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The 12 free activities and visits to Cologne

Are you visiting Cologne? So here is a selection of the 12 free visits and activities to do absolutely!

Located in the west of Germany, Cologne, or Köln in German, is the largest city in the Land, with more than one million inhabitants. If the city is known for its cathedral and the numerous tourist cruises on the Rhine, there are various activities to do in Cologne, and some are totally free. We have prepared a list of 12 free activities and visits to do if you want to visit Cologne, regardless of the season.

1. The Christmas market

Very certainly the most popular and beautiful in Germany, the Christmas market in Cologne attracts thousands of visitors every year.

There are in all seven different markets in the city that you can visit for free, which offers the possibility to make several long walks in the middle of the chalets and enjoy the decorations, but also the stands present to discover local specialties. This is an activity not to be missed if you plan to visit Cologne in December.

2. The Deutzer Brücke

The Deutzer Brücke is a suspended bridge linking the city centre of Cologne to the Deutz district. Accessible both by car and by foot, this bridge which seems so common in the first few corners allows to have a magnificent view of the city and the Rhine, making a great spot to make souvenirs of Cologne.

3. La Gross St Martin

The Gross St Martin, or Saint-Martin church, is a preserved Romanesque church thanks to the Association for the Promotion of Romanesque Churches in Cologne. This church dating from the 12th century is located in the old town and is particularly appreciated for its magnificent architecture and its collection of contemporary stained glass. This is a free visit to Cologne, unlike the cathedral.

4. The Jardin botanique Flora

Built in 1864 by Peter Joseph Lenné, this mixed botanical garden is the ideal place to enjoy a relaxing moment in the midst of beautiful flower beds, vegetable sculptures and ponds. The different parts of the park are based on both the French Baroque, the Italian Renaissance and the landscaped English garden.

If you want to visit it, the Botanical Garden is free and open every day from 8am to 9pm.

5. St Aposteln Basilica

Basilica St Aposteln , or basilica of the Saints-Apôtres is a construction of the 11th century, although it was modified during the 12th century. Its ottonian architecture is a type of architecture specific to the Holy Roman Germanic Empire, which is worth seeing at least once.

From its white nave to its stained-glass windows or its heart whose shape so special reminds a clover, you will undoubtedly be overwhelmed by the atmosphere of the basilica.

6. Skulpturen Park in Cologne

For contemporary art lovers, the Skulpturen Park in Cologne is the perfect place! Indeed, this park seems to be quite common contains several contemporary sculptures that integrate into the surrounding nature.

Attention, however, if you are not a fan of contemporary art or art in general, the park will not have real interest for you.

7. Rheinpark

Longing the Rhine, the Rheinpark is an ideal green space for a walk in the evening, whether alone, as a couple or as a family and it is open permanently. This park has many flower beds, but also fountains and large green spaces, ideal for young people. In addition, the view of the Rhine and the city is breathtaking and you will not regret a walk in this peaceful park.

8. The carnival of Cologne

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Photo credit: Shutterstock / Podolnaya Elena

Considered by its participants as the most important holiday after Christmas, the Cologne carnival has been one of the largest and traditional, celebrated for more than 2000 years. It begins on November 11 at 11:11, as tradition wants and many concerts are organized that day.

The festivities continue until the day after Mardi Gras, and it is during this last week that the festivities are the most interesting.

  • Previous Thursday on Mardi Gras: Carnival of Women

During this day, women kiss on the cheeks passers-by and can also cut men's ties, so avoid wearing your favorite tie that day.

  • Saturday: ghost parade

On Saturday, the parade beat its full during the evening, with costumes representing the four seasons.

  • Sunday: group parade

On Sunday it is a huge parade of more than fifty groups, representing the schools and groups of Carnival of the city that follow a course in Cologne.

  • Monday: official parade of Monday roses

On Monday, an official parade is organized, bringing together nearly a million people. On that day, Carnival tanks pass through the streets and distribute gifts such as roses or candy.

  • Tuesday: end of the carnival

On Tuesday, it’s a bit the ash parade. Carnival is burned and every bar in the city burns his own Mr Carnival, marking the end of the season.

If you have the opportunity to visit Cologne at this time, don’t hesitate to check out the festivities schedule, as the carnival is one of the free activities to do in Cologne at least once.

9. The old town of Cologne

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Photo credit: Shutterstock / Arndale

If you want to enjoy your trip to Cologne to visit the historic points of the city, then the old town is the ideal place. This historical part, delimited by the old fortification wall of the city, is full of buildings dating back to centuries, such as the Alter Markt or the Gross St Martin, but also alleys with the charm of the old, providing an ideal visit to lovers of history and architecture.

In addition, the many old buildings mix new shops and showcases of brands among which you can sail during your walk in the old Cologne.

10. Hahnen Gate

Herrity of the medieval past of the city, the Hahnen Gate is an imposing stone gate consisting of two towers located near the Rudolfplatz tram station.

This imposing construction is both an easily identifiable landmark, an ideal sport for photos, but also an important reminder of the history of the city.

11. The house of Cologne 4711

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Photo credit: Shutterstock / olgagorovenko

The house of Cologne 4711 is the original house of the Cologne water . You can stop there and visit the shop where many objects of times used to produce and sell perfume are exposed.

12. Cologne city hotel

With more than 900 years of history, the city hotel in Cologne is a building not to be missed during a city visit. It is the oldest city of Germany, and it is Rue Camille-Catalan, near the church of Sainte-Colombe.

Sophia Martinez

Sophia Martinez

I'm Sophia Martinez, a curious soul fueled by wanderlust. My life is a collection of breathtaking moments, from watching sunsets on remote beaches to savoring street food in bustling markets. Embracing each destination's uniqueness, I seek to share the essence of my travels with you. Through my stories, I hope to inspire your own journeys, offer invaluable insights, and evoke the thrill of exploration. Together, let's set forth on an extraordinary adventure, uncovering the world's hidden treasures, and creating memories that last a lifetime.

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