Explore Cologne's Must-See Attractions And Hidden Gems

Cologne, Germany, is a city steeped in history, with roots that can be traced back to the first century CE when it was established as a Roman provincial capital and military stronghold. The city is famous for its 12 Romanesque churches, including the magnificent Cologne Cathedral, which is Germany's most visited tourist attraction.

Cologne offers a range of attractions, from Roman remains to medieval churches, Baroque palaces, and museums. The city is also known for its local beer, Kölsch, and its culinary specialties such as Rheinischer Sauerbraten and Himmel un Äd.

- Explore the Cologne Cathedral and admire its Gothic architecture, stained glass windows, and the 'Richter-Fenster', a stunning window made up of thousands of hand-blown glass panels.

- Visit the Ludwig Museum, which houses the third-largest collection of Picasso works in the world, as well as modern and contemporary art.

- Take a stroll through the Historic Old Town, with its charming alleys, traditional houses, and numerous cafes and shops.

- Indulge in the Chocolate Museum, where you can learn about the history of chocolate and even design your own chocolate bar.

- Discover the NS Documentation Centre, which provides a memorial and educational experience about life under the Nazi regime.

- Enjoy the natural beauty of the Cologne Botanical Garden, home to thousands of plant species.

- Take a cruise on the Rhine River to view the city's landmarks from a different perspective.

- Visit the Roman-Germanic Museum to explore Cologne's archaeological heritage, including Roman mosaics and artefacts.

- Sample the local Kölsch beer at a traditional brewery or one of the many pubs in the city.

Cologne Cathedral

The cathedral is the tallest twin-spired church in the world, with the second tallest church spire in Europe. It is 157 metres (515 feet) tall and has the largest façade of any church globally. The towers for its two huge spires were added in the 19th century, along with the nave and bells. The original medieval plan was followed, but more modern construction techniques were used.

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, but there is a fee to climb the 533 steps to the viewing platform. Visitors can pass through the bell chamber, which contains eight of the cathedral's 12 bells. The cathedral also contains many artistic masterpieces, including the Gero Crucifix, the Shrine of the Magi, and the high altar, which has an enormous monolithic slab of black limestone.

The cathedral is located in the city centre, next to the central station.

Roman-Germanic Museum

Cologne, Germany, is a city with a rich history, and the Roman-Germanic Museum is a great place to learn about its Roman past. Located in the heart of the city, next to the Cologne Cathedral, the museum is easily accessible and offers visitors a glimpse into the ancient world.

The museum's collection focuses on the archaeological heritage of the city, showcasing artefacts from the Stone, Bronze, and Iron Ages, as well as the early Middle Ages. One of its highlights is the world's largest collection of Roman glass, offering a unique insight into Roman funeral and burial practices. Everyday items such as furniture, toys, and jewellery are also on display, helping visitors understand what daily life was like during Roman times.

One of the most fascinating exhibits is the tomb of Lucius Poblicius, a Roman officer. The museum also features a 3rd-century Dionysus mosaic, the Greek God of wine, and a 90-yard stretch of the Roman harbour road. The museum is more than just an exhibition space; it is also a research centre with archives, documentation on historical monuments, and a specialist library containing 30,000 volumes.

A visit to the Roman-Germanic Museum can be easily combined with other highlights of the city, such as the Cologne Cathedral, the Altstadt (Old Town), and the Rheinauhafen (Rheinau Harbour). The museum is open daily, and the recommended sightseeing time is about one hour. The Roman-Germanic Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in ancient history and the Roman influence in Cologne.

Old Town

Cologne's Old Town (Altstadt) is the navigational and historical heart of the city. Stretching along the west bank of the Rhine River, it is presided over by the UNESCO-listed Cologne Cathedral. With its colourful old buildings, beautiful Romanesque churches, and scenic riverside promenades, it is an obvious starting point for any exploration of the city.

As you explore the numerous historic churches and museums of Cologne's city centre (Innenstadt), you'll crisscross the Old Town's countless alleys, many of which are now home to boutique shops, galleries, cafes, and restaurants. The Old Town also boasts pleasant paths along the Rhine, providing ample opportunity to enjoy great views as you plan your route through this ancient city.

You'll also find yourself in awe of the countless monuments and fountains that adorn the area, including the Roman-era ruins of the Praetorium, or Governor's Palace, that was unearthed under the City Hall, as well as a section of a nearly 2,000-year-old Roman sewage system.

A particular highlight of the Old Town is Cologne's historic City Hall, the Kölner Rathaus, or Stadt Köln. Built in 1573, it is the oldest such public building in Germany, and boasts a rich history dating back more than 900 years. The building reflects a number of different architectural influences, including the 14th-century main building, the 15th-century tower, and a Renaissance-style loggia and cloister.

Cologne Zoo

You can reach the zoo by underground line 18 from the main station or by bus line 140 from Ebertplatz. The stop you need is Zoo/Flora. If you are travelling by car, the address is Riehler Straße 173, 50735 Cologne.

Cable Car

One of the best ways to get a bird's-eye view of Cologne is by taking a ride on the cable car, which has been in operation since 1957. The cable car was the first of its kind in Europe to cross a river – in this case, the Rhine – and has carried millions of passengers since. The views are, of course, the big draw, with the Old Town and Cologne Cathedral being the main attractions. The cable car is also a great way to cross the Rhine if you're planning on walking back along the right bank.

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