Attractions

Cologne Zoo, one of Germany's oldest and most species-rich zoos, is home to over 10,000 animals from around 850 species on an area of ​​20 hectares. It is known for its naturalistic enclosures, such as the spacious elephant park and the Hippodom, a recreation of an African river landscape.

Opening hours: Daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Summer hours from March, last admission 5:30 p.m.).

This family-run wine shop is a Cologne institution, offering over 1,900 wines in all price ranges.

Special features: It boasts its own rooftop vineyard and a wine museum.

Address: Amsterdamer Str. 1, 50668 Cologne.

Opening hours: Tue–Fri 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m., Sat 9:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. (Closed Mondays).

Service: Free wine tastings are available Thursday through Saturday.

The Cologne Cable Car (often called the Rhine Cable Car) is a popular tourist attraction that has been transporting passengers across the Rhine since 1957. It connects the left bank of the Rhine (near the Zoo/Flora) with the right bank (Rheinpark/Deutz).

Season start: The cable car is open from March to October.

Operating hours: Daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (last boarding at 5:45 p.m.).

Capacity: Each of the 44 gondolas can accommodate up to 4 people (including infants).

The Flora Cologne is a magnificent historic building in the heart of the Botanical Garden in Cologne-Riehl. Today, it serves as an exclusive event center for events such as weddings, concerts, and conferences.

Important Information for Visitors

Opening Hours & Admission: The Botanical Garden is open daily from 8:00 a.m. until sunset (9:00 p.m. at the latest). From April 2026, simplified, fixed closing times will apply (e.g., 8:00 p.m. in April/May). Admission is free.

Getting There: Take tram line 18 or bus line 140 to the Zoo/Flora stop.

Parking: There is no parking directly at the Flora. Please use the Am Zoo parking garage or the parking lots under the Zoo Bridge.

Special Notes: Dogs are not permitted on the premises; picnics and bicycles are also prohibited.

Highlights & Dining

Dank Augusta Garden Restaurant: Located on the south-facing terrace, Dank Augusta offers picnic-style food and drinks (often served in glasses). It is open Wednesday through Sunday.

Camellia Exhibition: A large exhibition takes place annually in the Botanical Garden until the end of March.

New Display Greenhouses: Construction is complete; they will open in spring 2026.

Events & Celebrations

The Flora offers magnificent event spaces for up to 2,000 guests.

Banquet Hall: An 800 m² hall with historic columns and chandeliers.

Rooftop Salon: An elegant room on the upper floor with its own rooftop terrace.

Weddings: Civil ceremonies are possible for up to 120 people. For booking information, please contact Koelncongress.

The Lentpark in Cologne is a unique combined indoor/outdoor swimming pool complex operated by KölnBäder GmbH, uniting an ice rink and a swimming pool under one roof. The facility features a 260-meter-long elevated ice track running on the upper floor above the pool area.

Sports and Leisure Activities:

Ice Sports: An 1,800 m² ice surface on the ground floor is used for ice hockey, figure skating, and public skating. The elevated ice track offers a circuit through all parts of the building.

Swimming Pool: The indoor pool has a 25-meter pool, a teaching pool, and a children's area. Outdoors, there is a natural swimming pond that is biologically cleaned without chlorine.

Sauna & Dining: A modern sauna area and the "Dirks" restaurant with over 200 seats complete the offerings. 

Ice Party: Every Saturday, the popular Ice Party takes place from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm for guests aged 12 and over.

Tickets: Purchasing e-tickets is recommended to avoid waiting times at the ticket counters.