Free Attractions And Activities In Cologne, Germany

Cologne, Germany's fourth-largest city, is known for its towering Kölner Dom, or Cologne Cathedral, which is free to visit. The city also has a ton of museums, including the Farina Fragrance Museum, the Schokoladenmuseum, and the Wallraf Richartz Museum. For nature lovers, there's the Botanical Garden, the Rheinpark, and the Rheinauhafen waterfront. And for something a little different, check out the street art in Ehrenfeld or the love locks on Hohenzollern Bridge.

Cologne Cathedral

The cathedral is free to enter and admire the main altar and stunning stained glass windows. There is a small fee to climb the 509 steps to the top of one of the towers, but it is well worth it for the incredible views of Cologne and the Rhine River.

The cathedral is home to many artworks and treasures, including the Shrine of the Three Kings, said to hold the relics of the Three Wise Men. This incredible piece of art is made from wood with gold and silver overlay, decorated with about 1000 jewels and beads.

Other highlights include the nave, which is the longest in Germany at 144 metres, and the choir stalls, with reserved spots for the Pope and the Emperor. The Gero Crucifix, created around 970, is the earliest known Western depiction of Christ dead on the cross. The Milan Madonna, a statue of the Virgin Mary and the infant Jesus, is another beautiful piece, carved from wood in around 1290.

The cathedral is located in the heart of Cologne, next to the main train station, so it is easy to access and is a must-see for anyone visiting the city.

Old Town

Cologne's Old Town (Altstadt) is a must-visit, especially if you're a history buff. Here are some things you can do for free while exploring this charming part of the city:

• Admire the Cologne Cathedral: The Kölner Dom is an iconic landmark and Germany's most visited attraction. Entry to the cathedral is free, allowing you to marvel at its Gothic architecture, vast interior, and intricate stained glass windows.
• Stroll through the Historic Squares: Alter Markt (Old Market Square) is a lively spot with a 19th-century fountain commemorating Jan von Werth, a victorious army general. Nearby is the Fischmarkt, a colourful square with old multi-hued buildings, a fountain, and a cobbled courtyard, all with the Gross St Martin church as its backdrop.
• Explore the Roman-Germanic Museum: Although the museum is currently closed for renovation, you can still peer through its window to glimpse a Roman mosaic depicting scenes from the life of Dionysus.
• Visit Romanesque Churches: Twelve large Romanesque churches form a semi-circle around Cologne's city centre, including Saint Gereon's Basilica and Groß St. Martin. These churches predate the Cologne Cathedral and feature unique architectural styles and designs.
• Discover the Fragrance Museum (Farina House): Learn about the origins of Eau de Cologne, which was first created in the city in 1709 by Italian perfumer Johann Maria Farina.
• Walk Along the Rhine River: The Rhine River offers beautiful views of the city and its modern-medieval architecture. Stroll along the waterfront, cross the famous bridges, and relax in the Rhein Park.
• Attend Free Concerts and Festivals: Cologne boasts a vibrant music scene, with free concerts and events taking place throughout the year. Keep an eye out for festivals and celebrations, such as the Carnival in February, a week-long celebration of debauchery and madness!
• Free Walking Tours: Join a free walking tour to delve deeper into the history and culture of the Old Town. While these tours are technically free, it is customary to tip your guide based on your experience.

Love locks at Hohenzollern Bridge

The Hohenzollern Bridge in Cologne is famous for its thousands of "love padlocks". The tradition of hanging padlocks on the bridge began in 2008 when couples started fixing locks engraved with their initials to the railings of the bridge. The locks are meant to symbolise everlasting and unbreakable love, and after locking them to the bridge, couples throw the key into the River Rhine below.

The bridge now has around 300,000 padlocks, with some sources estimating 40,000 to 500,000, and the keys are said to line the riverbed of the Rhine. The locks have added an estimated 40 to 45 tons of weight to the bridge, which has caused some safety concerns. However, the train company has said they will not remove the locks as long as they pose no danger to rail traffic.

The bridge is one of the city's most romantic spots, with locals, tourists, and celebrities visiting to lock their love eternally. The love locks have become an integral part of the cityscape, and they stretch across the entire length of the 400-metre bridge.

To get to the Love Locks Bridge, you can take the U-Bahn lines 5, 16, or 18 and get off at Dom Hauptbahnhof, or lines 1 and 9 to Deutz Bahnhof.

Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden in Cologne is a beautiful place to visit, and it's free! Located near the Zoo, the garden is home to thousands of plants from around the world. It features many different garden styles, such as English landscape, Italian Renaissance, and French Baroque gardens. The garden has a rich history, having been designed by Peter Joseph Lenné, one of the most influential landscape gardeners of the 19th century.

The garden is a great place to relax and take a break from the bustling city. You can stroll along shaded arcades, past waterfalls, ponds, springs, and a fountain. There's also an alpine garden, an iris garden, and a lily garden. The camellia collection is particularly remarkable, with over 500 plants representing 400 species, including original Japanese varieties. Some of these plants are over 100 years old!

The garden also has a cafe and a restaurant, making it a perfect spot to spend a leisurely day. It's easily accessible by public transport, with tram and bus stops located nearby.

Overall, the Botanical Garden in Cologne is a must-visit attraction for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful escape in the city.

Street art at Ehrenfeld

Ehrenfeld, a borough of Cologne, is famous for its street art and graffiti, including works by well-known artists and amateur geniuses. The area has a different vibe from the rest of the city, with a hipster atmosphere and a vibrant nightlife scene.

The street art in Ehrenfeld includes works depicting Nazi atrocities and modern ethical dilemmas, such as a piece representing the Edelweiss Pirates, escaped detainees from concentration camps who formed an anti-Nazi resistance group in 1944. In addition to its thought-provoking content, Ehrenfeld's street art is also aesthetically impressive, with interesting murals by renowned artists such as Faith47, Sepe & Chazme, and INTI, as well as local talents like Captain Borderline and Huami.

Beyond the street art, Ehrenfeld also offers a variety of attractions, including flea markets, al fresco restaurants, boutique shops, and quiet, leafy streets. The area around the old Helios Lighthouse is particularly worth exploring, with stunning artwork adorning building facades. Ehrenfeld is also home to Neptunbad, a Japanese thermal spa, and Cafe Sehnsucht, a cosy coffee shop named after the German word for 'wistful longing'.

To get to Ehrenfeld, you can take any train or tram to Ehrenfeld Bahnhof. From there, the streets are best explored on foot or by bicycle. So, if you're looking for a unique, artsy experience in Cologne, Ehrenfeld is definitely worth a visit!

Frequently asked questions