Tourist Attractions in Cologne

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Cologne

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Cologne

The ancient German city of Cologne has a rich and honourable history. But its impressive cultural heritage was virtually lost during the horrific destruction of World War II. Almost all of its cathedrals, historic buildings and monuments have been rebuilt from ruins. However, to the delight of the tourist, it is done so skilfully that the difference is almost imperceptible or insignificant.

Cologne has many museums, galleries and concert halls. The city holds the mark of a major cultural centre of Germany with dignity. Numerous tourists enjoy strolling across the Hohenzollern Bridge, which offers a breathtaking view of the Rhine and the Cologne Cathedral, sit in the evenings in countless bars and happily join the history of the ancient German land.

Top-25 Tourist Attractions in Cologne

Cologne Cathedral

 4.8/5

65824 reviews

A magnificent and majestic monument of Gothic architecture, one of the most beautiful Catholic cathedrals in Europe. It is the largest church in Germany. Cologne Cathedral was built from XIII to XIX centuries. During the Second World War it withstood more than ten bombings and survived. The facade of the temple is the largest church facade in the world. Inside are priceless Christian relics – the remains of the Magi who welcomed the newborn Christ.

Open time

Historisches Rathaus der Stadt Köln

 4.1/5

446 reviews

The town hall building is a few metres from Cologne Cathedral. The oldest part of the town hall was built in the 14th century, but these buildings have hardly survived. The building that has survived to this day is a copy of a structure from the beginning of the XV century (during the Second World War the town hall was completely destroyed). The 61 metre high Gothic tower of the Town Hall is the symbol of Cologne.

Open time

Brühl Castle

 4.6/5

6218 reviews

Augustusburg Palace is considered a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. Its interiors are decorated in luxurious rococo style and the palace park completes the harmonious architectural ensemble. The complex was created in the 18th century thanks to the wishes of Archbishop Clemens August von Wittelsbach, who was characterised by his fine taste and taste for beauty.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Target

 4/5

397 reviews

A medieval castle on the water, located in the district of Sülz. It bears the name “Weisshaus”, which translates as “White House”. In the Middle Ages, the castle served as a defence structure and the seat of the abbey of the Benedictine order. The brick tower of the castle has remained unchanged since the beginning of the 17th century, while the other buildings date back to the 19th century. The castle is now owned by a private individual.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Museum Ludwig

 4.5/5

7098 reviews

Museum of Modern Art, where interesting collections of surrealists, expressionists, cubists, avant-gardists, pop art, graphics and other current trends are presented. The exposition was founded by German chocolate magnate P. Ludwig and his wife in the second half of the XX century. Of particular value are the works of such masters as Pablo Picasso, Tom Wasselman, Kazimir Malevich, Andy Warhol.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Lindt Chocolate Museum

 4.3/5

34983 reviews

Museum founded by the confectionery company Imhoff-Stollwerk in 1993. This company is considered a respected chocolate factory with a rich tradition and a long history. It was founded at the beginning of the 19th century. The exhibits of the Chocolate Museum will tell visitors about the history of this delicacy, from the time of the American Aztecs to the present day. The museum has a shop-café where you can try different kinds of chocolate and buy sweet memorable souvenirs.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Römisch-Germanisches Museum im Belgischen Haus

 3.6/5

161 reviews

An archaeological museum with exhibits covering the historical period from primitive times to the fall of the Eastern Roman Empire (i.e. the early Middle Ages). The lands surrounding the Rhine River were once remote Roman provinces. The museum exhibits everyday objects and household items from the 1st to 4th centuries AD. Remains of ancient villa facades, sculptures and mosaics are also on display.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Wallraf - Richartz Museum

 4.6/5

2587 reviews

The museum is one of the oldest in Germany. Its collections are truly unique – it houses works by Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Monet, examples of medieval paintings and ancient icons that survived the formidable time of the Church Reformation. The Wallraf-Richartz Museum was founded in 1861 thanks to the efforts of the local merchant and patron of art I.G. Richartz and the rector of the University of Cologne F.F. Wallraf.

Open time

Schnütgen Museum

 4.6/5

280 reviews

An impressive collection of medieval art donated to Cologne by Mr A. Schnütgen at the beginning of the 20th century. Here visitors can see tapestries, jewellery, festive church vestments, sculptures, precious tableware and jewellery. The exhibition is dominated by religious themes, as Schnütgen was a member of the governing body of the church.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Dufthaus 4711

 4.4/5

919 reviews

The building that housed the workshop and shop of Wilhelm Müllens, the famous Cologne perfumer, founder of a dynasty and creator of the Eau De Cologne 4711 series of fragrances. There is also a small museum in the premises, where you can learn a lot of interesting things about the history of cologne. The brand “4711” is the German “Chanel No. 5”, a famous and revered perfume brand.

Open time

Monday: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Duftmuseum im Farina Haus

 4.4/5

2297 reviews

The perfume factory of Johann-Maria Farina is the closest competitor of the Mullens dynasty. Both houses claim primacy in the creation of cologne (Eau de Cologne). This essence was first called “Cologne water” until the French gave it a more elegant name. The House of Farina contains all the famous fragrances ever created by the family’s perfumers.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Gürzenich Köln

 4.4/5

1434 reviews

A concert hall and a place for official events. Its history dates back to the 15th century, when the noble family of Gürzenich decided to build a separate building for diplomatic meetings, gatherings and entertainment. In the middle of the 19th century, the Gürzenich was rebuilt as a concert hall. The building was destroyed in 1943 and has never been restored to its original form.

