Travel Guide of Cologne in Germany by Influencers and Travelers
Cologne is one of the five governmental districts of the German Federal State of North Rhine-Westphalia. It is located in the south-west of that state and covers the hills of the Eifel as well as the Bergisches Land.
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The Best Things to Do and Visit in Cologne
TRAVELERS TOP 10 :
1 - Cologne Cathedral
Cologne Cathedral is a Catholic cathedral in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Cologne and of the administration of the Archdiocese of Cologne.
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2 - Düsseldorf
Düsseldorf is the capital and second-largest city of the most populous German state of North Rhine-Westphalia after Cologne, and the seventh-largest city in Germany, with a population of 617,280.
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3 - Mountain Bike Tours in Cologne
Combine classic sightseeing with a relaxing bike tour of Cologne. You will ride along a scenic route 10m (15km) that takes you to the city's highlights. See the legendary cathedral city located along the Rhine River, dating back about 2,000 years. Enjoy numerous photo stops with great panoramic views, the personalized experience only a small-group activity (maximum 15) provides, and commentary from your professional guide. Bike and helmet is included.
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4 - Kottenforst
The Kottenforst is a large forest, about 40 km² in area, to the south, west and north of the city of Bonn in Germany. It is part of the Rhineland Nature Park and forms its eastern side.
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5 - Archaeology Tours in Cologne
During the tour you will learn something about the history of the second oldest city in Germany, e.g. why a Roman empress absolutely wanted to give the city its name, why it took so long until the cathedral was finished, why all the waiters in Cologne have the same name, what we found right in front of the town hall, why the Schmitz family has a monument here has and much more. Everything is presented in an entertaining manner, with a wink and typical Cologne humor.
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6 - Bonn
The federal city of Bonn is a city on the banks of the Rhine in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, with a population of over 300,000.
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7 - Hohenzollernbrücke
The Hohenzollern Bridge is a bridge crossing the river Rhine in the German city of Cologne. It crosses the Rhine at kilometre 688.5. Originally, the bridge was both a railway and road bridge.
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8 - Culinary Tour in Cologne
On this international three-hour food tour we discover the Severinsviertel, the heart of the Südstadt in Cologne. You will sample a variety of international starters as well as a small drink in the area. Our well-trained and informed tour guides "feed" you with entertaining and funny facts and data about the district, but also about Cologne in general. Enjoy tidbits of history, learn about area architecture and taste 5 delicious specialties including a typical Kolsch snack. • Take in the vibrant Severin district at a relaxed walking pace • Taste a variety of international foods • Visit 5 select locations including a brewery Learn about the culture, architecture and history of the Sudstadt
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9 - Poppelsdorf Palace
Poppelsdorf Palace is a Baroque building in the Poppelsdorf district of Bonn, western Germany, which is now part of the University of Bonn.
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10 - Cologne Central Station
Köln Hauptbahnhof is a railway station in Cologne, Germany. The station is an important local, national and international transport hub, with many ICE, Thalys and Intercity trains calling there, as well as regional Regional-Express, RegionalBahn and local S-Bahn trains.
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11 - Helicopter Tours in Cologne
Go on an unforgettable adventure and discover the beauty of Cologne in the most unique way...from a private micro plane! You’ll see stunning views of Cologne Catherdral, Colonius Tower...and many more for you to discover with a local pilot! Your pilot is key to this adventure. They are sharing the flights' direct cost, not making a profit. They just love to fly and want you to understand their passion for aviation. So be sure to meet your pilot directly at the airfield provided, as there are several private airfields around. ++Confirm weather conditions with your pilot before++ --> Access a local airfield --> Discuss the flight route together with your pilot --> Pre-flight check --> Up you go, enjoy the view from a whole new perspective! The flight can depart between 9-17h, depending on the availability of the pilot, aircraft, and weather. Please let us know your flexible hours/days upon booking, and make sure that you've been in touch with us beforehand!
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12 - Flora und Botanischer Garten Köln
The Flora und Botanischer Garten Köln is a municipal formal park and botanical garden located adjacent to Cologne Zoological Garden at Amsterdamer Straße 34, Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It is open daily without charge.
