COLOGNE: THINGS TO DO

updated December 7, 2018

The fourth largest city in Germany. Almost all attractions are concentrated in the east side of the Rhine. For those who are not interested in museums, it can be visited in half a day, but we recommend to spend at least a full day.

Mapa colonia — Map (Google Maps) where the main attractions are marked

Undoubtedly, the star of Cologne is its CATHEDRAL. It is the most visited monument in Germany, and is in the process of cleaning the facade. The gothic cathedral was begun in 1248 and completed in 1880. It is the best example of Gothic architecture in the country, but it will not impress too much to those who have visited other renowned Gothic cathedrals. Open from 6:00 a.m. to 19:30 in winter and until 21:00 in summer, although Sundays and public holidays tourists are only allowed to enter from 1 pm to 4:30 pm. Free entrance. You can climb the south tower for 4 € from 9 am to 4 pm or 6 pm (winter-summer), 509 steps. There is also a treasure chamber that is paid separately, € 6. The combined ticket to the tower and the treasure costs € 8.

interior-catedral-colonia-alemania-cologne-cathedral-germany-2 — Inside Cologne Cathedral

Hohenzollern Bridge. The visit to Cologne is not complete without the photo of the cathedral from the east side of the bridge.

Koln Triangle. It is an office tower on the east side of the river. You can climb to the roof glass for 3 € (adult price) to enjoy the panoramic view of the city, especially the downtown area with the cathedral and bridge. Open in summer time from 11 am (10 am Saturday and Sunday) to 11 pm, winter time from midday (10 am Saturday and Sunday) to 8 pm. Closed on Mondays.

catedral-y-puente-hohenzollern-de-colonia-alemania-cathedral-and-bridge-in-cologne-germany — View of the Cathedral, Hohenzollern Bridge and the main railway station from the top of Köln Triangle

Historical center. A stroll through the historic center is well worth it. Mainly it is located south of the cathedral. The highlight is Gross St Martin, a striking Romanesque church. Walk on the bank of the Rhine is one of the most beautiful areas of Cologne if the weather is good. If the visitor wants to appreciate it easier, there are plenty of cruises lasting from one hour to several days, from those offering a panoramic view of city, till those moving to other cities following the course of the Rhine.

ribera-del-rhin-colonia-alemania-rhin-riverside-cologne-germany — The east bank. Stands out the church St Martin

Popular museums, all closed on Mondays:

National Socialism Documentation Center. Admission € 4.5. About the story of the Gestapo in Cologne.
Römisch-Germanisches Museum. Admission 9 €. Open from 10 am to 5 pm. Dedicated to the Roman history of the city, not in vain it was founded by Romans in 38 BC under the name of Colonia Claudia Ara Aggripinensium.
Wallraf-Richartz Museum. Admission € 15 Open from 10 am to 6 pm. Museum of medieval art and painting, which should be doing very well, since it has doubled the admission price in 3 years.
Chocolate museum. Admission € 11.5. Open from 10 am to 6 pm (11 am to 7 pm Saturdays and Sundays). This museum is open on Mondays, except on January, February, March and November. The outer architecture is very original. It’s hard not end up buying something in the gift shop.
Ludwig Museum. Admission 13 €. Dedicated to contemporary art. It houses works by Picasso, Dali, Warhol and Kandinsky.