Best Things to do in Cologne on a Budget
Funny story: We drove from Nuremberg to Cologne, got there, and then spent what felt like hours struggling to find parking in the city center.
Granted it was on a weekend, but Cologne can be pretty packed if you’re driving so one protip is to park at a garage (spares you the nightmare and turns out to be cheaper, too).
But that’s not the funny story, of course!
Nor is it exactly an item on my list of free things to do in Cologne (which you’re on this page for).
Hear me out… So we park the car and start looking for directions on our phones, right off the bat.
A random passerby says hello, and asks if we’re headed to the city center. We nod emphatically and she gestures in the direction opposite to where we were going.
So basically, Google Maps can be so brazenly inaccurate. And also, there’s your cute story! Wait, did I say funny…
The point I’m trying to make is that the people in Cologne are quite different from Bavarians (I know that because I live in Bavaria).
I’ve got more super cool observations and facts about Cologne in this article. I bet you didn’t know a lot of them already!
Being the largest city in North Rhine-Westphalia, and the fourth largest city in Germany, Cologne is a must-visit.
And I have you covered – below are the 10 awesome recommendations for the best things to do in Cologne. Psst… all of them are free or very close!
WHAT IS COLOGNE BEST KNOWN FOR?
When you think of Cologne, the towering Kölner Dom instantly comes to mind.
Cologne is also known for Eau de Cologne, a scent that is manufactured around the world but originated in the German metropolis.
Cologne has 12 Romanesque churches, all situated in a sort of a semi-circle within the Old Town in the city center. You’ll very likely notice the Groß St. Martin as a part of the city’s skyline, almost adjacent to the Cologne Cathedral.
The wild Carnival celebration in February every year only adds to the diversity of experiences in Cologne.
Here are 11 things you probably didn’t know about Cologne – like how it was originally a military camp, or how there are specific rules to belong in Cologne.
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IS COLOGNE EXPENSIVE?
While it is in Germany, a largely expensive country in Europe to visit, Cologne is fairly affordable for the average traveler.
if you find a mid-range accomodation, avoid eating or drinking in the touristy areas, and keep a tab on your budget, a visit to Cologne can be quite comfortable without burning a hole in your wallet.
WHAT IS THERE TO DO IN COLOGNE FOR FREE?
My favourite part about visiting any place is to find the best things to do there for free.
Lezzbehonest, we all like to save some money here and there, right?
There are many free things to do in Cologne, also cheap places to visit and activities to partake in. Below is a list.
14 FREE (AND CHEAP!) THINGS TO DO IN COLOGNE
1. Gape at the Cologne Cathedral
The Kölner Dom is possibly one of the biggest Cologne attractions. In fact, when you think of what to do in Cologne, the overbearing cathedral comes to mind instantly.
The Cologne Cathedral is also the first thing you’ll notice when you enter the city.
And no matter where you go, you’ll always be able to see one of its pillars from every corner.
At a height of 144.5m, this masterpiece of Gothic architecture is the second tallest cathedral in Germany and the third tallest in the world. It holds twin towers with gorgeous and intricate work.
CAN YOU GO INSIDE THE COLOGNE CATHEDRAL?
Entry to the Cologne Cathedral is free. You can walk along the aisles, admire the main altar and the stained glass windows.
At a small fee of EUR 4, you can take the stairs and reach the top of the cathedral.
There are 509 steps so wear good shoes and perhaps carry water.
Honestly, it sounds harder than it actually is. Plus once you reach the top, the views will be worth it, I promise!
2. Attend a Free Walking Tour
Don’t we all love free walking tours?
You get to go on a guided walk with presumably a local, learn about the interplay of history and culture in the city you’re visiting, and also get to hear some fun facts and inside jokes that you wouldn’t otherwise find on a blog or in a guidebook!
Freewalk Cologne is my top recommendation for guided tours. They have an interesting mix of various walking tours through the city, including the Old town as well as alternative tours.
There are also tours available in popular languages besdies English.
How free walking tours work: The tour typically lasts for about 2.5-3 hours, but can vary depending on how much time you have in Cologne, and what sort of experience you seek.
The guide will help you get a zoomed out picture of the city’s personality.
Although the walking tours are technically free but at the end it is customary to pay a tip, based on whatever amount you deem is apt.
3. Stroll through Cologne Old Town
Cologne is a historic city that originated some 2000 years ago. Which means that there’s a ton of architectural grandeur and underlying stories to complete the picture.
Although most parts of Cologne were destroyed during WWII, the Old Town was reinstated to match what it was like prior to the Allied bombings.
Enjoy a walk (or many) through the streets of the historic Cologne Old Town, but be prepared to be stopping around every turn to click photos because Cologne is SO DARN PRETTY.
4. Visit Fischmarkt
Fischmarkt is a small square in Cologne Old Town on the bank of the Rhine, with old multi-hued buildings, a fountain and a cobbled courtyard.
