A Day In Cologne: Sights, Scents, And Sounds

Cologne, Germany, is a city of contrasts, blending Medieval structures with post-war architecture. With so much to see and do, it can be hard to know where to start. Here is a guide to help you make the most of your day in this fascinating city.

Begin your day by visiting the awe-inspiring Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom). This Gothic masterpiece, with its soaring twin spires, is Germany's largest cathedral and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Entry is free, but it's worth paying a small fee to climb the tower for panoramic views of the city and River Rhine.

Next, explore the historic Old Town (Altstadt) with its colourful terrace buildings, narrow cobblestone streets and attractive squares. Wander down to the Fischmarkt and admire the Romanesque church, the Great (Gross) St Martin, before heading to the Old City Hall (Altes Rathaus) in Alter Markt.

After lunch, cross the iconic Hohenzollern Bridge, adorned with thousands of love locks, to the Deutz side of the River Rhine. Enjoy stunning views of the city skyline, including the cathedral and the Great St Martin Church.

For even more impressive vistas, head to the glittering skyscraper, the Cologne Triangle (KölnTriangle), and take the lift to the observation deck, Cologne View, for a bird's-eye view of the city.

As the birthplace of Eau de Cologne, a visit to the Fragrance Museum at Farina House is a must for perfume lovers. Discover the history of this famous scent and learn about perfume essences on a guided tour.

Finally, no trip to Cologne would be complete without sampling the local beer, Kölsch lager, in one of the traditional brauhaus pubs, and indulging in some delicious German food.

With its blend of history, culture and stunning architecture, Cologne is definitely worth a visit, even if you only have one day to explore.

Explore the Old Town

Cologne's Old Town (Altstadt) is a must-see when visiting the city. This historic area is located right next to the River Rhine, between the Hohenzollern and Deutzer bridges. Here's what you can see and do during your visit:

• Take in the colourful row of buildings from the Middle Ages at Fischmarkt, along with the imposing Romanesque church, the Great (Gross) St Martin.
• Wander through the narrow cobblestone streets and explore the attractive squares.
• Visit the old City Hall (Altes Rathaus) in Alter Markt (old market) and listen to the ringing of its tower bells.
• Check out the Praetorium, the remnants of a Roman governor's palace located underneath the City Hall.
• Pop inside the Great St Martin Church, with its distinctive central spire and four turrets.
• Enjoy a drink and traditional German food at the beer hall, Brauhaus Sünner Im Walfisch.
• Stroll along the river and admire the city's skyline, including the cathedral and the Great St Martin Church.
• Cross the Hohenzollern Bridge to the Deutz side of the river for amazing views of Cologne's landmarks.
• Visit the Fragrance Museum at Farina House to learn about the history of Eau de Cologne, invented in the city by Johann Maria Farina.

Visit the Cathedral

Cologne Cathedral (Kolner Dom) is one of Germany's most recognisable landmarks and is arguably the country's most visited tourist attraction. The gothic-style cathedral, with its soaring twin spires, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and Germany's largest cathedral. It is centrally located, standing next to Cologne's central train station, and is a short walk from the Old Town and the River Rhine.

The foundation stone for the cathedral was laid in the 13th century, but it was only completed in 1880, more than 600 years later. The cathedral is built with 300,000 tonnes of stone and has more than 10,000 square metres of windows. Inside, you'll find stunning stained glass windows, including Gerhard Richter's design in the cathedral's south transept, which utilises 11,263 colour squares in 72 colours.

Another highlight is the Shrine of the Three Kings, which holds a sarcophagus that supposedly contains the remains of the three kings who visited Jesus after his birth.

You can climb the 533 steps to the viewing platform at the top of the South Tower for panoramic views of the city and River Rhine. It costs €6 to climb the tower, and tickets can be purchased at the underground entrance on the right side of the cathedral. Here, you can also see eight of the cathedral's 11 bells.

The cathedral is free to enter, but there is a suggested donation of €6 per adult. Guided tours of the cathedral treasures are available for €10 per adult.

Wander along the River Rhine

Cologne is a city with a rich history and vibrant culture, and wandering along the River Rhine is a great way to experience it. The river offers a unique perspective of the city, with stunning views of the Cologne Cathedral and the Hohenzollern Bridge.

Starting from the Fischmarkt, a colourful row of medieval buildings, you'll find the Romanesque church, the Great (Gross) St Martin. This area also houses the old City Hall (Altes Rathaus), with its ringing tower bells, and the Praetorium, the remnants of a Roman governor's palace.

As you walk along the river, you'll be treated to a blend of architectural styles, from the Gothic grandeur of the Cologne Cathedral to the modern glittering skyscraper, the KohnTriangle. The river is also home to several attractions, such as the Chocolate Museum and the Deutsches Sport & Olympia Museum.

For a more relaxing experience, stroll along the Deutz side of the river, where you can admire the city skyline, including the cathedral and the Great St Martin Church. This side of the river also offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city, with green spaces and walking paths.

If you're feeling adventurous, take a ride on the cable car that crosses the river, offering a bird's-eye view of the city. Or, for a more romantic experience, walk across the Hohenzollern Bridge, famous for its love locks, and enjoy the views of the river and the city beyond.

Whether you're wandering along the riverbanks or taking in the sights from above, exploring the River Rhine is a must-do activity when spending a day in Cologne.

Take a boat trip

One of the best ways to see a city is from the water, and Cologne is no exception. The River Rhine is one of Europe's great waterways, and boat trips are a popular way to spend one day in Cologne.

There are lots of boat tours you can book, from a simple cruise along the river with commentary to evening cruises with live music. You can also book a dinner cruise with champagne if you want to push the boat out (pun intended).

If you're visiting in the summer, a boat trip is a great way to enjoy the city when it's sunny. You'll be rewarded with fabulous views of the city skyline from the water.

You can book a 1.5-hour cruise that takes you along the river and under five bridges. Or, if you're short on time, there's a 1-hour option.

Visit the Chocolate Museum

The Chocolate Museum in Cologne is a must-see for any chocolate lover. The museum offers a comprehensive look at the history of cocoa and chocolate, with exhibits covering 5,000 years of cultivation and the transformation of cocoa beans into the chocolate we know today.

The museum is located on a small island in the Rhine River and was opened in 1993 by German chocolatier, Hand Imhoff, in partnership with Swiss chocolatier Lindt. It covers 4,000 square metres and includes a diverse collection of historical items, a walk-through greenhouse, a famous chocolate fountain, an 18th/19th-century porcelain and silver collection, exhibits from pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, and historical industrial machinery.

The journey through the museum begins with a large cocoa tree model, leading you through the 10-metre-high tropical house, following the path of cocoa from harvest to the major stock exchanges and transport to the chocolate factory. You will learn about the cultural history of chocolate and gain insight into the industrial process of modern chocolate-making.

The museum also features a glass-walled production facility and chocolate workshop, where you can watch chocolate products being crafted through both mechanised and manual processes. There is also a chocolate shop and a café with a magnificent view of the Rhine, serving chocolate specialities such as fondue, drinking chocolates, chocolate cakes, waffles, and more.

The Chocolate Museum is a popular attraction, welcoming 650,000 visitors annually. It is suitable for all ages and offers a range of events and activities, including guided tours, weddings, gala events, and chocolate-making courses.

Tickets for the museum can be purchased online or at the ticket counter. The museum is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, with varied opening hours during the Carnival and in November. It is closed on Mondays from January to March.

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