What to do in Cologne

Advice on what to do in Cologne, including culture, relaxation, nightlife, sport and food.

Cultural attractions in Cologne

Cologne is not left wanting for spectacular architecture, and it does not come any more impressive than the Kolner Dom. A stunning cathedral with a brace of spires towering at a dizzying height of 157 metres, which took 632 years to be completed. Inside there are plenty of bejewelled artefacts to admire, including the dazzling Shrine of the Three Magi.

Museum Ludwig specialises in the progressive and innovative in the world of art. It holds some of world's greatest examples of post-modern art, including works from visionaries such as Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, while the surrealist talents of the likes of Salvador Dali are also on show.

If you are visiting Cologne between September and June, it is worth trying out a night at the opera. Oper Koln is based at the Offenbachplatz, and productions there include classic works such as Salome, as well as a number of festivals and galas.

Relaxation in Cologne

The Volksgarten sits in the south of the city, and features inviting walking paths through woodland and along the grassy banks of a lake.

A great day out is taking a boat trip down the Rhine River. Tranquil and relaxing, a boat trip on this winding river is also the perfect way of seeing the city from a different perspective.

Cologne is super for the avid shopper, thanks to its range of boutiques, which can be found in retail hotspots like Hohe Strasse and Schildergasse.

The Cologne Zoo is ideal for an entertaining day out for the kids. Families can enjoy the spectacle of more than 500 species of animal, including elephants, great apes and coral reefs in the aquarium.

Cologne's Chocolate Museum is a must for every sugar-toothed tourist. The Imhoff-Stollwerck Museum on Rheinauhafen provides an in-depth history of everyone's favourite cocoa treat. As well as giving insight, they also give visitors free chocolate, making it a hit with grown-ups and kids alike.

Nightlife in Cologne

At the weekend it is worth checking out Hemingway's, a large yet intimate bar/club. Set across two floors, revellers can dance till late into the night, drinking and enjoying themselves, just as Papa would have wanted.

Hang out with It-crowd at Ringbar, which is a regular haunt for Cologne's TV stars. Expect to pay a reasonable amount for drinks, and make sure you swot up on German soap-operas if you want to know who is who in the world of German celebrities.

Sport in Cologne

A game of football can be caught with FC Koln at the Rhine Energy Stadium.


Recommended restaurants in Cologne

Expertly cooked traditional German cuisine is on the menu at Em Kruetzche, which sits on the Rhine River. The restaurant benefits from splendid views of the cathedral and Philharmonic Hall, and you can imagine the scene from 1999 when the then US president Bill Clinton is said to have eaten there.

Enjoy a fresh pizza with a fresh-faced crowd at the trendy 4 Cani Della Cita on Benesisstrasse, which features new twists on the traditional dough-based treat.