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You've booked your super-convenient bargain flight to Cologne. But now you're wondering what to do when you get there.

Fear not. At first glance, Cologne, or Köln to the locals, may seem like a relatively quiet, low-key destination.

However, as Germany's fourth-largest city, if you scratch the surface even slightly, you'll find no end of things to do in Cologne.

Things To Do in Cologne: The Ultimate Guide for a Weekend Getaway

Following my own recent visit to this buzzing, unique little metropolis, I've put together a list of 28 things to do in Cologne, based on what you fancy most.

Street art, culture, history, ingesting the best of Cologne's food and drink or a little bit of everything - here's a list that won't let you down when exploring this German gem. 

History Sights - Get an Intro to Cologne's Past

1.) Cologne Cathedral 

Adobe Free Stock / dudlajzov

Let's start with the obvious landmark - Cologne's legendary cathedral is impossible to miss.

Known locally as Kölner Dom, or simply the dom, this Gothic masterpiece is one of Germany's most-visited landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Entry is free, although donations are always welcome. Inside, you'll find stunning stained glass, ornate chapels, and a palpable sense of history.

Feeling energetic? You can climb all 533 steps to the top of the South Tower for sweeping views across the Rhine.

It's a proper leg workout, but the panorama is well worth it.

2.) Museum Ludwig

Unsplash / Ezgi Deliklitas

Right next door to the dom, Museum Ludwig showcases one of the finest collections of modern art in the world.

Inside, you'll find an extraordinary range of works by Picasso, Warhol, Lichtenstein, and other 20th-century greats, along with cutting-edge contemporary pieces.

It's the perfect spot to spend a few quiet hours surrounded by colour, creativity, and big artistic ideas.

3.) NS Documentation Centre

Wikimedia Commons / 1971markus

For a deeper understanding of Cologne’s past, the NS Documentation Centre offers an unflinching look at the city's Nazi-era history.

Housed in the former Gestapo prison, its exhibits document the persecution and resistance that took place here during the 1930s and 1940s.

It's a sombre and thought-provoking visit, but an essential one for anyone wanting to grasp the city's full story.

4.) Groß St. Martin Church

Wikimedia Commons / Hpschaefer

Cologne's twelve Romanesque churches are architectural treasures that tell the story of the city's medieval past.

Among them, Groß St. Martin Church stands out. Its striking tower dominates the Old Town skyline and makes a beautiful contrast against the Rhine.

Step inside to admire centuries-old craftsmanship and a calm, echoing interior that feels a world away from the busy riverfront.

Dig Into Cologne's Food and Drink Scene

5) Keep the Kölsch Coming

from Pixabay / Carola68

Cologne's beer scene revolves around Kölsch: a light, crisp ale served in tiny 0.2-litre glasses that waiters replace faster than you can say, "I'm just pacing myself."

Head to a proper Brauhaus like Früh am Dom or the legendary Lommerzheim (which looks like someone's front room but serves some of the best beer in the city).

6.) Put a Fork in Cologne's Regional Bites

Wikimedia Commons / Tamorlan

Pair your Kölsch with local favourites like Himmel un Ääd - meaning "heaven and earth".

It's essentially mashed potato, apple sauce and black pudding, and it tastes delicious.

Or try Halver Hahn, a rye roll with aged cheese and mustard.

7.) Save Room for the Chocolate Museum 

Daniel / Wikimedia Commons

At the Cologne Chocolate Museum, you can watch chocolate being made before your very eyes, before sampling it for yourself. 

Plus, you'll learn all about the history of chocolate and how it's made. It's educational, it's delicious - what's not to love?

For Nightlife and Gig Lovers

Unsplash / Lukas S 

8.) Bar-Hop Around Cologne's Belgian Quarter

Cologne's Belgian Quarter is where the city really comes alive after dark.

As Friday night rolls in, locals grab a bottle of premium beer from a nearby kiosk and gather around Brüsseler Platz to socialise in the open air. 

Street drinking isn't just allowed here - it's part of the city's social fabric.

You can join the crowd with a takeaway beer, or slip into one of the nearby cocktail bars or cosy pubs to keep the night going.

It's a relaxed, welcoming scene that perfectly captures Cologne's easygoing spirit.

9.) Catch a Gig in Cologne

Unsplash / Etienne Assenheimer

Live music fans should check out venues like E-Werk, Live Music Hall or the Lanxess Arena.

Jazz lovers can squeeze into the legendary Papa Joe's Jazz Bar in the old town, which is small but atmospheric.

10.) Make a Night of it with Cologne's Club Scene

Unsplash / Valentin Bolder

This being Germany, it wouldn't be right not to mention techno.

If electronic dance music is your thing, Bootshaus is the place. This world-famous club attracts international DJs, who spin until sunrise.

Expect pounding bass, laser lights, and a crowd that knows its music.

Alternatively, head to former junkyard-turned-club Schrotty or Club Bahnhof Ehrenfeld for some local flavour.

Think packed dance floors, live sets, and that perfect mix of grit and energy that keeps Cologne's nightlife pulsing long after midnight.

For Sports Fans and Active Travellers

11.) Catch a Match at FC Cologne's Ground

Pixabay / billmann 

Cologne lives and breathes football, and an FC Köln home game at the RheinEnergie Stadion is pure energy.

