Top 10 Things to Do in Cologne

Among the top 10 things to do in Cologne range from visiting parks, zoos and museums to bike tours and the philharmonia.

Cologne is located in the heart of Europe and therefore attracts millions of tourists each year from all over Europe.

There are numerous sights and landmarks, close to twenty museums, various natural sights and parks and innumerable fun and outdoor activities to indulge in.

In order to help you plan your activities we put together the ultimate top 10 things to do in Cologne list.

1. Cologne Cathedral – Kölner Dom

The first thing to do in Cologne is to visit the Cologne Cathedral (Dom), an amazing place to visit and worship.

Ranked as Travelers’ Choice 2015 Winner, the Kölner Dom (situated in Domkloster 3, 50667) is a breathtaking work of art, design and architecture.

The cathedral is of great historic importance to the city and in more ways than one, at the very heart of Cologne.

Regardless of religious creed or ideological persuasion, the Cathedral is a must visit.

Location: Domkloster 4, 50667 Cologne
Website: www.koelner-dom.de
Price: $

2. Cologne Zoo

Second on the list is the Koelner Zoo, an awesome park with the most amazing and beautiful animals.

Elephants and big cats (including the spectacular Snow Leopard) are among the list of wonderful creatures that are in the zoo. The Cologne Zoo is also a very good place to visit with children – they will love it.

Location: Riehler Str. 173, 50735 Cologne
Website: www.koelnerzoo.de
Price: $$

3. Team Escapes in Cologne

Coming from the US and being really hyped right now are so called Team Escapes.

Basically you will get locked inside an room with your friends and need to solve some tasks in order to escape from the room.

The most famous one is called Team Escape and it proves to be quite enjoyable for kids as well.

Location: Brüsseler Platz 14, 50647 Cologne
Website: www.teamescape.com/cologne/en/
Price: $$

4. NS Dokumentationszentrum

The National Socialism Documentation Centre is the fourth on the list of things to do in Cologne.

The amazing museum is an epitome of the National Socialism history of Cologne. The museum includes exhibitions of the World War two prison cells and even torture chambers of the Gestapo.

One cannot help but sense the eerie and macabre aura and the reminiscence of what used to take place in these cells is overwhelming.

Location: Appellhofplatz 23-25, 50667 Cologne
Website: www.museenkoeln.de/ns-dokumentationszentrum/start.aspx?s=314
Price: $

5. Botanical Garden

The fifth thing to do in Cologne is visit the lovely Botanical Gardens Die Flora.

The gardens, full of colorful plants, birds, fishes and water fountains define the essence of beauty. This is a wonderful place for picnics, strolls, book reading relaxation and shade from the scorching sun.

Location: Am Botanischen Garten 1, 50735 Cologne
Website: www.freundeskreis-flora-koeln.de
Price: $

6. KölnTriangle

Next on the list of things to do in Cologne is visiting the KölnTriangle, which offers a great view of the city of Cologne including the cathedral.

The KölnTriangle is one of the highest scyscrappers in Cologne and is open to visits all year round.

Only when the weather is stormy you better call and ask if the Panorama visitor deck is open.

Location: Ottoplatz 1, 50678 Cologne
Website: www.koelntriangle.de
Price: $

7. See the city on a bike

Seventh on the Top 10 list is to rent a bike and see the city for yourself.

One of the best know bike rentals is called Colonia Aktiv Private Tours. Not only do they offer a bike rental service, but they also do some guided bike tours.

Location: Gereonswall 2-4, 50668 Cologne
Website: www.colonia-aktiv.de
Price: $

8. Kölner Philharmonie

Eighth on the list includes a visit to the Kölner Philharmonie.

This gorgeous musical venue is a wonderful visit for lovers of classical music and orchestras. But book way in advance because the Kölner Philharmonie is well know in the whole of Germany for their great concerts.

Location: Bischofsgartenstrasse 1, 50667 Cologne
Website: www.koelner-philharmonie.de
Price: $$$

9. Wallraf Richartz Museum

The ninth thing to do in Cologne is to visit the Wallraf-Richartz Museum.

The museum has a collection of exquisite medieval artistry of the Seine. This is indeed a dreamy place and a must visit for anybody interested in art.

Location: Obenmarspforten 40, 50667 Cologne
Website: www.wallraf.museum
Price: $$

10. Schokoladen Museum

If you call yourself a sweet tooth you probably should visit the Schokoladen Museum in Cologne.

There is not much to eyplain I guess – A museum about Chocolate, how awesome is that? Here you can see and learn how chocolate is being produced and maybe you get to try some as well, who knows.

Location: Am Schokoladenmuseum 1a, 50678 Cologne
Website: www.schokoladenmuseum.de
Price: $

As you can see we included lots of different things to see and do in Cologne.

Hopefully during your stay or visit in Cologne you will have time and enjoy some of our top 10 things to do in Cologne recommendations.

And if you fancy something to eat make sure to check out our Top 10 things to eat in Cologne recommendations.