Exploring Cologne, Germany In July: A Travel Guide

Cologne, Germany, is a city steeped in history and culture, with plenty to offer visitors in July. The city's most famous landmark, Cologne Cathedral, is a must-see, with its Gothic façade and dramatic twin towers. Beyond this, Cologne is home to charming Old Town, the romantic Hohenzollern Bridge, and the fascinating Roman-Germanic Museum.

For those interested in art and museums, Cologne has a diverse range, including the Museum Ludwig, with its extensive Picasso collection, and the Wallraf-Richartz Museum, showcasing Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Impressionist art. The Fragrance Museum offers a unique insight into the history of perfume, while the Chocolate Museum is a fun, family-friendly attraction.

For a more active experience, cycling is a popular way to get around and explore the city, with extensive bike lanes along the scenic Rhine River. Boat tours on the Rhine are also a great option, offering a different perspective of the city's landmarks.

With its lively atmosphere, charming neighbourhoods, and rich historical sites, Cologne is an ideal destination for a summer getaway.

Explore the Old Town

Stretching along the west bank of the Rhine River, the Old Town (Altstadt) is the navigational and historical heart of Cologne. With its colourful old buildings, beautiful Romanesque churches, and scenic riverside promenades, it's a must-see for any visitor to the city.

As you wander through the Old Town, remember that three-quarters of Cologne was destroyed during the war. Today, the old-world atmosphere still shines through on streets and plazas like Heumarkt and Altermarkt, even among the newer concrete constructions from the post-war period.

One of the most beloved spots in the Old Town is the Heinzelmännchenbrunnen, a fountain from 1899. Here, you'll meet the Cologne gnomes, who, according to legend, did all the city's work at night so that the citizens could relax. However, when the gnomes were insulted, they left town forever.

The Old Town is also home to several historic churches, including the Romanesque St. Maria im Kapitol, which dates back to the 11th century, and the Gothic Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the single most visited landmark in Germany.

In addition to its architectural wonders, the Old Town offers diverse dining and shopping options, with everything from cosy cafes to trendy boutiques. It's the perfect place to soak in the resilient post-war ambiance of the city.

Whether you're strolling along the river, admiring the colourful buildings, or delving into the area's rich history, the Old Town of Cologne is sure to charm and delight.

Visit the Cathedral

The Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) is a must-see when in Cologne. This Gothic masterpiece is Germany's single most visited landmark and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cathedral dates back to the mid-13th century and holds the precious remains of the Three Kings. Admire the intricate stained glass and the challenging tower climb, and soak in the rich history and artistry of the cathedral.

The cathedral is especially beautiful at sunset, so time your visit to appreciate the golden hour glow on the towering spires. The cathedral is also a great starting point for exploring the rest of the city. The historic Old Town (Altstadt) is just a stroll away, with its colourful old buildings, beautiful Romanesque churches, and scenic riverside promenades.

For those interested in delving deeper into the cathedral's history, consider joining a guided tour. You can also climb the bell tower for a small fee and enjoy breathtaking views of the city.

The cathedral is also a stop on many of the city's walking and bike tours, often paired with visits to other nearby landmarks like the Roman-Germanic Museum, St. Maria im Kapitol, and the historic Old Town.

If you're looking for refreshments after exploring the cathedral, head to one of the many outdoor cafes on the main square for a fresh Kölsch (local brew) and a bite to eat.

Take a boat trip on the Rhine

Cologne is a popular departure point for round-trip sightseeing cruises on the Rhine River. The cruises are a great way to take in the modern and historic buildings that dot the city skyline. You can sip a local Kölsch beer as you float by the Cologne Cathedral, Old Town, and the Hohenzollern Bridge on a sightseeing cruise. Or, you can opt for a dinner cruise to savour local fare with a backdrop of twinkling city lights.

