Surroundings of Cologne Cathedral

The Surroundings of Cologne Cathedral is a stone-paved pedestrian zone featuring restaurants, cafes, and shops arranged around the monumental building. The walkways connect directly to the main train station and branch out toward different parts of the city.

This area was reconstructed after World War II and gradually transformed into a pedestrian zone over the following decades. The transition was completed in the 1970s when vehicle traffic was fully removed from the space.

Musicians perform at various spots throughout the day, drawing spontaneous audiences and photographers who stop to listen or capture the moment. The area comes alive through this mix of visitors, locals, and performers who shape its daily rhythm.

The zone is flat and easy to walk through, with seating and covered areas scattered throughout for breaks. Underground parking is available just below the surface nearby, making it convenient if you arrive by car.

Each December the space transforms into a massive Christmas market with hundreds of wooden stalls stretching from the cathedral all the way to the Rhine River. This seasonal shift becomes one of the largest holiday celebrations in the country.