Exploring Cologne On Sundays: Things To Do And See

Cologne, or Köln, is a city in Germany with a lot of attractions to visit on a Sunday. The city has a rich history, dating back to Roman times, and played a crucial role during World War II. Despite being largely destroyed during the war, Cologne has been rebuilt and is now a popular tourist destination. Here are some of the best things to do in Cologne on a Sunday:

- Visit the Cologne Cathedral: This Gothic cathedral is almost 157 meters tall and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features stunning architecture, intricate stained glass windows, and intricate carvings.

- Stroll through the Old Town: Explore the charming streets of the Old Town, filled with colourful historic buildings, breweries, pubs, and restaurants serving local cuisine.

- Feel the love at Hohenzollern Bridge: Put a love lock on this iconic bridge and enjoy the view of the Cologne Cathedral and the Rhine River.

- Explore the Historic Churches: Cologne is home to 12 Romanesque churches, including St. Maria im Kapitol and St. Gereon's Basilica, each with its unique design and historical significance.

- Take a boat ride on the Rhine: See the city from a different perspective and enjoy the summer weather with a boat tour along the river.

- Visit the Chocolate Museum: Learn about the history of chocolate and indulge in chocolate treats at this sweet museum.

- Relax at the Botanical Garden: Discover the beauty of nature at the Botanical Garden, spanning 11.5 hectares with vibrant colours, fragrant blooms, and lush greenery.

- Discover Street Art in Ehrenfeld: Spot trendy graffiti and mural pieces in the Belgian quarter and Ehrenfeld while exploring the city by bike.

- Indulge in Local Cuisine: Try the traditional Kolsch beer and Halve Hahn, a rye bread and gouda cheese dish, at a local brewery or pub.

Visit Cologne Cathedral

Cologne Cathedral is a must-see when visiting Cologne. This towering Gothic cathedral, with its two huge towers, is Germany's most famous religious structure and an iconic symbol of Cologne's skyline. It is open on Sundays from 6 am to 8 pm, offering ample time to explore its grandeur.

The cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Germany's most popular landmark, attracting around 20,000 visitors daily. With its 533 steps leading to the viewing platform, the climb to the top of the south tower is well worth the effort, rewarding visitors with breathtaking views of the city. The climb takes between 30 and 45 minutes, and costs €8 for adults, with reduced rates for children, students, and persons with special needs.

Inside the cathedral, you will be mesmerised by the stunning stained glass windows, intricate carvings, and remarkable works of art. The Bible Window in the central chapel of the ambulatory is one of the oldest stained-glass windows in the cathedral, dating back to the Middle Ages. Another notable feature is the Shrine of the Three Kings, which contains the relics of the Magi.

The cathedral is also known for its impressive rafters made of iron, which saved it from serious damage during World War II. This iron truss was the largest steel structure in the world in 1860, predating the Eiffel Tower by 30 years.

The construction of the cathedral took over 500 years, finally completing in 1880. Even today, work continues, with a team of around 100 people from the Dombauhütte (cathedral masonry office) dedicated to maintaining this magnificent structure.

When visiting the cathedral, it is important to note the specific dress code. Sleeveless or cropped tops, short shorts or skirts, and offensive symbols are not allowed. Luggage storage is available nearby for a fee, and only small bags are permitted inside.

Explore Cologne's Old Town

Cologne's Old Town (Altstadt) is a must-visit, especially if you're a history buff. Here's a guide to help you explore this charming part of the city:

• Cologne Cathedral: This UNESCO-listed Gothic masterpiece is a must-see. With its towering spires, stained-glass windows, and intricate carvings, it's one of Europe's most popular tourist attractions. Take some time to admire the architecture and climb the 533 steps to the top of the south tower for breathtaking views of the city.
• Roman-Germanic Museum: Just a short walk from the cathedral, you'll find this museum dedicated to the city's Roman past. Peek through the window to see a Roman mosaic floor that once graced the dining room of a merchant, depicting scenes from the life of Dionysus.
• Hohenzollern Bridge: This busy railway bridge is a tourist magnet, not only for its Industrial Age design but also for the thousands of love locks attached to its railings. Take a stroll across the bridge and enjoy the view of the cathedral from the other side.
• Chocolate Museum: A ten-minute walk along the river will bring you to this sweet destination. Here, you can learn about the journey of the cocoa bean and indulge in some delicious treats.
• Fischmarkt and Alter Markt: These two squares are worth visiting to admire the architecture and soak in the history. Fischmarkt, the former fish market, has a charming medieval appearance, while Alter Markt is home to the Old Town's City Hall, with its Renaissance porch dating back to the 1945 bombings.
• Cologne's Romanesque Churches: Twelve large Romanesque churches form a semi-circle around the city centre, and two of the most notable ones are St. Gereon and Groß St. Martin. St. Gereon is known for its decagonal dome, while Groß St. Martin impresses with its modern interior and distinctive exterior of four slender turrets.
• Eau de Cologne: Cologne is famous for its toilet water, and you can visit two notable locations related to this. Head to 4711 on Glockengasse to explore the iconic Eau de Cologne's shop and museum, or visit Farina 1709, where the original Eau de Cologne was created in 1709.
• Rhine River Cruise: For a different perspective of the Old Town, hop on a panoramic city cruise along the Rhine River. This one-hour cruise includes an audio guide and offers classic Rhine views.

