Tracing the paths of street and urban art in Cologne

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21.74 km long
Round trip
Difficulty: easy
Condition: medium
Asphalt
Cycling
  • 1:23 h
  • 21.74 km
  • 27 m
  • 31 m
  • 37 m
  • 60 m
  • 23 m
  • Start: Cologne Cathedral
  • Destination: Cologne Cathedral

Cycle tour through urban art worlds

Immerse yourselves in the colorful and creative world of Cologne's street and urban art! This extraordinary bike tour takes you through various neighborhoods of the city, proving that Cologne has much more to offer than just its famous cathedral. With its vibrant art scene, the city is sure to captivate anyone in search of exciting inspiration or cultural depth. This route seamlessly blends urbanity and creativity with local stories.

The tour begins at the Cologne Cathedral, whose majestic presence makes it an ideal starting point. From the cathedral, you’ll head to the Eigelstein district, where the first mural by Captain Borderline and Thomas Baumgärtel will immediately catch your eye. Here, the vibrancy of Cologne's "Veedel" (districts) meets the fascinating diversity of urban art as you arrive at Ebertplatz.

The journey continues into the Agnesviertel, with its impressive historic buildings and artworks, leading you to the lively streets of Nippes. Don’t miss exploring the side streets here, as some hidden murals are true insider tips!

A highlight awaits you in the artistically charged Ehrenfeld district. Once the home of old industrial spaces, this area is now a hub for street art. Between 2011 and 2019, the internationally acclaimed City Leaks Festival took place here, leaving behind numerous large-scale works by artists from around the globe. In addition to the iconic murals, small, playful artworks add life to the corners and edges of this neighborhood. Every corner holds surprises and highlights the vibrant creativity of the local urban art scene.

From Ehrenfeld, the route takes a detour into the trendy Belgian Quarter, where street art is an enriching element of the urban lifestyle. This area, characterized by design shops, stylish cafés, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere, embodies Cologne's balance between tradition and innovation.

Another district that must not be missed on this tour is the Kwartier Latäng – a student quarter that delights with its vibrant youth culture and free-spirited atmosphere. This part of Cologne mirrors the dynamism and experimental spirit of the street art scene, while the surroundings invite unhurried exploration.

The tour eventually leads to the charming Südstadt, whose transformation from a former working-class neighborhood to an increasingly affluent area offers a different perspective on street art. Here, the art form is present in selected spots, though not as dominant as in the other neighborhoods. Wrapping up the ride along the Rhine, back to the city center, provides a moment to reflect on the contrasts experienced during the tour.

This bike tour is not just a journey through Cologne's street art world but also an exploration of the city's unique culture and the distinctive charm of its "Veedel".
For an even deeper dive into this art scene, we recommend additional street art walking tours, such as those offered by City Leaks or Alternative Cologne Tours. Immerse yourselves in Cologne's open and creative spirit – a city proud of its heritage as the Cathedral City, yet playful and full of innovative energy!

Good to know

Best to visit

suitable
Depends on weather

Tour information

  • Loop Road

  • Suitable for Bike

Author

KölnTourismus GmbH
Kardinal-Höffner-Platz 1
50667 Köln

Nearby

Getting there

Tracing the paths of street and urban art in Cologne
50667 Köln

License (master data)

License: no copyright required (Public domain) (no copyright)