We are planning a whirlwind trip around Europe and in the final planning stages. I’ve put together the top things to do in Cologne, Germany to keep our friends organized.
Based on my research, Cologne is most famous for:
- Cologne Cathedral (Kolner Dom)
- Hohenzollern Bridge
- The Old town – Altstadt
- The River Rhine
- Ludwig Museum
- Fragrance Museum
- Chocolate Museum
- The Belgian Quarter
- The Schildergasse
- Kölsch Beer and Brauhauses
We plan to explore the Altstadt, Cologne’s Old Town area. Altstadt is filled with cobblestone alleyways with restaurants, boutiques, galleries, and cafes. Another option is to take a stroll or cruise on the Rhine River and take in all the architecture. The Kölner Seilbahn, or cable car, is a fun way to cross the Rhine River and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the cathedral city. The 930-metre-long gondola ride takes about six minutes to cross the river. The Kolner Dom, or Cologne Cathedral, is one of Germany’s most visited landmarks and a must see.
As far as museums, the Ludwig Museum is home to the third largest collection of Picasso works in the world. The Farina Fragrance Museum in Cologne, Germany is the world’s oldest fragrance factory and the birthplace of eau de cologne.
Cologne is famous for its Kölsch, a pale, light beer, and the numerous traditional beerhouses, called Brauhauses, where you can enjoy it. These Brauhauses often have long histories and offer a lively atmosphere alongside hearty German food. To keep your beer cold, it’s served in small glasses, and you can place a beer mat on top to avoid refills. Waiters are known to keep filling your glass unless its covered with a coaster.
There are a few neighborhoods high on the list to visit. Cologne’s Belgian Quarter is a trendy hotspot known for its vibrant nightlife, with an abundance of stylish cafes, bars, and restaurants. During the day, explore the area’s unique charm with its vintage clothing stores, art galleries, and the historic St. Michael’s Church at its heart.
Then there’s the Schildergasse in Cologne. A pedestrian-only shopping haven, boasting the title of busiest shopping street in Europe with its endless stores and over 13,000 visitors passing through every hour.
Another cool spot is Odonien in Cologne, Germany. Odonien is a unique cultural center with a scrapyard-chic aesthetic, offering a mix of art exhibitions, open-air cinema screenings, and wild parties under its industrial roofscapes. By day, visitors can relax in the beer garden with Kölsch in hand, surrounded by sculptures made from scrap metal and found objects.
Restaurant and Brauhauses Recommemdations:
Früh am Dom in Cologne is a historic brewery pub near the cathedral, famous for its Kölsch beer and traditional German cuisine.
Cologne’s Lommerzheim is a legendary pub known for its massive pork schnitzel and friendly atmosphere.
Herr Pimock in Cologne is a versatile spot, transforming from a breakfast and lunch cafe to a cocktail bar with DJs in the evenings.
Cafe Rico in Cologne, Germany offers coffee, breakfast fare, and global dishes in a relaxed space with sidewalk seating, making it a popular spot for people-watching and a casual meal.
Cologne’s historic Peter’s Brauhaus, brewing its own Kölsch since 1847, boasts a warm ambiance, stained-glass ceilings, and hearty German food alongside its famous beer.
Cologne’s Café Reichard is a historic cafe near the cathedral, famous for its elegant ambience, delicious cakes, and scenic views.
Funk Haus café in Cologne is a classy cafe, bar, and restaurant offering breakfast all day, with a beautiful terrace overlooking the cathedral spires. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, known for its delicious food, friendly service, and vintage décor.
Tour Ideas:
Chocolate Museum Entry Ticket
Guided Brewhouse Walking Tour
Visitors unfamiliar with Cologne’s unusual brewhouse etiquette may find themselves confused by the system. On this brewhouse tour, find out how the ordering process works and—crucially—how to indicate you’ve had your fill. Visit four traditional brewhouses with a guide, savoring a glass of kölsch—Cologne’s signature beer style—at each.
Rhine River Evening Tour
Cologne Walking Tour – Including Cathedral
