Cologne is best known for its colossal Gothic cathedral, its riverside old town, and a distinct local culture built around Kölsch beer and the exuberant Rhineland Carnival. It's also Germany's media and art capital, with a lively gallery and design scene alongside centuries of history.
Discover Authentic Cologne: A Local Travel Guide by Mercure
The team at Mercure Hotel Severinshof Köln City spends every day a few streets from the Rhine, and it shows in how we send our guests out the door — cathedral spires in one direction, the buzzing Belgian Quarter in the other. Cologne rewards wandering: a city that rebuilt itself with warmth and humour after the war, still fiercely proud of its own beer, its own dialect, and its own take on a good time. Here's our local's guide to seeing it properly.
Our map pins local favourites such as the Hohenzollern Bridge, Museum Ludwig and the Cologne cable car.
Top 5 Things to Do in Cologne
Lock in love at the Hohenzollern Bridge
Thousands of padlocks cover Europe's busiest railway bridge, left behind by couples declaring their love within sight of the cathedral spires.
Ride the Kölner Seilbahn cable car
Glide across the Rhine on Germany's oldest cable car for sweeping views over the cathedral, the river and the Rheinpark below.
Sip drinks at the Rheinauhafen
This former harbour turned architectural showcase pairs crane-shaped office towers with waterfront bars and restaurants, a favourite spot for evening drinks.
See modern art at Museum Ludwig
One of Europe's finest modern art collections, including one of the largest Picasso holdings outside Spain, sits in a striking building right beside the cathedral.
Shop and dine in the Belgian Quarter
Independent boutiques, corner cafés and late-night bars fill this leafy district — the best place to feel how Cologne actually lives day to day.
Explore Cologne's Best Local Spots with Our Interactive Map
What's on the map in Cologne
We've mapped local spots in Cologne, from love locks to Picasso.
The Rhine
Hohenzollern Bridge
Built between 1907 and 1911, famous for the thousands of love locks on its railings – and its views of the cathedral. Add yours?
Next to the Cathedral · Bridge · Perfect for photos
Cologne cable car
930 metres across the Rhine in about six minutes, with the cathedral, the KölnTriangle and the Rheinpark below you. Magical at sunset.
Rheinpark · Cable car · Made for views
Rheinauhafen
The old industrial port, now a lively district of modern architecture, riverside cafés, museums and weekend flea markets. Stroll the water's edge.
Rheinauhafen · District · Ideal for a riverside walk
Art & neighbourhoods
Museum Ludwig
Founded in 1976 beside the cathedral, Museum Ludwig holds one of Europe's largest Pop Art collections – and the world's third-largest Picasso collection.
Next to the Cathedral · Art museum · Perfect for modern art
Belgian Quarter
Streets named after Belgian cities, packed with designer boutiques, studios, bars and international restaurants. Shop by day, stay for the evening.
Belgisches Viertel · Neighbourhood · Great for shopping and nightlife
Ehrenfeld
West of the centre, multicultural Ehrenfeld is all street art, cafés, galleries and nightlife. Look around every corner.
Ehrenfeld · Neighbourhood · Made for street art
Kebapland
An Ehrenfeld street-food legend – the queue is for the Adana kebab. Join it.
Ehrenfeld · Street food · Perfect for a quick bite
Schamong
Cologne's oldest coffee roastery, in Ehrenfeld since 1949, with a café to taste the latest roast.
Ehrenfeld · Coffee roastery · Ideal for coffee
Früh em Veedel
A traditional Kölsch tavern where locals gather at the bar. Your glass will keep being refilled – put a beer mat on top when you're done.
Südstadt · Brewery tavern · Made for Kölsch
FAQ
The compact old town and cathedral area are easily explored on foot. For anything further afield, Cologne's KVB network of trams, buses and light rail (Stadtbahn) is fast, frequent and covers the whole city, and a day ticket is usually the best value for visitors.
Late spring through early autumn (May to September) brings warm weather perfect for the Rhine promenade and outdoor beer gardens. If you don't mind the cold, visiting during Karneval (February) or the Christmas markets (late November to December) shows off two of the city's biggest traditions.
The thousands of love locks attached to its railings, with views of Cologne Cathedral.
At Museum Ludwig, home to the world's third-largest Picasso collection.
Yes. The Cologne cable car crosses the river in about six minutes.
Where to Sleep in Cologne
See Mercure hotels in Cologne, all within reach of these picks.