The 11 Best Things to Do in Cologne Germany: My Favorite Activities

Cologne Germany, doesn’t always get the hype it deserves. Most international travelers run off to Berlin or Munich and leave Cologne off the list, which honestly, is their loss.

This city has so much going for it: a super cute old town with cobblestone streets and pastel houses, traditional pubs that serve beer by the tiniest glasses you’ve ever seen, and of course the amazing Cologne Cathedral, which fair warning, will make every other cathedral you see after feel just a little underwhelming.

I grew up just outside of Cologne, so I’ve been coming here pretty much my whole life. Over the years, I’ve discovered that Cologne is one of those cities that really grows on you the more time you spend here. Summer evenings spill out into beer gardens, winter means hopping from one Christmas market to the next with a mulled wine in hand, and somehow the city always feels welcoming and a little bit playful.

So if you’re wondering what to do here, I’ve put together my list of the best things to do in Cologne Germany including the must-sees and my personal favorite activities.

Things to Do in Cologne – My Experience

As I mentioned in the intro, I grew up just outside of Cologne, so naturally I’ve been coming here my whole life, sometimes for a full weekend, sometimes just for a quick day trip to see friends or family. At this point, it’s safe to say I’ve been more than a few times.

Whenever I’m in Cologne, I fall back into a bit of a ritual. I always stroll through the old town, I always stop by the Cologne Cathedral (no matter how many times I’ve seen it), and in the summer you’ll 100% find me hopping between beer gardens. In the winter I swap the beer gardens for Christmas markets and try to squeeze in as many as humanly possible. That, to me, is the essential Cologne visit.

Of course, there are other activities I’ve done and loved, but they’re more of a “once and done” kind of thing. For example, sampling all the chocolate at the Chocolate Museum was amazing (and yes, worth the sugar rush), and I really enjoyed a river cruise on the Rhine. I highly recommend both if you haven’t been!

No matter what, though, my day in Cologne always ends with some hearty traditional German food. The city has endless great restaurants, but my personal favorites are Bei dr Tant and Lommerzheim!

1. Climb up the Cologne Cathedral (A Unesco World Heritage Site)

This list isn’t in ranking order, but of course I had to start with the Cologne Cathedral. It’s the city’s icon and honestly one of the most impressive cathedrals I’ve ever seen in Germany (and I’ve seen quite a few by now). Maybe I’m a little biased because I grew up nearby, but this one really is special. Construction started all the way back in 1248 and it took about 600 years to finish. Every time I stand in front of it, I still can’t wrap my head around that.

Whenever I’m in Cologne, I always stop by the cathedral, even if it’s just to admire it from the outside. That part’s easy since it’s literally the first thing you see when you walk out of the main train station. But on one of my visits I actually went inside and climbed all the way up the tower, and wow, that was an experience.

I remember starting the climb first thing in the morning, when it was still quiet, and already after a few dozen steps I felt my legs burning (it’s 533 very narrow steps with no elevator). At one point I honestly thought about turning around, but when I finally got to the top and looked out over the city, it was completely worth it. Seeing the Rhine River and the Old Town from that height was incredible.

If you only do one big “sightseeing” thing in Cologne, I’d say climbing the cathedral tower should be it. It’s tough on the legs, but the views are unforgettable.

Click Here: Tickets for Cologne Cathedral

2. Explore Old Town Cologne

After climbing 533 tiny steps up the Cologne Cathedral, I usually balance it out with something a lot more relaxed: wandering through the Old Town. Every single time I visit Cologne, I end up here and I usually decide to stay in this part of Cologne too.

I love how the cobblestone alleyways twist around little squares, and you suddenly stumble upon colorful pastel houses or a tucked-away pub in a centuries-old building. On my last visit, I spent an entire afternoon here just walking around without a plan, ducking into cafés and stopping for photos every few steps.

What really surprises me about Cologne is how much character it’s kept despite being such a big city. The Old Town has over 2,000 years of history layered into it, and I really feel that when wandering past the old churches or sitting with a Kölsch at a traditional tavern.

The spots I always make a point to stop at are the Alter Markt and Heumarkt squares, especially if I’m here in winter, when they turn into some of the most atmospheric Christmas markets in Cologne. And right by Great St. Martin Church, you’ll find those pastel-colored houses that basically beg to be photographed. I still have them on my camera roll from my last trip.

3. Visit the Christmas Markets in Cologne

Being German, I’ve seen my fair share of Christmas markets over the years. And if I’m honest, I usually prefer the smaller, authentic ones you find in little towns rather than the big, shiny ones in major cities like Berlin, Munich, or Frankfurt.

But on my most recent trip back to Germany, I visited both Berlin and Cologne back-to-back, and I have to admit: the Christmas markets in Cologne really surprised me with how fantastic they were.

