While Cologne is known for being a bit pricier to visit, seeing the city doesn’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of great free things to do in Cologne, meaning you don’t have to miss out on anything this historic city has to offer. Even better, with such a great variety of free activities, there’s sure to be something for everyone to enjoy!
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From spotting street art to strolling through botanical gardens, there are so many fantastic free things to do in Cologne! Here are all my top recommendations to help you save money!
The best free things to do in Cologne: Activities and attractions
What you need to know
- Is Cologne worth visiting? Definitely! I loved visiting Cologne, there’s plenty to see and it’s full of interesting history.
- What are some free things to do in Cologne Germany? There are so many great free things to do in Cologne. Whether you want to visit a museum, explore the city’s history or hang out in a park, check out my guide below for the full list!
- Is Cologne expensive to visit? Cologne is known for being more on the expensive side to visit, but I didn’t find it too bad. It really depends on what you do during your visit, if you’re eating out regularly, visiting lots of expensive attractions etc. You can definitely make visiting Cologne on a budget work!
KölnCard Tourist Ticket
While you do have to pay for the KölnCard, it’s well worth looking into if you want to save some money. Once paid for it allows free use of all the public transport in Cologne and discounted entry to lots of popular tourist attractions like Museum Ludwig, a popular art museum. There are even discounts on tours and at some restaurants!
If you’re looking to visit lots of museums and sightseeing spots, this is a great way to keep the cost down. It also makes getting around really simple with its free access to public transport!
Visit the Kölner Dom – Cologne Cathedral
One of the best free things to do in Cologne is undoubtedly visiting the city’s show-stealer, the Cologne Cathedral. Completed in 1880, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is breathtaking both inside and out, and the best part is, it’s free to enter! Once you’re done taking in the incredible gothic architecture, step inside to admire the beautiful stained glass, the magnificent main altar, and the Shrine of the Three Kings, which is believed to house the remains of the three wise men.
Explore the city on a free walking tour
If you’re looking to explore the city and get to know it’s history, one of the best free things to do in Cologne is to go on a free walking tour. Learn all about the city’s past and hear stories and tales you won’t find in any guidebook! Here are some recommendations:
- The Dark Side of the Dom: Explore Cologne’s medieval past in this ghost tour after dark!
- Free tour Cologne: Explore all the major sites in the city and learn all there is to know on this walking tour
Experience nature at the Flora und Botanischer Garten Köln
I love botanical gardens and this one certainly didn’t disappoint. Home to over 10,000 plant species from around the globe, the Cologne Botanical Gardens feature themed areas, greenhouses, ponds, and fountains, this place is perfect if you’re looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. With its manicured flowerbeds and pristine lawns, it offers a beautifully maintained outdoor space, making it one of the best free things to do in Cologne for those looking to spend time outdoors!
Learn something new at the Geomuseum
Part of the University of Cologne, the GeoMuseum boasts a fantastic collection of around 50,000 geological samples. From gems and fossils to minerals and even meteorites, the exhibits vividly bring Earth’s history to life. Highlights include a 1,400-year-old sequoia tree section and ancient amphibian fossils. This is one of the best free museums in the city and one of the best free things to do in Cologne if you’re into museums and history!
Browse the Markets
I’m a sucker for a food or flea market, I always make sure to look a couple up before visiting somewhere. Of course, buying things isn’t free, but there’s something I love about just walking around a market and taking in its atmosphere. Here are a few to stop by:
- Wochenmarkt im Stadtwald (Weekly market in the city forest): In the middle of the woods is my favourite food market in Cologne. It’s not the biggest, but it’s full of personality. Runners and joggers stop by for a quick snack, the lines for vendors are long for a reason (I recommend the potato pancakes!) while people gather with friends to enjoy good food.
- Flohmarkt in der Kölner Altstadt (Flea market in Cologne Old Town): One of the best-known flea markets in Cologne, you’ll find all the classic flea market wares for sale here. There are usually around 150 sellers pitched up selling anything you can think of!
See one of the incredible Churches
There’s more to Cologne’s religious history than just the Cathedral, the city is also famous for its 12 Romanesque churches. Built between 1150 and 1250, these churches are conveniently located near each other, making it easy to explore them all. Each one boasts its own unique charm and history. Here are my top three favourites:
St. Gereon’s Basilica
St. Gereon’s stands out with its unique ten-sided dome and intricate design. Inside, you’ll find stunning stained glass windows, detailed altars and statues, and a mosaic floor depicting David and Goliath.
