Cologne's Ultimate Bucket List Experiences

Cologne, or Köln, is a city in Germany that has something for everyone. From stunning architecture to delicious cuisine and everything in between, here are some must-dos when visiting the city.

- Visit the Cologne Cathedral (Kolner Dom) – one of the most visited landmarks in Germany and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

- Explore the Old Town (Altstadt) – wander down cute cobblestone alleyways filled with pastel-coloured buildings, boutiques, galleries and cafes.

- Indulge in the local beer, Kölsch – visit Früh am Dom, probably Cologne’s most famous beer house, for a refreshing Kölsch.

- Wander over Love Lock Bridge (Hohenzollern Bridge) – in the last ten years, the bridge has become a 'love lock' bridge, where couples lock their padlocks to demonstrate their devotion and love.

- Visit the Ludwig Museum – set up by Peter and Irene Ludwig in the 1980s, the museum exhibits iconic post-1900 works from Pop Art to Picassos.

- Indulge at the Cologne Chocolate Museum – a paradise for chocolate lovers, the museum explores the history of chocolate through interactive displays and live demonstrations.

- Take a Rhine Boat Trip – float under Hohenzollern Bridge and take in the views of the twin-spired Cathedral and Old Town buildings.

Explore the historic old town

Cologne's Old Town (Altstadt) is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. With its cobblestone alleyways, colourful buildings, and diverse dining and shopping options, it offers a glimpse into the city's resilient post-war ambiance. Here are some highlights and things to do in the Historic Old Town:

• Cologne's Twelve Romanesque Churches: One of the most famous is Gross St. Martin, a Romanesque church with a distinctive crossing tower that dominates the Old Town skyline. The original church was built between 1150 and 1250 and was altered several times before being badly damaged during World War II. Extensive post-war restoration revealed the church's Roman foundations, which can now be seen.
• Cologne's Old Town Hall (Kölner Rathaus): The oldest public building in Germany, known for its unique mooning statue on one of the towers in the Alter Markt.
• Roman City Gates: Of the twelve medieval city gates, three are still in use today.
• Jan von Werth Fountain: Located near the Old Marketplace and Cologne City Hall, this elegant fountain is a great spot to relax and enjoy the surrounding Renaissance architecture.
• Great Food and Drinks: The Old Town is known for its traditional German cuisine and beer houses (Bierhäuser). Früh am Dom, for example, is a famous beer house serving the traditional Kölsch beer.
• Shopping: Schildergasse, one of Europe's busiest shopping streets, offers a mix of department stores, small independents, and international chains. For a more unique shopping experience, explore the Belgian Quarter, known for its quirky independent stores and innovative fashion designers.

Visit the Chocolate Museum

The Chocolate Museum is Cologne's most popular cultural attraction, with around 600,000 people visiting each year. It was established in 1972 by chocolatier Hans Imhoff and explores the history of chocolate through interactive displays and live demonstrations. The museum guides you through the journey from the bitter drink enjoyed by the Maya, Aztecs and Olmecs to modern-day chocolate.

As well as the fascinating displays, you can also enjoy treats 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 the museum.

In addition to learning about chocolate, you can watch the process of making chocolate bars in the Production Room. At the Chocolate Studio, you can even customise your chocolate bar with your desired ingredients, making it the perfect souvenir to take home.

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.

Before leaving the museum, stop by the Chocolate Grand Cafe for a slice of freshly baked chocolate cake and a hot drink.

Wander over Love Lock Bridge

A wander over Hohenzollern Bridge, also known as Love Lock Bridge, is a must-do when visiting Cologne. The bridge is adorned with half a million love locks, providing scenic views of the river and a bustling railway. It is ideal for a romantic stroll and cityscape photography.

The tradition of attaching padlocks to the bridge began in late summer 2008, and since then, the number of locks has increased dramatically. In 2011, there were 40,000 padlocks, but today, the number is likely to be eight times higher.

Each lock represents a moment. Behind every lock is a story, a moment when people made a promise to each other or wanted to set a sign: for love, friendship, gratitude, fellowship, or even a memory of a beautiful time.

The keys of the love locks attached to the bridge are thrown into the Rhine River below, symbolising the indestructibility of the love between the couple.

A stroll across the bridge to the Deutz side of the river and back is well worth it, especially on sunny days, not only because of the love locks but also because of the fantastic panorama of the city centre and the Rhine.

You can start your walk directly behind the Museum Ludwig and the Philharmonic Hall. From the other side, from Deutz, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Cologne's city centre, with the Hohenzollern Bridge and the Cathedral behind it, as well as a view of Cologne's Old Town to the left.

If you want to find a spot to attach your own lock, head to the northern footpath, which still offers lots of space for eternal love.

section of the Rhine known as the Rhine Promenade

The Rhine Promenade

The Rhine Promenade, or the Rheinpromenade, is a public pedestrian pathway that runs along the banks of the Rhine in Cologne's Old Town. It offers stunning views of the Cologne Cathedral and the Hohenzollern Bridge, two of the city's most iconic landmarks. The promenade is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, with many cyclists, Segway riders, and inline skaters enjoying the scenic route.

The Rhine Promenade is known for its picturesque gabled houses and old churches, as well as the many inns, shops, breweries, and squares that line the banks of the Rhine. It is a great place to stroll, relax, and take in the medieval architecture and river views.

For those looking to explore the Rhine by boat, the Rhine Promenade is also a popular departure point for panoramic boat tours. These tours offer a unique perspective on Cologne's famous sights, including the Cologne Cathedral and the Hohenzollern Bridge.

The Rhine Promenade is easily accessible on foot from the cathedral, by crossing the Hohenzollern Bridge, adorned with countless love locks. Alternatively, you can reach it by train from Deutz station, which is just 500 metres away.

Whether you're looking to stroll, cycle, or sail along the Rhine, the Rhine Promenade is a must-visit destination when exploring Cologne.

section of the Rhine known as the Rhine Promenade

Rhine Promenade

The Rhine Promenade, or 'Rheinpromenade', is a public pedestrian pathway built along the river, offering stunning views of the Cologne Cathedral and the Hohenzollern Bridge. It is the perfect spot for a leisurely walk, especially in the early morning when the city is just waking up. From the Rhine Promenade, you can watch the barges and river cruises sail down the Rhine and capture memorable photos of the iconic Cologne view.

The Rhine Promenade is easily accessible on foot from the cathedral over the Hohenzollern Bridge, adorned with countless love locks. Alternatively, you can reach it by train from Deutz station in just 500 metres.

The banks of the Rhine are a popular meeting place for both locals and visitors, with many inns, shops, breweries and squares to explore. The picturesque gabled houses and old churches along the promenade provide popular photo opportunities. For a different perspective, you can take a panoramic boat trip to see Cologne's famous sights from the river.

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