25 Things to Do in Cologne in Summer

*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.

The city of Cologne shines extra bright in the summertime. It offers an abundance of opportunities to explore.

From world-renowned museums and art galleries, to charming cafes and historic landmarks, the options for summer fun in Cologne are endless.

To make the most of your visit, here are 25 things to do in Cologne in summer.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW….

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.

25 THINGS TO DO IN COLOGNE IN SUMMER

1. Cologne Cathedral

The Cologne Cathedral is a beautiful and old church located in the city center of Cologne. It has two tall towers that reach 157 meters high and can be seen from everywhere in the city.

Many years of work went into building the cathedral, starting from the 1200s until the 1800s. Today, people come from all over the world to see this amazing building and appreciate its art and design.

The inside of the cathedral is also beautiful, with pretty stained glass windows, delicate carvings, and important works of art. Some must-see items include an old crucifix, a black marble altar, and a shiny shrine.

Visitors can also climb to the top of one of the towers for a wonderful view of the city and a closer look at the cathedral’s design.

The cathedral was hurt during World War II, but it has been fixed and is now just as beautiful as before. It is still a popular tourist spot and a religious place that attracts people who like history, architecture, or just want to see the lovely views of Cologne.

2. Hop-on-Hop Off Bus

The Hop-On Hop-Off tour in Cologne is a great way to see the city and have fun.

You start the tour at Burgmauer and end at Friesenplatz, stopping at many places along the way. You can get on and off the bus whenever you want to see something new or get something to eat.

When it’s nice outside, you can ride on the top of a bus with no roof, making the tour one of the best things to do in Cologne in summer.

3. Schildergasse & Hohe Straße

Visit Cologne’s Hohe Straße and Schildergasse for shopping.

Hohe Straße is an old shopping area with a mix of expensive and budget-friendly shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Schildergasse, dating back to Roman times, is one of Europe’s busiest shopping streets, with all types of shops selling gifts, clothing, and souvenirs.

These two streets are a must-visit for a shopping experience, even better in the summer.

4. Cologne’s Old Town (Altstadt)

Visit Cologne’s Old Town if you love history.

This neighborhood is in the center of the city and has cute and old streets with colorful buildings. There are also many great places to drink or eat, like breweries, pubs, and restaurants that serve Kölsch beer and Halver Hahn sandwiches.

The Old Town has a lot to offer besides food and drinks. It’s full of important historical and cultural places to see, like the huge Cologne Cathedral, the old-style Great St. Martin church, and the tower of the historic City Hall.

You also have to see the Heinzelmännchenbrunnen on Am Hof-Street. It was built in 1899 and has the city’s favorite mythical creatures, the Heinzelmännchen.

Visit the Old Town in Cologne if you’re into history, culture, or just love exploring new places. Don’t miss it!

5. Bike Tour

Join a guided bike tour along the Rhine river to see famous places in Cologne.

You’ll get a bike and start riding to see the famous Cologne Cathedral and other sights. You can take your time, stop for pictures, and enjoy the ride with a small group.

Your guide will be there to help and answer any questions. If you like biking, this is a great activity to do in the summer in Cologne.

6. Open-air cinema (Sommerkino)

Cologne’s open-air cinema is a summer film festival that takes place in Cologne Rheinauhafen.

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

The festival usually takes place at Rheinauhafen, offering visitors a great view of the River Rhine while watching movies.

People 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 ages and interests.

The open-air film festival is one of the highlights of the summer in Cologne and is a fun and unique way to enjoy a movie.

7. Lights of Cologne (Kölner Lichter)

The lights of Cologne (Kölner Lichter) is an event in Cologne, taking place in July.

During this event, the sky lights up with beautiful fireworks. It’s a great opportunity for people to come together and watch the fireworks show over the Rhine river.

People can bring a blanket, sit on the grass, and enjoy the colorful display. It’s a popular and fun event for families, couples, and friends.

If you are visiting Cologne in the summer, Kölner Lichter one of the best things to do.

8. Rheinauhafen

Rheinauhafen is a neighborhood on the banks of the Rhine River. It used to be an old harbor, but now it’s a modern neighborhood with houses, businesses, and places to relax.

Rheinauhafen has special buildings, like the “kranhäuser” (crane houses), which are old crane buildings turned into houses. These buildings, and others in the neighborhood, mix old and new styles, making the area look really cool and different.

There are also parks and walking paths for people to enjoy, making Rheinauhafen a great place to live, work, and relax.

