All citiesCologne Things to do and walking itinerary
Germany Cologne travel guide
29 things to do in Cologne, where to stay, airport transfers, 4 MICHELIN-starred restaurants. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in Cologne
- Cologne Cathedral — Roman-Catholic cathedral in Cologne, Germany (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Hohenzollern Bridge — bridge in Cologne, Germany (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Wallraf–Richartz Museum — art museum in Cologne, Germany (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Cologne Central Mosque — mosque (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Museum Ludwig — museum in Cologne, Germany (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Romano-Germanic Museum — archaeological museum of ancient roman and germanic cultures in Cologne, Germany (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Roonstrasse Synagogue — synagogue in Cologne (visit ≈ 30 min)
- St. Gereon's Basilica — church in Cologne (visit ≈ 30 min)
- St. Pantaleon's Church — church in Cologne (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Colonius — tower in Cologne (visit ≈ 40 min)
- St. Maria im Kapitol — romanesque church in Cologne, Germany (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium — Roman colony, today Cologne in Germany (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Basilica of the Holy Apostles — church in Cologne-Altstadt-Nord, Germany (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Great St. Martin Church — church in Cologne, Germany (visit ≈ 30 min)
- St. Cecilia's Church — Romanesque church in Cologne, Germany (visit ≈ 30 min)
- St. Kunibert's Church — church in Cologne, Germany (visit ≈ 30 min)
- St. Andreas Church — church in Köln-Altstadt-Nord, Germany (visit ≈ 30 min)
- St. Maria Lyskirchen, Cologne — Romanesque church in Cologne (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Basilica of St. Severin — church building in Altstadt-Süd, Germany (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Cologne Zoological Garden — zoo (visit ≈ 150 min)
- Cologne Opera — building in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany (visit ≈ 20 min)
- St. George's Church — one of twelve Romanesque churches in the city of Cologne, Germany (visit ≈ 30 min)
- NS Documentation Centre of the City of Cologne — NS Documentation Centre - Cologne (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Flora und Botanischer Garten Köln — Cologne Botanical Garden (visit ≈ 45 min)
- memorial to gay and lesbian victims of National Socialism — memorial in Koln (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Deutz Abbey — former monastery in Cologne, Germany (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Glockengasse Synagogue — synagogue in Cologne (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Museum of East-Asian Art — museum in Cologne (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Museum für Angewandte Kunst — applied art museum in Cologne, Germany (visit ≈ 120 min)
2-day Cologne walking itinerary
Starting point: Old Town / Cathedral. The top 8 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 7.7 km · 10,430 steps · 1 h 43 min on the way): Wallraf–Richartz Museum → Roonstrasse Synagogue → Cologne Central Mosque → St. Gereon's Basilica → Cologne Cathedral → Romano-Germanic Museum
- Day 2 (≈ 1.6 km · 2,130 steps · 20 min on the way): Museum Ludwig → Hohenzollern Bridge
Hidden gems and overlooked spots in Cologne
- Chocolate Museum — Ship-shaped building on a Rhine peninsula: cocoa history, a working production line and a chocolate fountain. (visit ≈ 75 min)
- Kolumba — Peter Zumthor's museum built over the ruins of a lost church, mixing religious art with contemporary works. (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Rheinauhafen — Former harbour with upside-down-L 'crane houses' and restored warehouses; a riverside stroll. (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Cologne Cable Car — Cable car crossing the Rhine since 1957 between the zoo and Rheinpark, with cathedral views. (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum — Ethnology museum of world cultures, comparing objects from many regions by theme. (visit ≈ 75 min)
Where to stay in Cologne
- Old Town / Cathedral: The cathedral, Rhine bank and traditional brewhouses are right there.
- Belgian Quarter: A stylish area full of boutiques, cafés and bars.
- Ehrenfeld: An alternative area with street art and good-value restaurants.
- Südstadt: A relaxed area with local pubs and the riverside.
- Deutz: Across the river, near the trade fair, with cathedral views.
Getting from the airport to Cologne
- Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN): S19 or regional train ≈ 15 min
Getting around
The centre is walkable; trams and U-Bahn cover the rest. Bridges make it easy to cross the Rhine.
Classic places to eat
- Früh am Dom: A large brewhouse by the cathedral serving Kölsch beer and Rhineland food.
- Päffgen: A family brewhouse making its own Kölsch since 1883.
- Peters Brauhaus: Local dishes in rooms with stained-glass ceilings.
- Brauerei zur Malzmühle: An old brewhouse on the Heumarkt known for its mellow Kölsch.
- Brauhaus Sion: A big brewhouse in the old town; pork knuckle and sausages.
- Café Reichard: Open since 1855; cake on the terrace facing the cathedral.
MICHELIN-starred restaurants
Last known stars; check the MICHELIN Guide before you go.
- Ox & Klee — 2 MICHELIN stars, Creative
- Maximilian Lorenz — 1 MICHELIN star, Modern German
- La Société — 1 MICHELIN star, Creative
- Neobiota — 1 MICHELIN star, Creative
Romantic views
- Hohenzollern Bridge (Evening): A railway bridge covered in thousands of love locks, facing the cathedral.
- Rheinboulevard (Sunset): Wide steps in Deutz facing the cathedral and old town skyline.
- KölnTriangle (Sunset): The river and cathedral from the tower’s viewing deck.
- Flora Botanical Garden (Spring): A historic garden with glasshouses and flower beds.
Football stadiums in Cologne
- BayArena: Home of Bayer 04 Leverkusen
- RheinEnergie Stadion: Home of 1. FC Köln
Good to know before visiting Cologne
- Fine: Nazi symbols, salutes and propaganda are illegal, even as a joke.
- Fine: Riding without a valid ticket is fined; in some cities paper tickets must be stamped.
- Fine: Crossing on a red pedestrian light can be fined and is frowned on.
- Warning: Cannabis is legal in limited amounts for 18+, but banned near schools, playgrounds and in daytime pedestrian zones.
- Warning: Don't walk on the red cycle lanes; cyclists ride fast.
- Warning: Publishing recognisable photos of people without consent can cause legal trouble.
- Emergency: 112 (police 110)
- Plugs: C/F, 230V
- Tap water: Tap water is safe; restaurants usually charge for water.
- Tipping: Tip 5–10%; tell the server the total when paying rather than leaving it on the table.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: Germany, Wikivoyage — Germany, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
Cologne travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in Cologne?
- The top 8 places in the centre take about 2 days at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel. Allow 4 days for the top 20 places within walking distance.
- What are the top things to do in Cologne?
- Highlights: Cologne Cathedral, Hohenzollern Bridge, Wallraf–Richartz Museum, Cologne Central Mosque and Museum Ludwig. The map has 29 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in Cologne?
- Old Town / Cathedral: The cathedral, Rhine bank and traditional brewhouses are right there. Other options: Belgian Quarter, Ehrenfeld, Südstadt and Deutz.
- How do you get from the airport to Cologne city centre?
- Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN): S19 or regional train ≈ 15 min
- How do you get around Cologne?
- The centre is walkable; trams and U-Bahn cover the rest. Bridges make it easy to cross the Rhine.
- Which MICHELIN-starred restaurants are in Cologne?
- According to the last known data there are 4 starred restaurants: Ox & Klee (2 stars), Maximilian Lorenz (1 star), La Société (1 star), Neobiota (1 star). Check the MICHELIN Guide before you go.
- What is the emergency number in Cologne?
- Emergency: 112 (police 110).
- Do you tip in Cologne?
- Tip 5–10%; tell the server the total when paying rather than leaving it on the table.
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