Things to Do in Cologne 2026: The Cathedral & Carnival
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Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) took over 600 years to complete and dominates the city's skyline as one of Germany's most-visited landmarks — a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose twin spires are visible from most of the Rhine riverfront.
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Beyond the cathedral, Cologne's Old Town (Altstadt) runs along the Rhine with its own brewing tradition (Kölsch, served only in small 0.2l glasses at the city's traditional Brauhäuser), and each February the city hosts one of Germany's biggest Carnival (Karneval) seasons, peaking with the Rosenmontag parade.
Below is what to see in Cologne alongside the events we track — confirm times and ticketing on the official organiser page before you travel.
What to see in Cologne — top sights
- Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) — a UNESCO World Heritage Gothic cathedral begun in 1248 and completed in 1880; climb the south tower for Rhine views.
- Hohenzollern Bridge — the "love lock" bridge beside the cathedral, one of the busiest rail bridges in Germany.
- Cologne Old Town (Altstadt) — the riverside district of traditional Brauhäuser serving Kölsch beer.
- Museum Ludwig — a major modern art collection (Picasso, Warhol, Lichtenstein) right next to the cathedral.
- Chocolate Museum (Schokoladenmuseum) — a popular riverside museum on the history and making of chocolate.
- Cologne Carnival (Karneval) — the city's biggest annual celebration each February, peaking with the Rosenmontag parade.
Why visit Cologne
Cologne combines one of Europe's great Gothic cathedrals with a genuinely local brewing and Carnival culture rarely matched elsewhere in Germany, all within a compact, walkable Rhine-side old town.
FAQ
- What is there to do in Cologne?
- Cologne Cathedral, the Rhine-side Old Town, Museum Ludwig and the Chocolate Museum are the main year-round draws; February brings the city's Karneval season.
- How long did Cologne Cathedral take to build?
- Construction began in 1248 and was interrupted for centuries — the cathedral was not completed until 1880, over 600 years later. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- What is Kölsch?
- Kölsch is Cologne's own style of pale beer, protected by law to be brewed only in and around the city and traditionally served in small 0.2-litre glasses at the Altstadt's Brauhäuser.
