15 Things to Do in Cologne, Germany, in 2024

No.	Activity	Description
1	Cologne Cathedral	A UNESCO-listed gothic masterpiece with immense twin spires and elaborate carvings.
2	Romano-Germanic Museum	Archaeological museum showcasing Cologne’s history from Roman times to modern era.
3	River Cruise on the Rhine	Offers various cruise options to view Cologne’s landmarks from the river.
4	Relax in a Beer Hall	Experience Cologne’s beer culture and traditional Kölsch ale.
5	Museum Ludwig	Features modern art including works by Picasso, Warhol, and Lichtenstein.
6	Kölsch and Brewery Tours	Tours of famous Kölsch breweries with tastings and insights into beer making.
7	Chocolate Museum	Explores the history of chocolate with interactive exhibits and a large variety of chocolates.
8	Cologne’s Roman Ruins	Visitors can explore the remnants of Roman settlement beneath modern Cologne.
9	Shop the Schildergasse	A main commercial street for shopping and browsing with a range of stores and boutiques.
10	NS Documentation Center	A museum documenting Cologne’s WWII history and the Gestapo headquarters.
11	Cologne Carnival	A week-long street party with costumes, parades, and festivities before Lent.
12	Tour the Chocolate Factory	Guided tour of Stollwerck chocolate factory, showcasing the chocolate-making process.
13	Day Trip to Brühl UNESCO Palaces	Visiting Augustusburg Palace and Falkenlust hunting lodge, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
14	4711 House of Fragrances	A place to learn about perfume production and Cologne’s iconic 4711 Eau de Cologne.
15	Dine in the Belgian Quarter	Offers traditional Cologne cuisine in a neighborhood filled with restaurants and beer halls.

From world-class museums and soaring gothic cathedrals to lively beer halls and shopping promenades, Cologne delivers magnificent sights and experiences. Here are 15 of the top things to see and do when visiting Cologne, Germany in 2024.

Marvel at the Cologne Cathedral

Name and Location: The Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) is located in the heart of Cologne’s Old Town. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

History and Significance: The Cathedral is one of the most famous landmarks in Germany and took over 600 years to complete. It is the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe.

What to Expect: Visitors can marvel at the immense twin spires, ornate carvings, beautiful stained glass windows and many art treasures inside. Go up the tower for amazing views. Don’t miss the shrine of the Three Kings behind the main altar.

Visitor Information: Admission to the cathedral is free but there is a charge to go up the tower. Open daily. Try to avoid crowds by going early or late in the day.

No trip to Cologne is complete without visiting the UNESCO-listed Cologne Cathedral. This gothic masterpiece took over 600 years to complete, finally finished in 1880 and surviving WWII bombing. Visitors are awed by its immense twin spires, elaborate stone carvings, and glittering stained glass windows. Venture inside to see religious treasures and climb the 533 steps up the cathedral’s south tower for magnificent city views. When illuminated at night, this iconic symbol of Cologne is even more breathtaking.

Explore the Romano-Germanic Museum

Name and Location: Romano-Germanic Museum

History and Significance: This archaeological museum has a large collection of Roman and Germanic artifacts found locally. It provides insight into Cologne’s lengthy history.

What to Expect: See Roman mosaics, impressive glassware and ceramics. Don’t miss the famous Dionysus mosaic and the Roman era tombstones.

Visitor Information: Admission fee applies. Open Tuesday-Sunday. Audio guides available.

For an excellent introduction to Cologne’s history, visit the Romano-Germanic Museum near the cathedral. This archeological museum sits atop the site of a former Roman palace, with excavated Roman ruins viewable in the basement. Artifacts on display span Cologne’s history from antiquity through the Middle Ages to modern times. Highlights include mosaics from Roman Cologne and the original Dionysus mosaic. Its massive collection provides insights into Cologne’s origins and growth into one of Germany’s largest cities.

Take a River Cruise on the Rhine

Name and Location: The Rhine River

History and Significance: The Rhine River has been an important waterway and cultural landmark for centuries. Cruising gives a new perspective on Cologne.

What to Expect: Cruises typically last 1-1.5 hours. Marvel at iconic sights like the Cathedral, Old Town and modern Rhine bridges.Many boats have food/drinks available. Popular activity.

Visitor Information: Cruises run daily, departing from piers near the Cathedral. Book ahead online or buy tickets onsite. Prices vary by operator.

