Location: Cologne
Top Things to do in Cologne
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The 10 Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia
There are 2,000 years of history in Cologne, and visitors here will find everything from Roman towers to Gothic churches to fine examples of modern architecture. Cologne has a variety of museums, too—check out the Museum of Applied Art, the Museum Ludwig and, if you have a sweet tooth, the Chocolate Museum. Be forewarned, though—the gift shop at the latter will utterly ruin your diet.
Restaurants in Cologne
1. Cologne Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21,825 reviews
This giant Gothic cathedral, which until its completion in 1880 had been under construction for over 500 years, is perhaps Germany's most famous religious structure and includes two huge towers that serve as the defining symbol of Cologne's skyline.
Reviewed By _rayscom - Long Buckby, United Kingdom
Jaw dropping cathedral.Wonderful to walk around.You can have an unhurried stroll and wonder at the skills involved in the conduction of this wonderful building.Not for the faint hearted is a trip up to the bell tower.Breathtaking in every sense of the word. Very busy in summer
2. Wallraf-Richartz Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 694 reviews
This impressive museum houses artwork covering every genre from the 13th century through the 19th century.
Reviewed By susanhG1104QY - Valencia, Spain
Exquisite collection of Medieval art, nice impressionist collection all with well written informative plaques in German and English. Highly recommend the Rembrandt special exhibition as well. We also enjoyed the museum cafe for lunch and would recommend.
3. Museum Ludwig
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,705 reviews
This art museum houses a diverse collection that includes everything from Dali to Warhol to one of the world's largest Picasso collections. Open Tuesday to Sunday (including public holidays) from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., every first Thursday of the month until 10 p.m.
Reviewed By Jan_from_Atlanta - Atlanta, United States
Located close to the train station and cathedral, the Ludwig holds a rich collection of modern and pop art, including one of the largest collections of Pablo Picasso works in the world. The museum is very pleasant and roomy but is not massive, which makes for a very enjoyable visit. Admission is 12 Euros. There is a restaurant as well but I would suggest take a very short walk to The Fruh (over 100 years old) for a nice German meal at reasonable prices.
4. Gross St. Martin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 576 reviews
This famous Romanesque cathedral, re-opened in 1985 following extreme damage during World War II, takes second billing behind only the Dom as Cologne's most prominent religious structure.
5. NS Documentation Centre of the City of Cologne
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,378 reviews
This old Nazi prison, preserved in its original state, is a terrifying reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust.
Reviewed By James188113 - Sydney, Australia
The Gestapo headquarters is well worth the visit. The holding cells, the history of the people who were held there and their writing on the walls is extremely moving. You could spend a good hour or more just in this section. All the exhibits in this area are in both German and English. Strange that this isn't followed on the other floors. Although for a small extra fee you can get the audio guide which even in the holding cell area provides extra information. The execution yard is also very powerful. The other floors are a bit more general on the rise of Hitler, the concentration camps and life in Germany at the time.
6. Saint Gereon's Basilica
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 235 reviews
One of Cologne's 12 churches built in Romenesque style, Saint Gereon's Basilica dates to the 11th century and has unique architectural features including a dome, an intricate floor mosaic of David and Goliath and the remains of Roman walls. Open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. It is not possible to visit the church during Sunday Mass at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
7. St. Maria im Kapitol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 145 reviews
This intimate church includes intricately designed wooden doors from the 11th century on its outside and wooden carvings depicting the life of Christ on its inside.
8. Museum Schnutgen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 141 reviews
9. Neptunbad
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 252 reviews
Reviewed By Sauna_Meister
I've been to Neptunbad several times now since first discovering it back in 2015. For me, if I goto Cologne than at least one visit to Neptunbad is an ABSOLUTE MUST! It is a fantastic spa to goto to relax free of clothing in the numerous saunas, steam room, and pools. Yes as with most German(and other countries such as Netherlands, Belgium, Slovenia, etc) spas, no clothing is allowed in the facilities so don't go there expecting to be able to wear your swimwear! But wearing nothing in such facilities is by far the best way to do it - it's so much more healthy, relaxing, rejuvenating and beneficial compared to wearing sticky swimwear! I just wish that there were spas here in the UK that had a textile-free(or at least clothing optional) dress code instead of their "Please wear swimwear at all times" nonsence! But I can't see that changing anytime soon unfortunately. Anyway, Neptunbad spa is EXCELLENT. Several saunas of varying temperatures, though only one small steam room, plus pools, and frequent Aufguss sessions. Strip off all your clothes, relax and enjoy! A reasonable balance of sexes there all doing the same! A fantastic spa to go to relax and rejuvenate! Don't go there for just 2 hours, that's way too short a time to spend at Neptunbad! Go there for at least 4 hours or the whole day! I will be returning to Cologne fort a short break this week and will be going to Neptunbad for two spa sessions. I really can't wait!
10. Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 178 reviews
A rice storage hut and and a full Javanese gamelan greet you at this unique museum that aims to unite humanity across cultures and gives visitors an opportunity to explore their own prejudices and preconceived notions. Open Tuesday to Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and the first Thursday of the month until 10 p.m.
