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Cologne is one of Germany’s oldest cities and is home to one of the country’s oldest landmarks - the Gothic Cathedral of Cologne. The city’s rich history makes it a favourite for history buffs who wish to see its many Roman ruins, medieval churches, Baroque palaces, museums, and galleries. Aside from that, Cologne also boasts of the modern Romish-Germanisches Museum which offers a great look at the city’s wide collections that reflect the Roman view of ancient Cologne.
Though very much a historical city, Cologne is also best known for its young crowd due to the city’s university, University of Cologne. This is the oldest university in the country. The city provides wonderful experiences for every traveller, but most especially for those who love a good mix of architecture and history. Cologne offers rich experiences for people from all over the world.
How to Get There
Cologne has one major international airport called Cologne Bonn Airport. The airport, which is Germany’s fourth-largest international airport, serves over 12.4 million travellers from all over the world.
Getting to the city centre from Cologne is quite easy due to its comfortable public transportation. Public transportation is readily available outside of Cologne Bonn Airport including the S-Train which takes you to the city centre. There are also several tram lines available as well as private vehicles and trams. It often takes about twenty minutes to get from the airport to the city centre.
Going Around
Cologne has an extensive public transport network that provides fast and convenient travel around the city. Its main transportation line is the Kolner Verkehrs - Betriebe (KVB) that serves over 800,000 people daily and offers 380 trams and 320 buses. For more convenient travel, one must have Geldkarte money available. Cologne’s central rail station is connected with tram stops making it an easier commute for travellers.
Top Things to Do
Touted as one of the most important commercial and cultural centres in West Germany, Cologne is famous for its 12 great Romanesque churches including the famed Cologne Cathedral. Tourists must visit the Cologne Cathedral which is located near the left bank of the Rhine. The towering landmark is a High Gothic architecture masterpiece. Many excellent guided tours will help you understand the depth of its history.
Cologne’s Old Town is also a popular destination due to its proximity to numerous historic churches and museums. The heart of Cologne’s Old Town is the Great St. Martin and is also home to many boutique shops, galleries, cafes, and restaurants. And since it is located right next to the Rhine, it offers many opportunities to take in the wonderful views of the city. Many monuments and fountains adorn the area’s Archaeological Zone that also contains ancient ruins and artifacts. When visiting Cologne’s Old Town Hall, do not miss the Kolner Rathaus is the oldest public building in Germany.
Rhine River Cruises is the best way to take the whole city in. The one-hour Cologne Sightseeing Cruise gives you unparalleled views of Cologne landmarks including the magnificent twin spires of Cologne Cathedral. There is also an excellent Rhine River Evening Panorama Cruise to take at night for a different view of the city.
Another must-see destination is Cologne’s Chocolate Museum that was opened in 1972. There are many interactive displays, collections of molds, antique chocolate boxes, and a chance to have your chocolate bar.
What to Eat
Known as the cultural hub of Germany, Cologne offers a lot of choices from brunch to dinner that tourists from all over the world can truly enjoy. Brunch enthusiasts will enjoy Theater im Bauturm, Balthasar, and Funkhaus. Dinner is best enjoyed at Haxenhaus and Cafe Feynsinn. The secret to enjoying the food in Cologne is to enjoy its diversity and try as many dishes as you can.
Nightlife
The irony of Cologne is the fact that while it is one of the country’s oldest cities, it is also known for its young population to the University of Cologne. No other German city can boast of as many pubs per capita as it is in Cologne. The city is pulsating and has more than 70 clubs and party hotspots. The clubbing scene is located in the Zulpicher Strasse and Luxemburger Strasse.
Where to Stay
Cologne has a lot to offer for all kinds of travellers but to truly experience it, the location of where you are staying is the best. First-time travellers to Cologne will enjoy visiting Old Town. Touted as the heart of the city, visitors flocking to this space will be delighted with the cobbled streets, old houses and bars. There are numerous restaurants and offers the best sights of the city.
If you are on a budget, the Altstadt Sud located at the south of the Cologne Old Town is the best place to be. The place is littered with budget hotels that will help travellers save money on accommodations. For those who wish to enjoy the nightlife, the Belgishches Viertel is the best place to stay and is known as one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Cologne.
