Cologne is a city where history, culture, and lively local traditions come together in a way that keeps visitors engaged at every turn. Its compact old town, stunning cathedral, and vibrant neighborhoods make it perfect for a variety of guided tours and special experiences. We particularly enjoy the Night Watchman Old Town Walking Tour, which offers a theatrical glimpse into medieval Cologne, complete with a costumed guide and dark secrets, and the Legendary Kölsch Brewery Tour, which combines beer tasting with local storytelling. Whether you’re into history, beer, art, or a bit of both, Cologne has something for you.
This guide highlights 14 of the best tours and experiences available in Cologne, each offering its own special way to explore the city. From lively brewery visits and scenic river cruises to immersive history tours and street art walks, we cover options for every interest and budget.
Quick Overview
Cologne’s top tours span a range of interests, including medieval history, beer culture, art and street murals, and river scenery. You can walk through the historic Old Town with Cologne: Guided Highlights Tour, or enjoy a fun and interactive Cologne Cathedral & Old Town evening tour. Beer lovers will appreciate the Kölsch Brewery Tour, which includes tastings at three historic breweries, or the Kölsch Brewery Tour with 3 Beers. For water-based sightseeing, the Rhine Cruise offers a relaxing view of the city skyline, and the Winter Afternoon Boat Cruise adds festive holiday flair.
History buffs will find the WWII Sites Private Tour fascinating, especially with its focus on the Nazi era. Art enthusiasts can explore Street Art in Ehrenfeld, where colorful murals and graffiti tell stories of cultural expression. Lastly, VR Cologne Cathedral Tour combines traditional walking with immersive virtual reality, offering a modern twist on an iconic landmark.
1. Cologne: Night Watchman Old Town Walking Tour
At number 1, the Night Watchman Old Town Walking Tour takes you into Cologne’s medieval past with a lively, theatrical guide dressed as the city’s historic night watchman. For just $18, this 1.5-hour tour offers an engaging stroll through cobblestone streets, where you’ll hear tales of dark secrets, legends, and local lore. The night watchman’s amusing storytelling style makes history come alive, especially as you pass authentic historic buildings that have stood for centuries. It’s particularly well-rated (4.6/5 from over 1500 reviews), with visitors loving the combination of humor and historical insight. This tour is perfect if you want a taste of old Cologne’s atmosphere after hours and enjoy stories that are both educational and entertaining.
Bottom Line: An affordable, fun way to experience Cologne’s medieval roots with a charismatic guide and a dash of mystery.
2. Cologne: Guided Highlights Tour
Second on our list, the Guided Highlights Tour offers a classical overview of Cologne’s most significant sights in just 1.5 hours for $17. This walk takes you through the narrow, cobbled streets of the Old Town, with a local expert explaining the city’s Roman legacy, its Gothic cathedral, and lively squares like Alter Markt. The tour starts at Kreuzblume and finishes at the heart of the city, Roncalliplatz, making it easy to continue exploring afterward. Visitors appreciate the well-paced narration and the opportunity to learn about Cologne’s contrasts—ancient ruins next to modern shops. If you want a quick, comprehensive introduction to the city’s highlights, this tour is hard to beat for value.
Bottom Line: A balanced, informative tour great for first-time visitors eager for a solid overview.
3. The Legendary Kölsch Brewery Tour
Number 3, The Legendary Kölsch Brewery Tour, is a must-see for beer lovers. For $32.56, you get a 2 to 3-hour experience visiting three historic breweries, tasting authentic Kölsch beers, and listening to tales about Cologne’s brewing traditions. The tour starts at Restaurant Heumarkt, where your guide introduces the day’s plan. Then, you’ll visit Malzmühle, learn about the city’s brewing customs, and hear how American influence became part of the story at one brewery. The tour offers a relaxed, personalized atmosphere with insider insights, making it perfect for those curious about local beer culture. Guests often mention guides like Mike and Izzy, who make the experience both fun and educational.
Bottom Line: An authentic, engaging beer tour that combines tasting, history, and local charm at a fair price.
