Things to Do in Cologne

Things to Do in Cologne, Germany - Cologne Attractions

Things to Do in Cologne


Top Attractions in Cologne

These rankings are informed by traveler reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
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From quick jaunts to full-day outings.


*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travelers are saying

  • Threejellies
    London, UK89 contributions
    really enjoyed visiting this evening. Beautiful inside and overwhelming outside. A must visit for Cologne as the rest of the City is dull and full of aggressive boring people who have no manners
    Written December 2, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 138Paul138
    Canterbury, UK968 contributions
    Easy to find on the banks of the river Rhine, this attraction is very popular. Recommend that you book tickets online prior to your visit. There are many comments about it being so busy that you can’t see anything or get around easily. These comments are true but we arrived by 10:30am and it was absolutely fine. However by midday it was really busy and I can see why visitors would feel frustrated.
    Give yourself a couple of hours to see the museum. It is larger than it looks. On arrival I definitely recommend using the cloakroom service (1 euro per item), the building is warm inside so you don’t need to wear or carry a coat. By purchasing tickets online you don’t need to go to the ticket booth, go straight to the beginning of the tour and they scan your tickets off your mobile.
    The tour provides you with lots of historical information about the production of chocolate over the years along with current manufacturing across the world. The highlight is the real chocolate making area, which has real machines and excellent video screens showing what is happening. The end result is wrapped chocolates. The building itself is cleverly constructed overlooking the river.
    Overall it was well worth a visit. Excellent cafe and an amazing shop full of chocolate gifts. Usual facilities onsite and wheelchair accessible with lifts on each floor.
    Overall
    Written December 2, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jonathan G
    Olney, Maryland, United States13 contributions
    We were in Cologne on a rainy Sunday, and our tour guide mentioned the Ludwig, which is right behnd the Cathedral and next to the train station. It was quite an unexpected find! There was an impressive collection of world-renowned modern artists, including Picasso, Lichtenstein, Warhol, Segal, and Modrian, among others. So glad we heard about it!
    Written November 14, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Marty Bielicki
    Stuart, FL14,509 contributions
    This walking bridge over the Rhine is just a fun place to visit. It is estimated that there are over 500,000 “love locks.” Although I wonder if anyone has actually counted? The authorities have no fear that their bridge will hold up.

    The tradition of “love locks” actually came from Italy. The walking bridge is over 500 feet long. The other part of the bridge is a railway bridge which has become the busiest rail bridge in Germany with 1,200 trains daily.

    A short distance away is the famous Cologne Cathedral which dates back to the 13th century. It is the tallest twin-spired church in the entire world.

    A 2023 segment of the Amazing Race was filmed at the walking bridge when contestants had to find a specific lock among all the other locks. Then, they had to open up the lock to get a clue. The contestants had to find the name of Cologne’s oldest cologne dating back to 1799 to open up the lock. Named after its location, cologne “4711” is still used today. During WWII, the German Navy gave 4711 to their submariners to suppress the smells on the vessels. The submariners would use part of the cologne and bring the rest back for gifts.

    If you are so inclined on having a love lock placed on the bridge, there is usually a vendor close by that will sell you a lock and engrave it too.

    If you found this review to be “helpful” in any way, please click “Thumbs-up” to let me know.
    Written November 26, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Lisa H
    4 contributions
    Very informative. Use the audio device for full information and do not miss the cellar. Reception desk was a bit vague.
    Written October 28, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 138Paul138
    Canterbury, UK968 contributions
    Located on the opposite side of the river from the Cathedral you can walk across the river via main railway bridge which has a pedestrian and cycle path. Ahead of you is a tall round tower. Follow the obvious path and you’ll arrive at the foot of the tower. There is a large sign outside saying ‘ Cologne View’. Go inside and pay 5euro per adult. You then take the lift to the outside viewing platform. Tall glass panels surround the edge. The views of Cologne are amazing and you can walk all the way around to see different vistas of the city.
    It’s definitely worth going to.
    Check website for opening times.
    Written December 2, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Risinghurst_Rover
    12 contributions
    Fascinating art collection, marked by well written introductions to each room (in German and English) - so you can not only admire the art but learn a great deal. A ticket is valid all day so you can take a break and the return later to continue you visit.
    Written September 28, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 117davidgyahoo
    147 contributions
    Good day, i paid 23 euro, 11 for my 11 year old. Lots of animals and as it was raining and late October the zoo wasn’t busy which was great.

    My daughter loved it as lots of indoor bits to explore.

    Only slight problem was the lack of concessions open but it was raining and late october.
    Written October 27, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Risinghurst_Rover
    12 contributions
    Small, understated botanical garden. Some items of interest, but unfortunately the glass houses are closed for rebuilding. But very good to get a break from the business of Cologne, to sit in the sun and eat at the open air cafe
    Written September 28, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Toyotababy
    Memphis, TN323 contributions
    OMGOODNESS! What an awesome, beautiful place...what a great place to just enjoy the sights, sounds and good eating. We walked around Old Town enjoying the beautiful old buildings and statutes. Visited the Cathedral...WOW!
    SO WORTH VISTING!!! Even our 3 grands 12, 10 and 8 were impressed!! 😅
    Written November 10, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kjay200
    Sandy, UT660 contributions
    Very cool and very old. This was worth the walk to find it. (Not that far from the Cathedral)
    The dome is beautiful and the stained glasses windows are gorgeous.
    Written September 16, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Liliana Pereira
    Frankfurt, Germany50 contributions