Things to see and do - North Rhine-Westphalia in 2025

Practical information : Sightseeing North Rhine-Westphalia

Timetable

The main cultural attractions in Cologne, Bonn and Düsseldorf are open every day (please note the closures due to renovations, which we'll point out in this guide). Weekends are busier, so for peace and quiet, it's best to visit during the week. Cologne Cathedral is the most visited monument in the region and attracts many visitors. Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

To be booked

As the region is not a major tourist destination, you won't often have to worry about excessive queues or even impossible access to a monument. It's always a good idea to book your tickets in advance: the region's museums all have efficient and effective websites. Cologne Cathedral, on the other hand, can only be booked on site.

Budget & Tips

Each of the cities in this guide offers passes that allow you to visit numerous cultural sites, with transportation included. If you're planning to spend between 24 and 48 hours in the city, this "citypass" option is ideal if you want to make the most of your visits without getting in over your head. With the Köln Card, Düsseldorf Card or Bonn Welcome Card, you're all set! Reservations can be made online or at tourist offices.

Main events

There's something to do at every time of year, but Carnival is the obvious time to visit the region. All three towns in the guide celebrate this tradition, which dates back to the Middle Ages. The climax of these celebrations is in February. Christmas is also a great time to enjoy the many traditional markets and illuminations. But beware: in February, hotel bookings are more complicated, as the crowds are very large. The same applies to restaurants, where finding a place to eat will be trickier (but not impossible) than the rest of the year.

Guided tours

With its top-notch monuments and tourist attractions, Cologne offers a wide range of guided tours. On foot, by bike or by hop-on hop-off bus, commentaries are mainly in English and German, but some private organizations also offer tours in French. Like all major European and world cities, Cologne has its own"free walking tours", led by guides whom you can thank with a tip at the end of the tour. In Düsseldorf and Bonn, the same applies. For more information on the different formulas and tours on offer, visit the tourist offices in each city. The official guided tours of each city are also a guarantee of seriousness and quality.

Smokers

Rules for smokers are governed by both federal legislation and laws specific to the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, which is one of the strictest in Germany on this subject. Smoking is banned on public transport, including stations (except in reserved areas). Smoking is also banned in most bars and restaurants. The rules are quite similar to those applied in France. No surprises, just common sense. It goes without saying that you shouldn't throw your cigarette butt on the ground.

What's very local

Generally speaking, as is often the case in Germany, the locals are rather relaxed when it comes to clothing. Germans are known for thinking "practically", and this is reflected in many areas of society. Starting with everyday work clothes. There's a slight difference with Düsseldorf, Germany's fashion capital. Here, people pay more attention to their appearance, without going overboard. In the evening, it's customary to make an effort to dress up before going to a restaurant or bar. However, when it's time to go to the discotheque, physiognomists are more relaxed than in France.

A visiter, à voir North Rhine-Westphalia

Map of top points of interest North Rhine-Westphalia

PHANTASIALAND

COLOGNE CATHEDRAL

WALLRAF RICHARTZ MUSEUM

K20 - ART MUSEUM OF NORTH RHINE-WESTPHALIA

LUDWIG MUSEUM

AIX-LA-CHAPELLE CATHEDRAL

OFFICE DU TOURISME

CHOCOLATE MUSEUM

TREASURE OF AIX-LA-CHAPELLE CATHEDRAL

AUGUSTUSBURG CASTLE

LITTLE TOKYO

PERFUME MUSEUM

VOLKSGARTEN

OFFICE DU TOURISME

TOWN HALL

HOME OF THE HISTORY OF THE R.F.A

SAINT-MARTIN CHURCH

THE DOORS

HOUSE OF BEETHOVEN

BASILICA OF THE HOLY APOSTLES

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