20 THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN COLOGNE

If you are thinking of giving yourself an urban getaway within the old continent, something different, far from popular destinations such as Venice, Prague or Florence ... maybe the relatively little known city of Suburb Whatever you are looking for. The comparisons are odious and of course this city has nothing to do with the previous ones, but it offers a lot of attractions for the visitor, in a perfect balance between history, culture and fun. If you still have doubts, keep reading because next we will discover you the best 20 things to see and do in Cologne.

1. It is not too original to start this list with the Colonia's cathedral, but it is without a doubt the best known postcard in the city and its biggest tourist attraction. This Gothic jewel survived the bombings of World War II and today it can be seen from almost anywhere in Cologne. Access to its interior is free, although you have the option of climbing to the tower viewpoint (€ 6 adults / € 3 children and students) to have spectacular views from its 157 meters high. All information about the cathedral and visiting hours here.

Curiosity: They say that inside it contains the supposed remains of the Three Wise Men.

2. Another emblematic place of the city is the historic Hohenzollern bridge. Around 1,200 trains cross the waters of the Rhine River through this huge construction. The good thing is that it also allows pedestrians and offers great views of the city. As in other places, in recent years it became fashionable among couples to hang a padlock of colors, which has increased the weight of the bridge nothing more and nothing less than ... two tons!

3. One of the best things to do in Cologne is to visit one of its numerous and varied museums. Modern art enthusiasts will want to go directly to the Ludwig Museum (€ 12) to see the approximately 900 works of Pablo Picasso, the most important collection of the artist after Barcelona and Paris. Renaissance and impressionist art in the Wallraf-Richartz Museum (€ 13). And for history lovers nothing better than the Romano-Germanic Museum (€ 3).

4. The sweet tooth will find their paradise in a completely different and unique museum in the world, the Chocolate Museum. The tasty aroma of cocoa will wrap you while you know all the details about its cultivation and about the making of chocolate. But not only your nose will enjoy the visit, because on more than one occasion you can take a little of this delight to your mouth and even create your own bar. Be kind to museum workers because sometimes they have a chocolate bar "under the sleeve" hidden to make visitors happier. Oh, and don't lose your temper at the huge hot chocolate fountain ... there is for everyone;). Admission is not cheap, but if you take advantage of the visit we believe it is worth it. Price: adults € 12.50 (13.50 at the weekend) / children and students € 7.50 (€ 8 weekend). More information about the museum, schedules and tickets here.

5. Far from the two hundred churches and chapels that Cologne had in the Middle Ages, nowadays you can find 12 Roman basilicas scattered throughout the historic center of the city, of which it stands outGreat St. Martin Church. Built between the tenth and twelfth centuries, they were restored after the destruction caused by World War II and today they constitute one of the medieval treasures of the city that you cannot miss.

6. Despite being reduced to rubble during World War II, and obviously rebuilt later, one of the best things to do in Cologne is get lost in the streets of its historic center. In addition to the churches and museums of which we have already spoken to you, there you will also find numerous fountains, monuments and colorful traditional houses converted into boutiques, art galleries, cafes and restaurants. Don't miss the Kölner Rathaus known for being the town hall oldest in Germany. And come closer to the Rhine shore to enjoy the beautiful views of the city.

7. Keep your eyes wide open to absorb all the street art You will find around the city. From large murals on facades to small details on doors and lampposts ... artists' creativity has no limits! 🙂 It is essential to approach Ehrenfeld, Nippes, Mülheim, Kwartier Latäng and the Belgian district (Belgisches Virtel) to find urban art in all its splendor.

If you do not have enough time to explore all these places in the city, this bike tour will discover the urban art scene of Ehrenfeld and the Belgian neighborhood.

8. Precisely the Belgian neighborhood It is one of the most fashionable places in the city and one of the best things to see in Cologne. Art galleries, designer stores and vintage clothing. In addition to cafes hidden among the alleys, good restaurants and cocktail bars where to have fun at sunset.

9. Although the Belgian neighborhood has made you believe that you are in Brussels, you are still in Cologne and as in any German city that boasts, beer is not lacking here either. The Kölsh is the typical beer of Cologne. Soft, refreshing and light and with its own tradition to drink it: it is served in 20 centiliter glasses that waiters will fill again and again, unless you let them know that you have reached your ethyl limit by putting the coasters on top. Don't leave without tasting it 😉

And for those who want to know a little more about the city's beer culture, nothing better than this tour of three local breweries with tasting included.

