Exploring Cologne In A Day: Is It Enough?

Cologne, or Köln, is a city in western Germany famed for its Gothic cathedral, which was once the tallest building in the world. The city is also known for its Roman history, lively beer culture, and chocolate. Cologne is quite compact, making it a perfect destination for a weekend break.

One day is enough to explore the basics of Cologne, including its major attractions. The city has a relaxed vibe and a mix of old and modern architecture. In 24 hours, you can stroll along the Rhine, visit the historic city centre, learn about the beer scene, and explore hidden gems.

- Start your day at the Fischmarkt, admiring the candy-hued houses and the Great Saint Martin church.

- Visit the Kölner Dom, or Cologne Cathedral, one of the city's most famous landmarks.

- Take a boat tour on the Rhine River.

- Explore the Old Town, including the Old Town Hall and medieval city gates.

- Visit the Chocolate Museum to learn about the history of chocolate and enjoy free samples.

- Cross the Hohenzollern Bridge, one of the world's few Love Lock bridges, with over 400,000 padlocks attached.

- End your day with a sunset view from the Triangle Tower or a relaxing cruise down the Rhine River.

Cologne Cathedral

The cathedral is located in the Old Town (Altstadt) of Cologne, the largest city in the North Rhine-Westphalia region. It is a short walk from the main train station, Cologne Central Station (Köln Hauptbahnhof). The best time to visit the cathedral is early in the morning, as it tends to get crowded later in the day. There are 533 steps to the top of the south tower, which offer panoramic views of the city and the Rhine River. Along the way, visitors can see eight of the cathedral's 12 bells, including the 24-ton St. Peter's Bell (Petersglocke). The entrance to the tower is on the right side of the main entrance, and tickets cost €6.

The cathedral's stunning facade features intricate stone carvings, spires, and flying buttresses. It houses a rich collection of church relics dating from the Middle Ages, including the Shrine of the Three Kings, a golden sarcophagus that holds the crowned skulls and clothes of the Three Wise Men. Another notable treasure is the Gero Cross (Gero Kreuz), the oldest crucifix north of the Alps, carved in 976.

The original liturgical appointments of the choir are still largely intact, including the high altar, the carved oak choir stalls (1308-11), the painted choir screens (1332-40), the fourteen statues on the pillars in the choir (c. 1300), and the great cycle of stained-glass windows from the early 14th century.

Roman History

Cologne, Germany, is a city steeped in Roman history. Founded in 38 BC, it was a Roman colony and later became the capital of the Roman province of Germania Inferior (Lower Germania). The original name of the city was "Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium", eventually shortened to Colonia and then Cologne. The city was elevated to this status in 50 AD by Emperor Claudius at the request of his wife, Agrippina, who was born in the city.

Cologne has several remnants of its Roman past. The Romano-Germanic Museum in the heart of Old Town houses a large collection of Roman artefacts, including glassware, amphorae, jewellery, and a tomb dating back to 40 AD. The showstopper of the museum is a Roman mosaic crafted from a million pieces of glass, stone, and ceramics. This mosaic was discovered in 1941 during excavations to build an air-raid shelter.

Another significant Roman site in Cologne is the Praetorium, which served as the headquarters of the army and later as a palace for Roman governors. It is located under the City Hall and features intricate mosaics, stones with inscriptions, pottery, floorings, and remnants of Roman sewers.

The city also boasts 12 Romanesque churches, many with Roman roots. The Great St Martin Church, for example, was built on an island in Roman times on top of ancient warehouses, and the base of these structures can still be seen today.

Additionally, there are fragments of the old Roman city walls scattered throughout Cologne, with the most beautiful section being the Römerturm, renowned for its brilliant masonry.

Excavations and construction projects in the city continue to uncover more of its Roman history, with plans for a spectacular museum complex in the works to showcase the Roman period and the Middle Ages.

Old Town

Cologne's Old Town, or Altstadt, is the historic part of the city and is a great place to base yourself if you're only visiting for a day. All of the city's famous attractions are conveniently located here, including the iconic Kölner Dom, or Cologne Cathedral.

The Old Town Hall is also located in the Old Town. Known as the Historisches Rathaus zu Köln, it is the oldest city hall building in all of Germany, with parts of the building dating back to the 14th century.

The Old Town is also home to the famous Fischmarkt, or fish market. These colourful buildings are some of the most attractive and picturesque in the city and are a great spot to sit by the Rhine River. The market dates back to the 13th century when it would have been situated between the city walls and the Church of St Martin. The church you can see from the Fischmarkt is not the cathedral, but the Great Saint Martin church.