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13 - Rhein-Sieg-Kreis
The Rhein-Sieg-Kreis is a Kreis in the south of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Neighboring districts are Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis, Oberbergischer Kreis, Altenkirchen, Neuwied, Ahrweiler, Euskirchen, Rhein-Erft-Kreis, the urban district of Cologne.
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14 - Düren
Düren is a town in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, between Aachen and Cologne on the river Rur.
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15 - Bad Honnef
Bad Honnef is a spa town in Germany near Bonn in the Rhein-Sieg district, North Rhine-Westphalia. It is located on the border of the neighbouring state Rhineland-Palatinate.
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16 - Neumarkt 26
Amberg-Sulzbach is a Landkreis in Bavaria, Germany. It surrounds but does not include the city of Amberg. It is bounded by the districts of Neustadt an der Waldnaab, Schwandorf, Neumarkt, Nürnberger Land and Bayreuth.
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17 - Kaarst
Kaarst is a town in Germany. It lies in the district of Rhein-Kreis Neuss in North Rhine-Westphalia. It is 5 km west of Neuss and 12 km east of Mönchengladbach.
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18 - Bad Godesberg
Bad Godesberg is a municipal district of Bonn, southern North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. From 1949 to 1999, while Bonn was the capital of West Germany and later Germany, most foreign embassies were in Bad Godesberg.
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19 - Domplatte
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20 - Rheinturm Düsseldorf
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21 - Rhine Garden
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22 - Rheinboulevard
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23 - Königsforst
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Pictures and Stories of Cologne from Influencers
20 pictures of Cologne from david henrichs, Atilla Taskiran, Glenn Carstens-Peters and other travelers
- First shot with the Canon 11-24mm 4.0 at the dom in cologne. ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Benno Klandt | ©Unsplash
- Watching the leaves turning brown and the sun getting down. ...click to read more
- Experienced by @david henrichs | ©Unsplash
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Why should you visit Cologne ?
Travel to Cologne if you like:
🌲 Forest 🏰 Cathedral 🏰 Palace 🌉 Bridge 🗼 Landmark 🏘️ TownHow to visit Cologne ?
Why travel to Cologne?
Cologne is a vibrant and historic city in western Germany, located along the Rhine River. It's known for its stunning Gothic architecture, rich cultural heritage, and the famous Cologne Cathedral. Cologne is an excellent destination for art lovers, foodies, and history buffs alike, offering a mix of traditional and modern attractions.
How to get there?
Cologne is easily accessible through various modes of transportation. The Cologne-Bonn Airport (CGN) is the main international gateway to the city, with flights from many European cities. From the airport, you can take the S-Bahn train to the city center in just 15 minutes. Cologne is also well-connected by train to other German cities and major European destinations via the central train station (Hauptbahnhof). If you prefer driving, the city is conveniently located along the A1 and A3 highways.
What to book in advance?
It's a good idea to book your accommodation and any guided tours in advance to avoid disappointment. Some popular attractions, such as the Cologne Cathedral and the Chocolate Museum, may require advance booking, especially during peak travel seasons.
What are the costs?
Cologne is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other major European cities. Budget travelers can expect to spend around €50 per day, while mid-range travelers might spend around €100 per day. Luxury travelers can expect to spend upwards of €200 per day. Costs include accommodation, meals, transportation, and attractions.
What are the best things to do?
1. Visit the Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), a UNESCO World Heritage site and the city's most iconic landmark.
2. Explore the Museum Ludwig, housing an impressive collection of modern art, including works by Picasso.
3. Stroll through the historic Old Town and admire the colorful half-timbered houses and narrow cobblestone streets.
4. Take a scenic cruise along the Rhine River to enjoy beautiful views of the city and its surroundings.
5. Visit the Chocolate Museum (Schokoladenmuseum) to learn about the history and production of chocolate.
Where to eat?
