You will have so much fun visiting Cologne with kids! Cologne is a beautiful city built on ancient Roman ruins and surrounding the imposing Kolner Dom cathedral on the Rhine River. Visiting Cologne with kids is a safe and easy holiday as this intimate city, with a population of just over one million, is very relaxed and welcoming, with cobblestone streets leading to many family activities. There is so much to do in Cologne for kids – like chocolate making, climbing to the top of the Kolner Dom or leaving a lock on the Love Lock Bridge. Read on for more things to do in Cologne with kids.

Before you travel, make sure to get a VPN to protect your data and allow you to access sites from home and other countries.

Getting around Cologne with kids

Cologne is easy to navigate, with a public bus and train system and many city tour options – like the ubiquitous big red bus and the kids’ favourite green mini train that takes a smaller city route, as well as walking, cycling and segway tours – but as usual your feet are your best bet for exploring and discovering the magic of Cologne. You can also grab a KolnCard that gives you access to public transport for 24-48 hours and discounts at many attractions.

 

 

One of the amazing things about Cologne is the limitation upon high-rise buildings in the city,  so you have views of the Kolner Dom from everywhere. This also means when walking around the city you can always see huge clumps of sky and have a lovely feeling of openness and space.

The city was bombed extensively during World War II but much of its stunning architecture has been restored or salvaged and, along with a combination of historic and modern buildings and bridges,  it is a truly charming city. Take a walking tour around the city with a local guide or try this three hour bike tour – so much fun.

You can see these incredible buildings, the Old Town and more on a Rhine river cruise – its a great way to see the city from a different perspective. While we think Cologne is the most city in Germany, there are many more beautiful German cities to explore.

Here are our top things to do with kids in Cologne.

COLOGNE TRIANGLE PANORAMA:

 

For fabulous views across the Rhine to Cologne city and 360 degrees around, make sure to visit the Cologne Triangle Panorama. It’s a short stroll across the Hohenzollern Bridge from the city and kids will love the lift ride up to the top. From there the views are lovely, up and down the Rhine, over to the seven mountains and across to the Kolner Dom and city. It’s a great place to point out buildings and mountains to kids who will of course also enjoy the lift ride up 29 floors to the top. It costs 3 Euros and is open every day.

THE LOVE LOCK BRIDGE:

Hohenzollern Bridge is covered with thousands of padlocks inscribed with couples names who, once they have locked onto the bridge, throw the keys into the water which symbolises that their love will never be broken. Emmie was fascinated with this bridge and the locks and would have spent hours here looking at the different coloured locks, the shapes and engravings. It’s one of the easiest things to do with kids in Cologne as you can walk from the Golden Triangle Panorama and cross the bridge to the Old Town to explore.

KOLNER DOM

 

Just over the Hohenzollern Bridge is the Kolner Dom, the incredible Catholic Cathedral. Building started in 1242 and was finally completed in 1880. There will always be scaffolding up on some part of the Cathedral as its sandstone structure needs regular upkeep  – but that doesn’t take away from its majesty and the delicate detail in its cones and arches. Inside the Cathedral is simply huge with incredible glass windows, sculptured columns, paintings, alters and vestibules. Climb to the top for amazing views over the city, or sit on the surrounding steps and enjoy a coffee or ice-cream and watch the world go by.

A visit to the Treasury is a must to view some of the remaining treasures including and relics (ie/ the bones) of Saints. It is open Tuesday to Sunday and costs 3.50 Euros.

It’s worthwhile taking a tour to learn about the history of the Cathedral and make it to the top. They can book out so make sure to pre-book your tix.  This tour includes the cathedral and an old city tour. 

SUNSET ON THE STEPS OF THE RHINE

 

Wander down to the steps on the western side of the Rhine with wine and cheese and join families and friends to wait for sunset over the city. It’s a very simple Cologne attraction that is a must on warm summer nights as the vibe is fun and happy with music playing and people enjoying themselves. Just relax as you wait for the sun to set over the city and the Kolner Dom and enjoy the happiness and the beauty around you.

CHOCOLATE MUSEUM

 

Who has the sweet tooth in your fam? This is such a fun activity for all the family and probably the most popular in Cologne for kids! A visit to the Lindt Chocolate Museum will have you learning all about chocolate, making chocolate and bringing your own chocolate home with you. Go for it – eat as much as you can! It’s just next to the Olympic Museum on the Rhine and costs 11.50 Euros for adults and 7.50 Euros for kids.

The Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday (and some Mondays) – check the website for more details. http://www.schokoladenmuseum.de/en/

OLYMPIC MUSEUM

 

The Cologne Olympic Museum is a three story gallery of Olympic memorabilia and snapshots of history-making Olympic events. The best part for kids  is that they can try the equipment like gymnastic bars and vaults, cycles and running tracks, with soccer, tennis and basketball courts on the roof. You’ll be amazed at the outfits the athletes, particularly the women, had to compete in, and will learn a lot about Olympic history. And your kids will force you to make fools of yourselves trying to jump over things and perform Olympic feats! It was one of our favourite activities.

CABLE CAR

The Kolner Seilbahn Cable Car offers breathtaking views over the city, up and down the Rhine and all the way to the Cologne Zoo. I’m not a big fan of zoos as we prefer to see animals in the wild so we didn’t take this trip but the cable car alone would be a fabulous trip across the river and back for 7 Euros for adults and 4 Euros for kids for a return ticket.

MINI-GOLF AND NATURE FUN

 

We had a fun afternoon of mini golf at the Minigolf Rodenkirchen, about a 20 minute drive from Cologne city. It’s a nice little course, although a little crowded on the weekends, and you can buy beers and sit at little tables around the course. Watch out for eager beavers trying to push in to avoid long waits at other holes! You can also hire bikes here, walk along nature paths, hike and picnic.

COLOGNE PRAETORIUM

This is an incredible must-see – an ancient underground Roman city and Jewish quarter discovered in the middle of Cologne and dating back to the days of the birth of Christ. The Governors residence has been unearthed with evidence of Roman plumbing system, ancient pottery and carvings and such an incredible history. You can book your tour of the underground city here. 

 

WALK WALK WALK:

 

This city is made for walking – along the Rhine, over bridges, through cute little city streets, courtyards and plazas. Look out for the 12 churches within the city and enjoy the amazing medieval architecture. It’s really beautiful, friendly and since there’s no overdevelopment it feels so open and happy – you can always see the sky.

There are so many things to do in Cologne – you can check out all the tours here. Enjoy! 

What to eat in Cologne.

BAUHAUS, BREAD & BREAKFAST:

 

You have to visit a Bauhaus while in Cologne, there are may on the esplanade that runs along the Rhine and you can find them dotted all over the city. Enjoy your pork steak, schnitzel and potatoes while you sip the signature Kölsch style of beer.  The waiter will mark the number you’ve had on your coaster and add it all up at the end of your dinner. The food is so delicious and of course the beers are too. If you’re with German friends you will likely finish the meal with a shot of schnapps.

 

German breads are pretty special, they’re fresh and thick and crispy and at breakfast eaten with meat and cheese and tomato, or maybe with butter and jam or eggs and ham. We had the best breakfasts ever with the Braukmanns in Cologne.

Where to stay in Cologne with kids

There’s a good selection of hotels in Cologne from budget to fancy – you can check them out here.  Staying walking distance from the Old Town is recommended, walking really is a great way to get around the city, crossing bridges, walking along the Rhine and exploring the streets, churches and brauhauses.

Hostels are great with kids – check out the best hostels in Cologne here. 

Hyatt Regency Koln At the upper end of the budget with incredible views over the Colgone Cathedral this hotel is right next to the Rhine and only 400 metres to the old town. The views are simply amazing plus there’s a swimming pool and gym. If you’re keen for something fancy then this is your pick! Check prices and availability here. 

Hotel Casa Colonia With a 9.4 rating for a stay with kids, and only a five minute walk to the Old Town and Rhine river, this affordable hotel is a great choice for families. Check prices and availability here. 

Wyndham Köln In a fabulous location right next to Cologne Station and with cosy rooms, this hotel is a top pick for affordable family stays in Cologne. Check prices and availability here. 

Hotel Arde Koln Zentrum This budget hotel is in a great location and with rooms at around $120 AUD is super affordable. It’s only a 10 minute walk to the Cathedral and is highly rated for kids. Check prices and availability here. 

The Hilton Cologne The Hilton is in a brillant location in the heart of Cologne and is footsteps to Cologne attractions. It’s also a very goof prince for the luxury and location. Check it out!

Before you travel to Cologne with kids:

Get some good walking shoes:

My faves are Oofus and you can find them here, plus read all about my favourite walking and hiking shoes on this blog post My favourite Flip Flops for Travel (or thongs for us Aussies!)

Protect your data:

Make sure to get your VPN before you travel, to protect your data and enable you to access any blocked out of country sites.

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And if you’re feeling nervous about travelling check out our comprehensive family travel safety guide HOLIDAY SAFE: The complete guide to staying safe when traveling with kids It has everything you need to know about traveling safely on our family holiday or extended trip.