Heidi Norton
Cologne, or Köln, is a German city with a lot to offer. From its famous cathedral to its chocolate museum, there's something for everyone. Here are some of the must-do experiences in Cologne:
- Visit the Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) and climb the 533 steps to the top for a bird's-eye view of the city.
- Wander through the Altstadt (Old Town) and explore the cobblestone alleyways, colourful buildings, and medieval city gates.
- Cross the Rhine River on the Kölner Seilbahn (cable car) and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
- Indulge in the sweet treats at the Chocolate Museum (Schokoladenmuseum Köln) and learn about the history of chocolate.
- Take a relaxing boat tour on the Rhine River and admire the city from a different perspective.
- Explore the Belgian Quarter, known for its trendy boutiques, galleries, cafes, and bars.
- Sample the local Kölsch beer at a traditional beer house like Früh am Dom.
- Discover the history of perfume at the Farina Fragrance Museum (Haus Farina).
- Admire the Romanesque church, Gross St. Martin, with its distinctive crossing tower.
- Stroll along the Rhine Promenade and enjoy the music, food, and beautiful views of the city skyline.
- Visit the Romano-Germanic Museum and learn about the Roman settlements that once existed in Cologne.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cathedral | Climb the 533 steps to the top of the Gothic Cologne Cathedral for killer views of the city. |
| Old Town | Wander down cute cobblestone alleyways filled with pastel-coloured buildings, now home to restaurants, boutiques, galleries and cafes. |
| Love Lock Bridge | Hohenzollern Bridge has become a 'love lock' bridge in the last ten years. |
| Boat Trip | Float under Hohenzollern Bridge and take in the views of the twin-spired Cathedral and Old Town buildings. |
| Chocolate Museum | Indulge at the Chocolate Museum, visited by around 600,000 people each year. |
| Fragrance Museum | As the birthplace of Eau de Cologne, the Fragrance Museum offers a fascinating journey into the world of perfume. |
| Botanical Garden | Cologne Botanical Garden is a true oasis in the heart of the city. |
| Belgian Quarter | With its unique atmosphere and lively street scene, Cologne's Belgian Quarter is the perfect destination for a leisurely stroll, shopping, or a night out. |
What You'll Learn
Visit the Old Town
Cologne's Old Town (Altstadt) is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. With its cobblestone alleyways, pastel-coloured buildings, and stunning views of the river Rhine, it's the perfect place to spend a leisurely afternoon. Here are some highlights and things to do in the Old Town:
- Wander the cobblestone alleyways: Explore the narrow lanes, discovering hidden gems like boutiques, galleries, cafes, and restaurants.
- Admire the Romanesque church, Gross St. Martin: This imposing church, with its distinctive crossing tower, is one of the twelve Romanesque churches in the Old Town. Its rich history and architecture make it a must-see.
- Discover Cologne's medieval city gates: Three of the twelve original gates are still in use today.
- Visit Cologne's Old Town Hall: Known as Kölner Rathaus, it is the oldest public building in Germany. Keep an eye out for the mooning statue on one of the towers at City Hall in the Alter Markt.
- Enjoy a coffee or a meal: The Old Town is filled with traditional restaurants serving delicious German cuisine. It's also a great place to sit, relax, and watch the world go by while enjoying a coffee.
- Join a guided tour: A guided walking tour is a great way to learn about the history of the Old Town and discover hidden gems. Local English-speaking guides can provide fascinating insights and recommendations.
- Shop on Schildergasse: One of Europe's busiest shopping streets, Schildergasse offers a mix of department stores, independent shops, and international chains.
- Take a Rhine boat trip: See the Old Town from a different perspective by taking a boat trip on the Rhine. Daytime and evening dinner cruises are available.
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Explore the Chocolate Museum
The Chocolate Museum in Cologne is a paradise for chocolate lovers and the city's most popular cultural attraction, attracting around 600,000 visitors annually. The museum, established in 1972 by chocolatier Hans Imhoff, explores the history of this beloved sweet treat through interactive displays and live demonstrations. It guides you on a journey from the bitter drink enjoyed by the Maya, Aztecs and Olmecs to modern-day chocolate.
As well as fascinating displays, you can also enjoy chocolate delights in the museum's cafe, which has a large terrace overlooking the Rhine River. The highlight of your visit will be the massive chocolate fountain filled with 200kg of smooth, liquid Lindt chocolate.
The museum is located on the River Rhine and offers a fascinating insight into chocolate and its history. Some boat tours allow you to hop off right next to this sweet attraction. You can watch the process of making chocolate bars in the Production Room and, at the Chocolate Studio, you can even customise your own chocolate bar with your desired ingredients, making it the perfect souvenir.
