Do you want to visit Cologne with the least amount of money? Then follow our Top 14 free tours, museums and activities to do in Cologne that we’ve created for you to enjoy without breaking the bank.
Cologne is one of those places that you want to see more than once. It is one of the most beautiful and important cities in Germany, not only for its size but also for its cultural and tourist sites.
Indeed, the German city offers you many activities to do and see and which are, for the majority, free . We have made a small selection to help you spend a pleasant stay without breaking the bank in Cologne. Follow the guide!
Table des matières
The old town of Cologne
You will be completely overwhelmed by the simplicity and majesty of this district. It is very famous for its historical interest which is evident in its many centuries-old buildings, including the Alter Markt, as well as the wall that once served to reinforce the city.
Stroll through its lively alleys and discover the incredible architectural marriage of old buildings and luxury stores that stand side by side in stunning communion.
Cologne’s Old Town is the perfect place for fans of history and culture; we recommend it without hesitation!
The Hahnen Gate
Be sure to stop by this ancient gate that comes straight from the Middle Ages to remind us of Cologne’s glorious and captivating past.
The Hahnen Gate is distinguished by its two stone towers so colossal that they are a geographical and symbolic reference of the city.
Located not far from the Rudolfplatz streetcar station, it is hard not to notice. It is also a great place to take pictures and capture your moments at the “gates of Cologne history”.
The Cologne House 4711
The most original souvenir you could bring back from your trip to Cologne would undoubtedly be a ” cologne ” made just for you in the Cologne House 4711 or perfume museum.
The store shows you several elements that were used in the past to compose and sell this world famous perfume.
It also offers you the opportunity to make your own fragrance; an experience that is a must during your visit to Cologne.
And the entrance is free!
Motorworld: the free car museum in Cologne
Embark on a wonderful journey into the world of cars for free and experience an unforgettable day among the most beautiful racing cars in history.
In addition, you will have access to the exhibition dedicated entirely to the exciting career of Michael Schumacher, featuring his frames, helmets and suits as well as his best trophies.
The museum will also let you relive the most memorable moments of the career of this extraordinary driver through very moving videos.
Cologne City Hall
It is clear that Cologne owes its prestige to its historic buildings and their unmistakable secular architecture. Among the monuments that impressed us the most in Cologne was the city hall.
We were impressed by its 900 years of history, which makes it the oldest city hall in the whole country, but also by its incredible robustness that has allowed it to resist all the tumults of the passing time.
The Christmas market
The Christmas market is a must in Cologne, especially at the end of the year. If you have the time, we recommend visiting its seven fairs throughout the city to get the most out of it.
Each booth tells a different culinary story and each cottage is unique with its own decorations and style. Experience the magic of Christmas at this popular market that reveals the secrets of true Germanic culture and soak up the festive atmosphere in Cologne.
Gross St. Martin
Discover this very special church in the old town. We really loved the Gross St. Martin dating from the 12th century. We owe its existence to the efforts of the Romanesque churches in Cologne, which have done everything to preserve it.
Let yourself be seduced by its architecture, its authenticity and its almost proud nobility, which reminds one of the arrogance of an overconfident lady who insists on imposing herself despite the passing years.
If the church has preserved its original beauty, the stained glass windows that have been added have given it a splendid modern touch.
Flora Botanical Garden
This magnificent botanical garden welcomes you every day from 8am to 9pm. We strongly recommend that you visit it at least once during your stay in Cologne.
It is unlike any other green space in Germany and yet it gives you a “déjà vu” feeling as if you have always lived there! This is probably because of the inner peace you feel while walking through the ponds, the exceptional flower arrangements and the breathtaking plant sculptures. Or maybe it’s because of the harmony created by the mix of European styles: French, Italian and English.
The Basilica of St. Aposteln
The Basilica of St. Aposteln is well worth a visit. It takes you back in time with its 11th century Ottonian architecture – referring to the Holy Roman Empire – and makes you dream of another era with its unparalleled look and decoration.
Admire its white nave and its magnificent stained glass windows, not to mention its cloverleaf-shaped center. Everything in it is a marvel, from its frame to the atmosphere it gives off. A monument not to be missed in Cologne!
Skulpturen Park in Cologne
Are you a fan of contemporary art? This is a good thing. The Skulpturen Park in Cologne offers you the opportunity to see the most beautiful sculptures in modern design and in the era of time.
But what makes this park even more attractive is the way these creations have blended into the scenery, giving the landscape a little extra that only true connoisseurs could understand.
Take the time to walk through this little corner of paradise and forget all your worries for a few moments. A very stimulating exercise to do in Cologne!
The Cologne Carnival
This thousand-year-old tradition is celebrated in Cologne as it should be! Dating back more than 2000 years, the colonists celebrate this carnival between November 11, 11:11, a day when you can attend amazing concerts, until the day after Mardi Gras.
The festivities organized during this very popular event in Cologne are really very rich and worth a visit. The Women’s Carnival, the Ghost Parade, the Parade of Groups, the official Rose Monday Parade are the most interesting carnival ceremonies in Cologne that should not be missed.
Melaten-Friedhof
One would hardly dare to call it a “cemetery” as it is so full of life!
The Melaten-Friedhof is much more like a museum with a certain serenity that characterizes this kind of place.
We would like to share with you our great love for this place filled with peace and quiet. Take a walk through its green alleys and meditate for a moment on its sublime graves with carefully selected ornaments.
Walking through this space that commands respect, you will have the opportunity to see beautiful plants, trees and statues of all types that brighten the landscape. A pure moment of happiness!
Cologne Station
The Cologne train station is a site that you must definitely see in Cologne. Its main interest lies in its gigantic stature but also in the fact that it is very old, dating back to the 50s;
Its other advantage is that it is located near the Rhine and is very close to the museums and the cathedral.
The Deutzer Brücke
Take your camera and go to the Deutzer Brücke. As its name suggests, this suspension bridge will allow you to go from the city center to the Deutz district
We advise you to make the crossing on foot, although it is also affordable by car. This will give you the opportunity to contemplate its splendid view over the Rhine and Cologne and to take pictures as a souvenir of this charming walk.