Things to do in Cologne

Why go to Cologne

• Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom)

  A soaring UNESCO Gothic masterpiece free to enter, climb the tower for panoramic Rhine views for just ~$6.

• Museum Ludwig

  World-class Picasso collection and pop-art treasures in one of Europe's finest modern art museums.

• Old Town (Altstadt) & Rhine Promenade

  Cobblestone squares, brewery taverns, and sweeping river views that make every evening feel like a postcard.

• Cologne Zoological Garden

  One of Germany's oldest and most beloved zoos, home to gorillas, hippos, and a stunning aquarium.

• Romano-Germanic Museum

  Spectacular Roman mosaics and artifacts sitting right atop the ancient road that built this 2,000-year-old city.

Good to know in Cologne

• A 24-hour KVB transit pass costs ~$10 and covers all trams, buses, and the U-Bahn, buy at any station machine and skip single tickets.
• Tipping is appreciated but casual: rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is standard; Germans often tell the server the total they want to pay rather than leaving cash on the table.
• Tap water in Cologne is perfectly safe and delicious, carry a refillable bottle and skip bottled water entirely.
• Museum Ludwig and the Romano-Germanic Museum offer free or reduced admission on the first Thursday of each month, and many city museums are free on certain dates, check koeln.de before you go.

Trip essentials