Cologne's Sunday Openings: A Quick Guide

If you're visiting Cologne on a Sunday, you might be wondering what's open. While most shops are closed on Sundays in Germany, with the exception of those in airports, major train stations, and souvenir shops near tourist attractions, there are still plenty of things to do and see. Restaurants are open, so you can enjoy the local cuisine and sample the local beer, Kolsch. Many museums are also open on Sundays, such as the Romano-Germanic Museum, the Schokoladen Museum (Chocolate Museum), and the Farina Duftmuseum (Farina Fragrance Museum). You can also take a stroll across the Hohenzollern Bridge, which offers a spectacular view of the Rhine River. So, while some shops may be closed, there are still plenty of options to explore and enjoy Cologne on a Sunday.

Restaurants and bars

If you're looking for a bite to eat in Cologne on a Sunday, you're in luck! Most restaurants are open on Sundays, and there are plenty of options to choose from.

For German food, you could try päffgen in Friesenstraße or Johann Schäfer in the Südstadt, both of which are open every day of the week. FRÜH am Dom also serves classic German dishes with vegetarian and vegan options, and is open on Sundays. For Bavarian food with vegetarian options, try Augustiner am Heumarkt.

If you're after something more international, there are plenty of options. For Italian food, try Little Nonna or Vetrina The Italien Food Experience. For Indian cuisine, Jaipur Indian Restaurant and Ganesha are both open on Sundays. For something different, there's the African restaurant Tanoshii, or the Polish restaurant MaXimA Polnisches Bistro & Restaurant.

For a casual drink, many bars in Cologne are open on Sundays, although they may close earlier than usual.

Shops at the airport and train stations

If you're looking for shops that are open on Sundays in Cologne, the airport and train stations have plenty of options. The Cologne Bonn Airport offers attractive shopping opportunities 365 days a year, with a wide range of products available, from high-quality clothing and travel literature to children's toys. You can also grab a bite at McDonald's or enjoy a coffee at one of the cafés. On Sundays and public holidays, parking is convenient, with a flat rate of 3 euros for entries and exits between 9 am and 7 pm.

For those arriving by train, the Cologne Hauptbahnhof station is located in the heart of the city and offers easy access to bustling shopping streets. While specific shop names are not available, you can expect to find well-known retailers and large department stores within a 10-minute walk of the station. Additionally, the REWE supermarket at the main station is open 24/7, ensuring you can stock up on any essentials at your convenience.

If you're looking for a more intimate shopping experience, the urban district of Belgisches Viertel is a short distance from the Hauptbahnhof station. Here, you'll discover small fashion boutiques, pleasant cafés, trendy bars, and inviting restaurants. Concept stores like How We Live and Schee offer unique items for those with a penchant for interior design.

So, whether you're arriving by air or train, Cologne has a variety of shopping opportunities available to you, even on Sundays. Take advantage of the convenient location of these transport hubs and explore the range of options they offer.

Landmarks and historical buildings

Cologne is a city with a rich history and is home to many landmarks and historical buildings. Here is a list of landmarks and historical buildings that you can visit in Cologne on a Sunday:

Cologne Cathedral

The Cologne Cathedral is a Gothic church and one of the most famous landmarks in the city. Construction began in 1248 and took over 600 years to complete. It is known for its towering spires and stunning stained-glass windows, attracting millions of visitors each year. The cathedral is open on Sundays from 1 pm to 4 pm, and you can climb to the top of the towers for a panoramic view of the city.

Hohenzollern Bridge

Hohenzollern Bridge is an impressive railroad bridge that crosses the Rhine River near the Old Town. Built between 1907 and 1911, it is now the busiest railroad bridge in Germany, with over 1200 trains passing through daily. Walking or cycling along the bridge offers breathtaking views of the Great St. Martin Church, the cathedral's towers, and the Rhine River.

Old Market (Alter Markt)

The Old Market is a lively historic marketplace and the heart of Cologne's Old Town. Surrounded by colourful buildings, restaurants, cafes, and bars, it is a popular spot for people-watching and enjoying a cold German beer. During the end-of-year festivities, the Alter Markt hosts a famous Christmas Market, and it is also the starting point for the city's Carnival celebrations.

Cologne City Hall (Rathaus)

Cologne City Hall, located between the Rathausplatz and Alter Markt squares, is Germany's oldest city hall, combining medieval and modern architecture. The main building dates back to the 14th century, while the Gothic-era tower is adorned with over 120 sculptures. On the hour, a wooden grotesque face sculpture, known as Platzjabbeck, sticks out its tongue.

Great St. Martin Church

Great St. Martin Church is one of the 12 Romanesque churches in Cologne and has been part of the city's skyline since the Middle Ages. Built between 1150 and 1250, it features a trefoil arch and a lofty crossing tower. The church was damaged during World War II but has since been restored. Inside, you can admire beautiful icons and wood-carved statues, and explore the ancient Roman foundations in the basement.

