What to do in Cologne: The 10 Best Experiences

konfetti editorial team

1.
Walk Along the Rhine – Relaxation with a View
2.
Food Tour – Taste Cologne’s Culinary Side
3.
Cooking Class in Cologne – Cook New Dishes
4.
Painting Class in Cologne – Unleash Your Creativity
5.
Beer Tasting – Experience Cologne’s Brewing Culture
6.
Photography Class in Cologne – Discover the Cathedral City Through the Lens
7.
Visit Cologne Cathedral – Discover the City’s Landmark
8.
Pottery Class in Cologne – Create Your Own Ceramics
9.
Boat Tour in Cologne – See the Cathedral City from the Water
10.
Cocktail Class in Cologne – Mix Drinks Like a Pro

Key takeaways – What to do in Cologne

Top experiences in the Cathedral city: Boat tour on the Rhine, cocktail or cooking class, beer tasting and brewery culture.
At konfetti you’ll find 632 activities in Cologne – from workshops and classes to unforgettable experiences.

Cologne is a city full of life, history and unique experiences. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re a true Cologne local, there’s always something new to discover. From historic sights to cool activities – there’s something here for every taste.

With our DIY kits, you can bring creative workshop ideas right to your home. And if you’re still looking for the perfect gift: an gift card is a great choice for shared moments in Cologne.

1. Walk Along the Rhine – Relaxation with a View

A walk along the Rhine is one of the most beautiful activities in Cologne. Along the promenade you can explore the old town and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere by the water. Anyone who wants to delve deeper into the history will find city tours in Cologne offering fascinating insights.

A group walking along a bridge in Cologne

2. Food Tour – Taste Cologne’s Culinary Side

The best way to explore Cologne is through its culinary highlights. A food tour in Cologne takes you through the best breweries, traditional cafés and restaurants with fascinating stories about the city.

Wine and food on a wooden table at a food tour in Cologne

3. Cooking Class in Cologne – Cook New Dishes

In a cooking class in Cologne, you’ll prepare delicious dishes together. Especially popular are international cooking classes – for example a sushi class.

Cooking classes in Cologne

Find the right cooking class in Cologne for you. Look forward to a culinary journey in Cologne.

4. Painting Class in Cologne – Unleash Your Creativity

In a painting class in Cologne, you can create your own artwork in a relaxed atmosphere. Cologne is a hub for art and culture – from street artists in Ehrenfeld to the Museum Ludwig.

Four watercolour paintings side by side at a painting class in Cologne

5. Beer Tasting – Experience Cologne’s Brewing Culture

Cologne is famous for its beer – the Kölsch. At a beertasting in Cologne, you’ll dive into the world of brewing and learn fascinating stories about the tradition behind this iconic drink.

Multiple beer taps on a counter at a beer tasting in Cologne

6. Photography Class in Cologne – Discover the Cathedral City Through the Lens

A photography class in Cologne is the perfect opportunity to discover the city from a new angle. Cologne offers a unique mix of historic architecture and vibrant street art.

Crane houses in Cologne at a photography class

7. Visit Cologne Cathedral – Discover the City’s Landmark

No list would be complete without Cologne Cathedral. This impressive structure offers breathtaking views over the city from its towers. Anyone wanting to experience Cologne must visit the Cathedral at least once.

Cologne Cathedral at sunset

8. Pottery Class in Cologne – Create Your Own Ceramics

A pottery class in Cologne is one of the coolest activities in the city. Here you can design your own bowl or decorative piece.

Pottery class in Cologne

Want to truly let your creativity run free? In a pottery class in Cologne you’ll do exactly that and create individual ceramics.

9. Boat Tour in Cologne – See the Cathedral City from the Water

A boat tour in Cologne is one of the most beautiful day trips in Cologne. During the ride you’ll admire the Cathedral, the old town and the Hohenzollern Bridge with its love locks from the water.

Boat travelling on the Rhine in Cologne

10. Cocktail Class in Cologne – Mix Drinks Like a Pro

A cocktail class in Cologne is the perfect idea if you’re wondering what to do in Cologne in the evening. You’ll learn to mix classic and modern cocktails.

Cologne has something for every taste – whether brewery culture, creative workshops or walks along the Rhine. Find all activities in Cologne directly on konfetti.

About the author konfetti editorial team

The konfetti editorial team writes about everything that makes life more colorful—from creative DIY ideas and extraordinary experiences to inspiring leisure and gift ideas. Our goal: to inspire you to have new experiences, special moments, and unforgettable activities. As true experts in the world of classes and experiences, we research, test, and write from the heart—so that you'll always find the best ideas at konfetti for enjoying time together.

What to do in Cologne – FAQ

What must you do in Cologne?

Anyone visiting Cologne should definitely see the Cathedral, take a boat tour on the Rhine and visit a brewery for a real Kölsch. The Museum Ludwig and the Chocolate Museum are also must-sees.

What can you do in Cologne in winter?

Even in cold weather there are many activities in Cologne. Visit the Christmas markets, join a workshop, or enjoy the cosy cafés. Indoor events like escape rooms or a cooking class are particularly popular.

What can you do in Cologne with friends?

The best group activities in Cologne are brewery tours, cocktail classes, cooking classes or boat tours. Walks in the Rhine Park are also very popular.