Stroll along Rhine Boulevard

The Rhine Boulevard is a fantastic place to visit on a Sunday. You can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the path that runs alongside the Rhine River, taking in breathtaking views of the city and the river. One of the highlights is the stunning view of the famous Cologne Cathedral.

Along the Boulevard, you'll find plenty of restaurants, cafes, and places to hang out, creating a lively and enjoyable atmosphere. There are also parks and green spaces where you can relax and enjoy a picnic. It's a popular spot for walking, running, biking, or simply soaking in the surroundings. You can even take a boat ride to explore the sights from a different perspective or sit and watch the world go by.

Whether you're seeking a peaceful escape from the city or an entertaining evening out, the Rhine Boulevard has something for everyone. It's the perfect place to spend a relaxing Sunday in Cologne.

• Start your walk from the Cologne Cathedral: The stunning Gothic architecture of the cathedral will leave you mesmerised. You can climb the steps to the top of the south tower for a panoramic view of the city.
• Explore the nearby attractions: The Boulevard is within walking distance of several attractions, including the Old Town, the Roman Germanic Museum, and the Cologne Chocolate Museum.
• Enjoy the natural surroundings: Take advantage of the parks and green spaces along the Boulevard. Relax on the grass, have a picnic, or go for a leisurely bike ride.
• Indulge in culinary delights: Treat yourself to a meal at one of the many restaurants or cafes along the Boulevard. You can also try the local delicacy, Halve Hahn (rye bread with butter, tomatoes, sliced onions, and gouda cheese).
• Capture memorable photos: The Rhine Boulevard offers a unique perspective of the city and the river. Don't forget to capture stunning photos of the Cologne Cathedral and the picturesque surroundings.
• Take a boat ride: For a different perspective, hop on a boat at the nearby jetties and enjoy a cruise along the Rhine River. You'll glide past iconic landmarks and enjoy the city's beauty from the water.
• Visit on a Sunday morning: Sundays are an excellent time to stroll along the Rhine Boulevard as the city takes on a quieter atmosphere with shops closed. It's the perfect opportunity to explore the city at a relaxed pace.

Visit the Chocolate Museum

The Chocolate Museum in Cologne is a great place to visit on a Sunday, with opening hours from 10 am to 6 pm. It is one of the most popular museums in the Rheinauhafen area, attracting about 650,000 visitors annually. The museum offers a comprehensive and interactive exhibition on the history and making of chocolate, spread across 4,000 square metres.

The History of the Museum

The museum was founded by German chocolatier Hans Imhoff in 1993, and was initially known as the Imhoff-Stollwerck Chocolate Museum. In 2006, Lindt & Sprüngli joined as partners, and the museum received its current name in 2017. The concept of a museum dedicated to chocolate was initially viewed with scepticism, but its popularity was assured after an experimental exhibition featuring a chocolate fountain attracted five times more visitors than expected.

What to See and Do

The museum offers a range of interactive and informative exhibits, including a walk-through greenhouse, a famous chocolate fountain with 200 kilograms of chocolate, a collection of historic porcelain and silver, exhibits from pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, and historical industrial machinery. Visitors can also observe the modern chocolate-making process in the glass-walled production facility and chocolate workshop, and even create their own customised chocolates (though there may be a wait of 1-2 hours for these).

There is also a cafe with a view of the Rhine, serving a range of chocolate treats, including chocolate fondue, drinking chocolates, and cakes.

Practical Information

The Chocolate Museum is located at Am Schokoladenmuseum 1A, 50678 Cologne, and can be easily reached with a short walk from the Heumarkt tram stop. Tickets can be purchased online or at the museum, with prices ranging from €4.50 for a public guided tour to €48 for a chocolate-making workshop. The museum is closed on Mondays from January to March and in November, and has different opening hours during the Carnival.

Take a boat trip on the Rhine

Taking a boat trip on the Rhine is a fantastic way to experience Cologne from a different perspective. You can choose from a range of boat tours, including short sightseeing tours and longer cruises that include food and drinks. The boats have different routes with various pick-up and drop-off spots, so you can explore different parts of the city.

The boats usually have an open-air top deck and a comfortable cabin, and some even have an onboard bar where you can purchase drinks such as the local Koelsch beer. As you sail along the Rhine, you'll be treated to stunning views of Cologne's iconic landmarks, including the Cologne Cathedral, the Old Town, and the Hohenzollern Bridge. The audio guides on board will also provide interesting facts and insights into the city's rich history.

If you opt for a longer cruise, you can enjoy a coffee break, dancing, or a romantic dinner while sailing past the picturesque riverbanks and park areas. The boats typically operate from late March or early April to the end of October, with the high season being from late April to early October. So, if you're looking for a relaxing and enjoyable way to spend your Sunday in Cologne, a boat trip on the Rhine is an excellent choice.

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