St. Maria im Kapitol

St. Maria im Kapitol is a majestic church tucked between houses in the Old Town. Built in the 11th century over the remains of a Roman temple, it houses several historical art treasures, including 1000-year-old wooden doors, late Gothic stained-glass windows, and a 14th-century plague crucifix.

Roonstrasse Synagogue

Roonstrasse Synagogue is the only surviving synagogue out of the five that existed before World War II in Cologne. It was burned during Kristallnacht but was rebuilt by the surviving Jewish community in the 1950s. The neo-Romanesque synagogue features three arched portals and a stunning rose window. Inside, you'll find a community centre, a kosher restaurant, and an exhibition on the history of the Jewish community.

Ludwig Museum

Located between the Rhine and the Cologne Cathedral, Ludwig Museum showcases an extensive collection of 20th- and 21st-century art. Founded in 1976, the museum's exterior features wave-like rows of brick facades and zinc-clad shed roofs. The collection includes the world's third-largest collection of Picasso's works, Russian avant-garde art, American Pop Art, and German Expressionism. The museum is open on Sundays from 10 am to 6 pm.

Markets

Cologne is a vibrant city with a lot to offer, even on Sundays. While most shops are closed on Sundays across Germany, including in Cologne, there are some exceptions and plenty of markets to explore. Here is a guide to the markets you can visit on a Sunday in Cologne:

Nippesser Wochenmarkt:

Located in the suburb of Nippes in Cologne, this market is a highlight of the area. It is open every day except Sunday, offering fresh fruits, vegetables, and other daily supplies at low prices.

Cologne Cathedral Market:

The area around the iconic Cologne Cathedral, or Kolner Dom, is a bustling hub of activity. While the cathedral itself is a must-see for its Gothic architecture and historical significance, the surrounding area also offers various markets and shops. The cathedral's square often hosts special events and markets, especially during the Christmas season.

Old Town Markets:

Cologne's Old Town, with its charming boutique hotels and quaint streets, is also home to several local markets. These markets offer a range of products, from fresh produce to souvenirs. The Old Town is a great place to wander and discover hidden gems, and Lokafy, an up-and-coming tour company, can help you find these local markets.

Rudolfplatz Market:

On Thursday evenings, the Rudolfplatz transforms into a lively food market called Meet & Eat Market. This market is a favourite among locals, featuring a variety of local and international food trucks. It's the perfect place to grab dinner and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

Train Station and Airport Shops:

While most shops are closed on Sundays in Germany, there is an exception for shops located within train stations and airports. In Cologne, the main rail station has a wide variety of shops, almost like a small mall. So, if you're looking for some retail therapy on a Sunday, head to the main train station or the airport.

With these options, you can enjoy a Sunday full of exploration and shopping in Cologne, despite the general closure of shops across Germany. These markets offer a unique glimpse into local life and provide a great opportunity to interact with the city's culture and people.

Museums

Cologne is home to a variety of museums that are open on Sundays. Here is a list of some of them:

Museum Ludwig

The Museum Ludwig is one of the great museums of 20th-century art, beautifully presented, and with wonderful views. It has one of the most extensive Pop Art collections in Europe, the third-biggest collection of Picasso's work in the world, and one of the best collections of German Expressionism. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 6 pm.

Wallraf-Richartz Museum

The Wallraf-Richartz Museum houses diverse art collections, featuring works from the medieval period to the post-impressionist era. It has one of the most important collections of medieval art worldwide, including the famous "Madonna in the Rose Bower" by Stefan Lochner. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 6 pm.

Museum Schnütgen

The Museum Schnütgen houses a precious collection of medieval works of art in one of the oldest churches in Cologne, the Romanesque Church of St. Cecilia. It showcases sculptures, goldsmiths' work, glass paintings, ivories, and textiles. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 6 pm, and on Thursdays until 8 pm.

Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum

The Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum of Ethnography is the only one of its kind in North Rhine-Westphalia. It showcases the cultural legacy of non-European cultures, with a collection of about 65,000 objects and more than 100,000 historical photographs. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 6 pm, and on Thursdays until 8 pm.

Chocolate Museum

The Chocolate Museum, founded in 1993, offers an exciting insight into the past and present of chocolate and cocoa. It covers current developments, presents enticing exhibits, and offers delicious treats for visitors to enjoy. The museum is open daily, including Sundays, from 10 am to 6 pm.

Romano-Germanic Museum

The Romano-Germanic Museum showcases the archaeological legacy of Cologne and the surrounding region, from prehistoric times to the early Middle Ages. It features the world's largest collection of Roman glass vessels and early medieval jewellery. The museum is open from Wednesday to Monday, from 10 am to 6 pm.

These are just a few examples of the museums that are open on Sundays in Cologne. Each museum offers a unique experience and provides insight into different aspects of art, history, and culture.

Frequently asked questions