Open time

Hahnentor

 4.4/5

748 reviews

The gate was once used as a grand entrance to the city. It was a powerful and majestic structure that guarded medieval Cologne. Holy Roman Emperors entered the city through the gate to worship the relics of the Magi in Cologne Cathedral. The Hanentorburg Gate was built in the 13th century and has survived to this day in almost its original form.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Basilica of St. Severin

 4.5/5

310 reviews

A 13th-century city gate (according to other sources, 14th century) from which the road south from Cologne to Bonn started. The structure was part of the city’s defences. The Cologne authorities used to welcome royalty and important guests – their own rulers, their noble brides and foreign kings on a friendly visit – at St Severin’s Gate.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Sunday: 1:00 – 5:00 PM

Ulrepforte

 4.5/5

506 reviews

The ancient fort is a defence structure that guarded the approaches to Cologne. The name can be translated as “potter’s gate”. From the middle of the 13th century Ulrepfort performed its defence functions correctly, but in 1450 it was closed, walled up and handed over to the possession of a Cartesian monastery. After a while, the monks converted the fort’s powerful tower into a windmill.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Eigelstein-Torburg

 4.4/5

1734 reviews

The structure is located in the northern part of Cologne. Along with the Ulrepfort, Hanentorburg and St. Severin’s Gate, the Eigelstein Gate formed part of Cologne’s defence system. It also housed the customs house, prison and court. During the Second World War it was thoroughly destroyed. Restoration work began as quickly as possible.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Tuesday: 2:00 – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: Closed
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Roman Tower Helenturm

 4.1/5

20 reviews

A medieval building from the 12th to 13th centuries, which was erected to protect the city. The tower has undergone several restorations, and during the phased demolition of the old fortress walls of Cologne it always remained unharmed, but it did not escape the destruction of the Second World War. It was not until the 1980s that the tower was restored.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Great St. Martin Church

 4.5/5

1229 reviews

A picturesque church that is located near Cologne Cathedral. The church is interesting because its architecture contains elements of several styles: Gothic, Baroque and classical Byzantine. Like most of Cologne’s historic buildings, the structure was destroyed by bombs during World War II. The modern church building is a skilful copy of the 12th-13th century building.

Open time

St. Pantaleon

 4.5/5

250 reviews

A Catholic church built in Romanesque architectural style. It is a powerful building with symmetrical, laconic forms, two high towers and a strict façade. During the Early Middle Ages, Christians gathered here on the hill for their rituals. The interior decoration of the church is not luxurious, and the Moroccan style, characteristic of the Caliphate of Cordoba, is evident in the interiors.

Open time

St. Aposteln

 4.5/5

500 reviews

A Romanesque basilica founded on the site of a 10th century monastery. It is a very ancient temple, which already in the XI century was one of the spiritual centres of the Christian community. For 1000 years of its history, the Apostolic Church has been rebuilt many times, so almost nothing of the original interiors has survived. Today the church belongs to the Catholic community of Cologne.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM

Rhein-Seilbahn

 4.2/5

420 reviews

The cable car over the Rhine River, a popular tourist attraction. It offers a stunning view of the Cologne Cathedral. During the cable car ride, the tourist is given the opportunity to view the cathedral in all its glory. The cable car first opened in 1957, but five years later it was dismantled due to the need to use the land for the construction of a zoo. Its “second birth” took place in 1996.

Open time

Hohenzollern Bridge

 0/5

A railway arch bridge over the Rhine. It was opened at the beginning of the 20th century. The bridge harmonises beautifully with the architecture of Cologne Cathedral. The structure was blown up during World War II and was fully restored only by 1958. For local couples, the Hohenzollern Bridge is the “bridge of love”, where it is obligatory to hang an iron lock that binds the hearts, and throw the key into the Rhine.

Flora und Botanischer Garten Köln

 4.7/5

6899 reviews

Park and botanical garden, one of the oldest in the whole of Europe. It was organised in the 19th century. The Prussian master P. Lenne worked on the landscape design. On the territory of the park there are walking alleys, greenhouses, meadows, sculpture groups and a small lake. The entire infrastructure of the botanical garden is created for the maximum comfort of visitors.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Phantasialand

 4.5/5

85086 reviews

An amusement park that has been in operation for more than half a century. It is considered to be one of the first in Europe. “Fantasyland” is a worthy analogue of the Parisian “Disneyland”. It is very popular with the residents of Germany, as well as with tourists. There are several thematic zones on the territory: Wild West, Mexican Prairie, Ancient Greece, Celestial Empire and others.

Open time

Monday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Cologne Zoological Garden

 4.4/5

28974 reviews

The zoo is home to an entire herd of elephants. The huge African animals have been living safely at the Cologne Zoo for ten years. The zoo also boasts an impressive population of baboons (over 150) and a large aquarium. The zoo was founded in 1860. The number of visitors per year ranges from 1.5 million to 1.7 million.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM