Here we have listed the best options for you, so that you can relax or experience something exciting after your studies on campus.
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Rheinland
Cologne
There are a variety of activities in Cologne that offer something for every taste and interest. If you enjoy attending cultural events, you can explore the Museum Ludwig, which houses an impressive collection of modern art. Or how about a visit to the Chocolate Museum, where you can learn all about the history and production of chocolate?
For nature lovers, the Rheinpark offers a beautiful green oasis in the middle of the city. Here you can go for a walk, have a picnic or simply enjoy the view of the Rhine. If you like sports, you can take a bike tour along the Rhine or go inline skating at Fühlinger See. The flora and botanical gardens are also an absolute tip for a day out in the green in the middle of the city.
Cologne is also known for its lively music scene. There are numerous concert and event venues where live music of various genres is regularly played. From rock and pop to jazz and classical music, there is something for every musical taste. The Lanxess Arena regularly hosts concerts by world-famous stars.
And of course, don't forget the Cologne pub culture! In the city's cozy breweries and pubs, you can sample the famous Kölsch beer and enjoy the convivial atmosphere. Zülpicher Strasse is known for its numerous student bars and clubs.
Whether you prefer art and culture, nature experiences, sporting activities or nightlife - Cologne has a wide range of leisure activities to offer you a varied and entertaining experience.
Leisure time in Cologne
Discover the many possibilities
The city of Cologne offers you countless leisure activities.
Cologne Cathedral
Probably the city's most famous landmark and the world's third largest Gothic-style cathedral with 10,000 square meters of windows and 20,000 visitors a day: Cologne Cathedral. Anyone visiting Cologne or planning to stay for a longer period of time will always find themselves gazing up at the 157-metre-high Cologne Cathedral.
Lindenthal Zoo
Fancy a few good animal experiences in the big city? Then a trip to Lindenthal Zoo is highly recommended. The path there leads through the city forest and even here you have the feeling of being able to escape the hustle and bustle.
Fühlinger Lake
Fühlinger See is a multi-part artificial lake on the northern outskirts of Cologne-Fühlingen. In addition to great green spaces for relaxing, the sports and leisure area offers something for everyone: Swimming, inline skating, cycling, stand-up paddling and much more.
Cologne day at the museums
Cologne has lots of great museums and exciting exhibitions to offer. Admission is free on Cologne Day. Every first Thursday of the month (except on public holidays), all Cologne residents have free admission to the permanent collections. Just bring your ID card and you're done.
Cologne Philharmonic Hall
Fans of classical music can experience truly special evenings here. The Kölner Philharmonie offers a special atmosphere and the sound of this location is unique. The special offers from the Gürzenich Orchestra (Cologne's best-known orchestra) not only mean that you can regularly watch rehearsals completely free of charge at the Philharmonie Lunch - there are also particularly affordable concert tickets for young audiences. Anyone under the age of 28 can attend almost all of the orchestra's concerts in the Philharmonie for just eight euros.
Flora / Botanical Gardens
Every year, more than a million people visit the Flora and the adjacent Botanical Gardens. No wonder: you can marvel at 12,000 plant species from all over the world on over eleven hectares. There are also fountains and greenhouses that are home to subtropical plants.
Rhine boat tour
Cologne, the city on the Rhine, is particularly easy to explore from the water. Numerous private and public providers sail several times a day from the banks of the Rhine along the city, offering a breathtaking view of Cologne's skyline.
Climbing on the Hohenzollern Bridge
The Hohenzollern Bridge is the only freely accessible climbing facility on a historical monument in Germany and offers around 70 routes in difficulty levels from III+ to VIII- on walls and overhangs. Use of the climbing facility is free of charge.
A city with heart and millions of smiles
Discover Cologne's vibrant spirit! At the core of Cologne lies a beating heart fueled by warmth and wit. Its residents, renowned for their zest for life, infuse every moment with joy, particularly during the exuberant carnival, the fifth season. Enrolling in Cologne means blending studies with a hearty dose of laughter—a surefire recipe for effective learning.