Things to Do in Cologne: Top 9 Sights & 1–2 Day Itinerary
Cologne began as a Roman settlement on the Rhine and grew into one of medieval Europe's great pilgrimage cities after the relics of the Three Kings arrived in 1164. Its cathedral took from 1248 to 1880 to finish and now stands right beside the main railway station, so most visitors meet the city's greatest landmark within two minutes of stepping off the train. The old town, the riverfront and the major museums are all within walking distance.
This page gives you our nine top sights for a first visit, a one-day and a two-day itinerary, tips for families and for arriving by air or rail, and the full list of Cologne attractions in our catalogue. Note that sightseeing inside the cathedral has required a ticket since 1 July 2026. Opening hours and prices are on each attraction's page; please check them with the venue before you go.
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Why visit
- Cologne Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with twin spires of about 157 metres that made it the world's tallest building until 1884.
- The station, cathedral, old town and riverfront sit side by side, so you can see most highlights on foot.
- The postcard view of the cathedral and Hohenzollern Bridge is free from the Deutz riverbank, or costs 5 euros from the KölnTriangle viewing deck.
- Museums range from Pop Art and Picasso at the Museum Ludwig to a working chocolate production line at the Chocolate Museum.
- Traditional brewpubs pour Kölsch around the Alter Markt, and the carnival season opens there every 11 November at 11:11 am.
Top 9: what to see first
Our picks for a first visit — each with a short reason why.
Churches & monasteries
Cologne Cathedral
Cologne
Cologne Cathedral is the soaring Gothic landmark of Cologne, Germany, and one of the largest cathedrals in the world. Its twin spires rise about 157 m (515 ft) right next to the main train station, and it has been a UNESCO World Heritage S…
60–150 min1. Home of the golden Shrine of the Three Kings and Gerhard Richter's 11,500-pane window; 533 steps lead up the south tower. Entry has cost 12 euros since July 2026, free up to age 13.
Industrial heritage
Hohenzollern Bridge
Cologne
The Hohenzollern Bridge in Cologne is the steel arch railroad bridge that frames the city's most famous view: the twin spires of Cologne Cathedral rising above the Rhine. It is one of the busiest railroad bridges in Germany, and its walkwa…
20–60 min2. A busy railway bridge whose walkways are lined with hundreds of thousands of love locks. Crossing to Deutz takes about ten minutes and is free at any hour.
Viewpoints
KölnTriangle
Cologne
The KölnTriangle in Cologne's Deutz district is a glass office tower on the east bank of the Rhine whose observation deck offers arguably the best view of Cologne Cathedral. From more than 100 meters up, the river, the Hohenzollern Bridge…
30–60 min3. A glass-walled deck on the 29th floor in Deutz with arguably the best view of the cathedral and bridge. Adults pay 5 euros, children up to 12 go free.
Churches & monasteries
Great St. Martin Church
Cologne
Great St. Martin Church in Cologne (Groß St. Martin) is one of the city's twelve great Romanesque churches, and its massive crossing tower is the second landmark on Cologne's riverfront skyline after the cathedral. Rising above the colorfu…
30–60 min Free entry4. A Romanesque abbey church with a 75-metre crossing tower and Roman foundations visible in the crypt. Free entry; closed on Mondays.
Old towns & squares
Alter Markt (Old Market Square)
Cologne
The Alter Markt in Cologne (Old Market) is the heart of the city's Old Town: a car-free square between the historic City Hall and the Rhine, lined with colorful gabled houses, traditional brewpubs and outdoor terraces. It is where Cologne'…
30–120 min5. The old town's car-free square, ringed by brewpubs, with the Jan von Werth fountain and the cheeky Kallendresser figure mooning the town hall.
Museums
Museum Ludwig
Cologne
The Museum Ludwig in Cologne is one of Europe's leading museums of 20th- and 21st-century art, set right between Cologne Cathedral and the Rhine. It holds the largest Pop Art collection in Europe, the world's third-largest Picasso collecti…
120–240 min6. Europe's largest Pop Art collection, one of the world's biggest Picasso holdings and Russian avant-garde art, steps from the cathedral. Free for under-18s.
Museums
Chocolate Museum Cologne
Cologne
The Chocolate Museum in Cologne (Schokoladenmuseum Köln) is the city's most visited museum and one of the most popular museums in Germany. Set in a ship-shaped glass building at the tip of the Rheinauhafen harbor peninsula, it follows coco…
60–180 min7. A tropical cocoa house, a glass-walled chocolate factory and a three-metre chocolate fountain you can taste from. Weekday mornings are the quietest.
Landmarks
Rheinauhafen (Rheinau Harbor)
Cologne
The Rheinauhafen in Cologne is a former Rhine port just south of the Old Town that has been reinvented as one of Germany's most striking waterfront districts. Listed warehouses, preserved harbor cranes and the futuristic Crane Houses line…
60–120 min8. A former harbour reborn with the three Crane Houses, listed warehouses and preserved cranes along a car-free promenade. Free and lovely at dusk.