4. Cologne: 1-hour Rhine Cruise in Cologne
Number 4, the Rhine Cruise, offers a relaxing way to see Cologne from the water. For about an hour, you’ll glide along the Rhine, passing the iconic Cologne Cathedral, Old Town, and harbor area. The recorded commentary enriches the experience with insights into the city’s top sights. The cruise is highly rated (4.5/5 from over 400 reviews) and perfect for a leisurely break, especially if you want a different perspective of Cologne’s impressive skyline. Many reviewers highlight the friendly staff and the scenic views, making it a memorable, laid-back activity suitable for all ages.
Bottom Line: An easy, scenic cruise that provides a peaceful view of Cologne’s most famous sights from the river.
5. Cologne Cathedral Walking Tour around the cathedral with VR
Next is the VR Cologne Cathedral Tour, which combines traditional walking with immersive virtual reality. This 1-hour experience takes you around the cathedral while virtual reality glasses allow you to see architecture and details as they appeared centuries ago. The tour includes vivid reconstructions of the construction process and historical events, making it ideal for tech-savvy travelers or those wanting a modern twist. Visitors love how Carlo, the guide, makes history engaging, and the experience is rated 4.6/5 by over 220 reviews. It’s a unique way to deepen your appreciation of Cologne’s most famous landmark.
Bottom Line: A cutting-edge, informative tour perfect for those interested in both history and technology.
6. Street Art Tour Cologne Ehrenfeld
The Street Art Tour in Ehrenfeld is a two-hour walk through Cologne’s most colorful neighborhood. Rated 5.0/5 from 57 reviews, this tour explores murals, illegal graffiti, and large-scale installations. Your guide discusses artists’ backgrounds, techniques, and meanings behind each piece, giving insight into Cologne’s multicultural and artistic spirit. Ehrenfeld’s former industrial character now boasts a vibrant street art scene, and the tour’s small group size ensures an intimate experience. It’s perfect if you love modern art, urban culture, and discovering neighborhoods with a creative pulse.
Bottom Line: An inspiring, personal tour into Cologne’s street art scene, ideal for art fans or curious explorers.
7. Cologne: Brauerei Tour in the Old Town of Köln
Number 7, the Brauerei Tour in the Old Town, takes you into Cologne’s legendary brewing culture. For 2 hours, you’ll visit local breweries, learn about Kölsch beer, and enjoy lively stories from your guide. The tour also includes stops at notable spots like the Heinzelmännchen fountain and the bustling Alter Market. With a small group, you’ll get personalized anecdotes about Cologne’s beer traditions and hidden spots often missed by travelers. Rated 4.8/5 from 69 reviews, it’s a lively way to experience Cologne like a local.
Bottom Line: An engaging, beer-focused tour that combines local history, culture, and a few laughs.
8. Cologne: Cologne Cathedral & Old Town in the evening – interactive tour with projector
Number 8 is the Evening Interactive Tour, which transforms your experience of Cologne’s cathedral and Old Town at sunset. For $319 per group, up to 30 people, this 2-hour tour employs projectors, live quizzes, and insider tips to make sightseeing fun and engaging. The innovative format suits younger travelers or those wanting a relaxed, memorable evening. The tour covers major sites like the Cathedral, Great St. Martin Church, and the Fish Market, with several photo stops along the way. It’s a great way to combine education and entertainment in a lively, modern setting.
Bottom Line: A playful, tech-infused way to explore Cologne’s historic core after dark.
9. Cologne: Winter Afternoon Boat Cruise on the Rhine
The Winter Afternoon Boat Cruise offers a festive two-hour ride on the Rhine during the holiday season. Many reviews mention its decorated boat, seasonal music, and cozy atmosphere. For the price, it’s a cozy way to soak up Christmas spirit while taking in views of illuminated landmarks like the Cathedral. Drinks and seasonal treats are available for purchase onboard. Several reviewers appreciated the friendly staff and the nostalgic ambiance, making it a memorable winter activity for families or couples.
Bottom Line: An enchanting, holiday-themed cruise ideal for celebrating Cologne’s festive season.
