5 Must-See Places When Visiting Cologne – With a Twist of Adventure Using Explorely

When planning a day trip to Cologne, Germany, there’s no better way to discover the city’s rich blend of Roman heritage, Gothic grandeur, and green serenity than turning your exploration into a game. With the Explorely app in hand, sightseeing becomes more than just looking around — it becomes a quest.

Here’s how to turn a regular day trip into a memorable adventure with Explorely while checking off five must-see sights in Cologne.

1. Start Underground: Römischer Abwasserkanal (Roman Sewer)

Begin your journey where few think to go — beneath the streets. Cologne’s Römischer Abwasserkanal offers a fascinating peek into Roman engineering. With Explorely guiding the way, you’re not just reading dry historical facts. You’re solving challenges and unlocking tidbits of Roman ingenuity. The app might prompt you to find specific ancient markers or quiz you on how water was managed nearly two millennia ago.

This underground labyrinth may be off the beaten path, but that’s what makes it perfect for those who love a bit of hidden history. Use the photo quest feature to capture eerie shots of the old masonry — and maybe earn some bonus points for artistic framing.

2. Cologne Cathedral: A Gothic Giant You Can’t Miss

No trip to Cologne would be complete without visiting the Kölner Dom. Rising majestically into the skyline, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is breathtaking from any angle. But with Explorely, you don’t just look — you engage. The app challenges you with observation-based quizzes: How many steps lead up to the viewing platform? What story is depicted in the stained glass above the entrance?

The photo capture challenge here encourages some creative thinking. Instead of the typical tourist photo, perhaps you’re asked to frame the twin spires with a bustling street scene, or catch the golden glow as sunlight hits the façade. You'll find yourselves seeing this iconic structure with fresh eyes.

3. Romans' Northern Gate: Where Ancient Walls Whisper

A short walk from the cathedral takes you to the Römisches Nordtor, or the Romans’ Northern Gate. The ruins may not look imposing at first glance, but with Explorely narrating the story of Cologne’s days as a Roman stronghold, you’ll begin to piece together the city’s ancient layout.

Here, the quiz might test your knowledge of Roman military outposts, while a photo quest could challenge you to align the remnants with modern structures, showing the contrast between past and present. It’s an excellent stop to slow down and reflect — or to show off your growing historical savvy in the app’s leaderboard.

4. Rheinpark: Cologne’s Serene Urban Oasis

After soaking up the city’s stone-and-story-heavy history, the Rheinpark offers a change of pace. Spread along the east bank of the Rhine, this green stretch is a beloved local retreat. Explorely nudges you to look closer: Can you find the sculpture hidden behind the fountain? What species of trees line the riverside path?

The photo capture challenge here is a dream for nature lovers. Snap the cable cars drifting overhead, or catch reflections in the water. The app encourages playful exploration — maybe even a mini scavenger hunt among the gardens and playgrounds.

5. Your Bonus Discovery: The City Itself

While these four spots anchor your route, the real fifth “must-see” is Cologne itself — its blend of old and new, its lively street art, its tucked-away cafés. Thanks to Explorely’s interactive map and push notifications, you might be tempted to veer off-course to discover something unexpected: a mural in a back alley, a pop-up flea market, or a hidden courtyard buzzing with life.

And the best part? Every step of the way, the app turns sightseeing into storytelling. You’re not just following a guide — you’re players in a citywide adventure.

Final Thoughts

Using Explorely during a one-day trip to Cologne transforms a simple sightseeing stroll into an immersive, interactive experience. It’s perfect for couples, friends, or families who enjoy a mix of history, lighthearted competition, and spontaneous exploration.

So next time you're in Cologne, don’t just look — play. You’ll leave not just with memories, but with stories you earned one challenge at a time.