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Rhine River (Cologne)

Rhine River (Cologne): Our most recommended tours and activities

Cologne: Top Sights Rhine River Cruise

1. Cologne: Top Sights Rhine River Cruise

See Cologne's top sights from the water on a city cruise. Spot the world-famous Cologne Cathedral, cruise under 5 bridges, and take in the running commentary from the ship's speakers. Start your Rhine cruise with the ship MS Rheinperle, MS Rheinland, or MS Rheintreue. After taking in a view of the iconic Cologne Cathedral and Old Town, cruise to the Rheinauhafen, where you can spot its distinctive crane houses. Pass under 5 bridges to reach Rodenkirchen in the south. The cruise will then take you to the main sights of the city north of the Dome, such as the Zoobrücke bridge. During the cruise, discover more about the sights of Cologne with on-board commentary and English and German. If you want, relax with a local Kölsch beer or a strong coffee and a piece of cake.

Cologne: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Ticket

2. Cologne: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Ticket

Climb on board a double-decker bus for a tour of all of Cologne's essential spots. Use this hop-on hop-off ticket to get off the bus at any of its 14 stops to see sights like the Cathedral, Zoo, old town, and Chlodwigplatz. Get on the bus and get ready to explore the city. Head up to the top deck, or stay down below as the bus cruises through the streets of Cologne. Listen to informative commentary as the bus tours around the scenic city. Come and go from the bus as you please, with a choice of 14 stops to enter or exit. Explore the city at your leisure without having to plan to a timetable, allowing you to be spontaneous in deciding what to see. Discover the city as you glide past sights like the Cologne Chocolate Museum, the Gürzenich convention center, and the Eigelstein Gate. Encounter the tall Cologne Triangle building, as well as the Odysseum, and Lanxess Arena.

Cologne: Panoramic City Cruise

3. Cologne: Panoramic City Cruise

Journey through the charming city of Cologne and discover its sightseeing highlights from the water. Grab some snacks and drinks from the onboard bar (at your own expense), and relax as you look out at Cologne’s historic landmarks and bridges. Get to know Cologne's Old Town, characterized by its beautiful churches and historic buildings. You'll also spot impressive modern buildings here and there, such as the Lindt chocolate museum.  Take in views of bridges from the water like the Hohenzollern, Deutz Suspension Bridge, and the South Bridge. Pass by the the German Sports and Olympic Museum and cruise through the ultra-modern Rheinauhafen urban regeneration project.  Admire the beautiful Cologne Cathedral and snap some photos from afar to capture the structure in all its glory.

Cologne: 3-Hour Harbor Tour Cruise

4. Cologne: 3-Hour Harbor Tour Cruise

Discover some of Cologne’s harbors and their facilities on a harbor cruise. Listen to interesting facts about how the harbor functions from your local guide en route. Sit back and relax as you take in the sights from the water, as you make your way in and out of harbors like the Niehl container harbor—one of Germany's largest inland ones. Become a pro at the history of the Rheinau Harbor, hear fascinating insights about the Deutz and Mülheim harbors, and head into the Niehl container harbor, one of Germany’s largest inland harbors on this cruise. During your cruise, listen as your guide offers information and exciting anecdotes about Cologne's harbors, their history, dates, and figures.

Cologne: 3-Hour Guided Bike Tour

5. Cologne: 3-Hour Guided Bike Tour

Visit the fascinating cathedral city of Cologne and learn all about its 2000 years of history on a guided bike tour. Explore the city in an environmentally friendly way and ride through the Roman times to the Middle Ages up to the latest architectural developments.  Along the way, hear exciting anecdotes and fascinating historical facts on your journey of discovery though Germany’s oldest city. Explore Cologne on a route of approximately 15 kilometers and discover the most interesting places in the city along the way.  Start at the Eigelsteintor, the medieval symbol of the northern old town, and ride past the Prussian Fort X and across the Zoobrücke. From here you can enjoy the fantastic views of Cologne’s skyline. Ride to the green area of the city, the right bank of Rheinpark, which was voted Germany’s most beautiful park in 2007. From the bridgehead of the Hohenzollern Bridge you will see the famous photo scene with the cathedral, the Crane Houses, and the many small towers. Stop on the historical steel bridge to see the love locks before heading to the Cologne Philharmonic Hall, Museum Ludwig, and the world-famous cathedral. Relax at one of the breweries before exploring the winding streets of Martinsviertel. From here, cycle along the Rhine to Cologne’s newest and most exclusive area – the brand new Rheinauhafen. Its architectural highlights include the 3 Crane Houses, the Chocolate Museum, the Siebengebirgshaus, and the Wurstbude.  Ride at a leisurely pace northward along the Rhine and admire the picturesque old town before returning to the starting point.