In the backdrop, the Gross St Martin stands tall.
Fischmarkt offers the postcard image that is so quintessential to Cologne. Colorful houses stacked together, towering over the Rhine river, wth pretty cafes and bakeries lining the street.
Take a moment to pause here, before you carry on for a walk along the river.
5. Admire the Love Locks at Hohenzollernbrücke
Love locks are ubiquitous in Europe, but one bridge I recommend after, perhaps, the Seine in Paris, is the Hohenzollernbrücke in Cologne.
Originally intended to be a railway and roads bridge, the Hohenzollernbrücke now connects some 1200 trains from the Old Town to the newer part of the city. It also has a pedestrian track and taking a walk on it, overlooking the Rhine river, is truly one of the best free things to do in Cologne.
The number of love locks on the bridge will really surprise you – there’s literally no room for putting any more locks in there!
And it’s particularly awe-inspiring as the tradition of hanging padlocks on the Hohenzollernbrücke started only in 2008! I tell you, the world can call Germans conservative and reticent but when it comes to making a public expression of love, they can set quite an example 🙂
6. Visit (some of) the Museums
For a city its size, Cologne has a ton of museums ranging from modern art to the Roman empire.
Hitting up some of the museums is definitely one of the many things to do in Cologne.
The downside, though, is that like most cities in Germany, Cologne doesn’t have free museums.
Below are my recommendations for the museums to visit in Cologne that’ll be worth your time (and the entry fee):
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- Museum Ludwig: A modern art museum very close to the Cologne Cathedral; hosts an amazing exhibition.
- Wallraf Richartz Museum: Hosts exhibitions with fine art pieces from the medieval period upto the early 20th century.
- Rautenstrauch Joest Museum: The only ethnological museum in North Rhine-Westphalia.
- Schokoladenmuseum: A museum dedicated to chocolate. Need I say more?
Note: At many of these museums, entry for children below 10 years is free, and student entry charges are subsidized. Make sure to check the website and carry your student ID if applicable, so you can avail the discounts!
7. Visit the House of History in Bonn
The Haus der Geschichte der Bundesrepublik Deutschland is a museum of contemporary German history.
It is one of the most popular museums in Germany, and gets over a million visitors annually.
Yes, it is located in Bonn but is only a 30 minute drive or train ride away from Cologne.
The museum covers post-war German history from 1945 to the present, focusing on political as well as social aspects of the second half of the 20th century.
One of the few exceptions to the norm in #5 above: Travelers can visit Haus der Geschichte in Bonn for free.
8. Drink Kölsch Beer in Cologne
Considering we’re talking about Germany, I’m actually surprised I put this item at #7 on the list of things to do in Cologne.
* note to self * Hi Tanya, beer always comes first. Thou shalt not forget.
Not only is the Kölsch beer brewed exclusively in Cologne, but there are also specific prerequisites a beer must meet in order to earn that name.
Almost like a hybrid between an ale and a lager, the Kölsch has a sweet, malty taste and is typically served in tiny 0.2 ml glasses compared to the mammoth 1 liter Bavarian mugs.
This isn’t a question of capacity, though – If you go to a bar and drink out of a dainty 0.2 ml glass, chances are the server will keep filling it up till you put a coaster on it to indicate you’ve had enough.
If you move away from the busy and touristy part of town, you can enjoy a chilled beer for about 1.3 euros.
You don’t always have to go to a bar to have kölsch.
You can visit the nearest supermarket, grab a couple beers and head to Rheinpark or Stadtwald Park to enjoy a taste of kölsch in the sun.
Or even better, you can visit a ‘kiosk’, a type of confectionary store where beer is sold for a euro.
Note: When drinking with a German, look them in the eye while toasting (the German word for raising a toast is ‘Prost!’)
Not making eye contact is said to bring you 7 years of bad sex!
9. Learn about the Origins of Eau de Cologne
The fact that the word “Cologne” features in the name for the most popular fragrance, is no coincidence.
Turns out, the OG Eau de Cologne, in fact, originated here in the city.
In 1709, the Italian perfumer in Germany, Johann Maria Farina, discovered a citric, flowery fragrance that became an instant hit in all of Europe. He named the formula after Cologne, his hometown.
This formula has remained a secret for almost 300 years! Even today, the eighth generation of the Farina company runs a factory in Obenmarspforten (the oldest fragrance factory in the world).
The formula was copied in some version, and during the French invasion, Napolean discovered Wilhelm Mülhens’s fragrance and named it what came to be called Eau de Cologne 4711.
Both entities now produce their own versions of the fragrance, and you can visit either of the facilities in Cologne itself: Farina’s Fragrance Museum in Obenmarspforten and House of 4711 in Glockengaße.
