Germany · 2026 guide
Things to Do in Cottbus
Everything you need to explore Cottbus — top attractions, local dining, insider tips and transport.
Landmark in Cottbus
A grand neo-Renaissance building with a 60m tower. Outside is always free; free guided tours every first Saturday at 11am.
🕐 Box office Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-2pm
💡 Pick up a free ticket voucher for the open-air summer opera screenings from the tourist office 100m away.
Hotels near Cottbus State Theatre →Historic in Cottbus
14th-century Gothic church with a bilingual Sorbian-German service, medieval fresco fragments inside, and a quiet cemetery garden.
🕐 Church open Mon-Sat 10am-4pm (services Sun 9am, visitors welcome)
💡 Visit during the monthly Sorbian language café (free, every third Saturday 2-4pm) for tea and folk stories.
Hotels near Wendish Church (Lower Lusatian Sorbian Church) →Park in Cottbus
A long, thin park along the Spree river with cycle paths, wildflower meadows, and a free open-air art gallery on the riverbank wall.
🕐 Open 24 hours
💡 Rent a bike from Radstation near the main station (€10/day) and follow the path east to the floating wooden footbridge.
Hotels near Spreeauen Park →Earl Pückler's 19th-century landscape park with artificial lakes and a striking pyramid tomb. Free grounds; palace interior costs €8.
🕐 Park daily 6am-9pm; palace Wed-Mon 10am-5pm
💡 Climb the pyramid mound for the best view over the lakescape, then walk to the Schloss café for cheap cake.
Hotels near Branitz Park and Palace →Cultural in Cottbus
Exhibits on the Sorbian minority: traditional costumes, Easter egg painting, and folk music. Entry €5, under-18 free.
🕐 Tue-Sun 10am-5pm
💡 Go on the first Wednesday of the month for free admission. The museum shop sells hand-painted eggs for €3 each.
Hotels near Sorbian Cultural Museum →Where to Eat in Cottbus
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Cottbus?
The top attractions include Cottbus State Theatre, Wendish Church (Lower Lusatian Sorbian Church), Spreeauen Park, Branitz Park and Palace, Sorbian Cultural Museum.
How many days do you need in Cottbus?
Most visitors spend 2–4 days to see the main highlights. Three days is ideal for a first visit — see our Cottbus 3-day itinerary for a day-by-day plan.
What is Cottbus famous for?
Cottbus is known for its history, culture and distinctive character. Visitors come for the landmarks, food scene and local atmosphere.
Where should I eat in Cottbus?
Top options include DaNando, Italia, Vasilis, Eiscafé Da Capo.