How to get there
Germany is working towards a green and sustainable future and there are lots of options to reach Cologne from the UK, from low cost airlines to using the Eurostar. With its strong Roman history and stunning architecture, the city is known for its love of partying, making it an ideal place for a short break.
The best way of getting to know a place quickly is via a Hop on, Hop Off sight-seeing bus, which allows 24 hour travel with an audio guide in different languages and stops at 14 of the most popular attractions. It conveniently sets off outside the tourist information centre, opposite the main entrance to the cathedral. Walking tours are also great and offer an insight into the Roman history of the city, quirky architecture and the many churches the city has.
Where to stay
This easy to walk around, compact city, has lots of options for accommodation, with the most expensive in the old historic part.
A 10 minute stroll or via the quick and efficient transport system, allows the visitor to arrive at the Mediapark, a purpose built area with offices, entertainment and dining options, as well as a gem of a hotel, the NH Hotel Mediapark. Overlooking a pond complete with Demetrius and his family of swans, the cathedral, along with other buildings of interest, can be seen from the well equipped, bright bedrooms. With sumptuous breakfasts and a special food corner for children, the hotel also has a gym and saunas.
What to see and do
Gothic architecture at its best can be seen at the UNSECO protected Cologne Cathedral, where building began to house the shrine of The Three Wise Men in 1248, and ended in 1880. This huge building is impressive and best seen at night when lit up, inside it has beautiful stained glass and lovely architecture and art.
Sweet toothed visitors will love the Am Schokoladen Museum, full of chocolate facts and hands on displays of how to make the famous Lindt treats, with the best part, the chance to try lots of samples!
The city is also the birthplace of Eau de Cologne and the Farina Fragrance Museum gives the chance to discover three centuries of history, beginning at the Rococo era when perfumer Johann Maria Farina invented the sweet smeller.
Food and drink are big in Cologne, with the famous Kölsch beer served up in small, slim glasses to keep the refreshing taste. The best place to try out the real deal is at a brewhouse and Johann Schäfer in the student quarter is one of the coolest .
Neigbourhoods
One of the best ways to see the real Cologne is to take in the differing neighbourhoods. The narrow alleys of the old town are a great starting point and home to the famous coloured homes, which are tall and slim, due to the original way of taxation which saw buildings charges on how wide they were. Good luck comes via famous sculptures Tünnes and Schäl, two legendary figures from the Hänneschen Puppet Theatre, who represent good and bad and visitors are encouraged to rub their noses and make a wish. Nearby is the Heinzelmännchen fountain, which tells the story of gnomes and a tailor’s wife.
Ehrenfeld is a real bohemian area, full of weird and wonderful murals and Körnerstraße, a creative street full of lovely things, like bins with flowers in them, instead of litter and windowsills full of small gifts left out for passersbys to collect
The Belgian Quarter is also a trendy spot to see, with beautiful shops, streets and squares in homage to Belgium. The historic harbour area on the Rhine houses three spectacular “crane houses” and restored buildings and the botanical garden is free and a lovely spot to stroll. Photo opportunities and a chance to add your love padlock, head for Hohenzollern Bridge.
Carnival Time and Tourist Information:
The party spirit starts on November 11th and runs through to Ash Wednesday, meaning six months of having fun! With traditional songs, parades and costumes, there is plenty to see and do and in the run up to the finale, there are “crazy days” with plenty of beer flowing. For more information visit Cologne Tourism.
The friendly tourism office by the cathedral is where to go for advice. To plan in advance, check out Koeln Tourismus
