Sights and landmarks in Cologne

Sights and landmarks in Cologne

1. See

   Agnesviertel

   In the bohemian Agnesviertel, you can find independent designers, bookshops, bars, and art galleries. There are also historical monuments, such as the North City Gate or Eigelsteintorburg in the Agnesviertel, very near to Fort X, built to protect the city from French attacks, and Agneskirche, a late neo-gothic church on the boulevardesque Neusserstraße. Neusserstraße also has a yoga school, an Aikido school, a Japanese restaurant, a well-stocked bookshop, and a range of pubs. Nearby you will find the Alte Feuerwache, where there are regular exhibitions on political topics and a surreal flea market every four weeks in summer. Opposite Alte Feuerwache is the Artclub, with regular exhibitions of contemporary art, and on Ebertplatz there is a cinema (Metropolis) which shows films in the original (mostly English, but sometimes also French or Spanish). On nearby Lübecker Straße, you will find the uncompromisingly Arty Filmpalette cinema. To round off a trip to the Agnesviertel, you might like a kölsch in the Lapidarium (right beside the North City Gate) or a coffee in Cafe Schmitz, Cologne's grooviest poser hangout (they also do a great breakfast.) All of these great places are within a short walk of Ebertplatz U-Bahn.

2. See

   Bahnhof Köln-Deutz

   The historic building of the station now known as Köln Messe/Deutz is an interesting piece of architectural heritage many visitors to Cologne miss as they exit the station on the fairgrounds side.

3. See

   Basilica of St. Cunibert

   St. Kunibert's Church

   St. Kunibert is the youngest of Cologne’s 12 Romanesque churches, famous for the Kunibertuspütz. According to local legend, Cologne’s babies are born in this crypt well rather than being delivered by the stork. The church is a treasure trove of medieval art, housing the city's oldest stained-glass windows (c. 1230) and the golden shrines of Saint Kunibert and the Ewaldi brothers.

   Closed · opens 10 am tomorrow

4. See

   Basilica of St. Severin

   St. Severin' is the second tallest of Cologne's Romanesque churches (79 m), dedicated to the patron saint of rain who is said to protect the city from drought. Visitors can walk beneath the elevated 19th-century shrine to receive a "blessing from above." The church is a treasure trove for history buffs, housing the largest preserved medieval silk fabric in the world (4th–10th century) and a crypt built over ancient Roman burial sites.

   Mon-Fri 10:00-18:00; Sat 10:00-13:00; Sun 13:00-17:00

5. See

   Basilica of St. Ursula

   One of Germany's oldest continuously used churches, with origins dating back to the Roman era. It is best known for the "Golden Chamber," a historic ossuary, and its significance as a site of pilgrimage. Access for sightseeing is limited to times outside of services; for guided tour schedules and group reservations, please visit the official website.

   Closed · opens 3 pm tomorrow

6. See

   Basilica of the Holy Apostles

   St. Aposteln

   A Romanesque basilica featuring a cloverleaf-shaped choir and a 67-meter-high west tower. Sightseeing is only possible outside of service hours. Group tours must be arranged in advance via the parish office; information on public guided tours is available on their website.

   Mon-Sat 10:00-19:00 Sun 09:00-17:00

7. See

   Cologne City Museum

   Kölnisches Stadtmuseum

   Shows exhibits and works of art on the history of the city of Cologne from the Middle Ages to the present day.

   Tue 10:00 to 20:00, Wed-Sun 10:00 - 17:00, every 1st Thu of each month: 10:00 - 22:00·€5, concession €3

8. See

   Deutzer Freiheit

   The main shopping street of Deutz, with not only retail opportunities but also many historic buildings along the way.

9. See

   Die Kölner Synagoge

   Roonstrasse Synagogue

   The Cologne Synagogue is architecturally striking for its dark, monumental style. Its Torah scroll has a significant history, having been rescued by a Catholic priest from another synagogue during the Nazi era. In 2005, Pope Benedict XVI visited the site, marking only the second time in history that a pope had visited a synagogue. Guided tours are available; please consult the official website for schedules and booking information.

