There’s always plenty to do in Cologne . And there’s plenty going on in the surrounding area, too. Of course, that can really put a strain on your wallet. Here are places and activities you can enjoy completely free of charge !
So leave your wallet at home and have a great day at these places that want nothing from you—not even your money.
Marvel at the interior of Cologne Cathedral
The city’s landmark! While there is an admission fee to climb the tower or visit the treasury, access to the impressive nave of the massive Gothic cathedral is completely free.
📍 Domkloster 4, 50667 Cologne
📆 Monday through Saturday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Guided tour: weekdays from 10:00 AM, Sundays from 1:00 PM; limited during church services)
⏳ 1 to 1.5 hours
💵 Free
Lose yourself in Flora and the Botanical Garden
A beautiful, green paradise in northern Cologne. Here you can stroll through stately gardens, marvel at exotic plants in the greenhouses, and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
📍 Alter Stammheimer Weg, 50735 Cologne
📆 Daily from 8:00 AM until sunset (no later than 9:00 PM; greenhouses 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM in summer)
⏳ 2 to 3 hours
💵 Free
Romantic stroll across the Hohenzollern Bridge
A stroll across the Rhine with a view of the cathedral is a must. Tens of thousands of padlocks from couples in love from all over the world hang on the bridge —a colorful and fascinating photo opportunity.
📍 Hohenzollern Bridge, 50667 Cologne
📆 Accessible at any time
⏳ 30 to 60 minutes
💵 Free
Relax in the Rheinpark
Located on the right bank of the Rhine (Schäl Sick), this huge park offers one of the best views of the Cologne skyline and the cathedral. Perfect for a picnic, a walk, or simply relaxing by the water.
📍 Rheinparkweg 1, 50679 Cologne
📆 Open at all times
⏳ 1 to 3 hours
💵 Free
ℹ️ There are many free events at Rheinpark!
Wander reverently through the Melaten Cemetery
This historic cemetery resembles a vast park filled with impressive monuments and centuries-old trees. Many prominent Cologne residents are buried here (including Dirk Bach and Willy Millowitsch). An oasis of tranquility.
📍 Aachener Str. 204, 50931 Cologne
📆 Daily; Summer (April–Oct) 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Winter (Nov–March) 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
⏳ 1.5 to 2 hours
💵 Free
Lazing around in Cologne’s Sculpture Park
Art in the open air: This park near the Flora features rotating exhibitions of contemporary outdoor sculptures by international artists.
📍 Riehler Str. (Entrance), 50668 Cologne
📆 Daily; April through September 10:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., October through March 10:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
⏳ 1 to 2 hours
💵 Free
ℹ️ Check here—there might be a free event!
Stroll through the historic old town
Stroll through the narrow, cobblestone alleys of Cologne’s Old Town (around Alter Markt and Heumarkt), admire the colorful stacked houses along the Rhine, and soak up the Cologne atmosphere.
📍 Alter Markt / Martinswinkel, 50667 Cologne
📆 Open at all times
⏳ 2 to 3 hours
💵 Free
Rheinauhafen and Kranhäuser
A stroll through the city’s most modern district. The imposing Kranhäuser, which tower over the Rhine like giant cranes, form a striking contrast to the historic Old Town.
📍 Im Zollhafen, 50678 Cologne
📆 Open at all times
⏳ 1 to 2 hours
💵 Free
ℹ️ Check out the events at Rheinauhafen, too!
The world-famous “Echt Kölnisch Wasser” has its origins here. Entering the magnificent salesroom and washing your hands at the scented fountain are free. A special highlight is the carillon on the façade.
📍 Glockengasse 4, 50667 Cologne
📆 Mon–Sat 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM; The carillon plays hourly between 10 AM and 6 PM.
⏳ 30 minutes
💵 Free