Near the Fischmarkt, you'll find the Hahnen Gate, a medieval gate that has been restored to how it looked during the medieval period when Cologne was a thriving market town.

If you're looking for a place to eat in the Old Town, head to Brauhaus Früh, which serves traditional German food and its own Kölsch, the local beer of Cologne.

Boat Tour

Cologne's position on the River Rhine has made it an important city for centuries. A boat tour is a great way to see the city from a different perspective and enjoy the gentle rhythm of the swirling waters.

There are many boat tours to choose from, including romantic evening cruises, panoramic tours with views of the city's sights, and musical tours. You can also take a round trip to the Crane Houses, past the Chocolate Museum, or a day trip to small neighbouring towns down to the picturesque Siebengebirge hills.

• Rhine River Cruise: A popular choice, this cruise takes you past iconic sights such as the Cologne Cathedral and the Great St. Martin Church. You can book this cruise with an optional audio guide.
• Panoramic City Cruise: Certified by GetYourGuide, this cruise offers stunning views of Cologne's landmarks and historical commentary.
• 3-Hour Harbour Tour Cruise: For a longer option, this cruise takes you on a journey through the harbour, offering a different perspective of the city.
• Rhine Cruise Between Cathedral and Rodenkirchen: Focusing on the iconic Cathedral, this cruise takes you between two of Cologne's most famous landmarks.
• City Cruise on the Rhine along Old Town: This cruise takes you through the historic Old Town, offering a glimpse into the city's rich history.
• 2-Hour Evening Cruise on the Rhine River: Experience the magic of Cologne by night on this evening cruise, with the city lights reflecting on the water.
• Rhine River Cruise with Live Music: Enjoy the sights and sounds of Cologne with live music on this unique cruise.
• Winter Afternoon Boat Cruise on the Rhine: During the winter months, this cruise offers a cosy way to experience the city, with festive music and stunning winter views.

Whether you choose a relaxing daytime cruise or a romantic evening tour, a boat trip is a great way to explore Cologne and its surrounding areas.

Local Food and Drink

Cologne's local cuisine is simple and hearty, and it goes well with a cold glass of the local beer, Kölsch. The city has a vibrant restaurant scene, with over 1,000 restaurants, more than 100 bars, 700 pubs, and several food festivals. The food ranges from vegan to hearty, from home cooking to gourmet dining. Here is a list of local dishes and drinks to try and places to visit when in Cologne:

• Halver Hahn: This traditional sandwich can be found on almost every menu in Cologne's brewhouses and pubs. It is an open-faced rye bun with butter, thick slices of gouda cheese, and raw onion. In the brewhouses, it is customary for customers to assemble the sandwich themselves from the ingredients provided on a plate.
• Himmel un Ääd or Heaven and Earth: This traditional dish from Cologne is made of mashed potatoes and apples, usually served with bacon, onions, and black pudding.
• Reibekuchen: Reibekuchen are potato pancakes that are often served at German Christmas markets, either plain or with apple sauce. In Cologne, they are commonly paired with dark rye bread and salmon in brewhouses, pubs, and traditional restaurants.
• Erbsensuppe: This is a local pea soup, often served in to-go containers during outdoor events, especially during the Karneval festivities when temperatures are low.
• Kölsch: The local beer of Cologne, Kölsch, is a light, pale yellow beer with subtle fruity notes, typically served in slender 0.2L glasses. In Cologne's unique brewery restaurant culture, the person serving the beer, known as the Köbes, will automatically bring you a fresh glass of Kölsch whenever your current one is finished, unless you decline by placing the beer coaster on top of your glass.
• Brauhaus Früh: This is the most famous restaurant in Cologne, known for its traditional German food and its own brew of Kölsch.
• Gaffel am Dom: Located near the local football team's grounds, this beer hall serves excellent Kölsch and delicious food, with a lively atmosphere and live bands on weekends.
• Brauhaus Em Kölsche Boor: Located a little further from the city centre, this is one of the oldest Kölsch breweries in Cologne, known for its amazing food.
• Peters Brauhaus: Another great beer hall for Kölsch and German food, especially recommended for its outdoor seating in the summer.
• Cologne Chocolate Museum: This museum, located on the banks of the Rhine River, is dedicated to the history, production, and cultural significance of chocolate. It features a small Tropicarium with cacao trees and a 3-metre-tall chocolate fountain, where you can sample the chocolate on a wafer.
• Farina Duftmuseum: This museum is dedicated to the history of perfume and is situated opposite the oldest fragrance factory still standing.

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