7 Best Things To Do Solo in Cologne, Germany

Hello, my lovely wanderlust friends! Despite facing a gnarly cold, my solo adventure in Köln, Germany, was nothing short of charming. Just outside the city center is a darling neighborhood called Südstadt, where I discovered the best Köln has to offer. The area was surrounded by lovely cafes to a Christmas Market that absolutely stole my heart. Now that I’ve given you one of the best areas to stay, let’s dive into the 7 Best Things to do Solo in Köln, where even the worst cold in the world couldn’t dim the magic!

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7 Best Things To Do Solo in Cologne, Germany

As I explored the city, something that stood out more than anything was its cleanliness and vibrancy of life. I swear the German health foods and active lifestyle of walking 6-9 miles a day played a role in overcoming my cold. Navigating this city was a breeze, especially because they have an amazing and efficient tram system.

Let’s jump in, shall we?

Kölner Seilbahn (Cable Cars)

For thrill-seekers unafraid of heights, the Kölner Seilbahn offers a scenic Rhine crossing in just 6 minutes for 9 euros roundtrip. Revel in stunning views of Cologne’s skyline and the charming old town. Consider bundling tickets with the zoo or the Aquarium for a delightful rainy-day adventure.

Schokoladenmuseum (Chocolate Museum)

Owned by Lindt, the Schokoladenmuseum is a sweet spot for solo travelers, offering an educational journey with ample free chocolate samples! It was a highlight of my 3-week Christmas Market escapade, making it a must-visit, especially when exploring solo.

Kölner Dom

The Cologne Cathedral was one the most beautiful and jaw-dropping sights I’ve seen in all my journies. Especially during Christmas time because it’s the main backdrop for their most popular Christmas Market. It’s a dark gothic-style cathedral that gave me chills just standing beneath it. It will easily remind you of how small you are, compared to everything else on this planet.

You can go inside and see this amazing architect for yourself and it’s another good educational activity to do in the rain. It’s also right next to Museum Ludwig which is the modern art museum.

Note: Don’t miss the Köln Christmas Market if you get the chance—it’s a family-friendly delight.

Take a Small Group Tour

One of my favorite things to do while traveling solo is to explore with other people. I’m a big fan of Viator tours and have taken many of them throughout the US and Europe. Cologne has a terrific beer scene, which I quickly learned at the Christmas Market. They love locally crafted brews and are in constant competition with neighboring towns. Due to this, I recommend checking out the Guided Brewhouse Walking Tour in Cologne.

If beer isn’t your thing and you’re looking for an active activity, check out the Small-Group Bike Tour of Cologne with Guide. Both have killer reviews and you’ll get a local tour guide with a wealth of knowledge about the city and also some hot spots for where to eat and what to see along the way.

Explore Belgian Quarter (Belgisches Viertel)

This area is quite artsy and has several African to Cuban cuisine influences. It’s also known for its hipster-eques vibes, vintage shops, record stores, and bookstore finds. This is a really cool area right off the city center area. It’s easily walkable and has some darling cafes, like miss päpki.

Brühl Castle

Though the Augustusbourg Palace is closed during the winter months, it’s spectacular and looks as if it belongs in a historical novel. It’s stunning and only a 20-minute train ride from Cologne city center to Brühl. It’s less than 10 euros per person and also has a nearby hunting lodge and gardens you can explore for an additional fee.

This is something I would love to go back and do in the Spring and Summer months because it’s gorgeous and I always love adding a palace to my “To Do” list for the day.

Cologne Botanical Gardens (Flora und Botanischer Garten)

These gardens are spectacular have over 12,000 plant species and are on 5.5 hectares of land. There’s also a subtropical greenhouse, a garden café, and a restaurant on the premises. The best part is the botanical gardens are free. It’s located near the zoo and super easy to get to either by walking or getting on the bus!

Köln, you’ve left an indelible mark, and I can’t wait to dance through your streets again, especially in the summertime.

Wishing you a healthy and safe adventure to Köln. I would love to hear about your experience in the comments below and if you have any other fun activities to add!