main attractions, the best restaurants and stores are located. Of course, you can't miss Cologne Cathedral, a majestic Gothic structure that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After touring the cathedral, head up to its observation deck for a stunning view of the city.

This cathedral was built over 600 years and still impresses with its grandiose facade and interior decoration with stained glass windows and stone carvings. Many relics are kept here. It's best to come here in the morning while there are fewer tourists, so put it at the beginning of your Cologne itinerary.

The Old Town or Altstadt is another must-see place. It's a maze of narrow streets surrounded by medieval buildings. Here you can sip a mug of Cologne's Kölsch beer at one of the traditional beer establishments, such as Früh am Dom. Or try traditional cuisine, for example at Päffgen or Gilden im Zims.

For those who love photography, the center of Cologne is a real find. Any random facade can turn out to be a work of art. The Hohenzollern Bridge, which connects the center to the Deutz district, deserves special attention. It is especially beautiful at sunset, when the city begins to light up with lights.

Waterfront

A walk along the Rhine is a must on a Cologne itinerary. Cologne's waterfront is ideal for both daytime strolls and evening relaxation. Here you can meet street musicians, take a ride on the river streetcar or simply enjoy the panorama of the city.

One of the best places on the waterfront is the Rheinpark. Here you will find the KölnTriangle Ferris wheel, which offers a stunning view of the city. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the cycling and jogging paths, while those looking for a quiet place to relax will find cozy cafés with terraces.

Historical and cultural locations

In addition to the historic center, there are many more interesting places to go in Cologne. These include unusual architectural structures, observation decks, ancient castles and modern entertainment.

• The Cologne City Hall is one of the oldest buildings in the city, dating back to the 14th century. It still houses the city council. The Gothic tower itself with its ornate facade and the small museum inside are worth a look.
• The Ludwig Museum is one of the best museums for classical and modern art with a sumptuous collection that includes works by Picasso, Malevich, Kirchner and Dix. Masterpieces by Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein are also featured. A must for all fans of pop art and surrealism!
• The Roman-German Museum is another place to go in Cologne with the whole family. It is an archaeological museum that tells about the ancient Roman past of the city and more. Be sure to check the opening hours, because it was closed for reconstruction.
• The Chocolate Museum is a paradise for lovers of sweets. There is a huge chocolate fountain, amazing expositions about cocoa beans, chocolate-making traditions and production processes of the factory and, of course, the store!
• The House of Cologne is the oldest perfume factory in the world. The very place where the legendary "Cologne Water" was created. Here you can learn more about the fragrances, the history of production and purchase originals.

We also recommend taking a stroll around the other sights. Explore the Golden Chamber in St. Ursula's Church, visit the Cologne Telecenter with a restaurant on high, check out the Kranhäuser crane houses resembling construction cranes, or go to another perfume museum in the Farina House.

The city has several art galleries to suit all tastes, a museum of church art and a couple of other interesting churches, including the Great St. Martin Church between the Old Market and the Rhine Embankment.

Entertainment

Cologne is not only historical monuments, but also a lot of entertainment. If you are traveling with children, be sure to visit the Cologne Zoo, where animals from all over the world are collected. In the warm season it is worth a visit to the Aqualand water park.

Shopping enthusiasts will love Schildergasse - one of the busiest shopping streets in Germany, where you can find both luxury boutiques and budget stores. Another interesting place is Agrippabad, a large swimming pool complex in the center of Cologne, which has not only swimming pools but also a spa area, saunas and thermal springs.

Lovers of peace and quiet can go to the Odysseum, an interactive science museum where you can experiment with various installations and children can feel like real explorers and inventors.

Shopping mall lovers should check out the Rhein-Center, one of the largest in the city, or the Neumarkt Galerie, famous for its stylish boutiques and cozy cafes. If you're looking for unusual shopping, add the Belgian Quarter to your Cologne itinerary, which features small designer stores with unique clothing and accessories.

Green spaces and parks

Cologne delights with its green areas where you can take a break after a busy walk.

• The Rhine Park is located on the banks of the Rhine and is the most convenient way to get there from the city center. You can even take the cable car and get a double dose of excitement. It's a great place for a walk in sunny weather. Children will love the excursion steam train. From here you can also enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the Cologne Cathedral.
• The Flora Botanical Garden welcomes guests with amazing rare plants. There are beautiful flower arrangements with fountains, and whole exotic greenhouses. There is a classicist Flora Palace on the grounds, and in the summer evenings there are often open-air concerts.
• Stadtwald Park is a well-maintained, beautiful and green park in the western part of the city. It is not only good for nature walks, but also for morning jogs and other activities. Here you can feed the animals with locally bought food. There are also playgrounds for children.
• Volksgarten is a large popular park with a lot of entertainment for every taste. One of the best places to go in Cologne to enjoy the nature and atmosphere. There are picturesque ponds, picnic meadows and ruins of ancient fortress walls.

Additional tips for tourists

If you have already decided where to go in Cologne, then it's time to take care of comfort. The streets of the city are paved with cobblestones, so choose comfortable shoes. The weather can be changeable, especially in the fall and spring. It is better to bring an umbrella or a light jacket.

If you get tired of walking, you can take streetcars and buses. A day pass is cheaper than single tickets. You can relax in the numerous cafes and coffee shops - there are more than enough of them. For example, Haxenhaus with old interiors and authentic cuisine, the atmospheric bar Bei Oma Kleinmann or the famous Cafe Buur.

Cologne's tourist routes are very popular, so you won't have any problems with guided tours or audio guides. You can use any handy apps and map, find a guide at the tour offices, or even look for free tours right on the spot for the dates of your trip.

Conclusions

There are tons of options for where to go in Cologne. It's perfect for strolling. It has everything: majestic historical sights, picturesque promenades, cozy parks and modern shopping centers. Thanks to the variety of places, you're sure to find a Cologne itinerary to your liking. The main thing is comfortable shoes, good mood and desire to explore this amazing city! Enjoy your trip!