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Cologne sights

We have collected all the interesting places in the city that are worth visiting.

Cologne is a true treasure trove, preserving a rich history and unique culture. Majestic cathedrals and churches rise among the narrow, quaint streets, and the cozy Rhine embankment is ideal for romantic strolls. Let's share the famous and unknown sights of Cologne!

Cologne's main attractions

Past and present are closely intertwined in the city's architecture. Everyone will find something for themselves in Cologne - from ancient monuments and original museums to atmospheric pubs and clubs for young people. In this section we will tell you what to visit and what to see!

Cologne Cathedral

The symbol of the city, one of the most famous churches in Europe and just a majestic monument of Gothic architecture. At one time it remained the tallest building in the world, and now it is on the third place among the temples. The height of the spires is 157 meters.

Address: Domkloster 4, 50667

Hohenzollern Bridge

The famous bridge over the Rhine River is traditionally decorated with thousands of love locks. It's a cool and popular date spot. Plus, it offers a great view of the cathedral.

Address: Hohenzollern Bridge, 50679

Horizon Cologne - photo

Ludwig Museum

Connoisseurs of modern and classical art are sure to love it. One of the best collections in the world, featuring works by Picasso, Malevich, Kirchner, Dix and other masters. A lot of works in the style of German Expressionism and Pop Art.

Address: Heinrich-Böll-Platz, 50667.

Old Town

When you just want to walk the streets and soak up the atmosphere, the historic city center is at your disposal! A free and affordable way to appreciate the main architectural features and spirit of Cologne.

Roman-German Museum

An archaeological museum whose collection includes finds from Paleolithic times to the early Middle Ages. The expositions and exhibitions are conveniently divided by themes and historical epochs. It will be interesting for adults and children.

Address: Am Hof 23, 50667

House of Cologne

The oldest perfumery in the world, where the famous "Cologne Water" No. 4711 was produced. In the museum you can learn the history of fragrances and buy original perfumes.

Address: Glockengasse 4, 50667

Picturesque houses in the old town of Cologne, Germany - photo

Rhine promenade Rheinauhafen

The promenade along the left bank of the Rhine in the city center. A good walking place that is definitely worth going to. It's full of modern style office, entertainment and even residential buildings. Especially famous are the modernist Kranhaus "crane" houses.

Chocolate Museum

Cologne is home to one of the best chocolate museums in Europe. What is there to see? A hothouse of exotic plants needed for chocolate production, the production halls themselves, a museum exhibit covering periods since Aztec times, and a store.

Address: Am Schokoladenmuseum 1A, 50678

Flora Botanical Garden

An oasis of calm amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. A large park complex with a recently restored palace, themed pavilions and a regional division. The botanical garden has a "Green School" which offers free educational activities for teenagers and children.

Address: Alter Stammheimer Weg, 50735

Cologne City Hall

The oldest part of the town hall was built in the early 14th century. The building is decorated with 124 sculptures honoring Cologne's political, cultural and religious figures. Every day 45 bronze bells play one of 24 melodies according to a schedule.

Address: Rathausplatz 2, 50667

Historic center of Cologne at dusk - photo

Cologne's most interesting places

The list of things to see in Cologne does not end with the main attractions! The city offers many more interesting places for tourists of all ages! Fun places for kids, couples, families and large groups of friends are at your disposal!

Streets and squares

A street with an old town atmosphere and cozy little stores is Severinstraße, where you can feel like a local. For trendy boutiques and original cafes go to Ehrenstraße. And of course, Hohe Straße is one of the city's main pedestrian streets.

  • You can start your Cologne walk from the square in front of Cologne Cathedral.
  • In the historic center is a classic market square, where various events are often held.
  • Nearby is the Heumarkt square with cozy restaurants and relaxing corners.
  • For shopping, head to Neumarkt Square with its regular, holiday and flea markets.
  • Brüsseler Platz is the city's main nightlife center for young people.

Museums and exhibitions

One of the largest museum and exhibition centers in the world delights with interesting and non-banal places to visit.

  • The Wallraf-Richartz Museum with a magnificent collection of paintings from the Middle Ages onwards.
  • Another notable art museum is Kolumba.
  • City Museum with a winged car on the roof.
  • The museum of spirits in the Farina House.
  • Schnütgen Museum of Church Art.
  • Museum of East Asian Art.

Cologne also hosts many cool festivals - Cologne Carnival, Fireworks Festival, Catholic Youth Days and other unusual events. The city definitely has something to show!

Chocolate Museum in Cologne, located next to the German Sports and Olympic Museum in Imhof, Germany

Temple architecture

Immediately 12 Romanesque churches are included in the list of the most significant sights. Among them are the Great St. Martin, the Church of St. Andrew, the Church of St. Mary of Capitola and others.

The oldest city temple is the Church of St. Gereon, the construction of which began back in the IV century. Cologne is considered a city of cathedrals for a reason. Due to the fact that there are so many of them, it is more convenient to take a comprehensive thematic tour or make a walking route with a map and guidebook.

Parks

Cologne is rich in green areas to relax after a busy cultural program.

  • One of the main parks of Cologne is Rheinpark with a lot of entertainment. It is located on the right bank.
  • A cozy park with a pond, boats and places for picnics or sports games is Volksgarten. Lentpark in the north is also good for families.
  • The Stadtwald is an excellent forest park area for hiking and biking.
  • Not to be forgotten is the Römerpark, one of the city's oldest parks.
  • Aachener Weiher is a green area popular with young people.
  • Forstbotanischer Garten - not as large-scale as "Flora", but no less interesting botanical garden.

Theaters

Cologne has its own philharmonic, dance theater, theater of musicals, opera and many usual others.

  • The Cologne Opera House is one of the leading theaters in Germany.
  • Schauspiel Köln delights with modern interpretations of classical productions.
  • Kammerspiele Köln is famous for its chamber performances.
  • The Milovich Theater puts on comedies and family productions.
  • The Freies Werkstatt will be of interest to fans of experimental contemporary art.
The great church of St. Martin and the colorful houses of Cologne.

Castles

Although Cologne is famous for cathedrals and modern architecture, there are several castles to visit in the city and surrounding area.

  • Augustusburg Castle in Brühl, 20 km from Cologne, is one of the most famous Baroque castles. Next to it is the rococo hunting castle Falkenlust.
  • Lersfeld Castle with a picturesque park and good restaurant half an hour from Cologne.
  • Gymnich Castle in Erftstadt, 20 km from Cologne, formerly owned by a German music group and converted into a hotel.

Viewpoints

There is a very picturesque observation deck at a height of about 100 meters in Cologne Cathedral. From there you can enjoy stunning views of the city and the Rhine River. Amazing places for photos are the glazed observation deck on the KölnTriangle skyscraper and one of the Kranhaus buildings.

Whether you want to explore Cologne in 1 day, 2 days or a week, you won't be bored. We've outlined the main options for where to go and where to visit. We recommend planning your vacation with a cultural program in advance so that you don't miss out on anything!


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