Old Town

Right on the Rhine, near the cathedral, stand picturesque, colorful, narrow houses with steep gables. Behind them lie winding cobblestone alleys, backyards, romantic squares, and bustling activity: This is what Cologne looked like in the Middle Ages. Not quite, but almost. Because much of what you see here in the historic center has been lovingly reconstructed. The medieval charm remains—and so tourists and locals alike love to explore Cologne’s Old Town.

In addition to many major and minor sights, Cologne’s Old Town offers a wealth of pubs, restaurants, and breweries to discover, all waiting for you in the quaint alleys and traditional buildings. Everything is within walking distance.

Plenty to see and discover: sights, museums, and curiosities

In Cologne’s historic Old Town, you’ll come across monuments, fountains, and archaeological sites at every turn, each steeped in numerous stories: such as the legendary characters from the Hänneschen Puppet Theater, Tünnes & Schäl, the Pixie`s Fountain, or the occasional curious figure like the infamous Kallendresser.

At the archaeological excavation site on Rathausplatz, Cologne’s Roman past and its Jewish history from the Middle Ages have been unearthed. This promises plenty of interesting facts and the joy of discovery.

The Alter Markt—the heart and soul of Cologne’s Old Town—is considered Cologne’s most traditional square, covering an area of nearly 5,500 square meters and thus surpassing the Heumarkt as Cologne’s second-largest square with a long history. There’s no street traffic here—instead, you’ll find cozy restaurants and outdoor seating, especially in the summer. In the winter around Christmas, you’ll have the chance to visit the popular Heinzelmännchen Christmas Market on the Alter Markt.

Cologne’s Landmark: Cologne Cathedral

Of course, another part of the Old Town is Cologne Cathedral, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals, with a legendary construction period spanning from 1248 to 1880. In the 19th century, this Cologne landmark—often referred to as the “perfect cathedral”—was even considered a national symbol of Germany, and today it remains one of the country’s most visited attractions; it’s a must-see on any first stroll through the Old Town.

Germany’s Oldest City Hall

More than 800 years of architectural history are documented for Cologne’s historic City Hall—just a stone’s throw from the cathedral. The town hall complex consists of the main building, the town hall tower, the Renaissance arbour in front of it, and an adjoining administrative wing. It borders almost directly on the Alter Markt. Not far away are the Farina House and the Wallraf-Richartz Museum.

Home of Eau de Cologne – in Cologne’s Old Town

You’ll find the Farina Fragrance Museum in the original 18th-century production rooms. This is where the world-famous Eau de Cologne comes from. Here, across several floors, you can explore production methods, various historical exhibits, and the equipment used, such as distillation apparatus. The world’s oldest perfume factory has been based here since 1723. A guided tour of the museum promises to be a special experience—especially as a costumed tour.

The City’s Oldest Museum: the Wallraf

Cologne’s oldest museum is one of the major classical art galleries in Germany. Here you’ll find the world’s most extensive collection of medieval paintings as well as art from the 16th to the 19th centuries. In addition, the Wallraf-Richartz Museum houses the most extensive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art in Germany.

Art far beyond the Middle Ages: at the Museum Ludwig

Do you prefer Pop Art and Picasso to medieval paintings? Expressionism and New Objectivity? The Museum Ludwig, located right next to the cathedral, offers a cross-section of art from the past 125 years. This includes 70,000 photographs spanning from the early days to the present—featured in rotating exhibitions. So during your visit to the Old Town, you can easily transition from the Middle Ages to the modern era.