We started at the big one right in front of the Cologne Cathedral. It looks incredible, especially at night when the cathedral towers over all the twinkling stalls (and from above it’s even cooler, I’ll try to include a picture). But here’s the thing: it felt way too commercialized. Honestly, no real soul or charm. So let me save you a little time and point you to the good ones.

The absolute best Christmas market in Cologne is the Heinzel Wintermärchen in the Old Town, spread across the Alter Markt and Heumarkt. It’s cozy, rustic, and has that storybook charm that feels straight out of the Brothers Grimm (but not in a cheesy theme park way). 

I loved it so much, we stayed there for hours, sipping mulled wine, trying all the food, and just enjoying Christmas in Cologne. Easily one of my favorite Christmas markets I’ve ever been to.

If you have extra time, I also recommend checking out the Christmas market at Neumarkt and the one at Rudolfplatz, both are super festive and worth a wander.

4. Join a Walking Tour

One of the coolest things about European cities (and this applies to pretty much all of them) is just how much history is packed into every corner. Cologne is no exception, the cathedral alone is about 800 years old, and the city itself goes back roughly 2,000 years, starting out as a Roman settlement. Pretty wild when you think about it.

Whenever I arrive somewhere new, one of the first things I usually do is join a walking tour. Doesn’t matter if it’s a free walking tour or a paid one, it’s just the easiest way to get your bearings. 

In Cologne, I’d especially recommend doing this on the very first morning. I’m basically getting walked through the main parts of the city center and Old Town by a knowledgeable guide, and by the end I not only know where things are, but I’ll also have learned a ton about Cologne’s history and culture. Definitely worth it in my opinion.

So yes, this is one of my top recommendations here. But to be fair, I’d probably say the same about most big cities in Europe, walking tours are just such a good way to dive in right away.

Click Here: Join a Walking Tour in Cologne

5. Try Koelsch in a Beer Garden

Kölsch is the traditional beer in Cologne, and people here drink it almost exclusively, which is kind of funny, because the rest of Germany doesn’t really care for it. But when in Cologne, you’ve got to try it. And the best place to do that is definitely a beer garden.

My go-to spot whenever I’m in Cologne in the summer is the Aachener Weiher Beer Garden. It’s in a great location right by a little lake in the Belgian Quarter, always buzzing with people, and just has a fantastic atmosphere especially on a sunny day. I can easily spend an entire afternoon here without realizing how much time has gone by.

Now, full disclosure: the food here isn’t exactly going to blow you away. So if I actually want to eat something proper, I’ll usually head over to Augustiner am Heumarkt instead. It’s technically more of a German restaurant than a beer garden, but it has a big patio, great atmosphere, and some of the best traditional food in Cologne. My personal favorite is the schnitzel, but if you want to go all in on the hearty German classics, I’d say you should try the pork knuckle.

6. Sample at the Chocolate Museum

The Chocolate Museum in Cologne is a bit of a classic and you’ll probably see it pop up on every “things to do” list, and honestly, that’s fair.

It’s been a while since I last went, but I remember it being such a fun activity. You get to learn all about the process of chocolate making, from cocoa bean to supermarket shelf and it’s surprisingly interesting. 

Of course, the highlight for me wasn’t the educational part (shocking, I know) but the samples. I ate my way through every free bite I could get my hands on, and I regret nothing.

It’s especially great if you’re visiting Cologne with kids, but honestly, who doesn’t love chocolate? Definitely worth adding to your list.

Click Here: Tickets Cologne Chocolate Museum

7. Take a River Cruise over the Rhein

Confession time: I actually haven’t done a river cruise on the Rhein myself (yet), but I’ve heard nothing but good things. From the water you get some of the best views of Cologne’s highlights like the Cathedral, the St. Martin church, and those cute little pastel houses along the riverbank.

Most cruises only last about an hour, which makes it a great little break if your feet are starting to protest after a full day of exploring. The boats are clean, comfortable, and come with commentary that fills you in on the city’s history as you float along.

I’d say it’s a great alternative to a walking tour, especially if walking isn’t ideal for you. Same history, same sights, but you get to sit back with the breeze in your hair.

Click Here: Rhein River Cruise

8. Carnival in Cologne

Carnival in Cologne is a whole thing. Honestly, I have friends who are absolutely obsessed with it, while I tend to be more of a quiet spectator. But there’s no denying that Carnival is one of the city’s most deeply rooted cultural traditions, people here truly live for it.

Locals even call it the “fifth season.” The highlight is Rose Monday (the Monday before Ash Wednesday, usually in February or March), when a huge parade winds through the city. The entire city center transforms into a massive party: floats, costumes, music, and yes… quite a bit of drinking in the streets.

Personally, I love the parade and the energy of the celebrations, less so the binge drinking, but hey, that’s part of the package. I’ve only been to Carnival in Cologne once, but it was unforgettable. If you’re planning to come for it, book your hotel well in advance, and just so you know: don’t expect a Brazilian-style samba party. Cologne’s Carnival is its own thing, quirky and chaotic.

