20 Unusual Things to do in Cologne Germany

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR UNUSUAL THINGS TO DO IN COLOGNE GERMANY?

Then you’re in the right place. I live in Cologne and am familiar with the many leisure activities this city has to offer.

Don’t want to just follow the standard tourist itinerary, like visiting Cologne Cathedral? Well, brace yourself for some surprises. I’ll show you 20 unusual things you can do in Cologne, things you might not have even considered yet.

*Cologne-to-Bonn contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you.

Before you go….

If you are looking to make the most out of your experience in Cologne, the KölnCard is the ultimate tip. This card allows you to explore Cologne while saving money in the process.

With the KölnCard, you can travel for free on public transport and receive discounts of up to 50% from numerous partners.

So, if you’re looking for a way to make your trip to Cologne budget-friendly, be sure to get your hands on the KölnCard.

20 Unusual Things to Do in Cologne

1. Discover Street Art in Ehrenfeld

Ehrenfeld is an awesome district in Cologne that people like to explore. While it may be a bit farther from the main attractions, Ehrenfeld adds a unique flavor to the city.

One of the highlights of Ehrenfeld is its vibrant graffiti, vintage stores, trendy cafes, and amazing street art.

In fact, there’s a street art route in Ehrenfeld that stretches over 6 kilometers. It takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to complete if you walk at a relaxed pace. The route begins at Liebigstraße and ends at Leyendeckerstraße, showcasing the thriving street art culture of the area.

If you want to learn more about the artworks adorning the walls of the city, it’s worth booking a Street Art Tour.

2. Go Roller Skating at Rollersclub Cologne

Going Roller Skating is probably one of the more unusual things to do in Cologne.

Rollersclub Cologne offers a delightful roller skating experience that caters to people, looking for an unusual adventure.

What makes it even more convenient is the option to rent roller skates on-site at a reasonable price of only €5 per visit. This ensures that everyone can participate and enjoy the fun, regardless of whether they own their own skates or not.

With its welcoming ambiance and affordable rentals, Rollersclub Cologne is the perfect destination for a memorable day of roller skating enjoyment.

3. Play 3D Mini Golf

3D Mini Golf in Cologne guarantees an unusual and memorable experience.

Prepare yourself for an extraordinary adventure as you step into a neon-lit, 3D environment that brings mini-golf to a whole new level. This visually stunning setting adds an exciting twist to the traditional game, making it a truly entertaining experience.

With 18 creatively designed holes, each presenting its own unique challenge, you’ll find yourself fully immersed in this indoor mini-golf course. Get ready to test your skills and have a blast as you aim for that elusive hole-in-one.

The immersive atmosphere and creatively designed 3D elements will keep you engaged and entertained throughout the course. If you’re seeking a fun and unusual activity to enjoy, 3D Mini Golf in Cologne should definitely be at the top of your list.

4. Go on a Virtual Journey into the Past at Time Ride

Are you looking for an exciting adventure through time in Cologne? Come join TimeRide and experience what it was like to live in the city during the 1920s. You’ll get to spend 45 minutes exploring various locations while learning about the history of Cologne.

First, you’ll visit a cinema and watch a short film that showcases how Cologne changed during the 1920s. Then, you’ll travel to a hatter’s store, where you can learn about the fashion trends from that era. Finally, you’ll hop on a virtual ride in Cologne’s first electric streetcar, where you can see the city’s 360-degree view before it was destroyed during World War II.

Time traveling with TimeRide is a fantastic activity to do in Cologne.

5. Watch a Movie at the Open-Air Cinema

Cologne’s open-air cinema is a summer film festival. The festival usually takes place at Rheinauhafen, offering visitors a great view of the River Rhine while watching movies.

During this festival, people can watch movies outside on a big screen in a beautiful setting.

You can bring a blanket and relax while watching the movie. Even sitting in a beach chair is possible.

The festival often includes a variety of films, from popular blockbusters to indie productions, making it a great event for film lovers of all interests.

The open-air film festival is one of the highlights of the summer in Cologne and is definately one of the more unusual things to do in Cologne.

6. Explore Medival Gates and Walls

Discover the medieval gates and walls that once guarded the city of Cologne by visiting the well-preserved examples that remain today. Dating back to 50 A.D., these gates are decorated with natural materials such as limestone, sandstone, greywacke, and trachyte.