A beautiful golden replica of a cacao bean plant is at the museum's heart. As you approach, you'll witness a mesmerising flow of silky milk chocolate cascading into a pool of delectable sweetness. And if you're lucky, you may have the opportunity to savour a delicious waffle coated in chocolate, free of charge.
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Climb the Cathedral
Climbing the south tower of Cologne Cathedral is a must-do in the city. The Gothic cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most visited landmarks in Germany. It is also one of the tallest churches in the world.
Climbing the 533 steps to the top of the tower is challenging, but the views are worth the effort. The staircase is narrow and there is two-way traffic, but you'll be rewarded with killer views of Cologne and the River Rhine. You'll also have earned the ice cream you eat afterwards!
The climb is not for the faint-hearted or unfit – there is no elevator, and it costs a few euros to climb the tower. Ear defenders are provided on Sundays as you pass through the bell tower.
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Wander over Love Lock Bridge
The Hohenzollern Bridge, or "Love Lock Bridge", is a must-see when visiting Cologne. The bridge is adorned with hundreds of thousands of love locks, each with a story to tell. Since 2008, couples, friends, and individuals have been attaching padlocks to the bridge's railing and throwing the keys into the Rhine River below to symbolise their everlasting love. This romantic gesture has transformed the bridge into a colourful mosaic of locks, each with its own unique engravings, photographs, and motifs.
A Symbol of Love
A stroll across the Hohenzollern Bridge is a unique experience. You will be surrounded by declarations of love, friendship, gratitude, and memories. Take your time to admire the locks and reflect on the stories behind them. You might even want to bring your own lock to add to the bridge, immortalising your love or friendship.
A Panoramic View
In addition to the locks, the bridge offers stunning panoramic views of Cologne. From the bridge, you can take in the cityscape, including the Cologne Cathedral, the Rhine River, and the historic Old Town. The bridge is particularly picturesque at sunset, when the lighting creates the perfect photo opportunity.
A Historical Landmark
The Hohenzollern Bridge is not just a symbol of love, but also a significant historical landmark in Cologne. Constructed between 1907 and 1911, the bridge has a rich history that dates back to World War II. It is the only bridge in Cologne that was not destroyed by bombs during the war. Today, it stands as a testament to the city's resilience and is one of the most important railway bridges in Germany.
Practical Information
To get to the Hohenzollern Bridge, you can start your walk from the Cologne Central Station, which is just a 3-minute walk away. The footpath begins behind the Museum Ludwig and the Philharmonic Hall. If you're coming from the other side, you can start your stroll from Deutz and enjoy the panoramic view of the city centre.
So, when in Cologne, make sure to wander over the Love Lock Bridge. It's a romantic, captivating, and unforgettable experience.
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Relax at the Botanical Garden
If you're looking for a little peace and quiet during your visit to Cologne, the Cologne Botanical Garden is a true oasis in the heart of the city. Despite the city location, you can enjoy a tranquil walk through nature, admiring the exquisite landscaping and rare plant species.
The garden covers a massive 11.5 hectares (16 football pitches!) and is home to over 12,000 plant species from the themed outdoor gardens to the exotic plants of the tropical greenhouses and elegant Palm House.
The Cologne Botanical Garden is a wonderful opportunity for relaxation in the middle of the busy city, and you can learn a little about the world of flowers and plants at the same time. Admission is free, so this is also one of the best free things to do in Cologne.
This is the oldest and most traditional public park in Cologne, which was established in 1863 and now welcomes over a million visitors every year.
Once separated by a wall, Flora and the Botanical Garden were united in 1920, creating an unforgettable oasis that will leave you mesmerised for days after your trip.
Two enormous new parabolic greenhouses will open in 2024, housing tropical gardens, trails, and an on-site laboratory investigating the evolution of deserts.
Don't miss the lovely Dank Augusta garden café, where the coffee and cakes are a treat.
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Frequently asked questions
Some of the most popular museums in Cologne include the Chocolate Museum, the Museum Ludwig, the Romano-Germanic Museum, the Wallraf-Richartz Museum, and the Farina Fragrance Museum.
The Cologne Cathedral, Hohenzollern Bridge, and the KölnTriangle observation deck are all iconic landmarks in the city.
You can take a boat trip on the Rhine River, explore the Old Town, stroll through the Botanical Garden, or enjoy the city's café culture.
Bei Oma Kleinmann, Hans Im Glück, Oma's Küche, Brauhaus Sünnner im Walfisch, and Haxenhaus are some popular restaurants in Cologne. For cafes, you can try The Coffee Gang, Goodchild Café, and Café Sehnsucht, among others.
