Exploring Cologne's Must-Sees In A Day

Cologne, Germany, is a city with a rich history and an abundance of attractions, museums, and eateries. If you only have one day in Cologne, there are still plenty of fun things to do and see.

Start your day by visiting the awe-inspiring Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), an architectural marvel and UNESCO World Heritage site that dominates the city's skyline. It's free to enter, but there is a small fee to climb the 500+ steps to the top of the South Tower. Next, head to the Museum Ludwig, which houses a wonderful collection of modern and contemporary works by artists such as Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, and Salvador Dali.

After a busy morning, grab some lunch and head to the Old Town (Altstadt) to wander the quaint alleyways and cobbled streets. Don't miss the colourful Fischmarkt houses, the Romanesque Grob St Martin Church, and the beautiful St Maria im Kapitol Church. Then, make your way to the iconic Hohenzollern Bridge, a love lock bridge that offers beautiful views of the Rhine River and the Cathedral.

As the day comes to an end, watch the sunset from the Köln Triangle, an observation deck that offers panoramic views of the city. Finally, end your day like a local by enjoying a Kölsch beer, the city's signature light beer, in one of the many traditional beer halls (Brauhaus).

With its blend of history, culture, and delicious food and drink, Cologne is sure to charm you, even if you only have one day to explore.

Cologne Cathedral

The cathedral is located in the centre of the city, next to the central station, and is hard to miss due to its imposing size. Visitors can climb the steps to the top of the cathedral for a small fee. However, this may be tiring, so it is recommended to explore the city instead and save your energy! The cathedral is open to tourists on weekdays between 10 am and 5 pm, and on Sundays from 1 pm to 4 pm. It is free to enter unless a service is in progress.

The original liturgical appointments of the choir are still largely intact. These include the high altar, which has a monolithic slab of black limestone believed to be the largest in any Christian church; the carved oak choir stalls from 1308-11; the painted choir screens from 1332-40; the fourteen statues on the pillars in the choir from around 1300; and a great cycle of stained-glass windows from the early 14th century.

The cathedral also houses several artistic masterpieces, including the Gero Crucifix from the late 10th century, which is the oldest large crucifix north of the Alps; and the Shrine of the Magi from 1180-1225, which is the largest reliquary shrine in Europe.

The cathedral is a powerful symbol of the enduring strength of European Christianity and is considered a masterpiece of exceptional intrinsic value. It is a testament to the faith and dedication of its successive builders over the centuries, who remained faithful to the original medieval plans.

Old Town

The Old Town (Altstadt) of Cologne is a must-visit, especially for first-time travellers to the city. Here are some attractions to check out in the Old Town:

Cologne Cathedral

The Cologne Cathedral is a UNESCO-listed Gothic masterpiece and one of Europe's most popular tourist attractions. It is the tallest twin-spired church in the world. The Cathedral owes its existence to the Three Wise Men, whose bones were brought to Cologne from Milan in the 12th century. This drew pilgrims and funding, allowing for the construction of a cathedral to house the Magi's mortal remains. The Cathedral is also home to the exquisite 10th-century Gero-Crucifix and the Madonna of Milan, a wooden sculpture said to possess miraculous powers.

Roman-Germanic Museum

Cologne was founded as a Roman settlement in 38 BC and became a Roman colony in 50 AD. At the Roman-Germanic Museum, you can peer through the window to see evidence of Roman life in Cologne. A fine mosaic floor that once adorned the dining room of a merchant depicts scenes from the life of Dionysus.

Hohenzollern Bridge

Hohenzollern Bridge may be the busiest railway bridge in the world, with more than 1,200 trains passing through daily. However, it is a tourist attraction primarily due to its classic Industrial Age design and the abundance of love locks attached to its railing.

The Chocolate Museum

Chocoholics will enjoy the Chocolate Museum, which traces the journey of the cocoa bean to the finished product.

The Old Town has several squares worth visiting, including the Alter Markt, Heumarkt, and Neumarkt. Alter Markt is the central square of the Old Town, filled with Cologne's historical heritage, surrounded by narrow medieval houses. Heumarkt is the second-largest square in Cologne and, along with Alter Markt, functioned as a single marketplace during the Middle Ages. Neumarkt is a buzzing centre that houses the city's biggest shopping mall, the Neumarkt Galerie.