The stands roar, scarves wave, and fans sing from the first whistle to the last, win or lose.

Even if you're not a football fanatic, it's worth going just to feel the passion that runs through this city.

12.) Grab a Coat and Watch Some Ice Hockey

Raimond Spekking / Wikimedia Commons 

If you're more into ice hockey, the Kölner Haie play at Lanxess Arena and put on a good show.

13.) See Cologne on Two Wheels

Pixabay / Erich Rosenkranz

Cologne is a relatively flat city, which makes it perfect for cycling around.

Rent a bike from a local vendor or the city's Call a Bike scheme and hit some of the city's popular cycling hotspots. 

These include the Rhine Promenade, the Green Belt Loop, the Belgian Quarter's one-way narrow streets, and sections of the EuroVelo 15 Rhine Cycle Route.

14.) Hike Your Way to Peace in Königsforst

Wikimedia Commons / Mario Bezani

Need a break from the bustle? Königsforst is Cologne's green escape.

This vast forest on the city's eastern edge is filled with hiking and cycling trails, peaceful lakes, and plenty of fresh air.

It's easy to reach by tram, yet feels a world away from the city centre.

You can spend a few hours walking under the beech trees, spotting wildlife, or stopping at one of the traditional forest cafés for cake and coffee.

Get Snap Happy at Cologne's Best Photo Spots

15.) Get Snap Happy from Cologne's Best Viewpoint

Unsplash / Tobias Rademacher

For the perfect shot of Cologne's skyline, head to the KölnTriangle observation deck on the Rhine's right bank.

The glass platform offers sweeping views across the river to the Cathedral and old town. It's especially beautiful at sunset when the city's spires glow gold against the sky.

Whether you're chasing that postcard-perfect shot or just want to take in Cologne from above, it's the city's top view.

16.) Old Town 

Unsplash / Pablo Manuel Santos Breval

Altstadt, or Old Town Cologne, is a dream for photographers.

Cobblestone lanes, colourful gabled houses, and the twin spires of the Cathedral rising in the background make every corner feel like a postcard.

Wander along the Rhine promenade for classic riverfront shots. Or capture the pastel façades of Fischmarkt, one of the most photographed spots in the city.

Come golden hour, the light bounces off the cobbles and rooftops, giving everything that warm, cinematic glow.

17.) Where to Get the Best Cathedral Shot

Unsplash / Andreas Weilguny

For the ultimate view of Cologne Cathedral, cross the Hohenzollern Bridge to the river's right bank.

From here, you'll get that iconic skyline shot. The Cathedral framed by the bridge's steel arches and the Rhine flowing beneath.

Go at sunset for the best light, or stay until evening when the bridge lights up and the Cathedral glows against the night sky.

It's one of those views that feels pure Cologne - timeless, bold, and instantly recognisable.

17.) Take a Selfie with a Street Art Edge in Ehrenfeld

Pixabay /  Bea Jakobi

If you want to deck your photo album with a more urban street art edge, Ehrenfeld is where you need to be.

The arches around Ehrenfeld train station are covered in murals, stickers and wheat paste posters.

You'll find no end of colourful, creative and subversive art to fill your reels.

My personal recommendation is to head to Gerhard Wilczek-Platz just behind the station arches.

Here you'll find large-scale murals and pieces from the likes of the legendary artist El Bocho to snap, along with a couple of cafes to take a breather at. 

Beyond the Obvious: Offbeat Attractions Worth Your Time

18.) Fill Your Nostrils at the Fragrance Museum 

Wikimedia Commons / Raimond Spekking

If you're into quirky museums, the Farina Fragrance Museum tells the story of Johann Maria Farina, who crafted the original Eau de Cologne here in 1709. 

The museum offers guided tours, where you can smell your way through centuries of scent-making and create your own Eau de Cologne.

19.) Swing High, Sweet Cable Car

Wikimedia Commons / HOWI

For a different view of Cologne, take to the skies on the Cologne Cable Car (Kölner Seilbahn).

Gliding over the Rhine, it offers sweeping views of the Cathedral, the riverbanks, and the city skyline — especially magical at sunset when everything glows gold.

It's a peaceful, slow-paced ride that lets you see the city from a new angle.

On the far side, you can wander through Rheinpark, one of Cologne’s prettiest green spaces, or simply hop back across for another chance to drink in the views.

20.) Get Your Game on at Europe's Biggest Gaming Convention

Photo: Koelnmesse image database / gamescom / Marvin Ruppert

Gamers should time their visit for August when Gamescom takes over the city.

It's the world's biggest gaming convention, and even if you're not massively into games, the atmosphere's electric.

Travel Tips

Cologne is refreshingly straightforward. It's compact enough to walk everywhere, but public transport is reliable too.

Most locals speak English, though attempting a bit of German gets you bonus points for effort.

Carry cash. Some smaller places still don't take cards.

The KölnCard gets you unlimited public transport plus discounts on museums and attractions.

Stay Connected in Cologne with an eSIM for Germany

Here's the thing about travelling these days: you need internet. From navigating a new city with a maps app and translating menus to finding the best Kölsch in Cologne.

A German eSIM from Airalo makes sure you're always connected.

No researching and queuing to buy local physical SIM cards and no shock roaming charges. Just seamless internet access from the moment you land.

For the best eSIM for Germany, head to the Airalo store to find a plan that suits you.