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CologneMuseums & exhibitions

Our most recommended Cologne Museums & exhibitions

Cologne: Chocolate Museum Entrance Ticket

1. Cologne: Chocolate Museum Entrance Ticket

Awaiting the visitors is a walk-in tropical house, natural history information on cocoa, exhibits from the pre-Columbian cultures of Central America, an important porcelain and silver collection from the Baroque period, as well as numerous old machines from the time of industrialisation. In a glass chocolate factory and in the chocolate atelier, visitors can experience how chocolate products are made industrially, but also individually by hand. And: there is a 3-meter-high chocolate fountain in which 200 kg of delicious chocolate constantly bubble up for tasting. Tasting is expressly encouraged!

Cologne: TimeRide VR Time Travel Experience Ticket

2. Cologne: TimeRide VR Time Travel Experience Ticket

Set out on a thrilling journey with TimeRide and experience the undestroyed Cologne and the fascinating lifestyle of the legendary twenties! Together with the charming hatter Tessa and the Cologne streetcar driver Pitter, you will discover the exciting time after the end of the First World War, the British occupation, and the Spanish flu. Your time travel in three steps: · The Cinema: In the 1920s, more and more movie theaters evolved into massive movie palaces. The cinema was a ubiquitous and glamorous part of everyday life and an important source of information. Step into our “Lichtspielhaus” and take a seat together with the fine society: an entertaining short film in the style of that time will show you the historical development of Cologne in the twenties. · The Hatter's Store: In the hatter’s store of the Riedschneider family you will dive together with Tessa into the world of glamorous fashion of the twenties. In the 1920s, everyone wore a hat and the choice of hat said a lot about the wearer! In the lovingly decorated store, the art of wearing and making hats is illustrated using numerous originals from the Diefenthal family of hat makers in Cologne. You’ll also learn more about Tessa’s urgent special order… Will her important delivery arrive on time at Neumarkt thanks to Pitter? · The VR-Ride: The highlight of your journey back in time to 1926: On your virtual ride with the first electric Cologne streetcar, you will experience the beauty of the city before its destruction in World War II. With your VR goggles, you’ll enjoy a 360° panoramic view and discover iconic landmarks of old Cologne, many of which have disappeared or are barely recognizable today: Cologne Cathedral’s surroundings at the time, the old main train station, the Schauspielhaus theater, the city hall led by Konrad Adenauer, and much more. At Neumarkt, your trip ends in the colorful carnival hustle and bustle with a “Grand Finale”.

Cologne Cathedral: Walking Tour with Virtual Reality

3. Cologne Cathedral: Walking Tour with Virtual Reality

During the 45-minute city tour TimeRide GO! Cologne Cathedral you will experience more than 700 years of cathedral history at 5 stations. You will be taken on a virtual journey from the planning of the construction of the cathedral in the Middle Ages, through the horrors of World War II, to the present day. This combines a classic city tour around the cathedral with a virtual reality experience. In an up-close tour, you will learn about the background of the cathedral's construction and also learn all kinds of exciting facts and figures about the cathedral and its construction. With the help of the virtual reality glasses, you can immerse yourself in times that were important for the construction of the cathedral!

Cologne: 2000 years of city history - VR Walking Tour

4. Cologne: 2000 years of city history - VR Walking Tour

Explore Cologne's highlights such as the famous Old town, the romantic Hohenzollern Bridge, and the iconic Cologne Cathedral. Walk through the Old Town and learn all about the rich history of Cologne from your knowledgeable guide. Experience important stages of Cologne's more than 2000-year-old city history up close through virtual reality scenes at six different locations. Use the virtual reality glasses and compare the past with the present. Get a glimpse of the Roman border, witness the metropolis of the Middle Ages, see the outpost of French and Prussian rule, and look at the destruction caused during World War II.  Listen to insightful stories from those time periods which enhances the experience even further. Once you remove your virtual reality glasses, see the shocking contrast between now and then and find that some of the buildings are no longer visible, while others remained nearly untouched.

