Whether you're planning a trip to Cologne for the first time or you're looking for something new to do on a trip to Germany, there are plenty of things to do in the city. Here are a few suggestions on how to spend a day in the city.
Old Town
Whether you are spending a long weekend in Cologne or just one day, you'll be glad to know that there are plenty of attractions to choose from. The city isn't quaint and old-fashioned, but it has plenty of first-rate churches, restaurants and bars.
The Romano-Germanic Museum is worth a visit. It is built on top of a Roman villa and houses artifacts from the Paleolithic Period to the early Middle Ages. There are also Roman archaeological finds on display.
The Cologne Cathedral is an impressive piece of architecture. Originally built in the 13th century, it has a unique dome, and a mosaic of David and Goliath.
The Hohenzollern Bridge is the world's busiest. Crossing the Rhine, it crosses two sides of the city and is adorned with love locks and memorials. It is a must-see for tourists in the area.
If you're looking for a beer to sip while strolling along the promenade, try the Paffgen Brauhaus. It has a large outdoor seating area and installs heating in winter. It's also one of the coolest hostels in the world.
The Koln Triangle is a landmark on the eastern side of the Rhine. It is one of the best examples of urban planning in Germany. Its edifice stands over 100 meters tall and the observation deck provides excellent views of the city.
The Cologne Old Town is also a must-see. It has twelve Romanesque churches that predate the Cologne Cathedral. Some older buildings were restored in the aftermath of the Second World War.
The Cologne Cathedral is the most popular attraction in the city. It is a UNESCO-listed Gothic masterpiece. Its architectural styles range from the regal to the gargantuan.
Romano-Germanic Museum
Visiting Cologne's Romano-Germanic Museum is a great way to learn about the history of the city. This museum contains archaeological treasures that show how the city developed over the past two thousand years. Located in the city's Archeological Quarter, the museum contains artifacts that span the Paleolithic period all the way to the early Middle Ages. It is the most comprehensive museum devoted to the city's history.
During World War II, bombings destroyed much of the Old Town. However, some of the older buildings have been restored. The surviving parts of the Rathaus date from the 14th century. Other portions were added in the 15th, 16th and 20th centuries.
The Cologne Cathedral is one of the most famous landmarks in Germany. It is a spectacular structure that towers over the city. It was completed in 1880. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among its many attractions, it is home to a famous gilded shrine of the Three Wise Men.
There is a lot to see in Cologne, and you can spend just a few hours or an entire day exploring the sights. The most popular attractions are clustered around the cathedral. The Old Town is also worth a look. You can take a stroll along the river Rhine, or stop by one of the many cafes.
Another popular place to visit is the Hohenzollern Bridge. This bridge crosses the river Rhine and offers a wonderful view of the city. During the Christmas season, the city hosts a holiday market.
The city hall, the Rathaus, is the oldest building in the city. It was constructed in the 14th century. The building was expanded after World War II. It features carvings that are well worth seeing.
Cologne Zoo
Whether you're spending a day in Cologne or a few days in the city, there are a lot of attractions that will entertain you. The city is also the perfect starting point for a tour of Germany. There are several museums to choose from, as well as excellent public transport.
The Cologne Zoo is one of the oldest in Germany and has been updated and modernized over the years. The zoo has a unique biotope habitat that allows you to see animals in their natural habitat without bars. It's also home to a large aquarium.
If you're visiting in the summer, the Flora and Botanical Garden is a must-see. It's well-maintained and offers a fun way to spend an afternoon. There's a cable car that takes you from the zoo to the garden. It's an easy walk, but you can take a bus to get there if you prefer.
The Kolner Zoo is one of the biggest zoos in Germany. It's located on the left bank of the Rhine river. It has more than 10,000 animals, and is one of the oldest zoos in Europe. It has expanded over the years and now has an ape park and an aquarium.
There are also many historical sites to see in Cologne. The Rathaus is the city hall and is one of the oldest buildings in the city. Some of the older structures were restored after the war.
The Roman-Germanic Museum is a good choice for history buffs. It contains a number of artifacts from the Paleolithic period to the early Middle Ages. It also holds the largest Picasso collection in Europe.
The Cologne Cathedral is one of the city's best landmarks. It is considered the tallest structure in Cologne and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The inside is breathtaking.
Secrets of Kolsch Brewery Tour
During your Cologne Secrets of Kolsch Brewery Tour you will learn about the history of Kolsch, the best place to get it and of course sample the beverage itself. This is a great way to get your fill of this tasty brew.
The Cologne Secrets of Kolsch Brewery tour stops at four breweries. Located in Old Town, these four breweries are the most famous and best known.
There are many tour companies that will take you around this culturally rich city. One company, Alpine Adventures, specializes in all-inclusive tours. The company has a comprehensive list of breweries that you can visit in a day, so you won't have to worry about getting lost or missing your train.
The biggest drawback of these tours is that you have to be a little bit flexible with your schedule. If you're pressed for time, you can opt to skip the nightlife and head back to your hotel. The company is very accommodating. You can make special arrangements by calling.
There are no guarantees that you will actually see any of these tours, so it's a good idea to book in advance. The city is a popular tourist destination, so you may have to wait a while. The most common times are Fridays and Sundays. The brewery tour is roughly an hour long. A small family feel pervades the brewing process.
The Cologne Secrets of Kolsch Tour has its high points and lows. The best place to start is by checking out the Old Town's breweries. This is also the best area to check out the famous Hohenzollern bridge, weighed down with thousands of love locks.
The Cologne Secrets of Kolsch is a fun and educational experience that you can't find anywhere else. Whether you're a beer aficionado or just looking for the latest in tech, this tour will not disappoint.
Sightseeing cruises
Taking a sightseeing cruise on the Rhine is a great way to see the city of Cologne. This ancient German city was once a Roman settlement, and there are many ruins in the area. There are also plenty of medieval monuments and top-notch shopping. Whether you are looking for a full-day trip or just a short excursion, you'll find everything you want here.
A sightseeing boat tour on the Rhine offers a spectacular view of the city, including the famous Hohenzollern Bridge. You'll also get to see the Old Town, the Middle Ages Town Hall, and the Cathedral. A digital audio guide is provided in English and German. The tour is offered daily.
Another option for sightseeing on the Rhine is the Panorama Rundfahrt, which offers a one-hour tour of the river. The tour departs daily at 1:30pm and 3pm. The tour features a prerecorded commentary and a unique perspective of the city.
For those who prefer to explore by land, the Rhine promenade in Deutz is a fun walk along the river. You'll also find plenty of shops and restaurants.
In addition to sightseeing cruises, there are several other tours that you can choose from in Cologne. There are bike tours, beer tours, and walking tours, among others. You can also take advantage of the Cologne Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus. It features a 1-hour cruise on the Rhine, plus a 1-hour tour of the city.
If you're planning a visit to Cologne, you can also take advantage of the many festivals that the city hosts throughout the year. These include Ringfest and the Christmas Market.
A Cologne Chocolate Museum tour is another great way to explore the history of the chocolate industry. The museum, located in the Old Town district, features a guided tour and bicycles. You'll learn about the origins of the cocoa plant and how it's changed over the centuries.