Zoos
Cologne Zoo
Cologne
The Cologne Zoo (Kölner Zoo) in the city's Riehl district is one of Germany's oldest and most popular zoos, welcoming visitors since 1860 and well over a million people a year today. Across about 20 hectares (50 acres), you can see Asian e…
180–360 min9. Germany's third-oldest zoo, with an elephant park, aquarium and a farm for children. The zoo reports that the Hippodom and owl house are currently closed.
Top sights on the map
Open the full map1-day itinerary
Morning: Cologne Cathedral
Walk out of the station onto the cathedral square. Buy tickets online or at the central desk on Roncalliplatz; sightseeing starts at about 10 am Monday to Saturday.
Places: Cologne Cathedral
Late morning: Museum Ludwig
Right behind the cathedral – allow two hours for Warhol, Lichtenstein and Picasso. The museum is closed on Mondays.
Places: Museum Ludwig
Lunch: Alter Markt and Gross St. Martin
Wander through the old-town lanes to the Alter Markt for lunch in a brewpub, then visit the Romanesque church by the Fischmarkt.
Places: Alter Markt (Old Market Square) Great St. Martin Church
Evening: across the Rhine
Cross the Hohenzollern Bridge to Deutz and ride up the KölnTriangle at blue hour, when the bridge and cathedral are floodlit.
Places: Hohenzollern Bridge KölnTriangle
2-day itinerary
Day 1: Cathedral, art and the old town
Cathedral and tower climb
See the Shrine of the Three Kings and the Richter window, then climb the south tower; a combined ticket covers the tower and the treasury.
Places: Cologne Cathedral
Museum Ludwig
Spend the afternoon with 20th-century art. On the first Thursday of each month the museum stays open until 10 pm.
Places: Museum Ludwig
Evening on the Alter Markt
Try a Kölsch in one of the brewpubs around the square and look for the Kallendresser on house no. 24.
Places: Alter Markt (Old Market Square)
Day 2: Along the Rhine and over the river
Gross St. Martin and the riverfront
Start at the abbey church by the Fischmarkt, then follow the promenade south along the river.
Places: Great St. Martin Church
Chocolate Museum and Rheinauhafen
Allow one to two hours in the museum, then stroll to the Crane Houses. In November 2026 the museum is closed on Mondays 2, 9 and 16 November.
Places: Chocolate Museum Cologne Rheinauhafen (Rheinau Harbor)
Zoo or a sunset view from Deutz
With children, take light rail line 18 to the zoo; otherwise cross the Hohenzollern Bridge for sunset on the KölnTriangle.
Getting there
By air: From Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN), S-Bahn and regional trains leave from the station beneath the terminal for Köln Hauptbahnhof. Get off there and the cathedral is right outside.
By train: Deutsche Bahn ICE, IC and regional trains stop at Köln Hauptbahnhof next to the cathedral; long-distance and regional services also call at Köln Messe/Deutz across the river. Local trains, trams and buses accept the Deutschlandticket.
Getting around: The cathedral, old town and riverfront are best on foot. Light rail line 18 runs to the zoo and bus 133 stops at the Chocolate Museum. Driving into the centre is often slow; park outside or in a garage near the cathedral.
When to go
Spring to autumn suits the Rhine promenade, Rheinauhafen and the zoo, and from May to September the KölnTriangle deck stays open until 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. On 11 November and Weiberfastnacht (the Thursday before Lent) the old town is packed for carnival; the KölnTriangle closes on Weiberfastnacht and Rosenmontag. In Advent the harbour Christmas market opens by the Chocolate Museum from mid-November, followed by the market on the Alter Markt.
Since 1 July 2026 cathedral sightseeing is ticketed and paused during services. Weekday mornings are noticeably calmer at the cathedral and the Chocolate Museum than weekends.
FAQ
How many days do you need in Cologne?
One day is enough for the cathedral, the old town and the view from the Hohenzollern Bridge. With two days you can add the Museum Ludwig, the Chocolate Museum, the Rheinauhafen and, if you like, the zoo.
Do you have to pay to enter Cologne Cathedral?
Since 1 July 2026, yes: sightseeing inside costs 12 euros, reduced 6 euros, and children up to 13 go free. The tower and treasury are extra. Anyone coming to pray or attend a service can still enter free through the north portal.
How do I get from Cologne Bonn Airport to the city centre?
Take an S-Bahn or regional train from the station beneath the terminal to Köln Hauptbahnhof. The cathedral stands right outside the station exit.
Where is the best view of Cologne Cathedral?
From the Deutz riverbank at the end of the Hohenzollern Bridge, or from the KölnTriangle viewing deck on the 29th floor. Blue hour, when the bridge and cathedral are lit, is the best time.
What can you do in Cologne with kids?
