The 10 best museums in Cologne
Odysseum
Are you going on a city trip to Cologne with children? Then a visit to the interactive Odysseum is definitely worthwhile. Go on a journey of discovery and learn all about the world of science and technology. A day full of fun, games, exercise and learning.
Address: Corintostraße 1
Wallraf-Richartz-Museum
Wander around among works of art from the 13th to the early 20th century in one of Germany's largest art museums. TheWallraf-Richartz-Museum, located in the heart of Cologne, offers a representative historical overview of European visual arts with an impressive art collection and no less than 3,500 m2 of space.
Address: Obenmarspforten 40
Kolumba Museum
Admire art treasures of the Archdiocese in the Kolumba Museum in Cologne. The museum is housed in the ruins of St Columba's Church and a modern building by architect Peter Zumthor (winner of the Pritzker Prize, an important award in architecture). The result is a unique combination of old and new.
Address: Kolumbastraße 4
Imhoff Chocolate Museum
Chocolate lovers will enjoy the Chocolate Museum in Cologne. The Imhoff Chocolate Museum showcases the entire history of chocolate, from the beginnings of the Olmecs, Mayas and Aztecs right up to modern times. Fancy some chocolate? In the Chocolat Grand Café and in the Chocolat Shop, you can taste delicious chocolate!
Address: Am Schokoladenmuseum 1A
Duft Museum
Dive into the wonderful world of perfume at the perfume museum in Cologne. The Duft Museum is located in the former house of Giovanni Farina, the man who invented the famous perfume 'Eau de Cologne' (the French translation of Cologne water) three centuries ago. Enjoy a unique experience and learn all about the history and production process of 'Eau de Cologne'.
Address: Obenmarspforten 21
Romano-Germanic Museum
The Romano-Germanic Museum in Cologne is the museum to view top archaeological finds from the ancient Roman city. Admire the Dionysus Mosaic; a 70 m2 mosaic tile floor from 225 AD that was rediscovered in 1942. The museum is located close to the Cathedral, from where you can discover other highlights in Cologne.
Address: Roncalliplatz 4
NS-Documentation Center
The NS-Documentation Center is a memorial museum for the Nazi victims, housed in the EL-DE-Haus, the former headquarters of the Cologne Gestapo. The permanent exhibition, 'Cologne under National Socialism', gives an insight into life in Cologne during the Nazi period.
Adres: Appellhofplatz 23-25
Museum of Applied Arts Cologne
Dive into the world of decorative art at the Museum of Applied Arts in Cologne. Admire art and crafts from Europe, from the Middle Ages to the present day, such as jewellery, furniture and porcelain. The museum is located close to the Kolumba and Romano-Germanic Museum, ideal for a day of museum hopping in Cologne.
Address: An d. Rechtschule 7
Museum Ludwig
Want to admire the largest pop art collection in Europe? You can in the Museum Ludwig in Cologne.The museum shows modern visual arts from this century and the previous one. Icons such as Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and Claes Oldenburg adorn the walls of this modernist building next to the cathedral. The permanent collection includes German Expressionism, the Russian Avant-Garde and Pablo Picasso. Feeling peckish after your museum visit? Outside on the terrace there is a food truck with delicacies such as the legendary currywurst.
Address: Heinrich-Böll-Platz
Book train tickets to Cologne
The same applies to Cologne: the earlier you book, the lower the price. Tickets are on sale from € 20. Children up to 14 years travel for free! Here is a handy overview of travel times to Cologne station.
| Route | Travel times | Transfers | Header | Header |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam - Cologne | 2.38 hours | 0 | Content | Content |
| Schiphol - Cologne | 2.56 hours | 1 | Content | Content |
| Rotterdam - Cologne | 2.58 hours | 1 | Content | Content |
| Utrecht - Cologne | 2.10 hours | 0 | Content | Content |
For a complete travel itinerary, consult our itinerary planner
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