Cologne’s location on the Rhine River makes river cruises a popular and scenic way to admire the city. Boats depart year-round from docks near the cathedral, allowing travelers to view Cologne’s architectural landmarks and bridges while listening to commentary. Cruises range from quick one-hour tours to longer dinner cruises or half-day rides including wine tastings and meals. With its constantly shifting perspectives of Cologne, a Rhine River cruise shouldn’t be missed.

Relax in a Beer Hall

Name and Location: Beer Hall

History and Significance: Beer halls are part of Cologne’s cultural heritage. Sion Kölsch is the famous local brew.

What to Expect: Lively atmosphere with long tables for communal dining. Enjoy freshly tapped Kölsch beer and typical German foods like sausage, pretzels and schnitzel. Cash only at some places.

Visitor Information: Try beer halls like Früh am Dom, Gaffel Haus or Päffgen. Open daily; busiest in evenings. Reserve tables ahead if possible.

No trip to Cologne is complete without visiting one of the city’s traditional beer halls. Locals and visitors alike enjoy Kölsch, Cologne’s unique golden ale, served in petite glasses. Historic beer halls like Früh am Dom and Gaffel am Dom boast old-world atmosphere perfect for quaffing a few glasses of crisp, refreshing Kölsch while dining on Cologne specialties like Halver Hahn – a cheese and bread plate. Don’t forget to keep count with your coaster!

See Modern Art at the Museum Ludwig

Name and Location: Museum Ludwig

History and Significance: This museum has an extensive collection of modern art from the early 20th century onwards.

What to Expect: See major works by Picasso, Warhol, Lichtenstein, Pollock. Also has a large collection of Russian avant-garde and Pop Art. Very interesting museum.

Visitor Information: Located just steps from the Cathedral. Open Tuesday-Sunday. Admission fee applies. Audio guides available.

Cologne is a contemporary art hotspot, with Museum Ludwig housing a preeminent collection of modern works. This world-class gallery features pioneers of early avant garde movements like Cubism, Surrealism, and Pop Art with artists such as Picasso, Warhol, and Lichtenstein. The photography wing impresses with seminal photos by Man Ray and Gursky. Special exhibitions rotate through, along with the museum’s own impressive collections of Russian avant garde and American Pop Art masterpieces.

Sample Kölsch and Brewery Tours

Name and Location: Kölsch and Brewery Tours

History and Significance: Kölsch is the iconic local beer of Cologne, with its own brewing traditions.

What to Expect: Take a brewery tour to learn about the brewing process. Then sample fresh Kölsch beer in the tasting room pourd by waiters called “Köbes”. A must-do Cologne experience.

Visitor Information: Try Gaffel, Früh, Sion or Päffgen breweries. Tours run daily year-round.

In addition to beer halls, Cologne offers tours of its famous Kölsch breweries. Top breweries like Gaffel, Reissdorf, and Früh provide glimpses of the brewing process and cellars before tasting sessions sampling their signature Kölsch. Smaller microbreweries like Braustelle, Heller, and Sion operate brewpubs where you can witness craft brewing up-close while enjoying specialty beers and dishes like Kölsch-infused stew. Learning Kölsch’s history while sipping fresh samples enhances Cologne’s beer culture.

See Chocolate Museum

Name and Location: Chocolate Museum

History and Significance: Chocolate has a long history in Cologne. The museum documents its origins and production.

What to Expect: Learn about cocoa’s history and see displays of chocolate making equipment. Can sample chocolate in the demonstration room. Great for chocolate lovers.

Visitor Information: Located near the Cathedral. Open Tuesday-Sunday. Admission fee applies. Chocolate making demonstrations daily.

Located along the Rhine, the Chocolate Museum makes for a sweet Cologne attraction. This museum chronicles chocolate’s history from its origins as a Mesoamerican drink to Heinrich Franck opening Germany’s first chocolate factory in Cologne. Exhibits like a replica rainforest cacao tree and immense chocolate fountain provide interactive elements. You can create your own chocolate bar and browse the chocolate shop’s 1,500 varieties for the perfect edible souvenir. It’s a chocoholic’s delight.

Explore Cologne’s Roman Ruins

Name and Location: Cologne’s Roman Ruins

History and Significance: Cologne was founded by the Romans in 50 AD. Ruins around the city provide glimpses of this ancient past.

