The 7 things to do in Cologne

Visit Cologne: What are the best things to do and see in this jewel of Western Germany?

In this city located in the West of Germany, more precisely in North Rhine–Westphalia , everything seems designed to impress the visitor. Its size, first: with more than a million inhabitants, is the largest city in the Land and the fourth in Germany. It is also one of the oldest major German city: founded more than 2000 years ago by the Romans, this city of Catholic tradition presents an extraordinary historical heritage while having been established as a leading industrial, commercial and political centre at the European level.

It was yet a tormented story: annexed by the France at the beginning of the 19th century, then passed under the Prussian yoke, occupied by the victors of the First World War and finally reassured in its almost totality by the allied bombings during the Second, she was reborn of her ashes and experienced an economic renaissance that allows her to proudly embrace her status as a European metropolis and to welcome many tourists who have come to enjoy the charms.

Do you want to be part of it and ask that you do it in Cologne during your stay? Here is the answer with our 7 must-sees to visit Cologne and enjoy your trip without losing a crumb!

1. Cologne Cathedral

It is a mythical place, internationally renowned: Cologne Cathedral is a Catholic church built in the 13th century; culminating in 157 meters, she watches over the city and houses many treasures including the chastisement of kings mages, a reliquary made by Nicolas de Verdun . This monument is probably the most visited point of interest in the city, and we understand why: it will amaze visitors by its mystical look and its grandiose vaults, as well as by the serenity cleared by the place.

Once the visit is over, go to the paved streets of the old historic centre to admire the medieval buildings: it is worth a look again for those who don’t know what to do in Cologne.

2. The Chocolate Museum

Located in the heart of the city, on the banks of the Rhine, pretty museum retraces the history of chocolate, Aztecs to the present time. It is probably the preferred place for children, who, if they were to choose one, would prefer to go to this amazing gourmet palace. Of course, it is possible to taste original creations and the visit is full of exciting animations: this museum is truly the paradise of chocolate, renowned all over the world.

3. The Cologne Zoo

The Cologne zoo was created in 1860 and quickly became a flagship attraction of the city; It was destroyed during the Second World War but reopened two years later, proof of the attachment of the inhabitants to this 20-hectare space divided into three distinct parts: an outdoor park, an aquarium and a vivarium. Go visit the faves, antelopes, elephants, reptiles: you will even be able to visit the volier, for the greatest pleasure of parrot lovers!

4. Phantasialand

What to do in Cologne when you want to have fun without taking your head? Phantasialand is a theme park located in Brühl, 10 km from Cologne; It includes Russian mountains, many rides adapted to various audiences, as well as various showrooms and accommodation solutions to extend your stay on site.

Particularity: this amusement park was opened in the 1960s in a former open-air coal mine! One of the most popular tourist places of those who come to visit Cologne.

5. The Colonius Tower

tower Colonius is a telecommunications tower whose construction was completed in 1981 and which rises today to more than 260 meters high!

A few years ago, she owned a cafeteria and a restaurant, as well as a platform for admiring the city of Cologne, a privileged point of view over the entire urban area. Unfortunately, this view is inaccessible to the public today, the tower being looking for a leaseholder. That said, you can always enjoy the Tour Colonius from the outside: it is still a flagship attraction in Cologne.

6. The Belgian quarter

The fetards who still seek to do in Cologne will be seduced by the Belgisches Viertel , the Belgian neighborhood: this student area is pretty quiet during the day, but here you can enjoy a fried sausage and a good beer by strolling through the crowded streets during the weekend! The inhabitants come to entertain around the place Brüsseler , where mix in a festive atmosphere badauds, street artists and young students looking for adventure. And if you want to opt for an original visit, try the brewery tour! Take Cologne and discover these must-see places that the city holds. Each time you visit a brewery, you will also have the opportunity to taste the famous Kölsch.

Also know that the Belgian district contains a valuable art of the urban jungle of Cologne: street art! Dispersed everywhere in the trendy neighborhoods of the city, the various works are to discover the time of a bike ride you will learn more about the history and techniques of street art.

7. Rheinpark

So you're upset about your trip? Located on the banks of the Rhine, this 40 hectares park of green space is the lung of Cologne. Go rest on the popular lawns of the inhabitants, enjoy an ice in the shade of a tree or watch one of the many shows offered to the riversides.

Oh, and don't miss them. thermes Claudius : a hotel complex paired with a spa centre, ideal to keep the time of a day.. even more, if the envy makes it feel and you don’t know what to do in Cologne!

How to get to Cologne?

Cologne has an international airport located just 13 kilometres southeast of Cologne. The air network remains the best solution to get to this remote location, and our partner has Ulysses you will be able to find a flight at preferential rates.

In addition, the modern and efficient infrastructure is present in this German city zebraed with countless railway lines providing the link of the railway Köln Hauptbahnhof (the central station of the city) with the rest of the European territory. In addition, a tram offers 12 lines to vary the means to get to the city, and once on site, to move there and visit Cologne easily. For greater freedom of movement, especially to visit the surroundings of Cologne, you can also opt for a car rental upon arrival at the airport.

Where to stay in Cologne?

Cologne is a European metropolis and, as such, offers several types of accommodation/districts presenting each of their own advantages, to choose according to your traveler profile to visit Cologne. Of course, those who have a comfortable budget will opt for a room in the downtown area and its pedestrian areas with a pronounced charm: you can find the hotel of your dreams in Cologne by searching for this Compare hotels .

Looking for authenticity? Choose without hesitation houses d’hôtes , in the heart of the historic centre or outside the city, held by owners who will be eager to share their passion for this unique place!

Finally, large city forced, Cologne is full of housing for rent on Airbnb , for example, which represent a flexible and affordable solution in order to benefit from a foot-to-ground that looks like you.. to feel like home!

Now you know how to best enjoy when you come to Cologne, and the charms of this particular region during your stay. But will you succeed in choosing what to do in Cologne and... who will you choose to go with it?