Be sure to visit the impressive 13th-century Hahnentorburg at Rudolfplatz, as well as the gates at Severinstorburg, Ulrepforte, and Eigelsteintorburg.

After exploring the gates, take a stroll through the Cologne Green Belt, which is made up of parks and green spaces created from old fortifications in the 1920s.

The Inner Green Belt covers neighborhoods like Riehl, Mauenheim, and Ehrenfeld, and includes some university campuses. The Outer Green Belt is perfect for outdoor activities like biking, walking, and canoeing, and is also a great place to relax and have a picnic or BBQ.

For a quieter experience, head to the green spaces along the Rhine River. The Poller Wiesen parks also offer stunning views of the city and the Cathedral, and are often the site of parties and events.

7. Relax at Aachener Weiher Pond

The Aachener Weiher pond is a popular destination in Cologne, especially on Sundays! It’s a man-made lake located near the university. The pond is about four hectares in size and is surrounded by grassy fields.

It’s situated close to the Museum of East Asian Art. It got its name from Aachener Street, which has been there since ancient Roman times. Unfortunately, swimming is not allowed in the pond.

On sunny days, many young people, especially students, come to the pond to soak up the sun, have a barbecue. There is even a small play area for kids.

The park surrounding the pond has gentle hills and was constructed using the rubble from the city after World War II.

If you enjoy basking in the sun or having picnics, visiting the Aachener Weiher pond is one of the best activities to do in Cologne.

8. Visit Lindenthal Animal Park in Cologne

Lindenthal Animal Park is located in the Lindenthal district. The park is particularly popular among families with young children.

Here, visitors can observe and feed ducks, deer, goats, fallow deer, and donkeys. The food purchased from the vending machines can be given to the animals. Unfortunately, bringing your own food to feed the animals is not allowed.

The animal park is open year-round from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and admission is free.

9. Ride a Pedal Boats

Located near Lindenthal Animal Park is the Kahnweiher, where young adults and families can enjoy riding pedal boats together.

Riding pedal boat here is especially exciting, as most of the pedal boats available here are shaped like animals and mythical creatures such as pelicans, unicorns, and dragons.

This activity is offering a unique and memorable experience.

10. Visit Melatenfriedhof Cemetry

Melatenfriedhof is the biggest cemetery in Cologne, and it’s really huge, covering an area of 435,000 square meters! It has a staggering 55,540 graves.

Even though it’s a burial ground, it’s also a popular attraction that you can visit for free when you’re in the city.

The cemetery is famous for its lovely park-like surroundings and stunning funerary art. It’s the final resting place for many important people, such as politicians, artists, and writers.

You’ll find some graves decorated with intricate sculptures and monuments, which makes it an intriguing place to explore.

11. Visit the Ancient Roman Tomb (Römergrab)

The Römergrab, or Roman Tomb, located in Cologne’s Weiden district, stands as a historical site that draws visitors from around the globe.

Dating back to the 2nd century AD, this well-preserved ancient Roman burial site holds immense historical significance. It is among the few Roman tombs in Germany that have been preserved in their original form.

Conveniently accessible by public transportation, the Römergrab is a popular destination for both tourists and locals. Visitors can easily reach the site by taking the tram, ensuring a hassle-free journey.

The tomb itself is a remarkable testament to Roman history. It is featuring a striking stone structure adorned with intricate carvings and engravings.

Once inside, you can delve into the detailed decorations of the tomb, which include depictions of the deceased and their loved ones. Informative displays offer valuable insights into the life and customs of the ancient Romans, enriching the visitor experience.

If you have an interest in history and ancient cultures, a visit to the Römergrab in Cologne’s Weiden district comes highly recommended.

12. Enjoy a Day at the Beach

Even in Cologne, you can have a beach day, even though Cologne isn’t famous for beaches. Enjoying a day at the beach is therefore a really unusual thing to do in Cologne.

Still, there are places where you can get a taste of the beach vibe

For example, at the “Kölsche Riviera.” The Kölsche Riviera is a stretch of beach along the Rhine River in the Rodenkirchen district. Even though you shouldn’t swim in the river, you can lie on your towel in the sun and keep your feet in the sand here.

Another way to experience a beach day in Cologne is by visiting the beach area at the Fühlinger Lake. Here, you can have the full beach experience, including a sandy shore, swimming in the lake, and even trying Stand Up Paddling.

13. Visit Gertrudenhof

Located just outside the city limits of Cologne is the Gertrudenhof Adventure Farm.