Rheinauhafen is worth visiting because of its beautiful views of the river and the city. It’s one of the best things to do in Cologne.

9. Love Locks

The Hohenzollern Bridge is known for its love locks.

Couples from around the world come to attach locks to the bridge to show their love.

The locks come in different shapes, colors, and sizes and are engraved with names, dates, or messages. They are a popular tourist attraction and symbol of love.

If you’re in Cologne, visit the bridge and see the love locks for yourself.

10. Rhine Boulevard

The Rhine Boulevard is a path along the Rhine River that has a gorgeous view of the city and the river. It’s well-known for the stunning view of the big and famous Cologne Cathedral.

There are many restaurants, cafes, and places to hang out along the Boulevard, so it’s always lively and fun. There are also many parks and green spaces to breathe in fresh air and relax.

People love to walk, run, bike, or have picnics along the Boulevard. You can also take a boat ride to see the sights or just sit and watch the world go by.

Whether you want a peaceful escape from the city or a fun evening, the Rhein Boulevard has everything you need.

11. Tanzbrunnen

Tanzbrunnen is a big, fun place to go in Cologne. It’s outside and surrounded by green trees and a pretty river view. It’s known for having lots of different events, like concerts, festivals, and cultural events.

One of the most popular things to do at Tanzbrunnen is dance on the outdoor dance floor to live music. There’s also a big stage where famous artists perform. You can also get food and drinks at the venue.

Whether you want a wild night or a calm evening, Tanzbrunnen has something for everyone. If you’re looking for a fun and lively place in Cologne, don’t miss Tanzbrunnen!

12. Claudius Therme

Claudius Therme is one of Europe’s most beautiful thermal baths. It’s located in a park near Rhein Boulevard.

There are many different things to help you relax like swimming pools, hot rooms to sweat in, and quiet spots to just chill.

They even have a special pool filled with salt from the Dead Sea, where you can float and feel like you’re weightless. If you want to be extra spoiled, they also give massages and do beauty treatments.

So, if you’re feeling stressed and need a break, Claudius Therme is the perfect place for you!

13. Cable Car Ride

The Cable Car is a special way to explore the city of Cologne from above.

You’ll go on a 7-minute ride from Claudius Therme to the Cologne Zoo and see the Rhine River and the city from a different viewpoint.

Not just for tourists, it’s also a convenient way to get around and see the Rheinpark and the nearby area. The cabins are comfortable and up-to-date, making it a must-try experience for anyone visiting the city.

14. Botanical garden

Cologne Flora is a special garden with lots of different plants, trees, and flowers.

It has plants from many different countries, and you can walk around and see them all. It’s also a fun place for families, with play areas for kids and fun learning programs.

If you love nature, flowers, or just want a calm and peaceful place to be, Cologne Flora is a great choice for everyone!

15. Cologne Zoo

The Cologne Zoo is a really popular place to see lots of animals from all over the world.

It has over 7,000 animals from 600 different species, including some that are rare and endangered. The zoo takes good care of all the animals, making sure they have great homes.

In the summer, there’s a lot to do, like taking tours, watching animal shows, and playing with interactive exhibits. There’s also food, shopping, and picnic areas, making it a great day trip for families and friends.

If you love animals or just want to have a fun and educational experience, be sure to visit the Cologne Zoo when you’re in town.

16. 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 attractive, lively and 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 and 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. Green Belt

The Cologne Green Belt is a bunch of parks and green areas that go around the city. It was made from old fortifications a long time ago and is split into two parts.

The Inner Green Belt covers neighborhoods like Riehl, Mauenheim, and Ehrenfeld, and also includes some university campuses. You can see cool buildings surrounded by nature.

The Outer Green Belt is great for outdoor activities like biking, walking, and canoeing. You can get some exercise, relax, or have a picnic or BBQ.

If you want a quiet place, check out the green spaces along the Rhine River or take the kids to the Merheimer Heide. The Poller Wiesen parks also offer amazing views of the city and the Cathedral and are often the site of parties and events.

If you want to exercise, relax, or see some views, the Cologne Green Belt is the place to be!

18. Belgian Quarter

The Belgian Quarter is the coolest part of Cologne. You can find it between Aachenerstraße and Friesenplatz.

The district is famous for its lively atmosphere and fun places to hang out like coffee shops, bars, and restaurants. People like to walk around and see the pretty buildings and try the tasty food.

The Belgian Quarter has different types of buildings, like Gothic, Art Nouveau, and old-fashioned styles. The streets are named after cities in Belgium, such as Brussels, Antwerp, and Maastricht.

