Exploring Cologne: A Three-Day Travel Guide

Cologne, or Köln as the locals call it, is a city in Germany that can be explored in a day but is best enjoyed over 2-3 days. The city is known for its stunning architecture, delicious food, and rich history.

The city is home to the Cologne Cathedral, one of the most famous cathedrals in the world and a dedicated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cathedral is the tallest in the world and is said to contain the bones of the Three Wise Men.

Cologne also boasts scenic parks, romantic castles, and a lively Old Town with charming cobblestone streets and historic buildings. The Old Town is also where you'll find the famous Halve Hahn sandwich, made with rye bread, gouda cheese, pickles, mustard, and onions.

For art lovers, the Museum Ludwig is a must-visit, with its impressive collection of modern art, including works by Picasso and Andy Warhol. The Romano-Germanic Museum, on the other hand, takes visitors on a journey through the city's Roman past, with exhibits including ancient mosaics and tools.

For those with a sweet tooth, the Chocolate Museum is a delightful stop, offering a glimpse into the history of chocolate and treats to satisfy any craving.

With its beautiful blend of ancient, medieval, and modern attractions, Cologne is a wonderful destination offering something for every type of traveller.

Cologne Cathedral

The cathedral is Germany's most visited landmark, attracting an average of 6 million people a year. At 157 metres, it is the tallest twin-spired church in the world, the second tallest church in Europe, and the third tallest church of any kind in the world. The towers give the cathedral the largest façade of any church in the world.

The cathedral contains many artistic masterpieces, including the Gero Crucifix of the late 10th century, in the Chapel of the Holy Cross, and the Shrine of the Magi (1180-1225), in the choir, which is the largest reliquary shrine in Europe. Other artistic masterpieces include the altarpiece of St Clare (c. 1350-1400) in the north aisle, the altarpiece of the City Patrons by Stephan Lochner (c. 1445) in the Chapel of Our Lady, and the altarpiece of St Agilolphus (c. 1520) in the south transept.

The cathedral is open daily from 6 am to 8 pm, with different visiting hours for tourists and those attending Mass. Visitors can climb the 533 steps to the viewing platform, which is about 100 metres above the ground, for a scenic view over the Rhine.

Cologne's Old Town

One of the main attractions in Cologne's Old Town is the Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The construction of this Gothic-style cathedral began in 1248 and took over 600 years to complete. It is the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe and features intricate architecture, beautiful stained glass windows, and a stunning high altar.

Another notable feature of the Old Town is the Hohenzollern Bridge, a pedestrian and railway bridge that crosses the Rhine River. It offers stunning views of the city and is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.

The Old Town is also home to several museums, including the Romano-Germanic Museum, which houses a collection of Roman artefacts, and the Wallraf-Richartz Museum, which features European art.

In addition to its historical and cultural attractions, the Old Town is known for its lively nightlife. The area is filled with cosy pubs, trendy bars, and traditional beer gardens where you can enjoy a refreshing Kölsch, the local beer.

The winding cobblestone alleys, romantic squares, and charming buildings offer a glimpse into Cologne's past. Many structures in the Old Town have been reconstructed, but the medieval flair remains.

The Alter Markt, one of the oldest squares in the city, is surrounded by beautiful old buildings, including the City Hall, and is a bustling hub of cafes, restaurants, and shops.

The Rheinpark

The park has a floodplain landscape character, featuring willows, poplars, a waterside promenade, meadows, and unobstructed sightlines. It is home to a variety of attractions, including a beach club, an open-air theatre called the Tanzbrunnen, and a Roman Thermae-styled public bath known as the Claudius-Therme. The park also has a skate park, a youth centre, a playground, and 14 listed ornamental fountains.

One of the unique features of the Rheinpark is the narrow-gauge railway that runs through it, covering a distance of just 2 kilometres in 20 minutes. The train passes through the park's meadows and flower beds, stopping at three stations along the way. Another mode of transportation within the park is the cable car that connects the zoo and the Rheinpark, offering a bird's-eye view of the area.

The National Socialism Documentation Centre

Cologne is a city steeped in history, and a visit to the National Socialism Documentation Centre is a must for anyone wishing to understand the darker chapters of the city's past. Located in the EL-DE Haus on Appellhofplatz, the centre is housed in what was once the headquarters of the Cologne Gestapo, the secret police, from 1935 until the end of World War II in 1945. The building's name, EL-DE, comes from the initials of its owner, Leopold Dahmen, a Catholic businessman who rented it to the Gestapo.

One of the most powerful aspects of the centre is the former Gestapo prison in the building's cellar. This memorial site is one of the best-preserved detention sites from the Nazi era. The prisoner cells and over 1,800 wall inscriptions by prisoners bear witness to the persecution, torture, and murder that took place within those walls. The prison cells and inscriptions provide a vivid and disturbing reminder of the horrors inflicted by the Nazis.

In addition to the permanent exhibition, the centre also hosts temporary exhibitions that delve into local and national aspects of the Nazi regime. These exhibitions cover a broad range of subjects and are accompanied by a comprehensive supplementary program. The centre also organises over 130 events annually, including lectures, readings, panel discussions, workshops, conferences, and cultural events.

The Fragrance Museum

The museum offers guided tours that take visitors through the enchanting world of perfume creation. You'll learn about the processes used to produce perfume, such as enfleurage, and have the opportunity to sniff different essences. The tour guides, dressed in historical costumes, will walk you through the fascinating history of the original Eau de Cologne, which was created by Farina to remind him of his homeland, Italy, and to escape the malodorous scents of Cologne at the time. This novel fragrance, a blend of lemons, oranges, bergamot, grapefruit, herbs, and flowers, made both Farina and Cologne world-famous.

The museum also showcases antique perfume bottles and offers visitors the chance to create their own personalised fragrances. Reservations are required for both individuals and groups, and tickets can be purchased online. The museum is open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm, and on Sundays from 11 am to 5 pm.

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