Cologne: WWII Sites with Optional EL-DE Haus Private Tour

5. Cologne: WWII Sites with Optional EL-DE Haus Private Tour

Join us for the engaging and informative WWII tour in Cologne Old Town. Your Private Guide will make sure you get the best experience. Although 95% of the city centre was destroyed during WWII, there is still plenty to see for the war history lovers. During this walking tour you will follow the traces of WWII and hear from your Private Guide tons of facts and stories about this dark period. The tour will start at the top highlight of Cologne, the Cathedral. Despite many bullet holes it survived the bombing and remains the witness of dark times. You will discover the tragic story of the nearby Trail of Remembrance and memorial Stumbling Stones, the small copper plaques in the pavement. You will find out how roman sewers beneath Cologne were used in WWII. Strolling in the Old Town streets the Guide will take you to the St. Alban Church ruins, the Memorial Hindenburgbrücke and Dombunker. Walk further north-west and find out about the bombarded St. Kolumba Church. A separate highlight to explore is the NS Documentation Center, known as EL-DE House. It was the former headquarters of the Gestapo (secret police) turned into a virtual ""place of terror"". The basements of the house had been used as prison cells and torture rooms for forced laborers and political enemies. Over 1800 inscriptions made on the walls by the prisoners can still be viewed today. The upper floors with Gestapo offices represent administrative terror and an evil system created by Nazis. Choose the basic 2-hours option to walk in the Old Town and track places connected to WWII history with a passionate and knowledgeable private 5-Stars Guide. Your guide will make sure that you spot all highlights. Discover much more in a 4-hours tour, which offers in addition 2-hours private visit in the EL-DE Haus. Learn about Nazi terror in Cologne. Your 5-Stars Guide will show you around with thorough explanations.

Discover Cologne`s Urban District EIGELSTEIN Walking Tour

6. Discover Cologne`s Urban District EIGELSTEIN Walking Tour

Discover the urban Cologne district of Eigelstein with a private Tour Guide! Immerse yourself in the diversity of Cologne’s neighborhoods as you experience the city’s highlights such as the Cologne Cathedral and the Old Town. Eigelstein boasts a rich history with traditional breweries and pubs. In the 1960s, Eigelstein was famous for its medieval city gate and its notoriety as a red-light district. Join our guide as you explore the streets of the underworld and admire Cologne’s narrowest house. If you fancy a traditional Kölsch beer, your tour guide will be happy to take you for a quick “beer to go” stop. Following that, you’ll visit the renowned Cologne Cathedral, a Unesco World Heritage site and the third-tallest church in the world. The tour concludes in the Old Town, where you’ll gain a fascinating insight into the lives and culture of the locals in Cologne. Enjoy the undivided attention of your city guide – this private tour is exclusively for you and your group. Experience Cologne in a unique way and create unforgettable memories of this vibrant city!

Cologne: Private Walking Tour of City Center

7. Cologne: Private Walking Tour of City Center

Discover some of Cologne’s most relevant sites on a private walking tour in the city center. Wander along the river Rhine, gaze at the Cologne Cathedral, and cross the Hohenzollern Bridge while chatting with a local guide. Begin the tour in front of the city’s famed cathedral and take in this hallmark, historical structure that lies adjacent to the Rhine. The cathedral is the city’s second tallest building and boasts the title of UNESCO World Heritage site. Next, take the opportunity to see the Dionysus Mosaic, which dates from around A.D. 220 and is the centerpiece of the Roman-Germanic Museum. After checking out the mosaic, stroll along the Hohenzollern Bridge, which overlooks the Rhine, and snap some photos to capture this memorable experience. From the bridge, continue the tour in Cologne’s Old Town and experience its unique historical appeal. Take in the traditional old housing and local breweries, which are located directly along the Rhine. As you pass through Old Town’s narrow alleys, next stop at the Great St. Martin Church located at the city’s historical fish market. Observe the church’s distinctive design that has shaped Old Town’s skyline throughout the years. Next pass by the Willi Ostermann Fountain and then stop by the historical Cologne City Hall, famous for its Renaissance façade. After that check out the city’s largest shopping strip, Hohe Street, where everything can be found from electronics to clothes and shoes. Wrap up the walking tour by stopping at Heinzelmännchen Fountain, a monument dedicated to a local myth about little people who used to work all night so the people of Cologne could take it easy during the day.     

Cologne Highlights Privat Walking Tour & Panoramic boat trip

8. Cologne Highlights Privat Walking Tour & Panoramic boat trip

Discover the best of Cologne with our captivating "Cologne Highlights Private Walking Tour" accompanied by a knowledgeable professional tour guide fluent in your preferred language. Enjoy the full attention of your private Guide. This tour is only for you and your group. In this 3-hour excursion, you'll embark on a journey through the city's rich history and culture. We'll start at the majestic Dom Cathedral, an architectural marvel that will leave you in awe of its grandeur. As we stroll through the charming Oldtown, our guide will introduce you to the vibrant local culture, including insights into the famous Kölsch beer and the open-minded spirit of the locals. Next, we'll visit the fascinating Farina Museum, where you'll uncover the birthplace of the legendary Eau de Cologne, a fragrance that has enchanted people for centuries. The tour wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Town Hall, where you'll hear captivating inside stories that bring the city's past to life. But the adventure doesn't end there! After the walking tour, you'll be treated to a delightful 1-hour panoramic boat trip on the picturesque Rhine River, offering stunning views of Cologne's riverside landmarks.