Basilica church of St. Ursula
St. Ursula’s has a unique story. It is named after Princess Ursula, who is said to have led 11,000 virgin companions on a journey across the sea, only to be tragically slaughtered by the Huns. The highlight of this church is the Golden Chamber, the walls of which are said to be lined with the remains of the princess and her followers as well as old relics which were found in a mass grave at the site.
Great St. Martin Church
Great St. Martin’s may not be the fanciest, but it was my favourite church in Cologne. Just a stone’s throw from the cathedral, this iconic landmark often appears in photos of Cologne’s colourful Fischmarkt. While the outside is domineering and impressive, its minimalistic interior exudes a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere.
Walk around Melatenfriedhof – Melaten Cemetery
One of the more unique free things to do in Cologne is to take a trip to Melaten Cemetery. As the largest cemetery in the city, Melaten holds over 55,000 graves, including some notable figures from Cologne’s history, like Johann Maria Farina, the creator of Eau de Cologne. Be sure to check out the Avenue of Millions where you’ll find some of the more interesting statues and monuments, this is where the most well-known names from the city’s past now lie.
Relax in a park
Cologne has some really great outdoor spaces and parks to visit, ensuring lots of places to escape within the busy city. With so much to do in these parks, visiting them is one of the best free things to do in Cologne! Here are two of the top spots:
Rheinpark
Rheinpark, located on the opposite bank of the Rhine River from Cologne Cathedral, spans over 40 hectares and offers plenty to see and do. The park features gardens, open fields, a narrow gauge railway, a playground, a skatepark, a café, and various sculptures. It’s a perfect spot to visit on a sunny evening for beautiful views of the Cathedral!
Volksgarten
Volksgarten, with its large fountain and pond, is a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city covering around 14 hectares. Featuring a park, restaurant, beer garden, paddle boats, and a rose garden, it’s the ideal place to spend a sunny afternoon!
Explore Colognes Aldstadt – Old Town
Cologne has a classic Aldstadt (Old Town) with things to discover around every corner. Twisting alleyways will lead you through cobbled streets to courtyards and half timbered buildings on the waterfront. Full of medieval flair, exploring the Aldstadt has to be one of the best free things to do in Cologne. Here are some highlights:
- Fischmarkt: Once a fish market and now a popular tourist spot, the iconic pastel buildings of the Fischmarkt serve as one of the classic photos associated with Cologne.
- Rathaus (Town hall): With its unique exterior featuring 124 cultures, the town hall is a must-see. Be sure to look out for the face underneath the clock which sticks its tongue out every hour!
- Hohenzollern Bridge (Love Lock Bridge): Germany’s busiest railway bridge, Hohenzollern Bridge has become synonymous with its love locks. The bridge’s chain link fences have filled with what’s thought to be around 40,000 padlocks!
Check out the Ehrenfeld street art
Ehrenfeld is celebrated as Cologne’s hip and trendy district, renowned for its vibrant street art scene. The neighbourhood is brimming with large murals and smaller pieces, with one of the most notable being the tribute to the Edelweiss Pirates. If you’re into art, a walk around Ehrenfeld has to be one of the best free things to do in Cologne!
Relive history at the City Gates
Medieval Cologne was once encircled by protective walls, with the city gates serving as the sole entrances and exits. While there were originally 12 gates, the city’s expansion rendered many obsolete, leaving only a few standing today. I loved finding the gates, they look like they were plucked straight from an ancient castle and really make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. If you love history, exploring the city’s remaining gates is one of the best free things to do in Cologne!
- Hahnentor (Hahnen City Gate): Defending the west of the city, and my favourite of the three, is Hahnentor. I loved this one for its imposing twin turrets, it really does look like it belongs in a castle.
- Eigelstein Torburg (Eigelstein City Gate): To the north is the Eigelstein gate. It features a statue of a Kölner Bauer (Cologne farmer), a defender of the city.
- Severinstorburg (Severins City Gate): Finally in the south of Cologne is the Severins City Gate. Topped with an impressive tower, the gates are now the perfect backdrop to one of Cologne’s many Christmas markets.
Feed the animals at Lindenthaler Tierpark
I love seeing animals up close so Lindenthaler Tierpark was a must-visit for me. Located within Stadtwald (City forest), it’s completely free to visit and is home to deer, highland cows, goats, sheep, donkeys and lots of different kinds of birds. You can even buy animal food from vending machines for just €1, which the goats are particularly enthusiastic about! The park is lovely to walk around and it has a couple of little ice cream and coffee stands if you need to refuel.
Summary
From ghost tours to gardens and museums to markets there’s no shortage of incredible free things to do in Cologne. Despite its pricey reputation you don’t need to break the bank to travel here!