You can also find many art, theater, and cultural places in the Belgian Quarter, making it a popular spot for both tourists and people who live in Cologne.

If you like looking at cool buildings, having fun, or learning about history, you should go to the Belgian Quarter when you visit Cologne.

19. Aachener Weiher

The Aachener Weiher pond is a famous hangout place in Cologne near the university. It’s a man-made lake that’s four hectares big and is surrounded by grassy fields.

The pond is close to the Museum of East Asian Art and is named after Aachener Street, which has been there since ancient Roman times. Unfortunately, you can’t swim in the pond.

On sunny days, many young people, especially students, come to the pond to sunbathe, have a barbecue, and chat with friends. There is also a small play area for kids.

The park with its gentle hills was built after World War II using the rubble from the destroyed city.

If you like soaking up the sun or having picnics, a visit to the Aachener Weiher pond is one of the best things to do in Cologne in summer.

20. Zülpicher Street

Zülpicher Straße is a street that is popular with college students and people who live in Cologne.

The street has a lot of fun places to go like bars, restaurants, cafes, and clubs. You can have a quiet drink, dance at a party, or enjoy a delicious meal.

On the weekends, the street becomes very lively and you’ll hear music, laughter, and people having a great time.

Whether you’re from Cologne or just visiting, Zülpicher Straße is a great place to experience the exciting vibe of the city.

21. Volksgarten

Volksgarten is a park located in the Volksgarten Quarter and is loved by both locals and visitors. People come to this park to enjoy its stunning views and peaceful atmosphere.

The park has a big beer garden where you can sit back and relax with a drink in the sunshine.

There’s also a pretty pond where you can take a slow boat ride and enjoy the views from the water. The pond is surrounded by lots of plants and pretty flowers, creating a calm and peaceful environment.

Whether you want a place to relax, have a drink, or just appreciate nature, Volksgarten is a great place for everyone to visit in the summer.

22. Adenauer Weiher

The Adenauer Weiher is a lake near the RheinEnergieStadion.

During home games of the 1. FC Cologne soccer team, you can listen to the fan songs from the lake. Otherwise, it’s a calm place to take a walk or jog around.

There is a restaurant called Club Astoria with a view of the impressive lake. The lake is part of the larger Stadtwald (city forest) and is a popular spot for fresh air and exercise.

It was created in the 1920s during the expansion of the city forest and was named after the city’s former mayor, Konrad Adenauer. The lake is a popular spot for jogging and biking and there are nearby meadows.

When you are looking for some nature and rest, Adenauer Weiher is a nice place to go to in Cologne in summer.

23. Fühlinger See

Fühlinger See is a popular lake in Cologne. It is known for its sandy beach area.

The lake is surrounded by lots of trees, making it a quiet and peaceful place. People go to the beach to sunbathe and swim when it’s warm outside.

Fühlinger See also has fun activities like Stand Up Paddling (SUP) and scuba diving.

If you want to relax at the beach or try a new adventure, Fühlinger See is the perfect place to go to when the weather is warm.

24. Horse racing track

Pferderennbahn Cologne is a place for horse racing. People go there to watch horses run and compete. People can also bet on which horse they think will win.

This place has been around for a long time and is popular with people who like horse racing.

There are many trees and plants around the horse racing track, making it a pretty and peaceful place to spend the day. There is also a restaurant and bar, so people can have a meal or drinks while watching the races.

If you like horse racing or just want to have a fun day out, Pferderennbahn Cologne is a great place to visit. With its exciting races and beautiful surroundings, it’s definitely worth a visit in the spring.

25. Phantasia Land

Phantasialand is a fun amusement park near Cologne. It’s a great place to spend a day with friends and family.

The park has exciting rides, attractions, and pretty scenery. There are different areas with different themes, like a safari in Africa or a magical world of fantasy with crazy roller coasters.

There are also shows, performances, and activities to enjoy, making it a good place for families and people who like excitement.

If you want to have a fun day out or just have some fun, Phantasia Land is one of the best things to do in Cologne in summer.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

RELATES POSTS

• 27 Best Things to Do in Cologne in August
• What to Do in Cologne when it’s hot? 15 Ideas!
• 25 Things to Do in Cologne in Spring
• 25 Things to Do in Cologne in Fall
• 22 Things to Do in Cologne in Winter
• 30 Things to Do in Cologne on Sunday
• 20 Best Free Things to Do in Cologne, Germany
• What to Do in Cologne when it’s Raining – 20 Ideas