Top Rated Attractions in Cologne

Museum Ludwig had its beginnings in 1976 when Peter and Irene Ludwig donated 350 works of contemporary artists. Works by artists like Warhol, Lichtenstein and Segal line the halls of this museum, which focuses primarily on 20th Century art. Visitors can study works of the Russian Avant-Garde from 1906-1930 as well as pieces on permanent loan by Pablo Picasso. Museum director Kasper König is interested in creating a dialogue with visitors; he encourages people to engage with the museum rather than being mere passing observers, so come equipped with your thinking caps! On the first Thursdays, the museum is open till 10p.

The Stadtwald stretches over more than 200 hectares, and is a major green lung. Visitors entering the eastern part can recover from the stresses of every-day life among a plantation of trees which are over a hundred years old. A variety of leisure activities is possible: the wildlife enclosures are open to the public and rowing-boats can be hired for use on the pond. A large play-area offers fun for younger visitors. In the western and more recent part of the park there is the six-hectare Adenauer pond with a jogging-track. Several restaurants and beer gardens offer a choice of refreshments.

Located next to the Cologne Zoological Garden, the Flora und Botanischer Garten Köln is a beautiful green expanse covering 11.5 hectares (28.4 acres). The garden was founded in 1863 and was designed for different landscaping styles, including German, English and Italian Renaissance. The entrance is grand, with iron gates, a palace-like reception building and an impressive fountain. There are also various greenhouses, including a tropical house, cactus house and a sub-tropical house. Strolling through this gorgeous park is the perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon.

Designed by Oswald Mathias Ungers and opened in 2001, the neo-cubist Wallraf-Richartz-Museum is the perfect backdrop for exhibitions of post-15th Century European art. You'll find a stunning collection of Medieval works as well as neo-impressionist and impressionist art. Visit the second floor to see the Print Room which holds priceless drawings, including sketches by Leonardo da Vinci. There is also an onsite shop and cafe. This museum is a must-visit for all art lovers.

Bringing several diverse cultures of the world to Cologne, the Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum is located in Innenstadt. Established in early 1900s and housed within a historic building, it boasts of one of the largest ethnological collections in Germany. This unique museum displays over 60,000 authentic objects that represent different cultures and ethnicities from across the globe. There's a library on site that has garnered prolific works on anthropological studies and findings which highlight the cultures different from European ones. Interesting displays here include the altar of Durga, the warrior Goddess of India, the funeral ritual display from Central Africa and archaeological finds from a Mayan site. As such, this museum gives a whole new perspective on different communities and cultures – a definite must visit.

Located inside St. Cäcilien, Museum Schnütgen showcases a collection of Christian artwork and artifacts, dating back to the early Middle Ages. Alexander Schnütgen (1843-1918), canon of Cologne Cathedral, chose this church to house his treasures and the collection has grown over time. You'll see stained glass work, sculptures, paintings, and so much more. Make sure you see the 11th-century Cross of St George's and the 9th-century Comb of St Heribert.