Best Things to do in Cologne in the Summer

Cologne or Köln is a city in Germany full of culture, romance, diversity, and the iconic Cologne Cathedral.

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The city has the most pubs per capita than any other city in Germany. We were originally going to move to Cologne, but plans changed.

I called Cologne the city of windows because with each building you can take a look and people watch. If people watching isn’t your thing, no worries because Köln has a variety of things to do from history, culture, partying and eating your way through Germany’s fourth largest city.

How to get to Cologne

Train

Luckily, the train system is fairly easy to manage. We took the train to get to Cologne! While riding the train, we were drinking beers and enjoying the views.

Plane

Cologne has an international airport Cologne Bonn Airport and the airport code is CGN. The airport is connected to the train system, so you will be able to get around.

Car

If you live in Germany or a boarding country, you can take the scenic route and drive to Cologne.

Travelling around Cologne

Once we arrived via train, we walked all around cologne. Cologne has a clean and well maintained public transportation system if you’d rather travel by bus or train. Cologne is also one of the five cities in Germany to offer Uber. If you are headed for a night out, wearing tennis shoes is the best option.

Where to Stay in Cologne

Whether you are looking for something cozy, hostels or luxury, Cologne has endless options to stay. We stayed at 25 Hours Hotel The Circle, which I would recommend. The hotel is central, has an amazing breakfast view of the cathedral and is a 15 minute walk from the train station. You can find the 25 Hours Hotel The Circle Hotel Review here.

Best Things to do in Cologne

Cologne Cathedral

Obviously, You cannot go to Cologne and not see the largest gothic church in Northern Europe. The cathedral does not disappoint and the view does not get old. It’s kind of crazy the way that history works. As I stepped outside the train station and saw the gothic architecture, all I could do was stare. The building is stunning in person. You can attend mass at the cathedral or just enter and see the stained glasses, huge arches and take in the beauty. After you’ve stared at all the beauty, you can climb the 533 steps to the top and see views of Cologne from the top for 4 euro.

12 Romanesque Churches

Although it’s not the first thing you think about when you think of Köln, Köln is home to 12 Romanesque Churches. Built in 1150 and 1250, these Roman architectural style churches have rounded arches, pillars, and columns derived from the Middle Ages. The churches are in a semi circle around the city, which does not exist anywhere else in the world. Spend a couple of hours exploring the European art history.

The Hohenzollern Bridge

The Hohenzollern Bridge crosses the river Rhine and is surprisingly another lock bridge. Bring an engraved lock and join the 40,000+ padlocks. In 2008, residents and tourist started placing locks on the bridge as a sign of their love, which quickly became a tradition in Cologne. Unfortunately, you won’t see Robin and I’s lock, so another reason for us to go back. The Hohenzollern Bridge is the perfect place to take an evening stroll and see the city lit up along with the Cathedral.

Alter Markt

Alter Markt or Old Market in English is the largest square in Cologne. A fountain with a Jan Von Werth statue sits in the center of the square with by restaurants, shops and bars surrounding. During the winter time, Alter Markt is full of Christmas cheer because one of Germany’s well known Christmas market. Wander off to into the cobble tone alley ways and discover hidden gems, biergartens, and colorful buildings.

Experience the city with a local

Fischmarkt

If you’ve googled Cologne, you’ve seen the colorful buildings, which are located in the Fischmarkt (fish market. The fish market is located between Lintgasse and Mühlengasse and does not have a single fish in sight. After the stacking right in 1259, this area located on the Rhine was known for trading fish from Holland. The citizens of Cologne would purchase salmon, pond fish, and crabs from the market women. Today, the fischmarkt is known for colorful buildings, boutiques, restaurants, incredible Rhine views and bars. Don’t forget to snap an instagram picture of the instagrammable gothic homes along the Rhine. Tip: Head to the Kiosk for snacks and beverages, so you can sit across from the Rhine and people watch.

Cologne Triangle

Looking for picturesque views of the Hohenzellern bridge and Cologne Cathedral, head to the Köln Triangle. Köln Triangle is known as the most beautiful panoramic view of Cologne with 360 degree views. You can see this view Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m and on the weekends 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is 5 euro for adults, 4 euro for students, and children under 12 years of age can enter for free.

Drink a Kölsch

We all know that bier (beer) is a big deal in Germany, but Kölsch is an even bigger deal in Cologne. Head over to one of the cities pubs or a kiosk and get this light beer. Don’t you dare mention Altbier, which originated in the neighboring city of Düsseldorf. Over centuries, Köln and Düsseldorf have spilled beer over who’s brew is best.

Chocolate museum

Who doesn’t love chocolate? If you happen to be someone who doesn’t, you can skip this one and head to one of the 30+ museums in the city. The museum is located in the Rhine au harbour in from of old town. Spend a couple of hours getting lost in the culture and history of chocolate.

Take a Bus Tour