The Ultimate Guide To Applying Cologne: Target Areas

Cologne, or Köln, is a city in Germany that offers a variety of attractions for visitors to enjoy. From its historic old town and scenic riverbank to its sweetest museum, there is something for everyone in Cologne. In this article, we will explore some of the best places to visit and things to do in Cologne, providing you with a realistic overview of what you can expect from this charming city. So, get ready to fall in love with Cologne as we take you on a journey through its must-see destinations and unique experiences.

Cologne's Old Town

The Old Town is home to some of Cologne's most famous attractions, including the Gothic-style Cologne Cathedral, the 16th-century Town Hall, and the Romanesque Groß St. Martin Church. The area also boasts several museums, including the Roman-Germanic Museum, the Museum Ludwig, and the Farina Fragrance Museum, where you can learn about the history of Eau de Cologne.

The Alter Markt and Heumarkt are popular squares in the Old Town, lined with restaurants and cafes, as well as hosting Christmas markets. The main shopping strip, Schildergasse, can also be found in the Old Town, along with quaint, winding alleys and cobblestone streets.

A great way to explore the Old Town is by joining a walking tour or a cruise along the Rhine River. The Old Town is easily accessible, with the main train station just north of the cathedral, and trams running to nearby sights.

Cologne's cable car

Colognes Cable Car

The Cologne Cable Car, or Kölner Seilbahn in German, has been in operation since 1957, carrying millions of passengers across the Rhine River. The cable car offers a unique panoramic view of Cologne, with a bird's-eye perspective of the old town, the Rhine, and its beautiful surroundings. It is a fun and highly recommended attraction when visiting Cologne.

The cable car ride is approximately 930 metres long and takes about six minutes to travel from one river bank to the other. It connects the Zoo to the Rheinpark, crossing the river at the height of the Zoo Bridge (Zoobrücke). The cable car station on the Zoo side can be easily accessed via public transport, with tram and bus stops located nearby.

The Cologne Cable Car operates from April to October, offering daily rides during this period. It has 50 cabins, each decorated with a different motif, and can carry up to 2,000 people per hour. The cable car is considered Cologne's safest means of transport, with an impressive safety record of 13.7 million passengers transported without an accident between 1957 and 2004.

In addition to its stunning views, the Cologne Cable Car also offers a unique opportunity for couples to get legally married while enjoying the aerial journey. The cable car can accommodate small wedding parties of up to four people, including the couple and an official from the city's registry office.

The cable car has a rich history, having first opened in time for the 1957 German horticultural show, the Bundesgartenschau. It has undergone route changes and temporary closures, including a period between 1963 and 1966 when it was dismantled to make way for the construction of the Zoo Bridge. Since its reopening in 1966, the cable car has become a beloved attraction in Cologne, offering both locals and tourists a memorable experience and a chance to see the city from a whole new perspective.

Cologne's boat tours

Cologne offers a variety of boat tours, providing unique perspectives of the city and its landmarks. The river cruises are a great way to explore the city, especially during the evening hours when the city lights up. Here is a detailed overview of some of the popular boat tours in Cologne:

Rhine River Cruise:

The Rhine River Cruise is a popular choice, offering daytime and evening options. The tour covers top attractions such as the Cologne Cathedral, the Old Town, and the Hohenzollern Bridge. The evening cruise, in particular, showcases the city's sparkling lights reflected on the water. You can purchase drinks, including the local Koelsch beer, and enjoy informative commentary about the city's history.

Panoramic City Cruise:

For a broader view of the city, the Panoramic City Cruise provides a floating sightseeing experience. This one-hour cruise departs from the Old Town and covers 2000 years of history. Along the way, you'll learn about the city's peculiarities and its inhabitants while taking in the magnificent city panorama.

KD Panorama Cruise:

The KD Panorama Cruise also offers a one-hour trip along the Rhine, starting and ending in the heart of the Old Town. This cruise provides explanations of the sights and offers a unique perspective on the cathedral city. The KD landing stage is just a short walk from the Cologne Cathedral.

Advent Cruises:

During the festive season, you can enjoy Advent cruises with Christmas music and panoramic views of Cologne. These 90-minute tours are offered on heated boats, with catering services providing drinks, cakes, snacks, and light meals. It's a perfect complement to exploring the Cologne Christmas markets.

Cologne Lights Fireworks Cruise:

For a truly memorable experience, the Cologne Lights Fireworks Cruise offers a chance to witness the unique fire magic of the Cologne Lights. Enjoy musical entertainment, delicious food, and sparkling drinks on board while taking in the spectacular fireworks display.

These boat tours provide a combination of sightseeing, history, and entertainment, allowing visitors to discover Cologne from a different perspective. Whether you choose a daytime or evening cruise, a panoramic or Advent tour, you're sure to enjoy the beauty of Cologne from the water.

Cologne Cathedral

The cathedral's interior showcases intricate stained glass, a challenging tower climb, and twin spires set against a backdrop of historic grandeur and ongoing restoration. The original high altar, installed in 1322, is constructed of black marble with a solid slab forming the top. The Shrine of the Three Kings, commissioned between 1180 and 1225, is considered one of the most sophisticated goldsmith's works of the Middle Ages. It is believed to hold the remains of the Three Wise Men.

Cologne's street art

One of the best areas to discover Cologne's street art is the Ehrenfeld neighbourhood, which boasts the city's highest concentration of large-format murals. Here, you'll find works by internationally acclaimed artists such as ROA, Herakut, Faith47, INTI, M-City, and Interesni Kazki, as well as local artists like Captain Borderline, Huami, and Rakaposhii. The Belgian Quarter, known for its hip and multicultural vibe, is another street art hub, featuring an eclectic mix of magnificent murals and small-format pieces by local artists adorning facades, drives, and pavements.

For fans of smaller-format street art, the community hotspots on Heliosstraße, Lichtstraße, and Körnerstraße are worth exploring. The Nippes neighbourhood is also a street art hotspot, with outstanding pieces on the neighbourhood's railway pillars. The CityLeaks Festival, held biennially, has contributed significantly to the city's street art scene, inviting international artists to add their creations to various districts, including Mülheim and Buchforst.

To explore Cologne's street art, you can join guided tours, such as the Fat Tire Bike Tours, or download the Street Art Cities app, which provides a digital overview of all the murals and urban art in the city. The Urban Art Map, a collaboration between VisitKöln and Street Art Cities, also allows users to access bilingual details about the artworks and artists, helping them create personalised tours.

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