What to Expect: See excavated mosaic floors and foundation walls at sites like the Praetorium and Roman Tower. Imagine walking in a Roman city.

Visitor Information: Sites are outdoors and freely accessible. Get info at the Tourist Office. For more artifacts, visit Romano-Germanic Museum.

Remnants of ancient Roman settlement exist beneath modern Cologne. Underground excavations at sites like the Praetorium and Museum Ludwig allow visitors to walk through Roman streets, gates, and drainage systems dating back nearly 2,000 years. Look down through transparent flooring at the imposing Praetorium ruins 14 meters below street level. Guided tours offer a fascinating look at daily life during ancient Roman times in Cologne, which began as a Roman colony.

Shop the Schildergasse

Name and Location: Schildergasse

History and Significance: Schildergasse is one of Europe’s largest pedestrian shopping zones, running through Cologne’s Old Town.

What to Expect: Shop along this vibrant mile-long street with large department stores, retail chains, boutiques and souvenir shops. Very busy on weekends.

Visitor Information: Open daily year-round. Extends from Neumarkt to Rudolfplatz. Closest public transit is Neumarkt, Appellhofplatz or Rudolfplatz stations.

Stretching over a kilometer, Schildergasse is Cologne’s main commercial artery for shopping and browsing. By 2024, this pedestrian zone will be completely free of vehicle traffic between Neumarkt and Arnoldstraße, making this retail mecca even more enticing. Shoppers can browse international chains, designer boutiques, and local shops while admiring elegant 19th century architecture. Don’t miss beloved emporium TK Maxx or splurge on perfume at 4711, creator of Köln’s iconic 4711 Eau de Cologne.

Visit the NS Documentation Center

Name and Location: NS Documentation Center

History and Significance: Provides in-depth information about the Nazi regime’s policies and crimes in Cologne. Important for understanding history.

What to Expect: Extensive exhibits with photographs, documents and footage. Audio guide included. Can be an intense experience but very educational.

Visitor Information: Closed Mondays. Admission fee. Located in EL-DE Haus. Best to plan 2-3 hours to see properly.

Cologne played a pivotal role during WWII as the headquarters of the Gestapo and location of anti-Nazi resistance groups. The chilling NS Documentation Center chronicles this local history with its archive of Gestapo documents and stories of Cologne citizens who opposed the regime. Exhibits document the systematic oppression and crimes against humanity committed under Nazi rule, along with memorials to victims of racial hatred and political tyranny. A sobering yet critical museum for understanding Germany’s not-so-distant past.

Celebrate Cologne Carnival

Name and Location: Cologne Carnival

History and Significance: Cologne Carnival is one of Germany’s biggest festivals, celebrated with parades and costumes. Peak times are Weiberfastnacht and Rose Monday.

What to Expect: Experience huge crowds along parade routes. People dress up and celebrate in the streets. Bars and pubs are packed. Festive but hectic atmosphere.

Visitor Information: Occurs February/March depending on year. Book hotels well in advance. Avoid driving due to road closures. Review schedule of events online.

Cologne’s Carnival celebrations are renowned as some of Germany’s liveliest festivals. The entire city lets loose for a week of costumed street parties, parades, and general revelry in the days before Lent begins. Concerts, masquerade balls, fireworks shows, and feasts add to the frenzied fun. Visitors can join in by dressing up in costumes and learning popular Carnival chants. Witnessing the chaotic crowds, colorful costumes, and joyous atmosphere is an unforgettable Cologne tradition.

Tour the Chocolate Factory

Name and Location: Chocolate Factory

History and Significance: Stollwerck is a famous Cologne chocolate company operating since 1839. Their factory makes over 50 tons of chocolate daily.

What to Expect: Walk through the production facilities and see chocolate artisans at work. Includes chocolate sampling at the end. Fun for all ages.

For an inside look at Köln’s famous confectionery, join a guided tour of the Stollwerck chocolate factory, in operation since 1839. Visitors don windbreakers and hairnets to explore the modern production facility, seeing how cocoa beans become smooth chocolate on an industrial scale. Guides also explain Stollwerck’s history of technical innovations like Germany’s first chocolate bar with almonds. The discounted chocolate shop lets you sample Stollwerck’s extensive product lineup. A sweet experience for chocolate lovers!

