Cologne is Germany’s cultural hub, and it is filled with amazing cultural landmarks and hidden gems. Popular tourist attractions include the Gothic Cologne Cathedral, the kid-friendly Phantasia Land and Museum Ludwig, which houses an extensive collection of Picasso works. These places of interest can easily form the highlights of any tourist’s journey to Cologne. As for a comfortable, homelike stay, the city boasts plenty of Airbnb vacation rentals. A trip to this city does not have to be expensive, as it has tons of budget-friendly accommodation options. You can stay at a hostel and save big. Moreover, for adventurous travellers looking for something different, or for tourists looking to avoid the crowds, there is much on offer here. So, read on for some of the best non-touristy things to do in Cologne, Germany.
1. Enjoy the diverse plant life at Flora and Botanical Garden
Sprawled over 11.5 ha (28.4 ac), Flora and Botanical Garden is a paradise for nature lovers. The lush hotspot features plants and spring blooms from a range of habitats and climates, allowing visitors to witness a variety of plant species. The garden also organises various annual events, such as dahlia shows and camellia exhibitions. Future plans for the garden include a new greenhouse, which will offer interesting insights for botanists.
After witnessing the flora, you can check out the seasonal on-site cafe and restaurant, where you can enjoy meals in a charming setting. The cafe also packs picnic baskets for visitors!
Flora and Botanical Garden
Address: Alter Stammheimer Weg, 50735 Köln, Germany
Website: Flora and Botanical Garden
Opening hours: 8am - 9pm (daily)
2. Explore the colorful neighborhood of Ehrenfeld
Ehrenfeld is one of the most hip neighbourhoods in Cologne and offers something for all kinds of travellers. For gastronomy enthusiasts, the neighbourhood boasts a range of eateries serving both local and international cuisines. Shoppers can also check out indie boutiques and buy unique clothing, making it one of the best places to buy souvenirs and gifts for your loved ones.
When in Ehrenfeld, one of the best streets you can stroll is Körnerstraße. From chic cafes to dance bars, Körnerstraße always keeps the charm alive.
3. Dine at Fruh am Dom
Fruh am Dom is a traditional German guest house which serves up fantastic local fare. In particular, highly raved about dishes include the seasoned beef, beer and Kölsch. Make sure to make a reservation before coming over because queues can get quite long during peak lunch and dinner time hours! The Fruh am Dom also caters for events and conferences, so if you are a business traveller looking to cater some food for an event, Fruh am Dom counts as one of the best places to eat in Cologne.
Fruh am Dom
Address: Am Hof 12-18, 50667 Köln, Germany
Website: Fruh am Dom
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 12am; Sat - Sun: 9am - 12am
Price: about 20 USD
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Explore the Belgian Quarter
The Belgian Quarter is an inner-city district of Cologne, Germany, filled with great shopping and dining outlets. Key highlights in this modern slice of Cologne include the main shopping boulevards Hohe Straße and Schildergasse, and the famous fashion and jewellery shop Chic Belgique.
The Belgian Quarter
Address: Brüsseler Straße 50672 Köln
Website: The Belgian Quarter
Opening hours: Mon - Sun: open all day
Price: free
5. Catch a football game
FC Cologne is a German association football club popular amongst local football fans. At their arena, you can catch games weekly at an affordable price. For football enthusiasts looking for an authentic local weekend activity to engage in with friends and family, this is the perfect non-touristy thing to do!
RheinEnergieStadion
Address: Aachener Str. 999, 50933 Köln, Germany
Website: RheinEnergieStadion
Opening hours: Mon - Sun: 7am - 7pm
Price: free entry on days without a match
6. Attend a video game fair
Gamescom is a trade fair for video games, held annually at the Koelnmesse in Cologne. For lucky travellers who happen to be in Cologne around the month of August, you might get the chance to try out some of the latest cutting-edge gaming hardware and software in the world. Some of the newest video games, too, launch at this event, so video game enthusiasts should definitely be there while this happens.
Gamescom
Address: Messepl. 1, 50679 Köln, Germany
Website: Gamescom
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm
Price: free
7. Drink Kölsch beer
The Kölsch Beer Experience brings guests on a personalised beer tour to learn more about Cologne’s rich and unique beer history. Along the way, the tour guide will bring guests to visit some traditional BrauHäuser, or beer houses, and try the different Kölsch beers in the city. The roughly three-hour tour ends with a delicious traditional meal as its last stop.
Kölsch Beer and Brewhouse Experiencec in Cologne - Klook
Duration: 2hrsDuration
8. Visit the Fragrance Museum
Let a friendly and knowledgeable guide bring you through the Duftmuseum im Farina Haus, or the Fragrance Museum, where guests will get to explore Cologne’s oldest Fragrance Museum whilst learning about perfume essences, the history of fragrances in Cologne and much more. This educational tour is highly recommended not just for adults but also for kids, who will enjoy getting their five senses tingled in this sensory tour experience.
Fragrance Museum
Address: Obenmarspforten 21, 50667 Köln, Germany
Website: Fragrance Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 7pm
Price: 5.50 USD
9. Take a chocolate journey through the Chocolate Museum (from USD 17.0)
Schokoladenmuseum, or the Chocolate Museum, is one of Cologne’s top attractions amongst families with young children. This hidden gem in Cologne includes and in-depth explanation of the the culture and history of chocolate. The history of this sweet dessert starts with the old American traditions of the Mayans and the Aztecs, through the Baroque age and finally through the industrialisation period. Friendly and enthusiastic tour guides will also bring visitors through the chocolate making process, from the grinding of the cacao beans to the eventual refinement of the beans into the smooth, chilled bars we love so dearly.
The Chocolate Museum Cologne Entrance Ticket
Duration: 60 to 120 minutes
10. Take an overnight Old Town tour (from USD 14.0)
Fancy taking an overnight tour of one of Cologne’s famed spooky old towns? This 90-minute tour brings you through Cologne Old Town’s narrow alleys and hidden corners, while a knowledgeable tour guide tells scary stories from times long past. For those not as keen on spook and gore, the tour also offers its participants the chance to glimpse many of the famous sights in Cologne at night, illuminated by lights from the city.
Cologne: Old Town Tour in German with a Night Guard
11. Go on a Segway tour (from USD 81.22)
The Segway is a fun and family-friendly means of travel around bustling cities and walkways. On this Segway tour of Cologne, participants will get to steer their own Segway while witnessing some of the best attractions and things to see in Cologne. You will see the Rheinpark Green, Hohenzollern Bridge, Old Town and Zoobrücke Bridge, which provides guests with panoramic views of Cologne city.
2 Hours Cologne Segway Tour or VIP Segway Tour
Duration: 120 minute
12. Take a boat trip on the Rhine (from USD 51.0)
The Rhine River cruise is a full-day sightseeing cruise which brings its participants through the scenic panorama of the majestic castles, churches and vineyards along the shores of the Rhine. Some key highlights include the ancient ruins of Drachenfels Castle overlooking the Rhine Valley and the cog railway up to the Drachenfel. The cruise goes from Cologne to Königswinter, and it lasts a total of eight and a half hours.
Rhine River Cruise: Cologne to Königswinter with Sightseeing
Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes
Many great things to do in Cologne
For all travellers looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience in Cologne, be sure to check out the above non-touristy things to do there before your next trip to Cologne, Germany. I can guarantee that you will find a fun and engaging experience that suits you and your family.
Frequently asked questions about the best non-touristy things to do in Cologne, Germany
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