The largest operator of day cruises and pleasure boats on the Rhine River in Germany is Köln-Düsseldorfer (KD). They offer many round-trip panorama cruises in Cologne, with about six departures each day. Cruises are generally available from April (or late March if Easter falls in this month) to the end of October. The high season is from late April to early October, when more cruises are operated. Tickets for one-hour panorama cruises are currently around €17, and two-hour cruises are €25. Tickets can be purchased from ticket kiosks or when boarding boats.

Other cruise lines such as Kölntourist also offer round-trip cruises from Cologne. Their cruises take about an hour, but longer cruises are also available to include coffee breaks, dancing, lunch, and dinner.

Discover the city's Roman history

Cologne, Germany, has a rich Roman history that dates back to 38 BCE when it was founded as a Roman colony. The city is still intimately connected to its Roman past, with many remnants of the Roman era scattered throughout. Here are some places you can visit to discover more about Cologne's Roman history:

• The Romano-Germanic Museum: Located in the heart of Old Town, this museum houses a large collection of Roman artefacts, including glassware, amphorae, jewellery, and flasks with motifs of gladiators. The highlight of the museum is the Dionysus Mosaic, crafted from a million pieces of glass, stone, and ceramics.
• The Praetorium: Discovered under the City Hall, the Praetorium was originally the headquarters of the Roman army and later became a palace for Roman governors. Visitors can explore the foundations and old Roman walls through a wooden walkway and even venture into a narrow Roman sewer canal.
• The Great St Martin Church: Built on an island in Roman times, the distinctive church showcases the base of ancient Roman warehouses.
• The Kolumba Museum: Designed by Swiss architect Peter Zumthor, this museum brilliantly fuses old and new, showcasing Christian art alongside stumps and walls of Roman residential settlements.
• Römerturm: Located next to the Stadthotel am Romerturm hotel, the Römerturm tower is embedded with different types of stones and is a testament to Roman engineering skills.
• Eifel Aqueduct: Located in the countryside outside Cologne, you can still see sections of this 95-kilometre aqueduct that was built by the Romans in 80 AD to bring fresh spring water to the city.
• Roman City Walls: Fragments of the ancient Roman walls that once encircled the city can be found scattered throughout modern-day Cologne.
• Roman Sewer Systems: In addition to the one found under the Praetorium, there are other Roman sewer systems in Cologne that were later used as air raid shelters and cellars for storing beer.

Sample the local cuisine and drinks

Cologne's culinary scene is as diverse as it is delicious. With over 1,000 restaurants, 100 bars, 700 pubs, and ten starred restaurants, you're sure to find something to tantalize your taste buds. The city's food offerings range from vegan to hearty, homecooked meals to gourmet dining.

Brewery Culture

Cologne's brewery restaurants are a symbol of its tradition and culture, with a history spanning over 500 years. The city's typical brewery restaurant culture is uniquely sociable and unconventional, even outside the Carnival season. Join a brewery restaurant tour to learn more about its history and sample the various Kölsch beers, always brewed according to the German Purity Law of 1516.

Food and Drink Experiences

Indulge in a gourmet wine-tasting session with a cheese platter in the Nippes district, or opt for a guided walking tour of three breweries in the Old Town. For a more comprehensive overview of Cologne's culinary delights, consider the following:

• The Südstadt Guided Foodie Walking Tour will take you on a journey through the city's vibrant food scene, offering a variety of tastes and flavours.
• The Old Town Beer History Tour provides insight into the city's beer culture and includes visits to traditional breweries.
• The Belgian Quarter and Kiosk Tour will give you a taste of the city's unique bar culture, with stops at various pubs and kiosks.
• The Hard Rock Café, located in the Old Town, offers indulgent American-inspired food and drinks, along with live music performances and musical memorabilia.
• For a sweet treat, visit the Chocolate Museum, which showcases the history of chocolate-making in Cologne and offers samples of delicious Lindt chocolate.

Whether you're a foodie, a beer enthusiast, or simply looking to indulge your senses, Cologne has something to offer for every taste and personality.

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