A Weekend In Cologne: The Perfect Itinerary

With its Gothic architecture, famous cathedral, museums, and unique beer scene, Cologne is the perfect European city break. Here is a guide to spending a weekend in this laid-back, joyful, and beautifully gothic German city.

Explore the Old Town and Old Market

Exploring Cologne's Old Town and Old Market (Alter Markt) is one of the best things to do in the city. With its historical architectural design, the Old Town never loses its allure. The city centre was once in ruins during World War II, but it has since been rebuilt.

The Old St. Alban Memorial, the Archaeological Zone, and the Stapelhaus, a marketplace with a lot of history and medieval charm, are all worth seeing. The Old Market is also home to traditional German architecture and historical monuments.

The Old Market is also a great place to visit in December for the annual Christmas market, with food stalls, fairy lights, and skating rinks. Even if you're not visiting during the Christmas season, the daily markets held here are worth seeing.

This is also where you'll find the colourful Instagram houses in Cologne. These houses are one of the top things to see in the city.

The Old Town is also home to several traditional breweries, or "Brauhäus", where you can sample the local beer, "Kölsch", and traditional German food.

The Fischmarkt, a row of prettily painted buildings adjacent to the Rhine, is another must-see in the Old Town. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants in the area, offering stunning views of the river.

From the Fischmarkt, you can wander through the narrow alleyways to the heart of the Old Town, the Alter Market. This is a great place to try Kölsch, as each brewery in the Alter Market will be competing for your custom. Just remember that when you've finished your drink, you need to cap it with a beer mat to signal that you don't want a refill!

The Old Town is also a great place to start a walking tour of Cologne. You can learn about the city's rich history and discover hidden gems that aren't listed in guidebooks.

Visit the Schokoladen Museum

The Schokoladen Museum (Chocolate Museum) is a must-visit for chocolate lovers. The museum showcases the entire history of chocolate, from its early origins with the Olmecs, Maya, and Aztecs to modern-day production methods and products. It is located in the Cologne quarter of Altstadt-Süd on the Rheinauhafen peninsula, in the city centre.

The museum is entirely self-sufficient, receiving no subsidies, and is among the top ten most-visited museums in Germany, attracting 650,000 visitors annually. It was founded by Cologne chocolate manufacturer Hans Imhoff and opened on 31 October 1993. The museum building is an impressive structure, symbolising postmodern ship motifs.

The exhibition space spans 4,000 square metres, featuring a miniature production facility that demonstrates how industrial chocolate production works. Visitors can observe the chocolate-making process and receive small chocolate bars at the entrance. A unique feature is the 3-metre-tall chocolate fountain, where employees dip wafers into liquid chocolate for visitors to enjoy.

In addition to the interactive displays, the museum offers several tours, including one on the history of chocolate and another on its modern production techniques. Visitors can also learn about the roots of chocolate in Mayan and Aztec cultures. The museum provides an insightful glimpse into the world of chocolate, making it a sweet and educational stop during your weekend in Cologne.

To make the most of your visit, consider the following tips:

• Get there early, especially if visiting on a weekend, as it is one of the most popular attractions in Cologne.
• Book your tickets online in advance to avoid waiting times.
• Start your day with a sweet breakfast at the Chocolat Grand Cafe, located within the museum. This way, you can skip the queues and enter the museum with a full belly.
• Visit the gift shop, which offers a wide array of chocolate products and pralines, including personalised chocolates as unique souvenirs.

Admire the Cologne Cathedral

The Cologne Cathedral, or Kölner Dom, is Germany's most visited landmark and the historical and spiritual heart of the city. It is a Gothic architectural masterpiece and a Unesco World Heritage site. The current structure dates back to the 1200s, but it was only finished in 1880. Despite the damage inflicted by World War II, the towers of the cathedral remained standing tall.

The cathedral is free to access, and inside, you will find a wealth of treasures, including the Shrine of the Three Kings, medieval stained-glass windows, and a modern abstract design by contemporary artist Gerhard Richter. Those seeking a panoramic view of the city and the Rhine can climb the 533 steps up the Dom's south spire.

