Things to do in Cologne
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Top 10 attractions in Cologne
Cologne Cathedral
Cologne Cathedral is located in the center of Cologne, on the banks of the Rhine River. It is a landmark building in Cologne. The 157-meter-high bell tower makes it the second tallest church in Germany, the third tallest in the world, and the third largest Gothic church in the world. The church was built in the middle of the 13th century. After more than 600 years, it was only announced to be completed in 1880. The church is still being repaired. The church is considered a good combination of all medieval Gothic architectural and decorative elements and is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.Cologne · 439m from downtown
Rheinauhafen District
Rheinauhafen District is a waterfront neighborhood transformed from an old freight port. The riverside promenade is lined with modern buildings, interspersed with cafes, galleries, and art spaces. The remnants of the port era and the newly built glass facades complement each other, showcasing a modern urban style. The district's core landmark consists of three high-rise buildings known as the "Crane Houses," standing approx. 60m tall, with an inverted L-shape that echoes the area's history as a freight terminal. Historical remnants, such as the Bayenturm tower dating back to the Middle Ages, are also preserved along the route. Looking north along the river, the silhouettes of the cathedral and the iron bridge are clearly visible, with classical spires and modern architecture framed together. At dusk, the sunset reflects on the river surface, and strolling along the path offers a panoramic view of the city on both banks, forming a waterfront view that blends industrial memories with a stylish atmosphere.Cologne · 1km from downtown
Hohenzollern Bridge
Hohenzollern Bridge spans the Rhein and is one of Cologne's iconic landmarks. The bridge was built in the early 20th century and named after the Prussian House of Hohenzollern. It consists of three parallel steel truss arch structures, carries railway tracks, and features pedestrian walkways on both sides, allowing pedestrians and trains to cross the river side-by-side, with a large number of trains passing through daily. The railings on the bridge are covered in a dense collection of love locks. Since around 2008, people have been attaching padlocks engraved with their names to the railings and throwing the keys into the river to express their wish for a lasting relationship. Hundreds of thousands of padlocks line the railings, and local bands have even written songs about them. Strolling across the bridge, with steel arches crisscrossing overhead, you can look back at the Gothic twin spires of the cathedral and the view of the Rhein. Near the bridge approaches stand several equestrian statues of kings and emperors of the Hohenzollern dynasty, creating an elegant yet sturdy riverside view.Cologne · 580m from downtown
Old Street along Rhine
Cologne City is a leisurely old street by the Rhine River. Most of the major cities in Germany were razed to the ground by the Allied bombing. When planning for reconstruction after the war, faced with the choice of restoring the old appearance or building a new home, the citizens of Cologne Voting, only a narrow majority passed the resolution to keep the old as it was, and Frankfurt also decided to build a new city by a narrow majority. Today, Frankfurt is a modern city in Germany, and Cologne's old town style has won the favor of more tourists. Indeed, many times, you can't see that this is a city that was completely rebuilt from ruins 60 years ago. Except for the original cathedral, none of those quaint buildings can be more than 60 years old.Cologne · 197m from downtown
Cologne City Hall
Cologne City Hall is located between the Town Hall Square and the Old Market in the center of Cologne. The City Hall has a history of more than 900 years. It was destroyed in World War II and rebuilt after the war. The current building complex combines a variety of architectural styles, including the historic town hall built in the 14th century, the Gothic tower of the 15th century, and the exquisite promenade of the Renaissance style of the 16th century. The parliament tower with its black spire witnessed the victory of the guilds against the rule of the city dignitaries, the tower has five storeys and is about 60 meters high. After the restoration, 124 statues have been added here. You can find the faces of Jesus and his disciples, generals in ancient Rome, and even well-known musicians in modern times. Behind each statue is a moving historical story. The tower's clock is decorated with a grotesque wooden face that opens its mouth and sticks out its tongue when the hour is struck. The promenade of the city hall is used as the entrance, and formerly served as the balcony of the city hall. When the meeting is held in the square, the city councillors announce important decisions to the public here, and politicians give public speeches here. Behind the promenade is the Hansasaal Hall (Hansasaal1360), the oldest preserved part of the Cologne City Hall. In the Hanseatic Hall there are preserved wooden sculptures of prophets made in the 14th and 15th centuries.Cologne · 126m from downtown
Cologne Triangle
The Cologne Triangle Building, located on the right bank of the Rhine, is 103 meters high. The slender tower is particularly eye-catching because the tower is completely wrapped in glass. According to the designer, the Cologne Triangle Building not only has a unique architectural shape, but also gives people a sense of lightness due to its huge transparency, and meets the requirements of energy saving. Visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the observation deck, which is very pleasant.Cologne · 869m from downtown
Christmas market at Cologne Cathedral