10. The Documentation Center on National Socialism (NS-Dokumentationszentrum der Stadt Köln) is a recommended visit for everyone, but especially for those who are passionate about the history of World War II. A place to remember, created in memory of the victims of the National Socialist regime in the same building where the Gestapo headquarters in Cologne and where hundreds of people were executed. You will get your hair on end with the inscriptions and drawings of the prisoners who passed through their cells. In addition, thanks to its permanent exhibition, you will be able to know all the details of the Nazism years.

11. On the 11th of the 11th of each year they officially begin the so-called “Fifth station"Or what is the same, the famous Cologne Carnival. Although until February the party does not reach its full splendor, if your visit coincides within the four months of this "fifth season" you are in luck. You can live some of the many events that are organized in which many consider the best carnival in Europe. Without a doubt one of the best things to see and do in Cologne.

12. Another time of the year in which Cologne deserves a visit is during the month of December. And no, we don't tell you because we want you to be cold (that you will have it), but because Christmas markets The city is one of the most beautiful in the whole country. The imposing cathedral is the protagonist of the main market, but you will find many others scattered throughout the city. Thousands of colored lights, carols, ice rinks, craft stalls, local cuisine delicacies and much glühwein (mulled wine with sugar and spices) ... In short, natalicio environment wherever you look.

13. If you need to take a break from the chaos of the city, in Cologne you will also find good parks where you can relax and enjoy some green. One of the best places for this is the Botanical Garden which also ... it's free! Ten thousand species of plants from around the world are exhibited in this small great oasis to delight around 1 million visitors it receives each year.

14. After kicking the city and breathing fresh air in one of its parks, one of the best things to do in Cologne is to embark on a cruise and navigate the waters of the Rhine. From there you will contemplate many of the city's attractions from a different perspective. More info. And why not, enjoy a romantic sunset (alone or accompanied!). More info.

15. If you feel like exploring beyond the city limits, know that you can also do it by boat from Cologne. There is day pass (Rhine Pass) that allows you to use unlimited KD company ships for navigate the rivers Rhine and Moselle. Throughout the crossing the boats stop in several small towns, like Bonn, Reamagen or Cochem. You can book the pass here.

16. Perhaps you have already wondered if the name of the city has something to do with the colony (the one that smells like I say!)… And the answer is YES;). Many years ago, in 1709 to be exact, an Italian immigrant founded in Cologne the oldest perfume factory in the world and there was born the famous "Eau de Cologne". Although they will not tell you the secret of their recipe, you can visit the Perfume Museum in the Farina house and know all the curiosities about the manufacture of this famous liquid. Price: adults € 5 / students: € 2.5. More information here.

17. Do you want to take a photon from the city or just enjoy one of the best views? Go to the KölnTriangle, a modern glazed building with a panoramic terrace on the 28th floor that offers unsurpassed views for only € 3! More info.

18. You may not have the prestige of Budapest but in Cologne there are also hot springs And beautiful! One of the most renowned establishments is the Claudius Therme, where pools between 33º and 37º await you. After a day of kicking around the city ... the plan sounds fancy, don't you think? And the best thing is that it is available to all budgets: the 2-hour voucher is worth € 14.50 (€ 16.50 on weekends). More info.

19. If you are passionate about music and during your trip you agree with a concert, you may spend a night in Kölner Philarmonie sound good to you! Check out their official site to check the upcoming events.

20. Do you have more time? Make one excursion. The truth is that from Cologne you can make a few interesting getaways, so it depends on what you want:

• Visit, for example, the medieval city of Limburg an der Lahn, a tiny place, but full of charm and with a romantic air that makes it a perfect couple getaway.
• Stroll through the streets of Bonn, just 30 km down the Rhine, the city that saw Beethoven himself be born and was the capital of West Germany until 1990
• Know Dusseldorf, a fun city, with a lot of atmosphere, which after having been practically completely destroyed during the bombings of the II GM, has been reborn and today is one of the most powerful economic centers in Europe.

Limburg an der Lahn

We hope our list of the best 20 things to see and do in Cologne It made you curious to discover a destination not so common in old Europe, but that has so much to offer.

* Photocredit: Shutterstock