   €5

10. See

    Dreikönigenpförtchen

    One of the best-hidden gems of Cologne, the small yet ornate gothic gate once led to an "immunity" belonging to the convent based at the St. Maria im Kapitol.

11. See

    ESSO Station An der Kölnarena

    You may wonder what's so special about a gas station, but you will understand once you see its 1950s architecture with the unique structured roof and learn that it is the oldest gas station in Cologne in continuous operation.

12. See

    Flora and Botanical Garden

    Cologne Botanical garden. The tropical house and the cactus houses are being rebuilt as of Oct 2024.

    08:00-sunset·Free

13. See

    Former franciscan convent with St. Marien church

    Nestled inconspicuously between contemporary residential buildings is this impressive complex with gothic-inspired decorations

14. See

    Groß-St. Martin

    Great Saint Martin Church

    A landmark Romanesque basilica in the Old Town, characterized by its distinctive trefoil choir and soaring crossing tower. It was founded around 960 AD as a Benedictine monastery. The current structure dates to the 12th and 13th centuries. Sightseeing is limited to times outside of religious services; information regarding public guided tours and group visits can be found on the official website.

    Tue-Thu 13:00-17:25; Fri Sat 10:00-12:30, 13:00-17:25; Sun 13:00-18:00

15. See

    Gürzenich dance hall

    The Gürzenich is a municipal concert and event hall, best known for its late Gothic façade completed in 1447. It was built as a venue for public festivities. It retains its historic architectural character while functioning as a modern facility for congresses, concerts, and social events. It serves as a representative example of 15th-century civic architecture in Cologne

16. See

    Historisches Rathaus

    Historic Town Hall/Cologne City Hall

    The Cologne City Hall is Germany’s oldest functioning municipal building, with origins dating back to the 12th century. The complex is defined by the 15th-century Gothic tower, which served as a symbol of the city's guilds, and the 16th-century Renaissance "Laube," a loggia representing the civic pride of Cologne's citizens. Notable features include the "Platz-Jabbeck," a carved wooden figure on the tower that sticks out its tongue when the clock strikes, and the restored Hansa Hall, once the meeting place of the Hanseatic League. The central Piazzetta connects the historic wings with modern architectural elements, reflecting both the city’s medieval heritage and its post-war reconstruction.

    Mon Wed Thu 08:00-16:00, Tue 08:00-18:00, Fri 08:00-12:00

17. See

    Hohenzollern Bridge

    Also called the Locking Bridge. If you walk to the back of the Kölner Dom along a straight path, there is a bridge on the Rhine to your right that is covered in padlocks. The locks are placed there by couples to show their loyalty to each other. Couples often have their names and a significant date inscribed on the locks. There are other places around the world that have "love padlocks".

18. See

    Kartäuserkirche

    Charterhouse church

    The church belonged to the local charterhouse (a monastery of the Carthusian order) until 1794, when the monastery was closed and the church was used variously as a warehouse or a military hospital until the 1920s, when it was restored to its religious function by a local Protestant community, whom it serves as a church until today. After reconstruction, it features an impressive pipe organ array with glockenspiel.

19. See

    Kolumba

    Diocesan museum

    A Christian art museum. An architectural wonder designed by Peter Zumthor and a feast for the senses; this museum, built in concordance with the ancient foundations of the shrine of Mary in the rubble contains a selection of historical and contemporary religious art. Worth visiting just to explore the spiritually inspiring spaces and the beautiful walkway through the ruins of the past.

20. See

    Kunsthaus Lempertz

    The famous German art merchants and auctioneers, founded in 1845 (although the building is from 1952, reconstructed after the Second World War).

21. See

    Kwartier Latäng/Studentenviertel

    This student neighbourhood takes its name from the Parisian Quartier Latin. It is centred on the Zülpicher Straße and provides ample nightlife opportunities, ranging from a night shop (Späti) with dancefloor and toilets, to grimy indie bars. Middle Eastern food is also easy to be found here, including the famous and very popular Habibi. The neighbourhood can be accessed by going to the station "Zülpicher Platz".