There is plenty for children to discover at Gertrudenhof. The adventure farm features a petting zoo with over 60 large animals, a chicken house, and the bunny town called “Hoppelhausen.”

Over 130 hectares of land are dedicated to growing potatoes, fruits, vegetables, and flowers, which can be purchased at the farm’s shops.

Gertrudenhof is also well-known for its countless Instagram photos, as it features a large pumpkin pyramid every September and October, creating a picturesque setting for visitors.

14. Taste Chocolate at Chocolate Museum

No matter your age, the Chocolate Museum in Cologne is an exciting place to visit.

You’ll get to discover the journey of how chocolate is made, starting from the cocoa bean all the way to a chocolate bar.The highlight of the museum is the chocolate fountain, where you can dip biscuits in melted chocolate for a delicious treat.

At the museum shop, you can also buy various types of chocolate to take home with you. If you want to unwind, there’s a cozy cafe where you can enjoy different chocolate snacks and drinks, like a warm cup of hot chocolate.

If you’re a chocolate lover or just curious to learn more about it, make sure to check out the Chocolate Museum. It’s an excellent destination for anyone who wants to have some fun and experience the world of chocolate.

15. Ride the Chocolate Express

The Chocolate Express is a great way to see the city’s many attractions in a short amount of time. This “traveling vehicle” is especially popular among seniors and families with children.

The tour starts at the Cologne Cathedral, passing many famous sights and ending at the Chocolate Museum and the ship docks. With the round trip ticket, visitors can get off at any stop and return to the Cathedral after exploring the area.

On the return trip, passengers will see the impressive Rheinauhafen harbor with its crane houses, as well as other famous Cologne churches and landmarks, before returning to the Cathedral via the Heumarkt.

The Schoko-Express runs from January to November, with the Christmas Market Express taking over during the holiday season.

Families with kids are encouraged to take a ride on the Chocolate Express and see the beauty of Cologne’s famous landmarks without tiring their legs.

16. Stroll Media Park

Located in the Neustadt-Nord district of the city, MediaPark was once an abandoned freight station that has since been transformed into an architecturally outstanding multi-cluster location.

The development of MediaPark began in the 1990s and was designed primarily for media companies. The project was completed in 2004. Today it serves as a hub for various businesses, including media companies, as well as a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

One of the many highlights of MediaPark is the movie theater Cinedom located within the complex.

For foodies, MediaPark has a variety of restaurants to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a light snack or a full meal, there’s something for everyone at MediaPark.

In addition to its restaurants and movie theater, MediaPark is also home to a beautiful bridge that crosses a pond filled with swans. The bridge provides a peaceful and serene setting for visitors to enjoy a leisurely stroll.

The MediaPark is surrounded by beautiful green areas, making it a peaceful and calm place for people to relax and enjoy nature.

It’s a great place for families to have picnics, play with their kids or simply take a break. People of all ages can visit MediaPark and have a great time.

17. Learn about Japan at Japanese Cultural Institute

The Japanese Cultural Institute in Cologne is a place where you can learn about Japanese art, history, and language. They also host events and exhibitions that showcase the unique aspects of Japanese culture.

One of the highlights of the institute is the cherry blossom garden. In spring, the cherry trees come into full bloom, creating a stunning display of pink and white flowers. The garden is a popular place to go for a walk and enjoy the beauty of nature.

If you’re interested in Japanese culture, the Japanese Cultural Institute in Cologne is definitely worth a visit.

18. Go to the horse racing track

Pferderennbahn Cologne is a horse racing track.

This historic racing venue has been a popular destination for horse racing fans for many years. Visitors can enjoy live horse racing events and place bets on their favorite horses.

The racing track is surrounded by beautiful greenery, making it an ideal place for a day out with friends or family.

There is also a restaurant and bar on site, where visitors can relax and enjoy a meal or drinks while taking in the excitement of the races.

Whether you are a horse racing enthusiast or just looking for an unusual day out, Pferderennbahn Cologne is a great destination to visit.

19. Join the Sessionseröffnung

Every year, on November 11 at 11:11 am, people in Cologne come together to celebrate the beginning of the carnival season. This event is called the “sessionseröffnung” or the opening session.

During the carnival season, which lasts from November to February, people in Cologne dress up in costumes, go to parties, and have a lot of fun. But before the real partying can begin, the season must be officially declared open.