Guided tours of the cathedral are available through Domführungen Köln, offering a range of options such as an excavation tour under the cathedral, a night tour, a rooftop tour, and a bell tower tour. For English speakers, there is a small additional charge for the English group tour.

The cathedral is also surrounded by other notable sites. Behind it, you will find the Hohenzollern Bridge, spanning the Rhine River and adorned with colourful 'love locks'. A short walk across the bridge will lead you to the Köln Triangle, one of Cologne's tallest buildings, offering dramatic views of the cathedral and the city from its observation deck.

If you wish to explore further, there are many riverboat cruises that offer sightseeing trips along the Rhine, providing a different perspective of the cathedral and the city.

Stroll along the Rhine

The Rhine River offers a multitude of activities suitable for every traveller. Flowing gracefully through Cologne, the Rhine is a great place to start your exploration of the city. Embark on a relaxing river cruise to witness the cityscape unfold along its shimmering waters. Choose from 1-3 hour options, or take an evening cruise to see the city lights. If you prefer to explore by foot, opt for a stroll along the Rheinboulevard, or rent a bike for a breezy ride through the sun-dappled paths. Don't forget to stop for a refreshing Kölsch beer, the city's signature brew, while soaking in the sights.

For an elevated perspective, hop on the Cologne Cable Car (Kölner Seilbahn) and glide over the Rhine. This unique journey above the river offers incredible panoramas, allowing you to appreciate Cologne's beauty from new heights. If you're an early bird, head to the river in the morning to enjoy scenic views before the crowds arrive.

The Rhine is also a great place to enjoy Cologne's vibrant food scene. Indulge in the local delicacy, Halve Hahn (thick slices of Gouda cheese served with raw onion, butter and bread), or try Himmel un Ääd (fried black pudding, chunky apple puree and mashed potato). Pair your meal with a glass (or three) of Kölsch beer, a speciality cold ale only brewed in Cologne and served in traditional 0.2l glasses. For an authentic experience, check out the beer halls like Peters Brauhaus or Früh am Dom.

After your meal, walk off those calories with a stroll along the peaceful promenade beside the Rhine. Here, you'll discover a wonderfully peaceful part of the city. Via the old city outskirts, you can walk through the greenest part of Cologne, exploring the beautiful August Sander Park and the romantic Stadtgarten, and even take a mini walk through the woods. End your day with a sunset walk along the river and admire the city skyline as the evening lights up the magnificent Cologne Cathedral.

Sample the local delicacies

Cologne's local cuisine is simple but hearty, and usually best served with a cold glass of the local Kölsch beer. Many traditional dishes may be slightly confusing to visitors due to the poetic or satirical names they have gained over the years. Here are some of the local delicacies you should try when in Cologne:

Himmel un Ääd

A dish dating back to the 18th century, consisting of black pudding, fried onions, mashed potato and apple sauce. The name, which translates as 'Heaven and Earth', refers to two of the main ingredients: apples, which come from the trees up towards the sky, and potatoes, which come from the ground.

Halve Hahn

A simple dish consisting of a rye bread roll with butter, a thick slice of mature Dutch cheese, raw onion and mustard. The name, which means 'half chicken', dates back to the 1800s as a parody of the few guests in a beer house who could afford poultry. This dish appears on almost every beer house menu in the city and is a popular afternoon snack to accompany a glass or two of Kölsch.

Kölscher Kaviar (Cologne Caviar)

A cultural parody similar to Halve Hahn, this dish is made up of blood sausage with a rye roll, mustard and onion. The name originated as a satire of high society by the coarser patrons of beer houses.

Schnitzel

A traditional German dish where meats such as pork and veal are pounded out until thin, coated with breadcrumbs and then fried. For a local twist, head to family-owned Bei Oma Kleinmann, or spend the night drinking Kölsch with the locals at Brauhaus Pütz in the Belgian Quarter, where you can find a top-quality classic schnitzel.

Rhenish Sauerbraten

A Cologne/Rhein region variation of the German dish Sauerbraten, where vinegar-soaked beef is served with a sweet lingonberry and raisin gravy, potato pancakes and apple sauce.

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