22. See

    Käthe Kollwitz Museum

    Dedicated to the artist Käthe Kollwitz (1867-1945), the first woman elected to the Prussian Academy of Arts.

    Tue-Fri 10:00-18:00, Sat Sun and holidays 11:00-18:00, closed on Mondays·Regular €5, reduced €2

23. See

    Köln-Triangle

    LVR-Turm

    The Köln-Triangle is a high rise building in Deutz, immediately by the waterfront. It is a part of a building complex fronted by the Rhine-facing Hyatt hotel and is hard to miss due to its prominence and quite easily accessible from both Deutz and the left bank of the Rhine (simply cross the Hochenzollern bridge from the Altstadt). On its 29th floor, it has a viewing terrace called Panorama, which is publicly accessible via a lift for a relatively reasonable fee. The terrace has glass all around it for both safety purposes and for exhibiting the names of various landmarks you can see from it. If you want to take really good photos, you may want to have a piece of cloth with you to clean the glass of fingerprints and such. The viewing terrace is closed during bad weather (like storm or hail).

    May–Sep: Mon–Fri 11:00–22:00, Sat Sun public holidays 10:00–22:00; Oct–Apr Mon–Fri 12:00–18:00, Sat Sun public holidays 10:00–18:00·Admission is €3 for a single person, every additional member of the same party pays €2 only

24. See

    Kölner Dom

    Cathedral

    A UNESCO World Heritage site, this monumental cathedral took 632 years to complete, finally being consecrated in 1880. Cologne's Dom is the first thing you will notice when leaving through the main exit of the central station. If you don't see it, you've likely taken the back exit. If you are in good shape, you can climb the 509 stairs to the top of the south tower. The round trip takes about an hour and requires comfortable shoes, but the panoramic view is well worth the hike. Touring the cathedral is forbidden during Mass; to ensure the doors are open for visitors, check the liturgical calendar: koelner-dom.de.

    Mon-Sat 10:00-17:00; Sun 13:00-16:00·Admission to the cathedral is free, a 'sightseeing fee' for tourists is being introduced in July 2026 (worshippers and those attending Mass still enter for free). Admission to the South Tower costs €8 (reduced €4, family €20), and admission to the Treasury is also €8 (reduced €4, family €20). A combined ticket for the tower and the treasury is available for €12 (reduced €6, family €30). No luggage or large bags may be carried inside; lockers are available at the nearby station or the service centre

25. See

    Martinsviertel / Altstadt

    Old town between Rhine, Heumarkt, Alter Markt and Dom, (Cologne Cathedral).

26. See

    Museum Ludwig

    A museum of modern art, near the central railway station and the Cathedral hosts a worthy regular exhibition and temporary exhibitions.

    Tue–Sun 10:00-18:00, first Thu of the month 10:00-22:00·Admission €12, concessions €8, free under 18 years

27. See

    Museum für Angewandte Kunst

    Museum of Applied Art

    The Museum of Applied Art has a collection of popular design items, as well as temporary exhibitions. The historical collections have been closed for several years due to refurbishment and new exhibition concept.

    Tue-Sun 10:00–18:00·Regular €4, reduced €2, permanent and special exhibitions: price varies from being free to €6

28. See

    NS-Dokumentationszentrum

    NS-Documentation Center

    "NS" is short for National Socialist. Former headquarters of the Cologne Gestapo, with prison cells. Now the largest regional memorial site in Germany for the victims of the Nazis. Library, media and exhibitions. Near subway stop "Appellhofplatz".

    Tue-Fri 10:00-18:00, Sat Sun and holidays 11:00-19:00, closed on Mondays·€4.50

29. See

    Overstolzenhaus

    One of the oldest houses in Cologne, built between 1220 and 1225, with an impressive Romanesque façade. Built as a residence for a local patrician, today it houses the Academy of Media Arts.

30. See

    Postamt

    Bürgerhaus Stollwerck

    The former post office built from red brick in 1906 is now used as a theatre.