The Cologne Christmas Market is famous for the Cologne Christmas Market, located in front of the Cologne Cathedral, where craftsmen from all walks of life set up more than 160 large tents. In addition to this, there are six Christmas markets scattered around Cologne. Cologne's Neumarkt is like a mortal realm of angels, with its well-decorated houses and ornate gables gleaming with warm lights under the Christmas stars. Children can find their own fairy tale paradise on Rudolfplatz. The Old Town Market (Heinzelmännchenmarkt) maintains an authentic rural feel. The Christmas Village in Cologne's City Garden (Stadtgarten) exudes a laid-back and peaceful atmosphere. The harbour Christmas market is right next to the Chocolate Museum (Schokoladenmuseum) on the Rhine. You can also visit the medieval Christmas market, where jugglers, clowns and musicians will entertain you. Don't miss the nativity scene exhibition, concerts and many other Christmas events. Christmas Avenue (ChristmasAvenue) is also a good place to go during the festival. It is a Christmas market for gays and lesbians. It is located between the German City Savings Bank (Sparkasse) and the Westgate (Westgate) of Rudolf Square. There are many small art performances and exhibitions. Passersby appreciate it.Cologne · 381m from downtown
Phantasialand
Phantasialand is a popular local theme park with roller coasters and other thrilling rides, as well as a stunning stage show. It is an ideal choice for vacation with complete facilities, rich projects, ample resting places, eating, drinking and entertainment, as well as accommodation.Bruehl · 16.4km from Cologne
Tanzbrunnen
Cologne · 1.3km from downtown
Flora und Botanischer Garten Köln
Cologne · 2.5km from downtown
Experiences you can't miss in Cologne
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Free things to do in Cologne
Cologne Cathedral
Cologne · 439m from downtownRheinauhafen District
Cologne · 1km from downtownHohenzollern Bridge
Cologne · 580m from downtownOld Street along Rhine
Cologne · 197m from downtownCologne City Hall
Cologne · 126m from downtownCologne Triangle
Cologne · 869m from downtownChristmas market at Cologne Cathedral
Cologne · 381m from downtownPhantasialand
Bruehl · 16.4km from CologneTanzbrunnen
Cologne · 1.3km from downtownFlora und Botanischer Garten Köln
Cologne · 2.5km from downtown
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What travellers say about Cologne
YeeMon_Oo3 June 2026
5.0
The Cologne Cathedral is a jaw-dropping masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The moment you step out of the central train station, its colossal twin spires tower over you-the sheer scale of it is completely overwhelming and beautiful.Inside, the experience is just as incredible. The massive vaulted ceilings, the stunning, intricate stained-glass windows, and the historic Shrine of the Three Kings are unforgettable. For an extra adventure, you can climb the hundreds of steps up the South Tower for a spectacular panoramic view of Cologne and the Rhine River. It is an absolute must-visit landmark that easily deserves a perfect rating!
Cologne Cathedral
老少皆宜（）2 March 2023
5.0
Cologne in Germany is a popular place for tourists to visit. It has the most famous Cologne Cathedral⛪️ and the Cologne Promenade. Cologne is the fourth largest city in Germany and is located on the banks of the Rhine in western Germany.
Rheinauhafen District
魔女锦鲤16 August 2022
5.0
The classic photo that is often seen is the photo of the Hohenzollern Bridge and the Cologne Cathedral. Walking eastward along the Cologne Cathedral, you will come to the bridge. There are sidewalks and bicycle lanes on both sides of the bridge, and a railway track in the middle. Walking on the bridge, trains will pass by on the middle track from time to time. Standing in the middle of the bridge or on the west bank of the bridge is a better viewing position.
On the side of the sidewalk close to the track, there are colorful and dense love locks. It is said that if you hang a lock on the Hohenzollern Bridge and throw the key into the Rhine River, love will last forever, so many locals and tourists who come here to admire it have their own and their loved ones’ names engraved on the locks and left on this bridge. Over time, there are more and more locks, and colorful copper locks of various types form a unique landscape.
Reasons to go: Germany's most romantic bridge
Hohenzollern Bridge
Sheda111 July 2022
4.0
This is an excellent place to take a stroll along the rhine River. This place us popular with locals as well and they are colourful buildings along the bank.
Old Street along Rhine
徐徐霞客Rr20 June 2022
5.0
Cologne City Hall in Germany was destroyed during World War II, but it is still worth visiting. It is a famous masterpiece of Gothic architecture. If you come, be sure to search for some guides and information on the Internet.
Cologne City Hall
小思文6 August 2019
4.0
There are not many high-rise buildings in Cologne. This triangular building is also a landmark building. On the 29th floor inside is a viewing platform, where you can see the Rhine River and the Cologne Cathedral in the distance.
[Scenery] It is also nice to come here at night
[Fun] The scenery is very open
[Value for money] Learn about the scenery in the north of the city
Cologne Triangle
Muhammad Kallab31 July 2021
5.0
amazing experience with amazing vibes and its totally different than any other christmas markets in Europe, its all over the city and each part has its own speciality and offers .. worth visit!
Christmas market at Cologne Cathedral
emi102125 September 2020
5.0
One of the most fun parks in Germany, thrilling and exciting, must-see
Phantasialand
137***6615 September 2019
5.0
Die Flora - der Botanische Garten der Stadt Köln is a very popular garden nearby. The garden design in Germany is indeed very delicate, with the rational and rigorous craftsmanship of the Germans. It is quite delicate in design, with many varieties of flowers, and it is very beautiful!
Flora und Botanischer Garten Köln