The sessionseröffnung takes place on the Alter Markt, a central square in Cologne. People gather here to watch the traditional ceremony, which involves the crowning of the carnival prince and princess. The newly crowned carnival royalty then lead the crowds in a big party.

There are also many carnival bands that perform on the Alter Markt during the sessionseröffnung. People dance and sing along to the music in their costumes, which range from funny to creative to traditional.

The atmosphere on the Alter Markt is exciting, with many people laughing and having a good time. It’s a great opportunity to experience Cologne’s unique carnival culture and have fun with friends and family.

If you’re ever in Cologne in November, make sure to check out the sessionseröffnung on the Alter Markt. It’s a great way to kick off the carnival season and a really unusually to do in Cologne as a tourist.

20. Watch the Nubbel Burning

Every year, on the Thursday before Ash Wednesday, a unique spectacle takes place in Cologne.

This event, known as “Nubbelverbrennung,” or Nubbel burning, is a longstanding tradition in the city. It is a must-see for anyone looking to experience the unique cultural events of the Rhineland.

So, what exactly is a Nubbel? In local dialect, the word “Nubbel” means “scarecrow,” and during the carnival season, a straw man dressed in old clothes is hung up in front of bars throughout the city.

This effigy represents the mischievous and sometimes devilish behavior that is said to be characteristic of the carnival season. At the end of the festivities, it must be punished for its sins. This is where the Nubbel burning comes in.

On the night of the Nubbel burning, a large crowd gathers in the streets to witness the burning of the straw man.

The event usually takes place in front of a bar where a Nubbel has been hanging. The most famous location for the Nubbel Burning is Roonstraße, as it is located in the heart of the city.

The Nubbel is then taken down, and a procession is formed, with the crowd chanting and singing as they carry the effigy through the streets.

Finally, the procession reaches a designated spot, where the Nubbel is set alight. The crowd cheers as the straw man goes up in flames, and the carnival season officially comes to an end.

The Nubbel burning is just one of the many unique cultural events that take place in the Rhineland in winter. So if you ever find yourself in Cologne during the carnival season, be sure to witness the Nubbel burning for yourself.

It’s an unusual experience you won’t soon forget.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is unique in Cologne Germany?

Cologne has several unique features and attractions that make it stand out. The following attractions are the most remarkable:

1. Cologne Cathedral

This iconic Gothic cathedral is not only one of the most impressive in Europe but also one of the largest. Its stunning architecture and historical significance make it a must-visit.

2. Cologne’s Old Town (Altstadt)

The city’s historic center is a charming area filled with narrow cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and traditional German architecture.

3. Kölsch Beer

Cologne is known for its own unique style of beer called Kölsch. It’s a pale, top-fermented beer brewed exclusively in Cologne. Enjoying a Kölsch in one of the traditional brewhouses is a local experience.

4. Love Locks on Hohenzollern Bridge

The Hohenzollern Bridge is famous for the thousands of love locks attached to its railings by couples, symbolizing their love for one another.

5. Cologne Cable Car

The Cologne Cable Car offers a unique way to experience the city by taking you over the Rhine River and providing panoramic views of the cityscape.

6. Cologne Chocolate Museum (Schokoladenmuseum)

This museum offers an interesting look into the history and production of chocolate, and you can even watch chocolate being made.

7. Cologne Carnival (Kölner Karneval)

This lively and colorful carnival celebration is one of the largest in Germany and includes parades, parties, and elaborate costumes.

8. Street Art and Graffiti

Cologne has a thriving street art scene, with many striking murals and graffiti art decorating the city’s walls. It’s a unique aspect of the urban culture.

9. Roman History

Cologne has a rich Roman history, and you can explore this heritage at the Roman-Germanic Museum, which houses artifacts from the Roman era.

10. The Rhine River

The city’s location along the Rhine River provides beautiful waterfront areas for leisurely strolls, picnics, and boat tours.

There are several more things Cologne is famous for. To get a firsthand experience, make your way to my wonderful hometown today.

What event is Cologne famous for?

Cologne is most famous for its annual Carnival, known as “Kölner Karneval” or “Cologne Carnival.”

This lively and colorful event is one of the largest and most renowned carnival celebrations in Germany. It typically takes place in February or March and is known for its parades, street parties, elaborate costumes, and a festive atmosphere that engulfs the entire city.

Cologne Carnival is a beloved tradition that attracts locals and visitors alike, making it a defining cultural event for the city.