Top 6 places to visit in Cologne
Cologne is well-known for its yearly carnival and all-round good nightlife. From spending many summers visiting my sister there, I can definitely vouch for its friendliness and welcoming atmosphere. Outside of that, there are many attractions, ranging from walks, wild swimming, museums and architecture. Here are my top picks.
Cologne Cathedral
As the city’s landmark, Cologne Cathedral (or“Kölner Dom”) is probably the best-known and most-visited place. It might be a bit generic, but have you actually been in Cologne if you haven’t visited the cathedral? Probably not.
You can have a look inside the Cathedral for free and attend a service if you would like to.
You also have the option to climb to the South Tower to view Cologne from above.
533 steps lead to the South Tower and access costs €6 for adults (€3 for students).
Find more information here
2. Museum Ludwig
Museum Ludwig is an art lovers paradise. The museum has a permanent collection which contains the third largest Picasso collection in the world, American Pop Art pieces (e.g. Andy Warhol) and an extensive photography collection.
My tip: Definitely calculate extra time when visiting, as it will take you a few hours to get through the wide array of art works. I actually felt like it was so big that it was almost too much to get through in a single day without getting tired.
Outside of that, Museum Ludwig hosts various exhibitions throughout the year.
Entrance costs €12 for adults, €8 for students and children up to the age of 18 go free of charge.
I would definitely recommend doing some research before and planning what sections you want to do most. Then you can prioritise those first and if you still have the energy, look at the rest too.
Read up more on the website
Extra spotlight for art lovers: If you fancy seeing some free art outside, the Sculpture Park is a cool option. More info here
3. Flora and Botanical Gardens
If you fancy a walk, the Flora and Botanical Gardens are one of the more special ones amongst many green spaces in Cologne.
The gardens encompass 11.5 hectares and has many different areas to explore, such as a garden that plays primarily on scents, trees as old as time from all over the world and a tropical greenhouse.
Entrance is free and you can read up more here
4. Cologne Triangle
Without a doubt the best view of the city is served by the observation deck of Cologne Triangle. You get a prime view of the Kölner Dom and an all-round 360° view of the city. Definitely one of my favourite places in Cologne.
Entrance costs €5 for adults (€4 for students) and children up to the age of 12 go for free.
Find out more info
5. Cologne Central Mosque
Impressive and awe-awakening are two words that I connect to Cologne Central Mosque. The architecture is beyond anything I have ever seen and I bow my head to the architects Gottfried and Paul Böhm.
Commissioned by German Muslims, the mosque’s build was completed in 2017.
When I visited with my boyfriend, we intended to only have a look from the outside, but a very friendly gentleman approached us and asked if we wanted to have a look inside.
As a woman, I had to wear an abaya (cloak worn over clothing) that was provided by the mosque. I also had to go through a separate entrance to my boyfriend and was only allowed to visit the top section, while my boyfriend was only allowed to visit the ground floor.
It was a very interesting, thought-provoking experience and one that needs to be approached in a respectful manner.
The Central Mosque also hosts free public tours on certain days in the week. Find out more here
Craving more architecture? The Kolumba Museum (pictured on the right), designed by Peter Zumthor is an architectural must-see in the city.
6. Fühlinger Lake
I can’t go long without a dip in the water and the Fühlinger Lake in Cologne is a great spot for wild swimming… especially in Germany’s warm summers.
There is also a man-made beach (called Blackfoot Beach) on the west side of the lake with white sand, day beds and the option to rent SUPs (Stand Up Paddleboards) and canoes or kayaks. They also have a pretty cool beach bar and a volleyball area.
If you want to go to Blackfoot Beach, you need to pay an entrance fee of €6 per adult, €4 for children, but the rest of the lake area can be accessed without a cost.
Visit this website to learn more about the lake, parking and public transport options.
A refreshing wild swim in Cologne’s Fühlinger Lake.