Exploring Cologne, Germany In March: A Local's Guide

Cologne, Germany, is a city steeped in history, culture, and tradition. With its striking Gothic architecture, charming Old Town, and vibrant nightlife, it offers a plethora of exciting experiences for visitors.

March is an ideal time to explore this dynamic city, as you can enjoy the mild spring weather while discovering its many attractions. Here is an introduction to some of the best things to do in Cologne during this vibrant month.

First and foremost, a visit to the iconic Cologne Cathedral is a must. This UNESCO site, boasting the tallest spires in the city, is an international pilgrimage site that houses the precious reliquary of the Three Kings. The cathedral's intricate stained glass windows and black marble high altar are sure to leave you awe-inspired.

For art enthusiasts, the Ludwig Museum, located near the cathedral, showcases an impressive collection of modern art, including works by Picasso and Roy Lichtenstein. The Wallraf-Richartz Museum is another notable destination, featuring an extensive assortment of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Impressionist masterpieces.

Cologne's Old Town, with its cobblestone streets and colourful buildings, offers a glimpse into the past. Here, you can explore the historic Heumarkt and Altermarkt squares and discover hidden gems like the Heinzelmännchenbrunnen fountain.

The city also boasts several fascinating museums, such as the Romano-Germanic Museum, which exhibits artefacts from the Roman era, and the Fragrance Museum, where you can learn about the creation of Eau de Cologne. If you're feeling adventurous, a boat trip on the Rhine River will provide panoramic views of the city's landmarks.

For a taste of Cologne's culinary delights, indulge in the local brew, Kölsch, and sample traditional dishes like Himmel un Äd and Kassler at pubs like Peter's Brauhaus.

Lastly, nature lovers will appreciate the Cologne Botanical Garden, with its diverse plant species, and the Cologne Zoo, home to a wide variety of animal species, including primates and Asian elephants.

Explore Cologne's Old Town

Cologne's Old Town is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. As you wander through the cobblestone streets and small squares lined with colourful buildings, shops, and cafes, it's hard to believe that three-quarters of Cologne was destroyed during World War II. The old-world atmosphere still shines through, especially on streets and plazas like Heumarkt and Altermarkt.

One of the most beloved spots in the Old Town is the Heinzelmännchenbrunnen, a fountain from 1899 located along Am Hof. This fountain depicts the Cologne's beloved Heinzelmännchen, gnomes who did all the city's work at night, allowing the citizens to relax. Be sure to also check out the historic town hall with its tall clock tower.

For those interested in religious sites, the Great St. Martin Church is a beautiful part of the Old Town's skyline. Smaller than the nearby cathedral, it has a central tall spire and smaller ones at each of its four corners, giving the lower part of the church a clover-leaf shape. Nearly destroyed during World War II, it only reopened in the 1980s. The interior is simple, with some remnants of paintings on the columns and mosaic floor tiles.

Another highlight of the Old Town is the opportunity to sample the two famous Eau de Colognes produced in the city. The Farina Fragrance Museum, located in the heart of the city, is one of the oldest factories for fine perfumes in the world. Here, you can learn about the complex process that goes into creating a signature scent.

The Old Town also offers a variety of dining options, including traditional German cuisine at Peter's Brauhaus. From Himmel un Äd to Kassler, the meals are heavy on the meat and potatoes, rich and fatty, and delicious. And of course, the only tipple to wash down your meal with is Kölsch, the local brew of Cologne.

Visit the Cathedral

The Cologne Cathedral is a must-see when visiting the city. It is Germany's most visited tourist attraction, standing at 515 feet tall with the largest facade of any church in the world. The cathedral is an international pilgrimage site, holding the precious remains of the Three Kings since 1164. The Gothic interior boasts invaluable art, including stained glass windows from the 1500s, the 10th-century Gero-Kreuz crucifix, and a black marble high altar from the 1300s. The gilded shrine of the Three Kings is the main attraction, decorated with 12th-century reliefs depicting Christ's life, prophets, and apostles by Nicholas of Verdun.

The cathedral is located on the west bank of the Rhine River, within walking distance of other attractions such as the Historic Old Town and the 12 Romanesque churches. Its towering spires dominate the city's skyline and offer a breathtaking view from the nearby Hohenzollern Bridge. The cathedral is also a UNESCO site, making it a globally recognised landmark.