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10. Get a Drink at the Belgian Quarter
The Belgian Quarter is Cologne’s hottest area at present. The name might surprise you, but all the streets in this beautiful and bustling area are also named after cities in Belgium.
You have Brüsseler Straße, Werderstraße, among other streets that are basically Belgian city names.
What makes the Belgian Quarter in Cologne such a hot spot for locals and tourists alike? The fact that you can do anything here – shopping, getting a coffee or a cold beer in the sun, drinking cocktails, or partying like a 20-year-old in the night. You know which of these I did, don’t you? * fixes dentures *
You can grab a Kölsch from one of the many kiosks in the area and people-watch at Brüsseler Platz, one of the especially popular squares in the Belgian Quarter.
11. Visit Reinauhafen
Reinauhafen is the harbor area but it’s not what it sounds like: the area boasts of flamboyant modern architecture aesthetically placed in conjunction with older historic buildings.
In fact, as you walk through the Hohenzollernbrücke across to the other side from Cologne Old Town, you can spot these unique buildings in the south of the Old Town.
These buildings have luxury apartments, and are called Kranhäuser which literally translates to ‘crane houses’.
Reinauhafen is home to the offices of many startups, firms and even cultural organizations. The Schokoladenmuseum (Chocolate Museum) happens to be here, too.
The area also makes for a pleasant evening walk along the Rheine – an awesome free activity to do in Cologne.
The area also has many waterfront restaurants and bars.
How to get from Old Town to Reinauhafen: You can take the tram (lines 15 and 16) or bus (line 133). If the weather permits, you might want to take a walk up to Reinauhafen. It’s under 2 km and lined with beautiful views along the way.
12. Enjoy City Views from the Cologne triangle
A tall building vividly adding to Cologne’s skyline, the Köln Triangle offers access to its viewing deck at a humble entrance fee of 3 euros.
You can get sprawling views of Cologne, with the Cathedral and the Hohenzollernbrücke in the far distance, and the Rhein river blanketing the periphery of the older part of the city.
13. Catch Free Street Art at Ehrenfield
Located about a 50 minute walk/30 minute train ride from Old Town Cologne, Ehrenfield is the alternative part of town.
Even though this part of the city is a bit further away from most of Cologne’s attractions, Ehrenfield adds a unique flavor to the Cologne, as we know it.
There are lots of vintage stores, vibrant graffiti, hip cafes and a whole lot of incredible street art.
14. Witness the Cologne Carnival
Alright, I understand this is more of a seasonal recommendation but visiting the city during the Carnival is pretty much a bucket-list-worthy item for your list of FREE things to do in Cologne.
Carnival is celebrated for a few days in February every year, and it’s a week of debauchery and absolute madness. Think Mardi Gras. People don all sorts of whimsical outfits, there’s a crazy parade through the city, there’s drinking and mad dancing.
Best part: The Cologne Carnival is free to join!
So recapping for your Cologne itinerary: Here are 14 things to do in Cologne on a budget!
- Gape at the Cologne Cathedral
- Attend a free walking tour in Cologne
- Stroll through the Old Town
- Visit Fischmarkt
- Admire the love locks at Hohenzollernbrücke
- Visit the museums
- Visit the House of History in Bonn
- Drink Kölsch beer
- Learn about the origins of Eau de Cologne
- Spend time at the Belgian Quarter
- Visit Reinauhafen
- Enjoy City Views from the Cologne triangle
- Catch Free Street Art at Ehrenfield
- Witness the Carnival
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WHERE TO LIVE IN COLOGNE
We stayed at SMARTY Cologne hostel and it absolutely lived upto its name. Chic and minimalistic, it has a bar, the most comfortable beds, and a foosball table that makes for a great ice breaker.
I have a cool tip for ya: Depending on what time of the year you visit, Cologne hotels can get expensive. If so, you can also stay in Düsseldorf which is just a 40-minute drive from Cologne.
Which means you can drive/hop on the train and cover a lot of the things to do in Cologne, then spend time in Düsseldorf too, so BONUS.
The Holiday Inn Express in Düsseldorf is pretty nice (all chain hotels look the same but you can get a sweet deal here).
Of course, you can also explore these affordable Cologne hotels for your stay.
HOW TO GET AROUND IN COLOGNE
Cologne has an excellent subway, bus and tram network with one, two and three-day passes available. Tickets are usually EUR 3 per trip, with shorter trips (upto 4 stops) at EUR 2.
Depending on your stay location and list of what to do in Cologne, you can use public transport. As with most European cities, Cologne is very pedestrian-friendly and most of the attractions fall within a small radius.
Most items on your Cologne itinerary (and on this list, anyway) will most likely be within comfortable walking distance.
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[…] [Related: Top 10 Things to Do in Cologne] […]
An interesting write up on points to be borne in mind and things to be done while visiting Cologne, an historical town of Germany. The words are straight from horse’s mouth, so you won’t find them in any book or magazine.