Cologne's Least Desirable Destinations: A Traveler's Guide

Cologne, Germany, is a city steeped in history, with attractions ranging from Roman ruins to modern and contemporary art. However, if you're looking for places to avoid, there are a few spots that might not be worth your time.

Firstly, while Cologne's Roman ruins are fascinating, be aware that large parts of the city were destroyed during World War II. As a result, much of the Old Town has been rebuilt, and you may find that it lacks the authentic altstadt vibe you might be seeking.

If you're not a museum person, you might want to skip the Romano-Germanic Museum, which showcases Roman and Germanic artefacts, as well as the Wallraf-Richartz Museum, which houses an extensive collection of European paintings.

For nature lovers, the Königsforst forest might not be the best option, as it's quite a distance from the city and requires a car to get there.

Lastly, if you're looking for unique food and drinks, steer clear of the tourist traps near the main station, and instead, head to the area around Rudolfplatz for a variety of great cafes, bars, and restaurants.

Cologne Cathedral

The construction of the cathedral began in 1248 but was halted around 1560 and remained unfinished for almost 300 years. Attempts to complete the construction began around 1814, but the project was not adequately funded until the 1840s. The edifice was finally completed according to its original medieval plan in 1880.

The towers of the cathedral's two huge spires give it the largest façade of any church in the world. The interior boasts intricate stained glass windows, beautiful artwork, and ornate architectural details. The cathedral is also home to the shrine of the Three Kings, a triple sarcophagus decorated with 12th-century reliefs depicting episodes from the life of Christ, prophets, and apostles.

The tower is open year-round, and visitors can climb 533 steps to a viewing platform about 100m above the ground. The platform offers a scenic view over the Rhine. To see the bells, visitors can book a special tour of the belfry with cathedral staff.

Where Not to Go in Cologne Cathedral

As with most popular tourist attractions, Cologne Cathedral can get very busy, especially after 10 am when tour buses start arriving. If you want to avoid the crowds, it is best to arrive early in the morning.

The cathedral has strict security measures, and all visitors are subject to identity checks by staff when entering. Only small bags (up to a size of 40x35x15cm) are allowed inside, and luggage storage facilities are available nearby for a fee.

When visiting the cathedral, it is important to follow the rules and instructions of the staff. Photography is allowed, but the use of flash is prohibited during services. Eating, drinking, and smoking are not permitted inside, and appropriate clothing is required.

Finally, be aware that renovation and maintenance work is constantly being carried out, so parts of the cathedral may be covered in scaffolding during your visit.

The Roman-Germanic Museum

The museum's collection includes a large variety of Roman artefacts from the Roman settlement of Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium, on which modern-day Cologne is built. One of the highlights is the renowned Dionysus mosaic, dating from around AD 220/230, which was found in the main room of the villa and has been preserved in its original place in the basement. As the mosaic could not be moved easily, the museum was designed around it, with inner courtyards that mimic the layout of the ancient villa.

In addition to the Dionysus mosaic, the museum features the reconstructed sepulchre of the legionary Poblicius, an extensive collection of Roman glassware (the largest collection of locally produced Roman glass in the world), and an array of Roman and medieval jewellery. The museum also displays everyday objects from Roman Cologne, such as containers, coins, toys, portraits, inscriptions, pottery, and architectural fragments.

Cologne's Old Town

The Charm of the Historic Centre

Attractions, Museums, and Curiosities

The Old Town is home to various monuments, fountains, and archaeological excavations, each with its own fascinating stories. You'll encounter legendary characters like Tünnes & Schäl from the Hänneschen Puppet Theatre and the Heinzelmännchen Fountain. The Alter Markt, Cologne's most traditional square, is a hub of activity with cosy pubs and outdoor spaces, especially during the summer. In the winter, don't miss the popular Heinzelmännchen Christmas Market at Alter Markt.

Cologne Cathedral

An important landmark in the Old Town is the Cologne Cathedral, one of the world's largest Gothic cathedrals. With a construction period spanning from 1248 to 1880, it is considered a legendary site and was once viewed as a national symbol of Germany. The interior boasts intricate stained glass windows, beautiful artwork, and ornate architectural details.

Germany's Oldest Town Hall

Cologne's historic Town Hall, located near the Cathedral, has a rich building history of over 800 years. The complex includes the core building, the town hall tower, a Renaissance arbour, and an administrative wing. It borders the Alter Markt, with the Farina House and the Wallraf-Richartz Museum nearby.