Watch chocolate being made at the Chocolate Museum, visit the zoo's elephants and farm, count trains on the Hohenzollern Bridge and, with older children, climb the cathedral tower. Children up to 13 enter the cathedral free and under-18s pay nothing at the Museum Ludwig.
Which sights in Cologne are free?
The Hohenzollern Bridge, the Alter Markt, the Rheinauhafen promenade and Gross St. Martin church cost nothing. The cathedral is free for prayer and services, but tourist visits need a ticket.
All attractions (15)
Churches & monasteries
Cologne Cathedral
Köln
Cologne Cathedral is the soaring Gothic landmark of Cologne, Germany, and one of the largest cathedrals in the world. Its twin spires rise about 157 m (515 ft) right next to the main train station, and it has been a UNESCO World Heritage S…
60–150 min
Churches & monasteries
Great St. Martin Church
Köln
Great St. Martin Church in Cologne (Groß St. Martin) is one of the city's twelve great Romanesque churches, and its massive crossing tower is the second landmark on Cologne's riverfront skyline after the cathedral. Rising above the colorfu…
30–60 min Free entry
Industrial heritage
Hohenzollern Bridge
Köln
The Hohenzollern Bridge in Cologne is the steel arch railroad bridge that frames the city's most famous view: the twin spires of Cologne Cathedral rising above the Rhine. It is one of the busiest railroad bridges in Germany, and its walkwa…
20–60 min
Zoos
Cologne Zoo
Köln
The Cologne Zoo (Kölner Zoo) in the city's Riehl district is one of Germany's oldest and most popular zoos, welcoming visitors since 1860 and well over a million people a year today. Across about 20 hectares (50 acres), you can see Asian e…
180–360 min
Museums
Museum Ludwig
Köln
The Museum Ludwig in Cologne is one of Europe's leading museums of 20th- and 21st-century art, set right between Cologne Cathedral and the Rhine. It holds the largest Pop Art collection in Europe, the world's third-largest Picasso collecti…
120–240 min
Museums
Chocolate Museum Cologne
Köln
The Chocolate Museum in Cologne (Schokoladenmuseum Köln) is the city's most visited museum and one of the most popular museums in Germany. Set in a ship-shaped glass building at the tip of the Rheinauhafen harbor peninsula, it follows coco…
60–180 min
Old towns & squares
Alter Markt (Old Market Square)
Köln
The Alter Markt in Cologne (Old Market) is the heart of the city's Old Town: a car-free square between the historic City Hall and the Rhine, lined with colorful gabled houses, traditional brewpubs and outdoor terraces. It is where Cologne'…
30–120 min
Viewpoints
KölnTriangle
Köln
The KölnTriangle in Cologne's Deutz district is a glass office tower on the east bank of the Rhine whose observation deck offers arguably the best view of Cologne Cathedral. From more than 100 meters up, the river, the Hohenzollern Bridge…
30–60 min
Landmarks
Rheinauhafen (Rheinau Harbor)
Köln
The Rheinauhafen in Cologne is a former Rhine port just south of the Old Town that has been reinvented as one of Germany's most striking waterfront districts. Listed warehouses, preserved harbor cranes and the futuristic Crane Houses line…
60–120 min
Churches & monasteries
St. Gereon's Basilica
Köln
St. Gereon in Cologne is one of the city's twelve great Romanesque churches and one of its most unusual: a basilica with a ten-sided domed hall that grew out of a late Roman oval building. If you have already seen the cathedral and want to…
30–60 min Free entry
Gardens & parks
Flora and Botanical Garden Cologne
Köln
Flora and the Botanical Garden in Cologne's Riehl district make up one of the city's loveliest free green spaces: a historic park with a grand festival hall, flower parterres and greenhouses, right beside Cologne Zoo. If you want a calm wa…
60–120 min Free entry
Industrial heritage
Cologne Cable Car
Köln
The Cologne Cable Car (Kölner Seilbahn) has been carrying passengers across the Rhine in small four-seat gondolas since 1957, linking a station next to Cologne Zoo with the Rheinpark on the opposite bank. The six-minute ride is one of the…
15–45 min
Museums
Kolumba Museum
Köln
Kolumba is the art museum of the Archdiocese of Cologne, built by Swiss architect Peter Zumthor on top of the ruins of a late Gothic church in the heart of Cologne's old town. If you are visiting Cologne and want something quieter than the…
60–120 min
Gardens & parks
Rheinpark Cologne
Köln
Rheinpark is the large park on the east bank of the Rhine in Cologne's Deutz district, and it offers some of the best views of the cathedral and old town. Lawns, flower gardens with waterfalls, an open-air stage and the cable car station s…
60–180 min Free entry
Museums
Romano-Germanic Museum
Köln
The Romano-Germanic Museum in Cologne (Römisch-Germanisches Museum) tells the story of how a Roman colony on the Rhine became one of Germany's great cities, with a world-class collection of Roman glass, sculpture and everyday objects. Befo…
60–90 min