Cologne with a teen

[unistress]

DS (16) and I are going this week. We are primarily there to see Twice on Tuesday and have 4 days. DS quite likes science museums so wondering if that is worth a visit? Other than that, some shopping and maybe quirky stuff. He's not really into history. I would like to see the cathedral. Just any tips would be good!

There’s a big theme park nearby, which you can get to on public transport in about 1.5 hours. Take Line 18 tram from Cologne Central to Brühl-Mitte and then the Phantasialand shuttle direct to the park.

There are plenty of shops in the centre. A boat trip on the Rhein or the chocolate museum might work.

The Night Watchman walking tour is really good and just the right amount of spooky.

The Lindt chocolate museum is good. How about a Segway tour?

If you are physically able to, you can climb to the top of the cathedral. Great views from the top.
Try a Brau Haus. They are beer houses but have very good food. As DS is 16 he will be legally allowed to drink the beer.
Another vote for chocolate museum.

There are some good open air places to swim if its hot. We took our kids to the baths at Stadionpark but there are lake swimming options around the city.

Museum Ludwig by the Cathedral is good. Don't be put off by the name, it is actually an art gallery with an astonishingly good collection of modern art, including a lot of pop art.

There is also a cable car that takes you across the Rhine and has really good views. That might be of interest.

Thanks everyone - we'll definitely look at the Chocolate museum and DS does love a cable car! Ghost walk might be good too if it's on on Wednesday. Sadly with no ds1 with us this time we'll have to miss the theme park as I can't ride due to a medical condition.

We loved Cologne when we went a couple of years ago. DD was 16 and also loved it. As others have said the chocolate museum is great fun and there is a lovely café there too.
We took the train out to Konigswinter on one of our days, and from Konigswinter the funicular railway up the Drachenfels. There was a spectacular view down across the Rhine from the headland at the top. We walked back down through the woods and half way down stopped at Drachenburg Castle which is a mad folly built by a rich banker in 1882. As you're there for four days you might like a trip out of the city. Hope you have a great time.