Founded by Romans, this German city is known for its Gothic cathedral, vibrant carnival, and distinctive beer culture. Home to numerous breweries and historic beer halls.
Cologne, Germany's fourth-largest city, sits along the Rhine River. The city's skyline is defined by the twin spires of Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In Cologne, you can climb the cathedral's south tower, view Picasso's works at Museum Ludwig, taste Kölsch beer in traditional brewhouses, and shop in the Belgian Quarter's independent boutiques.
Exploring Cologne Cathedral
The Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral) is the city's most recognizable landmark. This Gothic structure took over 600 years to complete and houses the Shrine of the Three Kings, believed to contain the remains of the Three Wise Men. You can climb the 533 steps of the south tower for panoramic views of the city and Rhine River.
Discovering Cologne's Museums
Cologne has several interesting museums. The Museum Ludwig houses one of Europe's largest collections of modern art, including works by Picasso and Warhol. The Romano-Germanic Museum displays artifacts from the city's Roman past, including the famous Dionysus mosaic. At the Chocolate Museum, you can learn about the history of chocolate and see a working production line.
Experiencing Kölsch Culture
Kölsch is an important part of Cologne's culture. Visit traditional brewhouses like Früh am Dom or Päffgen to sample this light, crisp beer served in small 0.2-liter glasses called Stangen. These brewhouses also serve hearty Rhineland cuisine like Himmel un Äd (mashed potatoes with apple sauce and black pudding) and Rheinischer Sauerbraten (marinated beef roast).
Exploring the Belgian Quarter
The Belgian Quarter is one of Cologne's active neighborhoods. Stroll along Brüsseler Platz and the surrounding streets to find independent boutiques, cafes, and stylish bars. This area is busy in the evenings when locals gather at outdoor terraces to enjoy drinks and socializing.
Cruising the Rhine
Take a boat tour along the Rhine to see Cologne from a different perspective. Most cruises pass by the Old Town, the Chocolate Museum, and under the Hohenzollern Bridge, which is covered in thousands of "love locks" left by couples. For a shorter trip, take the cable car across the river for views of the cathedral and city skyline.
Visiting During Carnival Season
If you visit Cologne in February or March, you might experience Karneval, an annual festival. This "fifth season" kicks off on November 11th at 11:11 am and culminates in a week of parades, costumes, and street parties before Lent. The highlight is Rose Monday, featuring a parade with colorful floats and thousands of revelers in costume.
Exploring Roman Ruins
Cologne was founded by the Romans in 50 AD as Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium. You can see remnants of this history at the Romano-Germanic Museum and at various sites around the city. The Praetorium, once the palace of the Roman governor, can be visited underground near the Town Hall.
Shopping in Cologne
For shopping, head to Schildergasse and Hohe Straße, two of Germany's busiest shopping streets. Here you'll find major international brands alongside local shops. For more unique finds, explore the boutiques in the Belgian Quarter or visit the Alter Markt and Heumarkt squares in the Old Town.