Day Trip to Brühl UNESCO Palaces

Name and Location: Brühl UNESCO Palaces

History and Significance: Brühl is home to two impressive UNESCO-listed palaces, Augustusburg and Falkenlust. They exemplify 18th century palatial architecture.

What to Expect: Tour the lavish rococo interiors of Augustusburg Palace. See the gardens and hunting lodges of Falkenlust. A scenic day trip from Cologne.

Visitor Information: Brühl is about 30 mins from Cologne by train. Combi-tickets available for both palaces. Open daily, closed Mondays in winter.

Just half an hour south of Cologne, Brühl’s two opulent palaces offer an easy and rewarding day trip. Augustusburg Palace is a Rococo wonder with lavish interiors and formal gardens. Nearby Falkenlust hunting lodge provides an intimate look into 18th century aristocratic life through secret doors, ornate murals, and a private kitchen. Both UNESCO World Heritage Sites exemplify the power and wealth of Cologne’s past prince-elector rulers. Don’t miss the spectacular staircase and hall of mirrors at Augustusburg!

Indulge at 4711 House of Fragrances

Name and Location: House of Fragrances

History and Significance: 4711 is an iconic Eau de Cologne fragrance created in Cologne in 1792. The brand has a long local history.

What to Expect: Tour exhibits about perfume history. Watch perfume production and bottle engraving. Sample different 4711 fragrances. Shop for souvenirs.

Visitor Information: Located on Glockengasse. Open daily. Free admission but tour fees apply. Closed Sundays in winter.

No scent encapsulates Cologne more than 4711 Eau de Cologne, created in 1792. At the sleek 4711 House of Fragrances, visitors can learn about perfume production while sniffing scented strips and exotic oils. High-tech installations like an augmented reality fragrance tour enhance the experience. You can watch perfumes being bottled by hand or even create a custom scent. The museum’s shop stocks over 500 fragrances so you can bring home the essence of Cologne.

Dine in the Belgian Quarter

Name and Location: Belgian Quarter

History and Significance: Cologne’s Belgian Quarter has many restaurants, bars and pubs in a lively atmosphere. Popular dining district.

What to Expect: Outdoor dining in warmer months. Diverse cuisine like waffles, seafood, steak frites. Lively nightlife on weekends. Historic architecture provides nice backdrop.

Visitor Information: Main area is along Aachener Strasse. Many places open late. Reservations recommended on weekends.

For a taste of Cologne cuisine, dine in the lively Belgian Quarter neighborhood. Adjacent to the riverfront, this cobblestoned district charms with Renaissance style buildings housing beer halls, restaurants, and bars perfect for experiencing Cologne’s food and drink culture. Traditional taverns like Em Golde Kappes and Alter Franziskaner serve hearty Rhineland fare like schnitzel, sausages and potato pancakes alongside local Kölsch beer. It’s an ideal way to connect with Cologne locals.

Discover The Cologne Triangle Panoramic Trail

Name and Location: Cologne Triangle Panoramic Trail

History and Significance: This hiking trail loops around the Cologne Triangle peninsula, with great views of the city and river.

What to Expect: 12km trail passing riverside parks, forests and vineyards. Photogenic panoramas along the way. Allow 3-4 hours to complete the loop.

Visitor Information: Access the trail in Rodenkirchen or Godorf districts via public transport. Bring sturdy shoes, water and snacks. Can bike it too.

In 2024, the city will complete an elevated pedestrian walkway above the train tracks linking Cologne’s Deutz and old town neighborhoods. Part of a broader rail improvement project, this panoramic trail completes the Cologne Triangle – connecting the cathedral, Deutz, and Rhineparks via footbridges with dramatic views of the cityscape, riverfront, landmarks, and trains passing below. When finished, this innovative infrastructure will provide a sightseeing route sure to delight visitors and photographers.

In Conclusion

With its welcoming beer halls, incredible history, cultural attractions, and cheerful Fest atmosphere, Cologne delivers an ideal German city break. In 2024, new openings, improvement projects, events, and exhibitions will provide plenty of reasons to visit this amiable riverside city. From Roman ruins to Rhine cruises, brewery tours to modern art, Cologne offers something for every traveler. Its friendly Rhinelander hospitality and diversity of sights make Cologne a city you’ll want to revisit again and again.