10. Cologne: WWII Sites with Optional EL-DE Haus Private Tour
Number 10 features the WWII Sites Private Tour, perfect for history enthusiasts. Spending 2 to 4 hours, this tour explores Nazi-occupied Cologne, including the El-DE Haus (if booked), the Cologne Cathedral, and other significant landmarks. Your guide, with expertise in WWII history, shares detailed stories of the Nazi regime and local resistance. The private format allows for a tailored experience, and reviews emphasize the guide’s depth of knowledge (rated 4.9/5 from 23 reviews). It’s suited for those who want a deep dive into Cologne’s WWII past.
Bottom Line: An insightful, personalized tour for history buffs ready to explore Cologne’s darker chapters.
11. Cologne: Scavenger Hunt Self-Guided Tour
Number 11 is the Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt, a fun, flexible way to see Cologne at your own pace. For $51, your group of up to ten solves riddles, explores major sights like the Dome and Gürtzenich, and earns points for completing challenges. It lasts about five hours, making it a great option for families or adventurous groups who prefer independence. Many reviews praise its engaging format and the opportunity to blend sightseeing with a game. It’s perfect if you want a personalized experience in a relaxed setting.
Bottom Line: A fun, interactive way to see Cologne without the constraints of a scheduled tour.
12. Cologne: Ferris Wheel in front of the Chocolate Museum
Number 12, the Ferris Wheel, offers a quick, enjoyable way to get panoramic views over Cologne. Valid for one day, this ride is suited for anyone wanting a photo opportunity or a light, relaxing activity. The friendly staff and accessible entrances are a bonus, and the view of the Chocolate Museum nearby adds a sweet touch to your sightseeing.
Bottom Line: A simple, fun activity providing fantastic cityscapes from above.
13. Aachen Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour
Number 13 takes you just outside Cologne, into Aachen, with a Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt. For only about $6.34 per person, you’ll explore landmarks like the Aachen Cathedral and Elisenbrunnen, solving riddles and completing photo tasks at your own pace. It’s ideal for families or those who want a personalized, engaging experience. Reviews highlight how fun and educational it is, with some saying they learned a lot about the city they thought they knew. It’s a budget-friendly option for independent travelers.
Bottom Line: A low-cost, entertaining way to discover Aachen’s highlights with a self-guided approach.
14. Cologne: Kölsch Brewery Tour with 3 Beers Included
Finally, the Kölsch Brewery Tour with 3 Beers is a spirited, 2.5–3-hour exploration of Cologne’s brewing heritage. Starting at Heumarkt, you’ll visit historic breweries like Brauerei zur Malzmühle and explore hidden corners of the Old Town. Along the way, you’ll enjoy three local beers and learn about the city’s beer-making traditions. The small group setting, rated 4.6/5 from 58 reviews, makes for an intimate experience with plenty of opportunity for conversation. If you love beer and want to go beyond the typical pub crawl, this tour is a fantastic choice.
Bottom Line: An immersive, friendly beer tour that combines tasting, local stories, and a walk through Cologne’s historic breweries.
How to Choose the Perfect Tour for You
When deciding which Cologne tour suits your interests, consider your priorities. Want a lively, theatrical introduction? The Night Watchman Tour offers fun storytelling. Curious about Cologne’s brewing traditions? The Kölsch Brewery Tours and with 3 Beers provide authentic tastings and local insights. History enthusiasts may prefer the WWII Sites Tour, especially if they enjoy private, detailed narratives.
For scenic relaxation, the Rhine Cruise and Winter Cruise are perfect, while art lovers should not miss the Street Art in Ehrenfeld. Practical considerations include budget, time, and physical activity level. Self-guided options like the Scavenger Hunt or Aachen’s hunt are good for flexible schedules.
Booking early is advisable, especially for popular tours or seasonal activities like the winter cruise, to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.
Final Thoughts
Cologne’s diverse tour options cater to a broad spectrum of travelers, whether you’re into lively beer culture, fascinating history, artistic neighborhoods, or scenic river views. For a lively, immersive experience, the Brewery Tours are hard to beat. History buffs will appreciate the WWII sites or the VR Cathedral Tour. For a relaxed day, the Rhine Cruise offers beautiful views and a calming experience.
If you’re planning a trip to Cologne, consider booking your preferred tours early, especially during peak seasons or holiday times. These experiences will enhance your visit and leave you with memorable stories long after you leave the city.