9. Join a Brewery Tour

I love a good brewery tour, and Cologne is one of the best places for it. The breweries here are on a whole different level compared to the ones I’ve visited in places like Australia or the US. Those tend to be sleek and modern, while in Cologne the breweries feel much more rustic, traditional, and deeply tied to the city’s history. They’re usually tucked right into the city center, half brewery, half pub, and full of character.

It’s also the perfect way to get to know Kölsch, Cologne’s beloved (and slightly controversial) local beer. Plus, walking from one brewery to another takes you through parts of the old town you might not explore otherwise. So you get a bit of history, a bit of culture, and of course, a few beers along the way, not a bad way in my book to spend an afternoon in Cologne.

Click Here: Brewery Tour Tickets

10. Visit the Flora & Botanical Garden Cologne

One really lovely spot in Cologne is the Flora and Botanical Garden, which I only visited for the very first time not too long ago. It’s basically the city’s main botanical garden, just outside the center and right next to the zoo.

What I liked about it is that it feels less like a strict botanical garden and more like a landscaped park around a castle or palace. There are plenty of pretty paths to wander, beautiful flower beds, and peaceful corners to sit down for a break. We just hopped on the tram from the city center and it couldn’t have been easier to get there.

I wouldn’t call it a “must-do” if you only have one day in Cologne, but if you’re already heading to the zoo or just want to escape the busy city streets for a bit, it’s definitely worth stopping by.

11. Enjoy Traditional German Food in Cologne

I’ll be honest with you, Cologne isn’t exactly Germany’s foodie capital. The international food scene here can feel a little hit or miss. But when it comes to traditional German food, Cologne absolutely delivers. 

And honestly, that’s what I’m eating anyways when I’m in Cologne, hearty meals washed down with a cold Kölsch.

I even wrote a full guide to food in Cologne (with all my favorite restaurants), but let me give you the quick version: make a dinner reservation at one of the traditional places and go all in on the German classics.

Sure, you can play it safe with schnitzel or currywurst, they’re both tasty, but a little predictable. 

My personal must-tries are pork knuckle (crispy on the outside, melt-in-your-mouth on the inside), sauerbraten (slow-cooked beef in gravy, usually with dumplings which is so good), red cabbage, sauerkraut, and Himmel un Ääd (fried blood sausage with potatoes and apple sauce, sounds scary but tastes amazing).

My favorite restaurants for traditional German food in Cologne are Lommerzheim, Bei dr Tant, Augustiner am Heumarkt, and Gaffel am Dom. All of them have great food, lively atmospheres, and plenty of Kölsch flowing.

FAQs About What to Do in Cologne Germany

What are the best activities in Cologne for families?

I’ve been to Cologne with my family (including kids) quite a few times, and the two places that always seem to be a hit are the Cologne Zoo and the Chocolate Museum.

Is Cologne worth visiting?

I think so, yes. If I’m being completely honest, Cologne isn’t my number one destination in Germany, but it’s still worth a visit, at least for a day or two.

What is the best time to visit Cologne?

Summer is great because the weather is good for exploring outside, hanging out on patios, and drinking Kölsch in beer gardens. That being said, I also love Cologne in winter for its Christmas markets, they’re some of the best in Germany.

Should I visit Cologne or Berlin?

If you’re choosing between the two, I think Berlin has more to offer for international tourists, simply because it’s bigger and more popular. But if you can squeeze in both, I’d absolutely recommend spending at least a day in Cologne. It’s fun, walkable, and very different from Berlin.

Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Cologne, Germany

To wrap this up: yes, Cologne is worth visiting. You don’t need to do every single activity on this list, but there are a few I’d say are essential. 

I definitely make time for the Cologne Cathedral and I also am always down for a good wander around the Old Town (including the Old Market and Heumarkt). And for sure, I’ll have some traditional German food when I’m in Cologne, I just can’t without having some good dumplings and pork knuckles.

If I was visiting in winter, the Christmas markets are a must visit for me. Personally, I think the one at the cathedral is a bit too commercial, but the market in the Old Town is absolutely beautiful and feels more authentic.

I hope my little guide to the best things to do in Cologne gave you some ideas for filling your days in this underrated German city.

Check Out My Cologne Germany Travel Guides

The Best Time to Visit Cologne Germany: My Seasonal Guide

How Many Days in Cologne Do You Need: My Day by Day Guide

Food in Cologne Germany: My Top Restaurants in Cologne

1 Day in Cologne: One Day Cologne Itinerary

Is Cologne Worth Visiting? My Honest Review

Where to Stay in Cologne Germany: My Top Hotels & Areas

Things to Do in Cologne Germany: My Top Activities

Christmas Markets Cologne Germany: My Favorite Christmas Markets