Skip-the-Line Chocolate Museum & Old Town Guided Tour

9. Skip-the-Line Chocolate Museum & Old Town Guided Tour

Who doesn't like chocolate? Chocolate is the favourite of both adults and children, but do you know how it's made? Visit the Chocolate Museum in Cologne to learn all about the wonders of cacao! Get the best experience possible with skip-the-line entrance tickets and private one-way transportation. Discover a chocolate wonderland in the heart of Cologne! Choose the 30-minute option to enjoy a self-guided tour of the Chocolate Museum, a Top Ten German museum. For your convenience, we will organise a 5-Stars Driver and a clean, air-conditioned vehicle for a pickup from your accommodation to make it easier for your group to get to the museum. We also provide skip-the-line tickets to save you time at the entrance, as it is one of the most visited attractions in Cologne. The Chocolate Museum explores 5,000 years of chocolate and cacao history, from ancient traditions of the Mayas and Aztecs, through industrialization to the 21st century! Follow the journey from a cacao bean to a delicious bar of chocolate! Discover the magic and wonder of chocolate production. See cacao trees growing in a small tropicarium and miniature versions of machines used to make chocolate. Sample chocolate made inside the museum from the 3-metre-high chocolate fountain and visit the cafe and souvenir shop to buy delicious and unique chocolate products! This is where all your chocolate dreams can come true! Choose the 3-hour tour to enhance your experience with a walking tour of Cologne’s Old Town led by a 5-Stars Expert Guide. Immerse yourself in local history, culture and urban legends. See the oldest city hall in Germany at the Old Market and visit the Great St. Martin Church, one the 12 main churches of Cologne. Marvel at the magnificent Cologne Cathedral and the Hohenzollern Bridge. Take a walk along the Rhine promenade and enjoy the atmosphere of the Fish Market. The guide will escort you all the way to the Chocolate Museum.

Cologne: Private Jewish Holocaust History Walking Tour

10. Cologne: Private Jewish Holocaust History Walking Tour

Discover the traces of Jewish history and traditions on a private walking tour of Cologne. The Jewish community in Cologne is Europe's oldest Jewish community north of the Alps. Visit the exhibitions at EL-DE House, the former Gestapo headquarters, to gain more insight into the Holocaust. Meet your private guide and start exploring the historic old town and the former Jewish quarter, dating from medieval times. As you spend time in the cobbled Old Town, admire carved images of Good Heroes in the Gothic City Hall. Stroll briefly along the picturesque streets. Next, discover the famous gothic Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the fantastic Shrine of Three Kings inside. Then, learn about the turbulent and tragic period of Nazi terror and its impact on the local Jewish community during World War II. Pay your respects at the Edith Stein Memorial and learn about the moving Stolpersteine (Stumbling Stones). Next, visit the NS Documentation Center, known as EL-DE House. The former headquarters of the Gestapo (secret police) was a place of terror. Visit the basements of the house, used as prison cells and torture rooms for forced laborers and political enemies. Be moved by the over 1800 inscriptions made on the walls by the prisoners. Follow your guide as they lead you around the house, explaining as you go. The upper floors with Gestapo offices represent administrative terror and an evil system created by Nazis.

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What people are saying about Cologne

This was one of our favorite activities in Cologne. Other plans fell through so my adult daughter and I chose this as a convenient spur of the moment activity. Great choice. It is a 3 part activity, all sitting, which was a relief for our feet. The historical aspect is fascinating and the VR event was amazing. Relax, don’t feel self conscious about looking around. You’ll understand when you go.

Great to look round the museum and small factory - also to taste some of their wares and see how some of the moulded chocolate items are made. Made all the better by 'YourGuide' selling the tickets cheaper than at the venue. I could order the tickets in their reception area and immediately get in cheaper :)

Covered not only how chocolate is made, but also all about the origins of chocolate consuming, trade issues, social status, and early moulds/packaging and advertising. Really comprehensive and worth the visit!

Bernard was an excellent guide. His knowledge of the city was simply astounding. He was courteous and incredibly helpful. We would absolutely love to have him as our guide again.

La mostra è estremamente completa, interattiva e ben studiata. La location è particolare e lo spettatore è trattato con estrema gentilezza.