Cologne: Scavenger Hunt Self-Guided Tour

6. Cologne: Scavenger Hunt Self-Guided Tour

The Cologne scavenger hunt will take you past the most beautiful sights of the Rhine metropolis. Start your adventure at the main station and then head to the Cathedral, which is Cologne's landmark. Also, discover the Heinzelmännchen fountain, the old market with the town hall, the Heumarkt, the Great St. Martin church, the Rhine promenade, and much more. Your city game box contains 16 sealed and numbered envelopes, each holding riddles that need to be solved. Follow clear and precise directions and find your way to the various sights. Once you solve a riddle you will be given a number, which reveals which envelope to open next. You won’t know ahead of time in which succession the Scavenger Hunt City Game envelopes need to be opened. Have fun while you receive detailed information regarding the historical background of every attraction.

Cologne Cathedral and Old Town Tour with 1 Kölsch

7. Cologne Cathedral and Old Town Tour with 1 Kölsch

Enjoy a historical tour of Cologne's old town and see interesting parts of the city while listening to interesting information about it. Be impressed by the outside of the Cologne Cathedral, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.   See the Alter Markt and walk along the Rhine with its picturesque views. Your tour guide is more than happy to show you around and provide you with exciting facts about the history and special culture of Cologne.  Hear about the Romans in Cologne and get some great survival tips for the city. Visit a traditional and rustic brewhouse and enjoy a beer with the group (Kölsch).

Cologne: 3-Hour Südstadt Food Tour

8. Cologne: 3-Hour Südstadt Food Tour

Start your 3-hour walking tour at Chlodwigplatz, in the heart of the Südstadt. Learn some culinary facts about the district before enjoying your first taster. Hear about the history of the Südstadt as the walk continues. Stop for your second international gastronomical visit. Continue past cool second-hand shops, comic book stores, and the Mangal Döner, Lukas Podolski's latest project. Visit a Cologne brewery before stopping for a typical Cologne snack. Get more insider knowledge from your guide and hear the story of the House Balchem, St. Severin, and the wrong side of the Rhine. Savor another international delicacy and then end the tour with a sweet specialty.

Cologne: Old Town Highlights Walking Tour

9. Cologne: Old Town Highlights Walking Tour

Meet your guide in the historic old town of Cologne and start your walking tour of some of the city's most famous highlights. Marvel at the towering Cologne Cathedral. Discover the ancient myths, legends, and biblical figures incorporated into its Gothic facade. Journey further back in time and visit a Roman villa with a preserved mosaic floor, Roman tomb, and parts of Roman palace buildings. Walking around the Roman-Germanic Museum, you'll see detailed relics from Cologne's Roman period. Walk across the top of the subterranean Cologne Philharmonic Hall, where you'll visit a Holocaust memorial. Then, make your way to Hohenzollern Bridge to take in panoramas of the old town and the futuristic new harbor district. A stroll along the Rhine then leads you to the largest Romanesque church in Cologne. Wander through ancient alleyways to the city's oldest marketplaces and to the Historic Town Hall. End your tour back at Cologne Cathedral and its fairy tale fountain.

Cologne: Rhine River Cruise with Live Music

10. Cologne: Rhine River Cruise with Live Music

Enjoy the charming sights of Cologne from a heated boat on the Rhine River. Sip on a glass of Kölsch or a hot beverage as you take in the atmosphere.  View some of Cologne's most spectacular architecture, like the Groß St. Martin Church, the former Rheinau harbour with the three crane houses and, of course, Cologne Cathedral.  Listen to a musician play both traditional and modern tunes live. Drink some cold local beer, tea, or coffee.

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What people are saying about Rhine River (Cologne)

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 4,763 reviews

As soon as we arrived, our guide Markus prepared himself for everything that was possible and quickly adapted the footpath for those who had difficulty walking. At the same time, he wanted to know the expectations of the participants and aligned the Cologne story accordingly, so there was something personal and suitable for everyone. Apart from the fact that his Cologne attitude, way of life and humor made the 2 hour tour go by quickly. We would be happy to travel with him again!

It was a very nice and successful afternoon/evening, where we learned many interesting stories about Cologne and its history and had a lot of fun. Many thanks to the guide! We can warmly recommend the tour to everyone!

Tour was great way to see the city of Cologne! Easy to book and use with the App. Or though was hop on and off, we didn't want to get off!

the tour guide Sacha was top notch. could not have asked for someone better than him.

The bus drivers were very friendly and helpful. We felt comfortable