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Best things to do in Cologne
City breaks to Cologne are packed with things to do, so we’ve pulled out our top places to add to your shortlist.
Heading for a city break in Cologne? The list of things to do in this German city is a long one. From a chocolate museum crammed with the sweet stuff, to cultural greats like Cologne Cathedral – not to mention breweries galore – there’s a lot to get through while you’re here. We’ve pulled out some favourites to get you started, so you can add these to your itinerary and get planning. Cologne is yours to explore…
Eat your way around the chocolate museum
That’s right, we’re starting strong – with a visit to Cologne’s Chocolate Museum. A must for any chocolate-lover, this place traces the history of chocolate through the centuries, although the real draw is sampling the sweet stuff as you go round. Walk through a tropical garden of cacao trees, watch experts cast delicate chocolate figures and stop by a chocolate fountain to get your fill. Yes, really. If all things cacao are your idea of heaven, you’re going to love this place.
Pay a visit to Cologne Cathedral
If it’s culture you’re craving, the World Heritage Site of Cologne Cathedral should be on your list. The foundations for the third-biggest Gothic-style cathedral in the world were laid way back in 1248, and it was finally finished more than 600 years later in 1880. It’s no wonder – the structure is made from 300,000 stones and features no less than 10,000 square metres of windows. Take a guided tour to make sure you see all the best bits – there’s even a virtual reality tour available.
Lose your way in the old town
Things don’t get much more picturesque than the scenes in the city’s old town. We’re talking narrow cobbled streets, winding alleys and bustling market squares to get lost in – all a stone’s throw from the banks of the Rhine. If you’re shopping for souvenirs, make tracks for squares like Heumarkt – or Haymarket – where market stalls spill out over the pavement. It’s lined with cafés, so you can people-watch over a coffee or a cold beer.
Sip your way through a brewery tour
Speaking of beers, base yourself anywhere between the Cathedral, the Town Hall and the Rhine Promenade and you can take your pick from the city’s best brewery-restaurants. Struggling to choose between them? Try Peters Brauhaus, Brauerei Päffgen or Brauerei zur Malzmühle – the latter is the city’s second-oldest and arguably the most popular. Wherever you head, order a cold pint of Kölsch – Cologne is the only place allowed to brew the city’s famous tipple.
Shop your way around the Christmas market
Time your visit for the winter months and you can work your way around the city’s Christmas market. Cologne’s is the biggest and most-visited in Germany, and stalls spread across Alter Markt and Heumarkt squares. Browse handmade tree decorations and shop for seasonal foods with the ultimate festive backdrop – Cologne’s ornate Gothic Cathedral lit up at night.
Inspired to go? Take a look at all our Cologne holidays and book things to do in Cologne.
Or for more inspo, take a look at our favourite winter city breaks, our pick of unusual short breaks or our round-up of the best Christmas markets.
Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.
Author: Katie Gregory
Last updated: 04.09.2024