31. See

    Praetorium

    The Praetorium served as the administrative headquarters of the Roman governor in Cologne, then the capital of the province of Germania Inferior. As one of the most significant Roman palaces along the Rhine, it functioned as the political and administrative center of the region for centuries. Today, visitors can explore the excavated foundations of this multi-phase structure, with the 4th-century monumental palace remains being the most prominent. The site reveals a sophisticated layout, including a central octagonal room, flanking halls, and a riverside porticus, alongside impressive archaeological finds such as remnants of marble wall cladding, mosaics, and large-scale sculptures.

    It is closed due to construction work, expected to open by the end of 2028

32. See

    Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum für Völkerkunde

    Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum – World Cultures

    North Rhine-Westphalia's only ethnological museum, it has a fine collection of Amerindian and Austro-Polynesian artefacts.

    Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00, Thu 10:00-20:00, first Thu of the month 10:00-22:00·Regular €7, reduced €4.50

33. See

    Rheinauhafen

    This completely rebuilt area combines modern extravagant architecture with historical harbour buildings. The old Rheinauhafen opened in 1898 and became necessary due to increasing amount of freight traffic. The new Rheinauhafen is a mix of office buildings and apartment buildings and gastronomy. On a peninsula of the Rhine (1 km south of Heumarkt) it is an invitation for a beautiful walk along the river or for having lunch or dinner. Also see the separate itinerary article for a walking tour.

34. See

    Römisch-Germanisches Museum

    Roman-Germanic Museum

    Römisch-Germanisches Museum explores the history of Roman history in Cologne and the surrounding area. The permanent exhibition is now located in the Belgian House (Cäcilienstraße 46, near Neumarkt). The exhibits of the Dionysos mosaic and Poblicius tomb are closed as of May 2022.

    Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00·€6 (full), €3 (reduced)

35. See

    Schokoladenmuseum Köln

    Museum of Chocolates

    Chocolate museum in Cologne. It's a short visit but very interesting exhibits. Admission €13.50, concessions €8.50, family pass €34.50 (surcharge on weekends).

    Tue-Fri 12:00-18:00, Sat Sun holidays 10:00-18:00, last admittance one hour before closing

36. See

    Severinsbrücke

    Completed in 1959, the cable-stayed bridge provided a relief for the Deutzer Brücke. Although not outstanding visually as such, it provides a nice view of both banks of the Rhine if you care to walk it.

37. See

    St. Andrew's Church

    St. Andreas

    St. Andreas Church is a notable example of the transition from Romanesque to Gothic architecture and contains a 14th-century crypt where the scholar Albertus Magnus is buried. The interior is characterized by a series of contemporary stained-glass windows by Markus Lüpertz and features significant medieval furnishings, including 15th-century choir stalls and the gilded Maccabee Shrine.

    Mon-Fri 08:00–11:00 & 13:00–18:00, Sat 10:00-16:30, Sun 12:30-17:30

38. See

    St. Cecilia's Church

    St. Cäcilien

    A Staufen-period pillar basilica and one of Cologne's twelve great Romanesque churches. It features notable historical elements such as a 12th-century tympanum and remnants of Ottonian architecture. Since 1956, the church building has housed the Museum Schnütgen, which showcases an extensive collection of medieval religious art.

    Tue Wed Fri-Sun 10:00-18:00, Thu 10:00-20:00·Adult €6, concessions €3.50

39. See

    St. George's Church

    St. Georg

    Founded in 1059, this basilica is noted for its Roman-era columns and vaulted architecture that earned it the nickname "Ravenna on the Rhine." It stands on the site of a former Roman guard post. Sightseeing is restricted to times outside of religious services; for information on public tours and group registrations, please visit the official website.

    1 Nov-28 Feb 08:00-17:00, 1 Mar-31 Oct 08:00-18:00

40. See

    St. Gereon's Basilica

    Basilika St. Geron

    One of Germany's oldest churches, built on the foundations of a late antique oval structure. It is famous for its unique decagonal dome and elliptical floor plan. Please note that sightseeing is restricted to times outside of religious services. For details on public tours or to register group visits, please consult the official website.

    Closed · opens 10 am tomorrow

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Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Cologne (CC BY-SA 4.0).