Alter Markt
Alter Markt
4
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The area
Neighbourhood: Altstadt-Nord
How to get there
- Koln Central Station • 7 min walk
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
2,466 within 5 kms
Attractions
574 within 10 kms
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4.0
434 reviews
Excellent
162
Very good
192
Average
71
Poor
6
Terrible
3
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Robertoisfun
Fredericksburg, VA1,377 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
My Honey and I were able to enjoy the Old Town Square ambiance while on a rickshaw tour last September. We drank a couple bottles of local Kolsch beers we purchased at a store in the square, while our guide pointed out the sights of interest. It was around lunch time on a Friday afternoon so the square was hopping. The City Hall was across the way and we were able to witness several families celebrating weddings outside. The day was sunny and beautiful so there were a lot of patrons outside the various restaurants enjoying a few brews and the delightful weather. I can only imagine how beautiful the Square would be during Christmas with lights and decorations up. We enjoyed our rest bit here very much. We highly recommend a stop here if you are touring.
Written 24 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PaulB
Maastricht, The Netherlands3,124 contributions
Dec 2022
The Alter Markt (Old Market Square) is a historic square in the old town of Cologne. Originally, the square dates from the tenth century, but has been transformed over time into a multifunctional entertainment square that is mainly known for its nightlife.
Since the entire square was bombed during WW II, most buildings are modern reconstructions of old houses, although some of them were reconctructed in their historical style.
Central to the Alter Markt is the Jan von Werth-Brunnen fountain from 1884.
In the Advent period, the Alter Markt is the setting for one of Cologne's most popular Christmas markets.
Since the entire square was bombed during WW II, most buildings are modern reconstructions of old houses, although some of them were reconctructed in their historical style.
Central to the Alter Markt is the Jan von Werth-Brunnen fountain from 1884.
In the Advent period, the Alter Markt is the setting for one of Cologne's most popular Christmas markets.
Written 15 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Viajante1966
Buenos Aires, Argentina74 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Walk through the historic center of Koln. Crossing this square, seeing the buildings with their own style, being able to go to drink or eat something in one of the restaurants or bars. See the new and old building of the Rathaus since the other square is closed for work on the Rathaus. A must see to go to the Heumarkt Christmas market

Written 24 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Razorfish
Little Rock, AR5,271 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
Alter Markt is a large public square in Old Town Cologne. The Rathaus (Town Hall) is located here. My wife and I visited here during an excursion on a Viking Rhine River Cruise this past April. It is a lively public square.
Written 25 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Massimiliano P
Novara, Italy46,755 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
The ancient market is one of the main squares in Cologne, often also used to host events and markets. Attractions present in the surroundings of the square are the Jan Von Weth fountain, the town hall tower and some buildings with typical facades. Given the high concentration of bars and pubs, the square is always very lively.

Written 1 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
soinic
Lux.2,998 contributions
Jan 2020
A lot of pubs, restaurants.... around this market place.
Have a close look at the house number 24 and don't forget to lift up your head ;)
The view of the Townhall/Rathaus is also funny.... have a look at the clock tower on the full hour!
Have a close look at the house number 24 and don't forget to lift up your head ;)
The view of the Townhall/Rathaus is also funny.... have a look at the clock tower on the full hour!
Written 4 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
macedonboy
Glasgow, UK186,306 contributions
Sept 2019
The old market back in the day, but is now a touristy place to visit. It's basically a public square with a few interesting sights along with the many cafes and restaurants around the square. Good things to look out for when visiting the square are the Jan von Werth Fountain in the centre of the square, the hard to miss Town Hall that dominates the western side of the square and the toilet humour Kallendresser.
Written 15 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah H
London39 contributions
Dec 2019
Great market near the shops. Selling unusual arts and crafts and lovely authentic German food. Don't forget the Gluhwein!
Written 16 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
root7116
Boston, MA177 contributions
Aug 2019
Friday is wedding day and many couples are outside celebrating their unions with friends and family. Romance is in the air.
Written 22 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mirela57ro
Bucharest, Romania107 contributions
Aug 2019
Part of the old town place - 3 marketplaces altogether, quite close to one another, restaurants and a specific cosy atmosphere!
Written 19 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It is a short walk. The whole downtown area is pretty close together.
Written 21 August 2018
Bonjour,
Nous cherchons un marché de Noel qui soit comme a Strasbourg, c'est a dire avec des décoration de Noel pour mettre dans le sapin. Un marché qui ne soit pas comme a Paris attrape touriste, zéro déco de Noel a acheter ou a voir.
Nous avons penser a Cologne, pouvez vous nous dire ce que vous avez vu sur les marché?
Merci par avance
Written 20 August 2017
Bonjour,
J'ai déjà parcouru quelques marchés de Noël en Allemagne, en particulier Berlin ou Heidelberg, mais pas celui de Cologne. Je pense que vous trouverez votre bonheur, les marchés Allemands sont assez similaires. Beaucoup de stand nourriture et pas mal d'artisanat. Je pense passer à Cologne cet Hiver.Je trouve le centre-ville très sympa.
Au plaisir.
Written 23 August 2017
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