Love Lock Bridge

Hohenzollern Bridge, or Love Lock Bridge, is a must-see for romantics. Since 2008, lovers have been attaching padlocks to the bridge's railings to symbolise their commitment to one another. The keys are then thrown into the Rhine River below, to demonstrate the indestructibility of their love.

The custom is said to have originated in Italy, and from there it spread to other countries. In Cologne, the tradition began in late summer 2008, and since then, the number of locks has increased dramatically. In 2011, there were 40,000 padlocks, and today, the number is likely to be eight times higher. Each railing section has between 800 and 1200 love locks attached to it, with the total number of locks estimated to be somewhere between 50,000 and 340,000.

The locks are decorated with engravings, photographs, and inscriptions, and each one represents a moment in a couple's relationship. They stand for love, friendship, gratitude, fellowship, or even the memory of a special time.

A stroll across the bridge is worthwhile, especially on sunny days, not only because of the love locks but also because of the fantastic panorama of the city centre and the Rhine. The bridge can be easily reached from the main railway station, and it offers a beautiful view of the Cologne Cathedral.

If you want to attach your own lock, you can buy one in the city centre, close to the main railway station, and some shops even offer engraving services. After attaching the lock, don't forget to throw the key into the Rhine River to make your commitment irreversible!

Köln Triangle

If you're spending just a day in Cologne, you can still get a good sense of the city and its highlights. The city has a rich history and an abundance of attractions, museums, and eateries.

One of the best ways to end your day in Cologne is by visiting the KölnTriangle, a tower with a panoramic view of the city. Located a short walk from the city centre, on the opposite side of the Rhine, the KölnTriangle offers a view of the Cologne Cathedral, the promenade, and the railroad bridge from its 28th floor. For just 3 euros, you can enjoy this classic view, which is even better at sunset as the city illuminates.

If you're visiting during the summer, you can also check out the Paolozzi-Brunnen, a fun interactive fountain at the start of the Rhine Promenade. Walk through the stream, jump from stone to stone, and relax by the water.

Lindt Chocolate Museum

The Lindt Chocolate Museum in Cologne is a must-visit for chocolate lovers. The museum offers a comprehensive look at the history of cocoa and chocolate, spanning over 5,000 years. Here's what you can expect during your visit:

The Museum Exhibits

The museum is located in the heart of Cologne and covers over 4,000 square meters of exhibition space. It takes visitors on a journey through the cultural history of chocolate, showcasing the transformation of cocoa beans into delicious treats. The exhibits include:

• A walk-through greenhouse: Visitors can learn about the natural history of cocoa and explore a diverse collection of cocoa trees.
• The famous chocolate fountain: A highlight for many, this 3-meter-high fountain features 200 kilograms of flowing chocolate. Visitors can taste the chocolate straight from the fountain onto a wafer.
• Historical artefacts: The museum displays an impressive collection of baroque porcelain and silver from the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as exhibits from pre-Columbian Mesoamerica.
• Industrial machinery: A range of historical machines from the period of industrialisation are on display, showcasing the evolution of chocolate-making technology.

Interactive Experiences

The museum offers interactive experiences that engage visitors of all ages. Visitors can:

• Participate in games and interactive screens: These activities provide a fun way to learn about the history and production of chocolate.
• Customise their own chocolate bar: For a small fee, visitors can choose their own ingredients and create a personalised chocolate bar. The process takes about 45 minutes, so it's best to place the order at the beginning of your visit.
• Enjoy chocolate tastings: Throughout the museum, there are various opportunities to taste different types of chocolate, including the famous chocolate fountain.

The Café and Shop

After exploring the museum, visitors can relax in the attached café, which offers a variety of chocolate delicacies, including a chocolate fondue, drinking chocolates, and fresh waffles. The café also provides a magnificent view of the Rhine River. The museum shop offers a wide range of Lindt chocolates, including some retro-packaged bars.

Practical Information

The Chocolate Museum is open daily, but it is closed on Mondays from January to March and in November. The opening hours are typically 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It is recommended to book tickets online, especially during weekends, to avoid long queues. The museum offers various ticket options, including combo tickets with the nearby Ferris wheel. The address is Am Schokoladenmuseum 1A, 50678 Cologne, and it is easily accessible by public transport.

Frequently asked questions