The Farina Fragrance Museum

The Farina Fragrance Museum is housed in the original production rooms of the 18th-century creators of the world-famous Eau de Cologne. Here, you'll learn about production methods and see historical exhibits and equipment. The guided tour offers a unique fragrant experience, especially when participants wear costumes.

The Wallraf-Richartz Museum

The Wallraf-Richartz Museum, the oldest museum in Cologne, is one of Germany's major classical art galleries. It boasts an extensive collection of medieval paintings and art from the 16th to 19th centuries, as well as Impressionist and Neo-Impressionist works.

Museum Ludwig for Modern Art

If you prefer modern art to medieval paintings, the Museum Ludwig, located next to the Cathedral, offers a diverse collection. You'll find pop art, Picasso, Expressionism, and New Objectivity pieces, as well as 70,000 photographs from the beginnings of this art form to the present.

Shopping in the Old Town

The Old Town is also a shopper's paradise, with Germany's busiest shopping miles—Schildergasse and Hohe Straße—located within its boundaries. You'll find a wide variety of shops and cafes to explore.

Cologne Triangle

The KölnTriangle is a prominent landmark in Cologne, Germany, offering panoramic views of the city from its observation deck. Here are some reasons why you should consider visiting the KölnTriangle:

Breathtaking Views of Cologne

The KölnTriangle boasts a 360-degree observation deck on its top floor and roof, providing stunning vistas of Cologne and beyond. From this vantage point, you can see the Cologne Cathedral, the Hohenzollern Bridge, the Museum Ludwig, and the Old Town. On a clear day, you might even spot Düsseldorf, the Siebengebirge hills, and the Bergisches Land region in the distance. The observation deck is completely enclosed in glass for safety, and it offers helpful indicators to identify the city's main attractions.

Architectural Marvel

The KölnTriangle is an impressive architectural structure, standing at 103.2 metres tall in the Deutz district of Cologne. Designed by Dörte Gatermann of the firm Gatermann + Schossig, the building features a unique shape known as a Reuleaux triangle, with three sides curving outward. The south facade incorporates a double-facade design, enabling natural ventilation even on the higher floors. The building also incorporates energy-efficient features, such as a brise soleil facade and differentiated systems for heat recovery, ventilation, and geothermal energy.

Dining Options

In addition to the observation deck, the KölnTriangle houses several dining establishments. The KölnSky restaurant, located on the 27th floor, offers floor-to-ceiling windows for uninterrupted views while you dine. There is also the Mongo's restaurant on the ground floor, which serves Mongolian cuisine.

Accessibility and Cost

The KölnTriangle is easily accessible, located just 200 meters from the Köln Deutz-Messe station. To reach the observation deck, you'll need to take an elevator to the 28th floor and then climb a stairway to the platform. Unfortunately, climbing the 565 steps to the top is not permitted for security reasons. The entrance to the building is free, but access to the viewing platform typically costs around 3 to 5 euros. The deck is usually open daily, with extended hours during the summer months.

The Wallraf-Richartz Museum

The museum's collection is expansive, including artworks from the Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Impressionist, and Post-Impressionist periods. Some of the notable artists featured in the museum include Rubens, Rembrandt, Monet, Pissarro, Sisley, and van Dyck. The museum also has a collection of contemporary art, with notable pieces such as the "Madonna of the Rose Bower" by Stefan Lochner, a late Gothic painter known for his clean aesthetic and brilliant use of color. Another Gothic highlight is "The Arrest of Jesus" by the "Master of the Karlsruhe Passion", the only surviving panel from the painter's influential Passion cycle not kept in the Staatliche Kunsthalle Karlsruhe.

The museum's Renaissance collection includes an altarpiece from the Great Saint Martin Church in Cologne, one of the few known works by Jacob van Utrecht. Other early Renaissance works include the "Adoration of the Child", previously attributed to Hieronymus Bosch, and a panel from the Jabach Altarpiece by Albrecht Dürer.

The Baroque and Rococo periods are well-represented by artists such as Jordaens, Frans Snyders, and Gerard van Honthorst. The museum also boasts impressive Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collections, with works by Monet, Pissarro, Sisley, Gustave Caillebotte, and Berthe Morisot.

Frequently asked questions