The Ultimate Guide to Cologne

Cologne, Germany, is one of the best cities in the world to explore. Home to stunning medieval churches, stunning river views, and of course, the Rhine river and Germany’s oldest university, the city is packed full of things to do. But what is there to actually do in Cologne? What attractions and activities make this destination so special? In this article, we will explore the ultimate guide to Cologne, explaining the best places to eat, drink, explore and savor this beautiful city!

Explore the 12 Romanesque Churches of Cologne

The 12 Romanesque churches of Cologne are significant historical monuments and represent one of Germany’s greatest religious treasures. A striking group of 12 centuries-old churches, each has its own distinct origins and architectural style. One of the most famous of these churches is the famous Gothic masterpiece, Saint Gereon’s Chapel. Other highlights include St. Kilian’s Church, a ninth-century basilica, and St. Johann’s Bürklein, a 12th century sandstone building. Each church also provides beautiful interiors with great artwork, biblical stories, and remarkable histories.

Take a Walk along the Rhine River

The Rhine river is well-known for its picturesque views, captivating damsels, and stories about mythical creatures like the Lorelei. It is an ideal place for sightseeing and enjoying a leisurely stroll. The stretch from east of Cologne to Bonn is widely considered one of the most romantic spots in Germany. To make the most of a sightseeing trip on the Rhine river in Cologne, visitors can take a ride on a paddleboat or simply walk along the river. From here, visitors can admire the cities beautiful landscapes as well as its imagesque bridges.

Visit the World Heritage Site: Cologne Cathedral

Cologne Cathedral is a monumental World Heritage Site located in the heart of the city. Revered as a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, visitors access this beacon of Christianity through three grand portals which lead into a central sanctuary. Inside the cathedral, visitors can take in an awe-inspiring collection of stained glass windows which illustrate dramatic scenes from history and scripture. The cathedral is also renowned for its 450-year old spiral staircase leading to a viewing platform which offers breathtaking views of Cologne and the Rhine River.

Taste the Finest German Beers at Local Breweries

The city of Cologne is strongly associated with German beer culture and offers tourists diverse opportunities to enjoy its renowned beer styles. It is here that visitors can try Kölsch beer – a regional specialty known as “kölsch’ which is generally sweeter than other German beer varieties. A great way to understand this local tradition is by taking a tour of one of Cologne’s breweries, such as GetYourGuide’s Brewery Tour with Three “Kölsch” Tastings. Visitors on this tour can explore a traditional brewery from the late 19th century and learn about how kölsch beer is brewed using traditional methods before enjoying complimentary beer tastings!

Delight in Delicious Cuisine

No trip to Cologne would be complete without sampling some local cuisine! With centuries of culinary tradition behind it, Cologne offers visitors an array of delicious traditional dishes. Among the local specialties are traditional sausages and wursts, Röggelchen (a type of small donut), and Mischmasch, an unusual soup made with cabbage and potatoes. For dessert, try a local Lüscribecken pastry. Delicious pastries made with honey cake, almonds, cherries and marzipan – they are sure to leave you wanting more!

Shop til You Drop at Schildergasse

Cologne is considered Germany’s fashion capital and is full of stores specializing in fashion and accessories. One area particularly worth exploring is Schildergasse, which boasts some high end fashion stores as well as more affordable clothing boutiques and shoe stores. Visitors can find anything from designer labels to unique vintage pieces here. In addition, there are plenty of opportunities for souvenir shopping with a plethora of quaint gift shops selling handmade trinkets, postcards and jewellery.

Walk Along The Picturesque Aachener Weiher

Take a stroll around the peaceful Aachener Weiher park in the center of the city and admire its scenic lake and lush green meadows surrounded by trees. You can find numerous benches around this park perfect for relaxing or simply admiring nature at its finest. Another great spot for serenity seekers is the Aachener Bluetenweg which showcases some of Europe’s most unique flower varieties including snowdrops, crocuses and star-shaped white roses.

Attend Germany’s Biggest Carnival in February

The Carnival of Cologne is Germany’s biggest street festival and is celebrated every year from late February until Ash Wednesday. During this time the city comes alive with processions parading through the streets, costumed revelers singing songs and all sorts of festive celebrations taking place across the city. Every year over a million people come out to participate in this event so if you are looking for entertainment and excitement this is certainly the event for you!

Experience Culture at le mémorial de l’holocauste

le mémorial de l’holocauste is one of the city’s most important cultural sites dedicated to educational purposes. Located in Schloss Morsbroich, this Holocaust memorial houses over 30 exhibits illustrating major events in modern history like World War II and how it affected Jews living in Europe during that period. It is a unique site offering visitors an opportunity to learn about Jewish history from a contemporary perspective.

Conclusion

Cologne has something to offer everyone from medieval churches to lively carnivals and from breweries to memorials dedicated to tragic events in Europe’s history. It’s easy to understand why many consider it one of Germany’s best cities! Whether it be for an afternoon stroll or for an extended vacation experience – make sure you visit Cologne and explore all that it has to offer! If beers are your thing then don’t forget to book GetYourGuide’s Brewery Tour with Three “Kölsch” Tastings, an amazing tour that will teach you how Kölsch beer is brewed using traditional methods before enjoying complimentary beer tastings! Enjoy your time in Cologne!