1. Bei Oma Kleinmann: A traditional German restaurant known for its delicious schnitzel and cozy atmosphere.
2. Fruh am Dom: A historic brewery and restaurant serving local specialties, including the famous Kölsch beer.
3. Mangal: A popular Turkish restaurant offering authentic dishes such as kebabs and meze platters.
Where to stay?
1. 25hours Hotel The Circle: A stylish and unique hotel located near the city center, offering modern amenities and a rooftop lounge.
2. Motel One Cologne-Neumarkt: A budget-friendly option in a convenient location, with comfortable rooms and a good breakfast.
3. Excelsior Hotel Ernst: A luxurious and historic hotel situated near the Cologne Cathedral, offering elegant rooms and fine dining.
Off the beaten path:
For an unusual travel experience in Cologne, consider visiting the Kunsthaus Rhenania. This former warehouse has been transformed into a vibrant cultural hub, housing artists' studios, galleries, and event spaces. Visitors can explore the studios, meet local artists, and purchase unique art pieces. This hidden gem offers a glimpse into the city's thriving creative scene and is a must-visit for art enthusiasts.
Learn More about Cologne
Cologne is not only about its historical center and its imposing gothic cathedral. A little further on, the chic Belgisches Viertel (Belgian Quarter) escaped the bombings, leaving a collection of beautiful Art Nouveau buildings that give an idea of what the city looked like a hundred years ago. Today, Cologne is best remembered for its uniqueness: an open-minded art scene and a mentality based on a strange mixture of fatalism and optimism.
Cologne is also the main transit center of Western European countries, often chosen as the venue for international conferences, seminars and exhibitions. This urban area is also considered as the "city of festivals" with the Ringfest music festival, the Cologne comedy festival, the Carnival carnival...
The numerous churches and museums are typical of this city. The most outstanding masterpiece in Cologne is Cologne Cathedral - recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage in 1996. Cologne Cathedral is a composite masterpiece of architecture, painting and sculpture built in 2005. 1248 and unfinished construction throughout the Middle Ages, not completed until 1880. The church has the largest facade in the world built in pure Gothic style 86.5 meters wide, 144.5 meters long with two giant twin towers 157 meters high.
Cologne has hundreds of museums distributed all over the city. The oldest Wallraf-Richartz Museum in Cologne houses top collections of medieval painting, German Romanticism, French Realism and Impressionism. With countless great masterpieces of great artists such as: Ruben, Rembrandt, Murillo, Boucher, Van Gogh, Leonardo da Vinci... In the medieval painting collection, the most prominent is the work "Madonna of the Rose Bower" by Stefan Lochner, completed in 1450 on oak, depicts the Virgin Mary and the Child Jesus resting by a blooming rose tree with little angels around.
Cologne is also famous for its beer and perfumery. People refer to the locally produced beer as Kolsch, the same language they speak. Visitors can enjoy Kolsch beer in the oldest beer house here, Schreckenskammer, which is very nicely decorated in medieval style with stained glass windows, wood-paneled walls, lamps hanging from carriages... Perfume" The world famous Eau de Cologne" was first produced in the 18th century by an Italian named Johann Maria Farina. Today, visitors can buy perfume "Eau de Cologne" at the Farina family in Cologne.
Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Cologne
Near the city center, there are Maritim Hotel, Stadthotel am Romerturm, Marriott Hotel
https://www.booking.com/hotel/de/maritim-koln.html
https://www.booking.com/hotel/de/stadthotel-am-romerturm.html
https://www.booking.com/hotel/de/cologne-marriott.html
You should visit Cologne Catherdral, Museum Ludwig, Hohenzollern Bridge, Historic Old Town, Chocolate Museum.
Where to Stay in Cologne
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More Travel spots to explore around Cologne
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🗼 Landmark spots 🏘️ Town spots 🏰 Palace spots 🌲 Forest spots 🌉 Bridge spots 🏰 Place of worship spots 🐾 Wildlife spots 🏰 Cathedral spots 🌲 Tropical and subtropical coniferous forests spots 🌲 Nature reserve spotsTravel map of Cologne
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