24 Fun And Unique Things To Do In Cologne, Germany

1. Explore The Flora and Botanical Garden Cologne

It occupies an area of approximately 11.5 hectares of land and boasts 12,000 varieties of plants. The main focus of the ensemble is the glass house; a smaller copy of the Crystal Palace.

Tropical plants and cacti are inside the house. There are also beautiful ponds, waterfalls, and resting places that are shaded as well. It can be as enjoyable as a casual day or even a friend's outing.

Plus, entry is free! Do not miss the splendid opportunity to stroll in this piece of green land in Cologne.

2. Taste Chocolates At Lindt Chocolate Museum

Visiting the museum is one of the great and entertaining things to do in Cologne Germany. It will tell you about cocoa beans and chocolates, their history, and anything in between.

One will notice the iconic building of the buffet's interior with a chocolate fountain. It flows with 200 kilograms of chocolate!

You can also taste chocolates and also a demonstration of how chocolates are produced including a small chocolate-making factory. Cakes and hot chocolate options are available for those who would want a sweet escape in the middle of the day.

3. Learn About The Cologne Cathedral

This structure of gothic architecture rises to the sky offering breathtaking views of the city to a fantastic 157 meters. It took more than six hundred years to construct it originally between 1248 and 1880.

It has two towers and there are great opportunities to observe the stained glass windows in the cathedral. Inside, you will also see the Shrine of the Three Kings, one of the platforms that attract many tourists.

There are 533 steps to reach the top for the sake of enjoying the stunning view of the city.

4. Tour The Farina Fragrance Museum

What makes this museum special is the fact that it is located inside the oldest fragrance factory in the world established in 1709. This place offers all sorts of information about the origin of Eau de Cologne and who created it.

Currently, the museum provides visitors with guided tours during which they can familiarize themselves with the earlier tools for producing fragrances as well as the process of production itself.

You will also be able to smell different fragrances! The tours are entertaining, educational, and one of the popular things to do in Germany Cologne.

5. Visit The Basilica of St. Gereon

This astonishing church is also one of the oldest in the entire city. Unlike other churches, it has a historied octagonal shape.

Inside there are many elegant mosaics, and the altar will draw your attention. In the vicinity, you will find the Alter Markt, a square which features many cafes and shops.

It is just the right place for taking a cup of coffee or to taste some local Kolsche specialties.

6. Lock Your Love Forever On The Hohenzollern Bridge

This attractive bridge is located over the Rhine River and has more than a thousand love padlocks attached. People lock these padlocks to express a perpetual love between them.

From the bridge, one can get a beautiful look at the Cathedral of Cologne in the background. The bridge is also perfect for photo opportunities, especially if you're taking pictures at sunset.

So take a lock, make a wish, and embrace all the vibrant essence of this city!

7. Cruise The Rhine River

If you are wondering what to do in Cologne, then opt for a boat tour. You can get on a boat near the emblematic Cologne Cathedral.

Cologne is one of the starting points of several river cruises that are provided by A-ROSA. It can be places like Amsterdam and Basel, or more frequently, visits to the nearby towns.

These cruises allow you to lie back and watch the scenery of castles and vineyards by the side of the river. There are also options to have an evening cruise as the city is beautiful in the evening.

8. Enjoy Traditional German Dining At Peter's Brauhaus

The Brauhaus is located close to the cathedral and the Christmas markets. It's a large place with a good atmosphere.

The menu is varied with specific food from the area such as Schnitzel and pork knuckle. The place is also well-known for its beer. They serve one kind of beer (Kolsch) in one size (small- around 10 ounces).

The beer is light and tasty and it is easy to have more than one. It certainly looks like a fun place to be on a Friday or Saturday night.

9. Be A Part of Worldly Events At Lanxess Arena

This indoor stadium is the biggest and can contain at least 20,000 spectators. This is the venue of the Kolner Haie ice hockey team and many entertaining programs take place here.

People come here to be a part of talented musicians' performances that are famous all around the world and concerts of different types. For something different why not try out the annual Counter-Strike competition held here?

The place is also commonly known as "The Cathedral of Counter-Strike." Try to look for family ticket prices for certain productions on the Lanxess Arena website.

10. Spend Time With Family At Rheinpark

Rheinpark is a huge green park in Germany Koeln great for families. The park offers a pebble beach with a rough charm, and wide open horizons to lift your mood.

There is a play area and a steam train for kids. You will also find a nice cafe that is surrounded by pretty flowerbeds. The park has a nice view of the Rhein River overlooking the Cologne Cathedral.

There are lots of different trees, flowers, and plant species for photography.

11. View The City From Cologne Triangle

This observation deck offers a stunning view of Cologne city along with the Rhine River and the iconic Cathedral. Entry is very reasonable and the queue is moderate.

It is a nice walk from the old town across the bridge to the Cologne Triangle. You pay the fee, get up the lift, and enjoy the 360-degree view of the city.

It is also good for people who may be afraid of heights. The viewing deck is circular and very wide with an above-head height Perspex screen. Many consider it to be one of the top things to do in Cologne.

12. Stop By The Great St. Martin Church

This is one of the beautifully restored Romanesque churches in the city. It was almost destroyed during WWII.

Originally, some part of the tower was integrated into the old city wall fortifications. You will find the inside to be very simple with only a few classical religious works of art on display.

You may walk towards the Rhine River and sit in one of the cafes by the river. It enables you to see the river views, the cathedral, and the colorful houses at the same time.

