If you are visiting Cologne, Germany and looking for some amazing locations to capture those iconic photos during your trip, then you have come to the right place.
I lived in Cologne for over two years, and have explored all the nooks and crannies looking for the best photography locations. Now I have compiled the list for you and will spill the beans on the locations that the average tourist would not find.
In this post, I am going to share the 7 best photo spots in Cologne, Germany including the time of day to visit and exact address!
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Fischmarkt Cologne
The Fischmarkt in Cologne is one of the most well known instagrammable spots in Cologne, after the Cologne Cathedral. The brightly colored houses and the Great St. Martin Church make for the perfect backdrop.
While you’re stopping here to take some photos,
The best time to take pictures here is in the morning before all the tables and chairs have been set by for the surrounding restaurants. The morning is also a good time to avoid the crowds.
Note: If you go on a sunny morning, the sun will be rising right in front of you, so the lighting can be harsh at times. Nevertheless, have some fun here and play with the angles.
Best Time of Day: Suggested in the morning
Cost: Free!
Location: Frankenwerft 33, 50667 Köln, Germany
Rheingarten with a View of the Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral)
The Rheingarten with a View of the Kölner Dom is one of my favorite photography locations in Cologne, because you can fit the entire Cologne Cathedral into the shot! If you have ever seen the Cologne Cathedral in person, you know this is quite the challenge due to its size.
In the summer you can find a few people using this grassy area for picnics, to relax with friends and catch up on the day.
My favorite time of day to take photos here is at golden hour/sunset.
Note: If you visit in the winter or early spring, the grass here will not be green.
Best Time of Day: Sunset
Cost: Free!
Location: Weltjugendtagsweg, 50667 Köln, Germany
Hohenzollernbrücke (Hohenzollern Bridge) Viewing Platform at Sunset
Another great place to take photos with the Cologne Cathedral is on the East side of the Rhine by crossing the Hohenzollern Bridge. Here there is a viewing platform where you can capture the Cologne Cathedral and the Hohenzollern Bridge in the same shot, creating amazing leading lines for your photo.
The best time to take photos here is at golden hour/sunset, because the sun perfectly sets right behind the bridge. There will likely be a handful of other people here at this time as many people gather at the nearby Rhein Promenade for sunset.
Take your time, and you will be able to get amazing shots here. Consider using a tripod to capture the cathedral and the city center as they begin to illuminate after sunset.
Best Time of Day: Sunset
Cost: Free!
Location: Kennedy-Ufer 11, 50679 Köln, Germany
Auf Dem Rothenburg Street
One of my favorite hidden street views in Cologne is at the intersection of Markmannsgasse and Auf dem Rothenberg Street. If you are already near the Rheingarten, this photography location is not a far walk at all.
From this photo spot in Cologne, you can see a peek of the Great St. Martin Church at the end of the street, and historical buildings dating back to the 1100’s in the background.
Best Time of Day: Suggested in the morning
Cost: Free!
Location: Auf dem Rothenberg 4, 50667 Köln, Germany
Burgmauer Street
If you want to get a few shots with the ENTIRE Cologne Cathedral in the shot, you’re going to need to head down Burgmauer Street.
Burgmauer street is directly in from of the entrance to the Cologne Cathedral (facing West), so you won’t miss it! Just make sure to watch out for cars and bikes!
The best time of day to take photos here is in the morning when car and people traffic is minimal. If it’s a sunny morning, you will also get some gorgeous light.
Best Time of Day: Morning
Cost: Free!
Location: Burgmauer 12-16, 50667 Köln, Germany
Köln Triangle Observation Deck
One of my favorite photo spots in Cologne is from the Köln Triangle Observation Deck. From here you can get one of the most iconic panoramic views of the cologne skyline.
Make sure to bring a tripod so you can capture those amazing sunset hues without a fuzzy photo.
Unfortunately, this is not a free location, but I truly think that the price is worth the view. You will purchase your tickets on location, as purchasing in advance is not currently possible.
If you want more visitor information, see the official site here.
Best Time of Day: Sunset
Cost: 5 EUR
Location: Ottoplatz 1, 50679 Köln, Germany
Stadtbibliothek Köln in Spring for Cherry Blossoms
If you find yourself in Cologne during the Spring, one of the most instagrammable places to catch Cherry Blossom trees are at the Stadtbibliothek, or State Library courtyard.
This isn’t a well known place to see Cherry Blossom trees in Cologne even by the locals, so you can visit at any time of day to get a good shot.
Best Time of Day: Anytime
Cost: Free!
Location: Josef-Haubrich-Hof, 1, 50676 Köln, Germany
Map of Photography Locations in Cologne, Germany
Feel free to click the star next to the map title to save this map to your personal google maps. This way it will be visible on your mobile phone as well!
Final Thoughts!
I hope you have an amazing time exploring Cologne and enjoy all the photo spots just like I did. Make sure to check out my post on unique things to do in Cologne for additional inspiration!
Looking for more Germany inspiration? You may also enjoy these Germany related posts:
- 12 Unique Things to Do in Cologne, Germany
- How to Visit the Cherry Blossom Avenue in Bonn, Germany
- 18 Most Beautiful Villages in Germany
- Cochem, Germany: Discover the Gem of the Mosel Valley
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