The Cologne Cathedral is not just an architectural marvel but also holds a significant place in the city's history and culture. Its construction began in 1248, inspired by the ethereal cathedrals of Northern France. The cathedral's towers are the second-tallest structures in the city, standing tall even after the destruction of World War II.

A visit to the cathedral is a humbling and enriching experience, offering a glimpse into Cologne's rich historical and cultural heritage. Its intricate design, valuable artefacts, and long-standing religious significance make it a must-see destination when exploring Cologne.

Take a boat trip on the Rhine

Taking a boat trip on the Rhine is a great way to experience Cologne from a different perspective. The river flows right through the city, so you'll be able to see many of its top sights from the water.

You can choose from a range of boat tours, from romantic evening cruises to panoramic sightseeing trips. Many tours depart from the landing stage near Cologne Cathedral and Hohenzollern Bridge, or from the Old Town. You'll glide past the sparkling waters of the Rhine, taking in the beautiful city skyline, including the famous Cologne Cathedral, which is said to be the city's most picturesque sight, especially when lit up at night. You can also see the Hohenzollern Bridge, adorned with half a million love locks, from the water.

Your boat may also pass by the Chocolate Museum, the Crane Houses, and the Siebengebirge hills. Some tours include commentary, giving you interesting facts about the city's history and its people. You can also opt for a musical or event tour.

If you're looking for a longer trip, you can take a day cruise to the romantic Middle Rhine (Loreley Valley) between Rüdesheim/Bingen and Koblenz. This stretch of the Rhine is a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring the Loreley Rock, numerous castles, and charming villages.

Boat trips on the Rhine are generally available from late March to the end of October, with high season being from late April to early October. Tickets for a one-hour panorama cruise are around €17, and you can usually buy them at ticket kiosks or when boarding.

Check out the Chocolate Museum

If you're a chocolate lover, the Chocolate Museum in Cologne is a must-visit. The museum offers a comprehensive look at the history of cocoa and chocolate, with exhibits covering everything from the food's ancient origins in Mesoamerica to the modern industrial process of chocolate-making. It is the most popular museum in the Rheinauhafen, attracting 650,000 visitors annually.

The museum is housed in an impressive building with over 4,000 square metres of exhibition space. It features a diverse collection of artefacts, including a walk-through greenhouse, a famous chocolate fountain with 200 kilograms of chocolate, an 18th and 19th-century porcelain and silver collection, and historical industrial machinery. Visitors can also watch chocolate products being crafted in the glass-walled production facility and chocolate workshop, learning about both mechanised and manual processes.

The Chocolate Museum provides an immersive experience with tastings, tours, and other delights. Visitors can indulge in chocolate fondue, drinking chocolates, chocolate cakes, and more at the museum's café, which offers a magnificent view of the Rhine.

The museum is closed on Mondays from January to March and in November, and has reduced hours during the Carnival. It is located at Am Schokoladenmuseum 1A, 50678 Cologne, and can be easily reached with a short walk from the Heumarkt tram stop.

Discover the city's Roman history

Cologne, or Colonia as it was known during Roman times, was founded on the west bank of the Rhine River by the Romans around 39 BC, making it one of the oldest cities in Germany. The city was an important regional centre for the Romans, serving as the capital of the province of Germania Inferior and later Germania Secunda, as well as the regional headquarters of the military.

There are still many Roman remnants in Cologne, including sections of the wall and towers. The Römisch-Germanisches Museum, which is currently being renovated, houses one of Germany's most impressive collections of local Roman artefacts. Here are some of the key Roman sites to visit in Cologne:

Ubier Monument

This funerary monument is open to the public on the first Thursday of the month, from 14:00 to 17:00. It is the best-preserved tomb of its kind north of the Alps, with original funerary furniture, including a beautifully carved Carrara marble sarcophagus.

Weiden Roman Grave

This Roman grave is open to the public on Thursdays and Saturdays from 10:00 to 13:00, and on Sundays from 14:00 to 17:00.

Divitia Fort in Deutz

This fort was built by Emperor Constantine at the beginning of the 4th century AD on the right bank of the Rhine, opposite Colonia. It was intended to strengthen the Empire's border and is a textbook example of a late Roman fort. While there is very little remaining, the preserved walls of the east gate are visible, and the outline of the fort is marked in the pavement.

Belgian House

The first two floors of this building currently house a temporary exhibition of the Römisch-Germanisches Museum, which is well worth a visit.

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