13. Try Claudius Therme

An amazing mineral spa, great after a long weekend walking the Christmas markets. It is a very relaxing experience and has both indoor and outdoor areas.

The massage spa next door is great too and they even provide English-speaking therapists to make you more comfortable. They offer both free and paid baths with saunas and steam rooms.

All the facilities are good with many combinations of hot and cold pools. This is another top touristy Cologne Germany things to do.

14. Enjoy Interactive Sessions At The Cologne Zoological Garden

It is good to feed the animals and that is a must-watch scenario. The Cologne Zoo has a wonderful park, filled with healthy-looking animals in a clean, and maintained environment.

Make sure to reach at the opening hours as then only it is sufficient to visit the entire zoo along with the aquarium and other insects. The animals are structured in low fences which makes it ideal to watch them.

Purchase the day ticket rather than individual purchase from their website. It is one of the worthy attractions Cologne Germany for an entire day's activity.

15. Have A Party At Odonien

This is a good location for a private party. It is set up in an old junkyard with unique decor and a unique distribution of space and rooms.

The graffiti on the wall matches the vibe and there are some interesting sculptures and art everywhere. In the dark, the place is all lit up and you will find seating both indoors and outdoors.

It gives you that amazing apocalyptic feeling, a bit of a Mad Max movie setting. And there are fire-breathing dinosaurs and plants, and some weird stuff.

16. Go To The Wallraf-Richartz-Museum

Here you will find a great collection of realistic art. They have paintings starting from the Medieval ages.

Another impressive feature of this place is its 19th-century collections, which include works of Romanticism, Impressionism, and Symbolism. Each exhibition is properly displayed allowing a deeper understanding.

Besides the permanent exhibitions, the museum also holds temporary ones, lectures, and many cultural events. Hence, it is a vibrant center of the city's cultural life.

17. Appreciate The Artworks At Museum Ludwig

It is a wonderful museum showcasing modern art from the 1900s to today; an answer to what to do Cologne, Germany.

The museum is big; be prepared to have enough time to be able to see everything. There is something for everyone including expressionism surrealism, cubism, and many others.

It hosts an invaluable collection of Picasso, paintings and the largest collection of American Pop art outside of the USA. But there are many more artworks to explore.

18. Get An Authentic Music Experience At Cologne Philharmonie

The Cologne Philharmonie is located close to the main railway station. It is a nice concert hall that can hold up to 2,000 people.

Visitors can enjoy a tastefully designed large hall and an adequate entry and lounge. This is one of the best places in Europe to enjoy music in the highest class and the atmosphere and the sound are just right.

After the visit, you can take a look at the Old Town of Cologne, or find an excellent restaurant very close.

19. Take A Stroll Around Huemarkt

One of the most beautiful squares in Cologne with great historical importance. It was once a hay market which is now surrounded by great-looking buildings, and lots of brewpubs where you can enjoy the famous Kolsch beer.

In the center of the square is a wonderful equestrian statue in honor of Fredrich Willheim III. During Christmas, the place transforms into a magnificent magical Christmas Market.

It is a nice place to walk around and feel a feeling of a traditional city. Cologne has its charm during the winter and it is worth stopping for a Kolsch.

20. Experience The Rhein-Seilbahn

This is a beautiful way to cross the Rhine River and get a different perspective of it and all the buildings of Cologne. The trip is not so long but still, it is recommended to experience it during your visit to this city.

You can stay for the return trip or walk back along the river and get rewarded with the best scenery of the Cathedral. The Cologne Cable Car has been entertaining visitors for the past 60 years.

Come and experience this thrilling experience. Go to their official website and check out the opening hours and tickets.

21. Consider The Lommerzheim

This little gem is hidden away on the east side of the Rhine closet to the Cologne Triangle tower. Lommerzheim is an alternative brauhaus experience.

The Kolsch comes in traditional-size glasses and is served from a barrel at the side of the bar. As soon as your glass is close to empty another will arrive unless you indicate otherwise.

There is a small choice of food but all of it looks delicious. Overall, this is another traditional German restaurant and a bit out of the beaten path.

22. Catch A Game At Rhein Energie STADION

The stadium is located outside the city, offering multiple ways of access to and from it. If you come by car, take into account that parking is limited.

The tram from Cologne Center to the stadium takes around 35 minutes. The stadium is huge and the pitch can be seen from every seat, even though the furthest seats are quite far.

There is a large park just outside the stadium where one can have a picnic. However, once you are through security, it is easy to navigate and there are plenty of small bars and food stalls to order your food and drink.

23. See Ehrenfeld Street Art

Ehrenfeld is another lively district in Cologne, which will impress you with its street art. What is more exciting is the fact that the town has an interesting history.

The district has a rough outlook that gives arts a fertile ground to grow out of. The moment one is down at the Koln-Ehrenfeld station, the first thing that one notices is the murals on the walls.

There is also the famous Captain Ehrenfeld mural, and a memorial to the Edelweiss Pirates, an anti-Nazi youth group.

24. A Day Trip To Drachenfels

A recommended day trip from Cologne is Drachenfels. It is only thirty minutes by train to Konigswinter.

This friendly town stands on the banks of the Rhine opposite the mighty peaks of Drachenfels or the Dragon Rock. The climb up is amazing as one can capture the wonders of the Rhine Valley.

However, if you prefer to be taken to the top then there is a funicular railway for that purpose. At the top of the hill nearby there is a ruin of the medieval castles located near the river. It also makes for a good spot for taking some pictures and for the view.

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