Explore Cologne's Must-See Attractions And Hidden Gems

Cologne, Germany, is a city steeped in history and culture, with plenty of attractions for visitors to enjoy. The city is home to stunning architecture, including the iconic Cologne Cathedral, twelve Romanesque churches from the Middle Ages, and the historic Old Town, with its colourful buildings, cobbled lanes, and preserved cathedral.

Cologne also boasts a vibrant food and drink scene, with traditional German dishes and breweries offering the famous Kölsch beer. The Belgian Quarter is known for its cool bars and delicious restaurants, while the Chocolate Museum offers a sweet treat and insight into the history of chocolate.

For those looking to unwind, Cologne has several parks and green spaces, as well as spas and beach clubs. The Botanical Garden and the Flora botanical garden are particularly noteworthy.

The city also has a rich arts and culture scene, with world-class museums such as the Ludwig Museum, which hosts works by Picasso, and the Wallraf-Richartz Museum, featuring artwork from the 13th to the 19th centuries.

With its charming neighbourhoods, scenic river views, and unique attractions, Cologne is a captivating destination that offers something for everyone.

Explore the historic old town

Cologne's Old Town, or Altstadt-Nord, is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. With its narrow cobbled streets, colourful houses, quaint shops, and cobbled streets, it exudes old-world charm and offers a glimpse into life in centuries past.

Start your day with a stroll along the scenic River Rhine, taking in the stunning architecture of the Old Town. Be sure to check out the Kölner Pegel, a water level meter installed in 1951 to warn of potential floods.

As you make your way to the Old Marketplace near Cologne City Hall, you'll pass by the elegant City Hall Tower and the Jan von Werth Fountain. The Old Marketplace itself is a great place to stop for a cup of coffee or tea and admire the Renaissance buildings in the area.

The Old Town is also home to some of the city's coolest pubs, boutique shopping streets, museums, and historical buildings. Be sure to check out the independent bars, galleries, designers, and bookshops in the neighbourhood of Agnesviertel. This trendy and traditional area combines historical monuments with a bohemian atmosphere.

For a unique perspective on the Old Town, take a boat tour along the Rhine. These typically depart from Hohenzollern Bridge and take you past the charming Old Town, the renovated old harbour district of Rheinauhafen, and the old fishing community of Rodenkirchen.

Cologne's Old Town is a great place to experience the city's laid-back atmosphere and rich history. With its mix of trendy and traditional attractions, it has something to offer every visitor.

Visit the Chocolate Museum

The Chocolate Museum in Cologne is the perfect place to indulge your sweet tooth and learn about the history of chocolate. The museum offers a comprehensive overview of the cultural history of chocolate, from its ancient origins to its modern-day production. With over 4,000 square metres of exhibition space, the museum provides an immersive and interactive experience for visitors of all ages.

The History of Cocoa and Chocolate

The museum showcases the 5,000-year history of cocoa cultivation, featuring a diverse collection of historic items, a walk-through greenhouse, and exhibits from pre-Columbian Mesoamerica. Visitors can learn about the natural history of cocoa, the industrial process of chocolate-making, and the famous chocolate fountain containing 200 kilograms of chocolate.

Interactive Experiences and Tastings

In addition to the exhibits, the museum offers interactive experiences such as a miniature production line and a chocolate atelier, where you can see the transformation of cocoa beans into chocolate. There are also various tasting opportunities throughout the museum, including a chocolate fondue and drinking chocolates. The museum's café offers a relaxing end to your visit with delicious treats and a magnificent view of the Rhine.

Events and Activities

The Chocolate Museum also serves as a unique event space for private parties, weddings, and corporate meetings. They offer guided tours for school classes, chocolate courses, and special events for all ages. With 650,000 visitors annually, the museum is a popular destination for those seeking a sweet and sensory experience.

Discover Cologne's Botanical Garden

Cologne's Botanical Garden, or the Flora und Botanischer Garten Köln, is a lush oasis in the bustling city. With free admission, it is the perfect spot to unwind and explore a diverse array of flora and fauna. Here's everything you need to know about this green paradise.

A Historical Haven

The Botanical Garden boasts a rich history, dating back to 1863 when a private company created Flora Park as a replacement for the older botanical garden near the Cologne Cathedral. Designed by the renowned landscape architect, Peter Joseph Lenné, it showcases a unique mix of French Baroque, Italian Renaissance, and English landscape garden elements. The garden was later acquired by the city and, in 1920, united with the adjacent botanical garden, resulting in a sprawling 11.5-hectare green space.

