Cologne City Guide
Cologne is the largest city on the River Rhine and the city has been an important trading centre since the Roman era. Cologne has a rich history, visit the winding medieval streets of the Old Town to explore Cologne's past. Cologne is now a very lively and cosmopolitan city, especially at weekends, with excellent bars serving the local specialty beer (kolsch), and famous art museums, theatre, and opera.
What to do and see in and around Cologne
Dom (Cologne's Cathedral)
The gothic Dom Cathedral is Cologne's most famous landmark, its twin spires are 157 metres high. If you have plenty of energy climb to the top of the spire for an excellent view over Cologne and the river. The Dom dates back to the 13th century, and was built to house the relics of the three magi - the shrine of the three magi can be found behind the altar.
Chocolate Museum (Schokoladenmuseum)
Set on the Rheinau Penisula in the centre of Cologne, worshippers of the humble cocoa bean can learn about the entire chocolate making process from the cacao plant to the shop floor. On your tour of the museum you will see the cacao plant in the Tropics Hall and the production unit which processes the cacao bean. Make sure you stop off at the chocolate fountain and enjoy a chocolate covered waffle.
Ludwig Museum
The Ludwig Museum contains paintings, sculptures and art from the 20th century to the present day. Many of the works in the museum were donated by Peter and Irene Ludwig who built up a vast collection of pop art, and Picasso's work. Also in the collection are works by Andy Warhol, Dalí and Magritte.
Wallraf Richartz Museum
Next door to the Ludwig Museum is the Wallraf Richartz Museum which houses art from the 13th to the 19th centuries. The Wallraf Richartz Museum is Cologne's oldest museum and contains works by local artists, and artists including Rubens, Simone Martini and Rembrandt.
Römisch-Germanisches Museum (Roman-Germanic Museum)
The Römisch-Germanisches Museum was built around the Dionysos mosaic, a Roman mosaic originally the floor of a Roman Villa, that was discovered in 1941. The mosaic is 70 square metres, and dates back to between 220 and 230 AD. Also in the museum is the tomb of Poblicius which dates from 40 AD, and a huge collection of Roman glassware, pottery and jewellery.
Stollwerk Chocolate Factory (Imhoff Museum)
The Stollwerk Chocolate Factory offers visitors a chance to see how chocolate is made in the traditional Cologne factory. See the cocoa beans growing in the greenhouses, and follow the production process to see the beans made into pralines and chocolate. Visitors are encouraged to taste, and don't miss the chocolate fountain! The tour lasts one hour, and the Factory is closed on Mondays.
Cologne Old Town
The Old Town area of Cologne was badly damaged during World War II, and many of the twelve 10th-13th century Romanesque churches are still being restored. The Rathaus (town hall) is just off Alter Markt at the heart of Old Cologne, and in front of the Rathaus is a Jewish bath house dating from the 12th century. Wander around the narrow streets and beautiful squares to discover the history of Cologne, while enjoying local beers, wines and regional food from its numerous outdoor cafés and restaurant.
Cologne's Beer and Brewery
The local beer, brewed in Cologne for many centuries, is kölsch. Visit one of the many Brauhäuser (pubs / breweries) which surround the Dom for a glass of Kölsch and to sample the local food specialties. Päffgen is the smallest brewery in Cologne and has a small beer garden in which to sample the beer and the local food.
River Rhine Walks
Wander along the walkways on the banks of the River Rhine for views of the city, and watch the river life pass by. Cross one of the bridges for views of the imposing Cathedral - visible from most parts of the city. Further to the south of the city there are quieter wooded areas for relaxing alongside the water's edge.
Rhine Riverboat Cruises
For a different view of Cologne join a river cruise and see the city's sights as you float by. One hour cruises depart from various boarding stops by the two main bridges along the river walkways.
Koblenz
1 hour by train from Cologne
The historic city of Koblenz is situated at the meeting point of the River Rhîne and the River Mosel and the city surrounded by hills covered with vineyards. Take a chairlift across the Rhine to visit Festung Ehrenbreitstein - one of Europe's biggest fortresses, for amazing views over the Rhine Valley.
Aachen
1 hour by train from Cologne
The spa town of Aachen was the centre of Charlemagne's empire in the 8th century. Try the spas for their remedial qualities, or drink some of the spa water, or explore the small historic centre of the city. The highlight of the city centre is Aachen Cathedral, which houses the throne of Charlemagne.
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