Cologne
There is a great blend of new and old to be found in Cologne. Stunning historic building and churches, modern activities and great beer!
Cologne in a nutshell
Cologne is an enthralling place to visit, with its exceptional churches and ultra-modern architecture, bustling shopping streets and extraordinary museums. The city where Eau de Cologne was invented may be modern now, but it has may stories to tell of its historic past.
It’s a vast German city, and its 13th century cathedral is the most iconic of its kind in the country. This is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe, so make sure to explore it on a visit here.
Most of Cologne’s fabulous attractions are all located in the Altstadt (Old Town), an ancient city that dates back around 2,000 years. You’ll also find lots of fascinating items on display in Cologne’s fabulous museums.
There are 10 municipal museums to explore, including art galleries and historical places of interest. But Cologne isn’t all about the past. The city’s modern art scene is legendary, its boutique shopping is becoming renowned and the dining options are numerous and exciting.
Cologne is also a university town with a young atmosphere to match. It’s a total mix of everything one expects in a European city – the traditional Christmas markets are iconic, the cultural and historic attractions are exciting, and Cologne’s setting is spectacular.
Add in the food, the nightlife, the shopping and the people, and you have an exciting stay ahead of you.
Best time to visit: Summer is peak season, because the weather is so good, but prices are at their highest for accommodation and transport.
So come just before or after, in spring (April and May) or fall September and October), when the weather is a little cooler but prices are less expensive and the city is less crowded.
Best Area for Sightseeing: The Altstadt The Old Town is home to most of Cologne’s fabulous attractions, including Cologne Cathedral, the Roman Praetorium, the city’s 12 Romanesque churches and the City Hall, the oldest of its kind in the country.
Aside from exploring on foot, you can also enjoy a boat tour of the area, or take the cable car up for a panoramic view. As most of the city was destroyed in the Second World War, the Old Town isn’t as old as many other European historic areas, but the buildings have been restored to their former glory.
Shopping in Cologne: The city’s most popular shopping street is Schildergasse which runs from the Opera House to the Neumarkt. There’s also the pedestrianized Hohe Strasse, lined with lots of fabulous stores.
Nearby is Ehrenstrasse, home to international fashion brands and in Cologne’s famous Belgian District, you’ll find plenty of stores offering hand-crafted jewellry and garments created by up and coming fashion designers.
There are also plenty of shopping malls to explore, including Cologne Arcaden, the Opern Passagen, Neumarkt Passage and the Globetrotter. Markets for authentic goods include the Saturday flea market called Kölner Stadtflohmarkt and the Old Town flea market on the Rhine’s left bank, offering over 150 antique stalls.
Food & Restaurants in Cologne: The city holds a weekly Cologne Street Food Market every Thursday at Kölner Rudolfplatz, with lots of food stalls serving international dishes and authentic cuisine as well as selling unique handicrafts. There are plenty of excellent eateries throughout the city to enjoy traditional and global fare, so take your pick.
Nightlife: Old Town, Ringe & The Belgian Quarter Ringe, located between Friesenplatz and Rudolfplatz, is famous for its pulsating nightlife in pubs, bars and local breweries. The Old Town also has its fair share of fun spots. In Cologne’s Belgian Quarter you’ll find a wide selection of chic bars and hip eateries. Alternatively, enjoy the city’s popular pastime, an evening in a Biergarten, sipping beer al fresco including the local brew, Kölsch. A good one to try is Rathenauplatz south of the Belgian District. You can dine there, too.
Things to do in Cologne:
- Explore the Wallraf-Richart Museum, a fabulous art gallery with stunning collections of medieval art, local wood paintings and other fabulous masterpieces including works by Rembrandt, Rubens and Van Dyck.
- Learn all about perfume, Eau de Cologne in particular, at the Farina Fragrance Museum.
- Discover Cologne’s history at the fascinating Cologne City Museum, housed in the Zeughaus, the former armory.
- See the city’s famous landmark, Cologne Cathedral, home to the relics of the Three Wise Men.
- Visit the Roman Praetorium, an underground archaeological site, part of which is located right under the City Hall.
- Watch a memorable opera performance at Cologne Opera.
- Take a walk over Hohenzollern Bridge and count the colorful padlocks adorning it, placed by couples to symbolize their love.
Best way to get around: It’s best to put on your walking shoes and explore the city center on foot, as the attractions are all easily accessible this way. If you prefer, hire a bicycle to explore. You can also take one of the buses.
Best Area for Families: Deutz Situated across the Rhine River from the city center, this neighborhood is home to Rheinpark, the Lanxess Arena and Cologne’s Fair Trade Grounds. Aside from sports and entertainment, Deutz also offers excellent accommodation and is within easy access of all of Cologne’s major attractions in the city center. It’s also quieter at night, which is great if you have kids.
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