Sightseeing in Cologne

The first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Cologne's sights is Cologne Cathedral. It is the city's landmark, a masterpiece of German Gothic architecture. However, around six million visitors a year also come to the Rhine metropolis for other highlights: monuments, museums, street art worth seeing and top addresses.

From the zoo to the picturesque Old Town to the Rheinauhafen or enjoy the view over the city from lofty heights in the cable car - B&B Hotels will tell you the best addresses and most important places you must see on your trip to Cologne. The city offers families, singles, couples and friends a wide range of cultural and leisure activities around the clock, as well as idyllic parks and gardens to relax in.      

What is a must-see in Cologne?

               The Cologne Cathedral

Cologne's top attraction is of course the High Cathedral Church of St. Peter, better known as Cologne Cathedral. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996 and is one of the most visited cultural monuments in Germany. Outside of church service times, the cathedral is freely accessible, so you can go on a historical journey of discovery on your own. However, if you would like to find out more about the bells or the treasury, you can book a guided tour.

               Museums at Cologne Cathedral

Two of the city's most famous museums are located in the immediate vicinity of Cologne Cathedral: the Museum Ludwig is dedicated to 20th and 21st century art and is proud of its extensive Pop Art collection and the third largest Picasso collection in the world. Numerous paintings of Expressionism, New Objectivity and the Russian avant-garde also make the museum one of the most important art museums in the world.

The Roman-Germanic Museum is dedicated to the archaeological history of Cologne. Anyone looking for Roman sights in the city will find what they are looking for here: The most famous attractions are the Dionysus Mosaic and the 15-meter-high Tomb of Poblicius. The Roman history of Cologne can be discovered here on over 4,500 square meters of exhibition space. You can find out more about the museums in Cologne in our article here.

What can you discover in the old town?

Cologne's city center is a sight in itself. Discover the historic old town with its picturesque alleyways, traditional medieval houses and over 800 years of architectural history. A stroll through the enchanting Schildergasse is a must during your visit: where Roman legions once marched, shopping fans from all over the world now enjoy the numerous boutiques. The Schildergasse and Hohe Straße pedestrian zones are Cologne's current shopping mile in the city center of the former Roman colonia.

Taste, smell and see Cologne - fancy something unusual?

               Cologne taste

Do you have a sweet tooth or want to persuade your children to visit a museum? It's easy with the Imhoff Chocolate Museum! Hans Imhoff, a passionate chocolate maker, has long dreamed of a museum dedicated to chocolate. Here you will learn all about chocolate, from the first and oldest uses by the Maya and Aztecs to the modern industrial production of today. A real experience for young and old! And as a reward, there are plenty of chocolate and praline products in the store afterwards to satisfy your cravings.

Tip: Have you noticed the Ferris wheel on the banks of the Rhine? With the attractive combined ticket, you get a ride on the Ferris wheel, admission to the Chocolate Museum and discounts in the chocolate store! A real bargain!

The Chocolate Museum is located on a peninsula at the Rheinauhafen - a popular place for walkers with a view of the Hohenzollern Bridge. The special thing about this bridge? It was and still is decorated with small padlocks by couples in love. Perhaps you have your own padlock with you?

               The smell of Cologne

If you want to experience the city with all your senses, you should definitely visit the Farina Fragrance Museum. Fancy being seduced by eau de cologne? Then you've come to the right place. It is the birthplace of cologne and shows you three centuries of Cologne's fragrance and cultural history.

               See Cologne

Cologne is not only city life, but also colorful floral splendor. If you really want to see the city, you should make a detour to the Flora and Botanical Gardens. Not only for adults, but also for children, the diversity and beauty of the plant world is a journey around the world with all the senses.

Cologne from a bird's eye view? Take a seat in one of the gondolas of the Cologne cable car and enjoy the panoramic view of the city, the Rhine and the beautiful surrounding countryside. The 930-metre ride over the Rhine takes about 6 minutes and runs from Deutz (trade fair) to the zoo.