Social and Cultural Program
Between panels and during down time, there are numerous things to do and places to see in and around Cologne.
This list is only an initial collection of ideas and will be complemented on an ongoing basis.
Besides all the cultural treasures Cologne has for its visitors we have handpicked a few recommendations for you to attend.
Check out our PDF.
Things To Do
Sights and attractions
Cologne Cathedral
Cologne Cathedral is a UNESCO world heritage sight and undoubtetly one of the most famous attractions in Cologne. It was built from 1248 until 1880. It is seen as a manifest of Christianity in Europe and a great testament of gothic architecture. Despite its extraordinarily long construction it was still the largest building in the world by the time of its completion. It is possible to explore the cathedral individually or as part of a guided tour: https://www.domfuehrungen-koeln.de/fuehrung-durch-den-innenraum/public-guided-tours-in-english
Cable car from the Zoo to the River Park – Kölner Seilbahn
The historic cable car is a curious attraction a little bit north of Cologne Cathedral. It has been transporting guests across the Rhine river since 1957. The trip takes roughly 7 minutes one way and offers panoramic views of the city. https://www.koelner-seilbahn.de/en/
KölnTriangle
A more stationary but no less breathtaking view can be taken in at KölnTriangle. The viewing platform atop a 28 floor office building near the train station Köln/Messe Deutz offers stunning views of the cathedrala and the Old Town among others. Even the far away city of Düsseldorf or the mountain rang Siebengebirge can be visible if the weather permits. The 27th floor offers a panoramic restaurant and bar which is especially popular during sunset. A ticket needs to be bought at the sight or online to access the viewing platform: https://www.cologne-tourism.com/arts-culture/sights/detail/koelntriangle
The Brühl Palaces
Just a short train journey out of Cologne you can visit Brühl, a small town that offers a break from the hectic city centre. Conveniently situated just next to the train station are not one but two palaces and a stunning garden and park in a French style that surrounds them. Augustusburg Palace and Huntirng Lodge Falkenburg are both built in the rococo era and they can be explored every day except Mondays. https://www.schlossbruehl.de/en/
Melaten Cemetery
The Melatenfriedhof (Melaten Cemetery) is Cologne’s largest graveyard. It offers opportunity to take a breath of fresh air in the busy city but it also gives visitors the chance to follow the steps of famous citizens of Cologne. For more information, refer to: https://www.cologne-tourism.com/arts-culture/sights/detail/melaten-cemetry
Stadtwald Forest
A large park just a few minutes from the city centre. Meadows for picnics, ponds for boating, groves, forests and trees that offer plenty opportunity to go for walks can all be found in the 200 hectares of park: https://www.stadt-koeln.de/leben-in-koeln/freizeit-natur-sport/parks/stadtwald
Guided tours
Carnival in Cologne:
https://www.cologne-tourism.com/experiences-lifestyle/events/detail/carnival-in-cologne
Unfortunately, this city tour is not offered as a public tour during the summer. However, according to Cologne Tourism, individual group tours in English can be booked.
Alternative City Tour Cologne:
https://alternativecolognetours.com/en/alternative-city-tour/
Cologne´s Old Town:
https://www.getyourguide.de/koln-l19/koln-altstadt-highlights-zu-fuss-t412451/?ranking_uuid=0addbf9e-76ff-42ee-bf2c-d1d6d0b68c63
Boat tours in Cologne:
https://www.k-d.com/en/cruises/panorama-round-trip-cologne
https://www.getyourguide.de/koln-l19/1-stunde-panorama-trip-in-koln-t2987/?ranking_uuid=0addbf9e-76ff-42ee-bf2c-d1d6d0b68c63
Büdchen Tour (only in German):
https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/walkingcologne/items/406168/calendar/2025/02/?full-items=yes&back=https://www-walkingcologne-de.filesusr.com/html/3df03f_63fd01a894f8f0db1926834fdd473605.html&flow=812848
Museums
Chocolate Museum
Visit this museum to learn about the 5.000 year long history of chocolate and cocoa: https://www.getyourguide.de/koln-l19/koln-eintrittskarte-fur-das-schokoladenmuseum-t321588/
Wallraf-Richartz Museum
The Wallraf-Richartz museum exhibits countless paintings from the medieval period to the 19th century. https://www.wallraf.museum/
Museum Schnütgen
The Schnütgen museum is located in a historic church. Here you can find medieval art in all forms with a heavy emphasis on Christian motifs. https://www.museum-schnuetgen.de/Home-en
Museum Ludwig
Prominently situated next to the cathedral and the main station, Museum Ludwig exhibits modern and contemporary art from the 20th and 21st century. https://www.museum-ludwig.de/en/home
Theatres
Schauspiel Köln
This is Cologne’s main theatre. Its roots can be traced back to the middle ages and it has changed its location multiple times during the years.
At the moment it hosts its play at the Carlswerk while constructions are underway at its main location. https://www.schauspiel.koeln/
Oper Köln
The opera in Cologne is a good place if you are interested in non-German performances. During the IFTR they have a production of María de Buenos Aires which will be in Spanish with German subtitles. https://www.oper.koeln/en
Some other theatres to consider:
Comedia Cologne, Theater am Dom, Theater im Bauturm