A Global Botanical Collection

The garden is home to approximately 12,000 plant species from around the world. It features various garden styles, including English landscape, Italian Renaissance, and French Baroque. Stroll along shaded arcades, past cascading waterfalls, serene ponds, and sparkling springs. Discover the alpine plantings, the iris garden, and the lily garden, each offering a unique botanical experience.

Conservation and Research

The botanical garden is not just a pretty space but also serves an important conservation and research purpose. It cultivates nearly 10,000 types of plants, with a remarkable 2,000 species in its alpine garden alone. It boasts impressive collections of magnolias, rhododendrons, coniferous trees, maples, and Hamamelidaceae. Additionally, a medicinal plant garden and a farmer's garden showcase local crops and their traditional uses.

Greenhouses and Exotic Species

The botanical garden also houses four exhibition greenhouses, each with its own unique collection. The main greenhouse transports you to a tropical rainforest, while the small tropical house showcases crops like bamboo, cinnamon, cocoa, and coconut palms. The subtropical house exhibits plants from the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Australia, and the cactus house displays an array of cacti and succulents from desert regions.

Events and Amenities

Throughout the year, the Botanical Garden hosts various events and exhibitions, providing a cultural experience amid the greenery. The garden café, "Dank Augusta," offers a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy a light meal or a refreshing beverage. For those seeking a more formal dining experience, the old "glass palace" has been transformed into an exclusive restaurant.

Take a boat tour

Cologne is a city with a rich history and culture, and one of the best ways to experience it is from the water. The Rhine River, which flows through the city, offers a unique perspective of the sights, panorama, and atmosphere. There are several boat tour companies to choose from, including KölnTourist, KölnDüsseldorfer, and Colonia. You can board these boats at the jetties on the left bank of the Rhine, near the Hohenzollern Bridge.

The most popular route is the one-hour cruise to the old fishing community of Rodenkirchen. This route takes you past the Cologne Cathedral, the spires of the Old Town, the new Rheinauhaufen district, and under four bridges, each with its own interesting history. This cruise is a great way to relax and take in the city's beauty while learning about its past.

If you're looking for a more romantic experience, consider taking an evening cruise. As the sun sets, the Cologne Cathedral lights up green, and the sparkling lights of the city reflect off the gentle waves of the river. It's a magical sight that will leave you with unforgettable memories.

For those interested in history, a panoramic cruise with an audio guide is a great option. You'll get to see the sights while learning about the city's past and the peculiarities of its people. If you're more interested in music, there are also musical tours available.

A boat tour is a must-do when visiting Cologne. It offers a unique perspective of the city and its attractions, combining visits to highlights like the Cathedral, the Old Town, and the Rheinauhafen district. So, whether you're looking for a romantic evening, a historical insight, or a musical journey, a boat tour on the Rhine River is a perfect choice.

Climb the Cologne Cathedral

The Cologne Cathedral is Germany's most visited tourist attraction. It is a towering Gothic cathedral with intricate stained glass and twin spires, set against a backdrop of historic grandeur and ongoing restoration. The cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Climb

The climb to the top of the Cologne Cathedral is a challenging one. There are 533 steps to the observation platform and no elevator, so a certain level of fitness is required. The climb starts from a separate access structure on the side of the cathedral, where you'll also find the box office. The climb usually takes around 15 minutes, including a break at the belfry.

The Belfry

At a height of about 53 meters, you'll come across St. Peter's Bell, also known as "Decker Pitter" by the locals. Cast in 1923, it weighs 24,000 kilograms and was the largest bell in the world swinging on a straight yoke until 2016. It has an interesting history, having escaped being melted down during World War II and suffering a crack in the 1950s, and then a broken clapper in 2011.

The View

Once you've climbed the 533 steps, you'll be rewarded with a panoramic view of Cologne. Take in the city centre, the Rhine River, and, if the weather is good, the Siebengebirge.

Tips

• The climb can be dizzying and gets hot, so make sure you're in good physical health and wear comfortable shoes.
• Large backpacks are not allowed, but you can stash your items in a locker for a 5 Euro deposit.
• People go up on the right-hand side of the stairs and down on the left, so it can get tight and slippery when passing others.

Frequently asked questions