Things to do in Cologne

There are plenty of things to do in Cologne that will delight visitors and locals alike. From the majestic Cologne Cathedral to vibrant neighborhoods and picturesque riverbanks, you can explore the city with numerous leisure activities and unforgettable experiences. Here, B&B HOTELS gives you the best tips for enjoying your stay whatever the weather.

Outdoor activities

When the weather is nice, we all like to be outside. Whether you are looking for the tranquillity of nature or an active adventure in the open air - Cologne has plenty of outdoor activities for all tastes and ages.

On the left bank of the Rhine, the Botanical Garden invites you to take a trip around the world with all your senses. A true paradise of plants and flowers in the middle of the city that invites you to linger. If you like sports, you can invite your friends to a game of mini golf outdoors. Whether in Rodenkirchen, at the TV tower in Ehrenfeld or under the Zoo Bridge - the mini golf courses offer fun for young and old and are always worthwhile!

If you want to stay fit but feel watched in gyms, there are plenty of places for outdoor sports in Cologne. With friends or on your own, you can do yoga or kickboxing in the city's large parks, play beach volleyball at the Rheinauhafen, go climbing on the Hohenzollern Bridge or surfing on the Rhine.

Great trips with children

Cologne's city forest is located in the west of the city. Here, 200 hectares of forest and meadows invite you to take a deep breath, relax and go for a walk. It can be reached from Rudolfplatz in the city center in just 10 minutes by train. There is also plenty for children to discover here: ponds, canals, bridges and playgrounds. The absolute highlight, however, is the free zoo, a real adventure for young and old. Find out more about Cologne with children here.

On the right bank of the Rhine, between the Hohenzollern Bridge and Mülheim harbor, is the Rheinpark, which offers a cool adventure playground for children and a magnificent view of Cologne's old town for adults. This varied park landscape in the Deutz district is also home to the famous Rhine cable car. It is one of the most popular activities for anyone who wants to experience the city from a different perspective: The 930-metre ride across the Rhine takes around six minutes and takes guests to the zoo on the left bank of the Rhine.

Activities during bad weather

If it's a bit cold or rainy outside, the cathedral city has plenty of exciting indoor activities to offer. How about a sporty 24-hour race like in Le Mans, France? In the old industrial hall in Ossendorf, Le Mans Karting offers great winding tracks, which of course don't have to be driven for 24 hours straight. Racing fans train on Cologne's longest karting track, fight for first place and try to beat the current record time.

When it comes to puzzles, escape games are the best indoor activity. The participants have to observe, combine and communicate well with each other in order to escape from the locked rooms within an hour. It's often the little things and details that lead to the goal. Are you a Sherlock too?

What do the first Cologne settlement, Picasso and chocolate have in common? If you want to find out, you should definitely visit the numerous museums. The Roman history of the city is explored in the Roman-Germanic Museum, while Picasso, Otto Dix and other artists of classical modernism and expressionism can be found in the Museum Ludwig. And the chocolate?

There really is a chocolate museum in Cologne! It's right on the Rhine and you can't miss it, you just have to look out for the Ferris wheel. Here you can learn all about chocolate, from its first use by the Maya and Aztecs to modern industrial production today. An experience for young and old! And as a reward, there is plenty of chocolate and pralines in the store afterwards to satisfy your cravings.

Tip: With the attractive combined ticket, you get a ride on the Ferris wheel, admission to the chocolate museum and a discount in the chocolate store! A real bargain!

Cologne offers a whole host of activities that reflect the diversity and vibrancy of the city. From historical sights and cultural attractions to relaxing retreats in nature, there is something for every visitor to discover and experience. Cologne is a city that welcomes its visitors with open arms and offers unforgettable experiences that will live long in the memory. The B&B Hotels also welcome you with open arms and look forward to your visit!