A Weekend Guide To Cologne: Sights, Scents, And More

Cologne is a city that combines modern and historic features, from the impressive Cologne Cathedral to the many museums and outdoor spaces along the river. Three days is more than enough time to explore the city and its surrounding areas.

Day 1

- Arrival and exploration: Get an all-day pass for buses and trains and explore the city.

- Accommodation: Stay in a cosy Airbnb in Südstadt, a charming neighbourhood with quaint cafes and a Christmas market.

Day 2

- Discovering Cologne: Start the day with a cup of tea and biscuits, then book a photoshoot at the iconic Cologne Cathedral.

- Food and drink: Try local delicacies such as Halver Hahn sandwiches and Kölsch beer.

- Attractions: Visit the historic sights of the Old Town, including the Romano-Germanic Museum, the Wallraf Richartz Museum, and the Alter Markt square.

Day 3

- The Chocolate Factory and Museum: Learn about chocolate-making and sample chocolates at the Schokoladen Lindt Chocolate Museum.

- Gastronomical tour: Indulge in the city's eclectic food scene, including al-fresco cafes, rooftop eateries, and fine-dining restaurants such as Hanse Stube, Le Moissonnier, and FRÜH am Dom.

- Rhine River cruise: Take a cruise on the Rhine River and enjoy the city's picturesque landscapes.

Cologne Cathedral and other historic sights

Cologne Cathedral is one of Germany's most popular tourist attractions and one of the world's largest Gothic cathedrals. Construction began around 1248 and was completed in 1880, making it the tallest building in the world at the time. The cathedral is 157 metres tall, with two towers of almost identical height. It is the third-largest Gothic-style cathedral in the world, with 10,000 square metres of windows and a floor space of almost 8,000 square metres. It can hold over 20,000 people and is Germany's most popular landmark, attracting 20,000 visitors daily.

The cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its long construction history and period, which began with the Three Wise Men and ended in 1880. It is also known for its art, including the Shrine of the Three Kings, which contains the relics of the Magi, and the 4th-century St. Peter's Staff, found in the underground treasure chamber. The cathedral's colourful glass windows are especially impressive, with the oldest being the famous Bible Window in the central chapel of the ambulatory. The south transept window, designed by German artist Gerhard Richter, is also notable for its abstract tapestry of colour.

The cathedral is located in the historic centre of Cologne, with picturesque narrow steep-gabled houses on the banks of the Rhine nearby. The medieval flair of the area is enhanced by winding alleys, cobblestones, courtyards, and romantic squares. The city's oldest museum, the Wallraf, is also located in the historic centre and features a collection of medieval paintings and art from the 16th to 19th centuries.

Another important historic site in Cologne is the Farina Fragrance Museum, housed in the original production rooms of the 18th-century Eau de Cologne. This museum details the history of the world-famous fragrance and showcases production methods and historical equipment.

The city's food and drink scene

Cologne's food scene is largely made up of brewpubs and pubs, where you can sample the local cuisine. Local dishes include Halve Hahn (an open-face sandwich), Hämmche (pork with sauerkraut or potatoes), and Mettbrütche (minced pork bread roll). For those with a sweet tooth, there are many donut shops with decadent toppings.

For fine dining, head to Le Moissonnier, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant with vintage wines. For German cuisine, try Herings im Martinswinkel, a traditional pub serving local delicacies, or Früh am Dom, a Romanesque-style brewery overlooking the Cologne Cathedral. Gaststätte Lommerzheim is a cult bar with a beer garden, and Peters Brauhaus serves authentic German food in an unusual setting.

For a quick bite, Café Il Barista Südstadt serves tasty pastries, and Rim Kong offers Thai food. For a chic café experience, try Hanze Stube, located next to the Cologne Cathedral, serving French cuisine.

When it comes to drinks, be sure to sample the local beer, Kölsch. The rules in a Brauhaus are slightly different from those in a pub. Beer is brought to you by a waiter and they will keep refilling your glass until you put a coaster on top of your drink.

The Rhine and its attractions

The Rhine is the longest river in Germany and offers a beautiful stretch of river flowing through Cologne. A river cruise is a great way to experience the Rhine and take in the stunning views of the city. The river is one of the busiest waterways in Europe, and you can see many river cruisers passing through.

A cruise along the Rhine offers fantastic views of the architecture on both sides of the river, as well as the bridges that span it. You can see the Old Town, the Cologne Cathedral, and the Hohenzollern Bridge, among other attractions. The riverbanks also provide plenty of walking or cycling opportunities.

A 1-hour sightseeing cruise along the Rhine River is a popular choice, where you can admire top attractions such as the Cologne Cathedral, the Old Town, and the Hohenzollern Bridge. You can also opt for a 2-hour evening cruise to see the city's sights illuminated at night.

The Old Town

After visiting the cathedral, you can enjoy a Kölsh beer or try a Halver Hahn sandwich in the Old Town. There are multiple eateries and breweries within walking distance.

Other attractions in the Old Town include:

• Romanesque Church Great St. Martin: An imposing edifice from the Middle Ages
• Historic City Hall Tower: A terrific vantage point
• Romano-Germanic Museum: A collection of ancient Roman relics
• Wallraf Richartz Museum: An art gallery displaying medieval Cologne paintings
• Museum Ludwig: An exhibit of modern art, including Picasso's work
• Pixies' Fountain: An architectural gem
• Alter Markt: A bustling square for people-watching and sampling local food

Day trips and tours

Cologne is a very walkable city, with most attractions within walking distance of each other. The Old Town is a great place to start, with its cobbled streets, colourful houses, quaint cafes, and historic sights. The iconic Cologne Cathedral is a must-see, and it's free to enter. The cathedral is one of the largest in Europe and highlights High Gothic architecture.

The Historic Altstadt (Old Town) Tour is a great way to explore the area, including the Romanesque Church of Great St. Martin, the Historic City Hall Tower, the Romano-Germanic Museum, the Wallraf Richartz Museum, the Museum Ludwig, Pixies' Fountain, and Alter Markt.

Another option is to take a casual stroll along the Rhine River. Cross the river in a boat and admire the views of the city, including the Cologne Cathedral, Media Harbour, Rheinuferpromenade, and Königsallee shopping boulevard. Visit the scenic Rheinpark, which offers panoramic views of the river from the Cologne Rhine Cable Car.

For those interested in history, the National Socialism Documentation Centre (EL-DE Haus) details Cologne's role during the Nazi regime. The centre has over 30 multimedia stations and offers a harrowing yet interesting look into this dark period.

The Fragrance Museum is also worth a visit. This is where the first Eau de Cologne was created in the 18th century, and it is the oldest intact perfume factory in the world.

If you're looking for something more active, consider a bike tour of the city. This 15km route takes you to see the Rheinpark, Hohenzollern Bridge, and the cathedral, among other sights.

For foodies, a gastronomical tour of Cologne's eclectic food scene is a must. The city offers al-fresco cafes, rooftop eateries, and fine-dining restaurants. Some recommended restaurants include Hanse Stube, Le Moissonnier, FRÜH am Dom, Gaststätte Lommerzheim, and Peters Brauhaus.

Finally, for chocolate lovers, a visit to the Lindt Chocolate Museum is a must. Learn about the history of chocolate and indulge in some chocolatey treats!

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