Its history is over 2 thousand years. This city is home to the largest television and radio media outlets, as well as most German newspapers. The famous «Eau de Cologne» perfume is the … attraction of the city, as it was made here in the early 1700s. It is a modern city and at the same time it has preserved the beauty of the previous millennium! A manorial city with aromas, nice food and hospitable people.
Currency: Euro
Calling Code: +49
Nearest airports from city center: Cologne/Bonn Airport (15km), Dusseldorf Airport (60km), Dortmund Airport (100km).
TOP – 10 SIGHTSEEING
*** KOLNER DOM (Domkloster 4, 50667 Köln)
It is the most famous Gothic building not only in Germany but also in the whole world. Its construction began in 1245 and is the “No1” choice of travelers.
*** MUSEUM LUDWIG (Heinrich-Böll-Platz, 50667 Köln)
Don’t miss it! Art lovers have to spend several hours here! You will find the largest collection of Pop Art in the world (excluding the USA) and also works of art by Picasso and many other famous painters.
*** CHOCOLATE MUSEUM (Am Schokoladenmuseum 1A, 50678 Köln)
Do you like chocolate? Then you will make a big mistake if you don’t visit it! Heinrich Stollwerck’s 5-cylinder mill and the museum’s Conche of Rodolphe Lindt poy were the starting point for Lindt chocolate production. You will also see how the most beautiful chocolates you have ever eaten are produced.
*** FARINA DUFTMUSEUM (Obenmarspforten 21, 50667 Köln).
This is the place where the famous perfume “Eau de Cologne” was “born”. You will find yourself in a wonderful world of senses. In the 18th century an Italian was the creator of the famous perfume with a combination of fruits, flowers and herbs from his homeland! But now, when you smell this particular perfume, you immediately understand that you are in the enchanting Koln.
*** GREAT ST. MARTIN CHURCH (An Groß St. Martin, 50667 Köln)
Around 960 AD, the foundations of the temple were laid, resting on a Roman chapel and later it was turned into a Benedictine monastery. From the 13th century onwards it has the form you will see today. In 1985 it was rebuilt after the damage it had suffered during World War II. There is a baroque style to the Temple ornaments
*** EL-DE HAUS (Appellhofpl. 23-25, 50667 Köln)
It was the seat of the Gestapo of Cologne (1935 – 1945). It is a monument of shame for the Nazi period, but also a memorial to the people who lost their lives in the atrocities of the Nazis. You will see, among other things, the cells where Nazi victims were held and tortured. This dark building is a punch in everyone’s stomach.
*** KOLUMBA (Kolumbastraße 4, 50667 Köln)
It is worth a visit to this museum, which belongs to the Archdiocese of Cologne and was founded in 1853. You will see exhibits that will take you back even two thousand years and will be related to Western culture.
*** MUSEUM SCHLOSS AUGUSTISBURG (Schloßstraße 6, 50321 Brühl)
Its construction was completed in 1572 and the magnificent palaces will take you back to the glorious past. Admire the treasures of Augustusburg Castle, stroll through the gardens and pacifiers, and be sure to visit the Falkenlust hunting lodge.
*** ROMANO-GERMANIC MUSEUM (Roncalliplatz 4, 50667 Cologne)
Roman culture passes before your eyes. See exhibits, coins, pots, toys, glasses and anything else you can imagine from the early settlements in Rhineland.
*** WALLRAF RICHARTZ MUSEUM & FONDATION CORBOUD (Obenmarspforten 40, 50667, Koln)
Medieval paintings of Cologne have been hosted since 1500. Among others, artists from Flemish and the Netherlands are hosted.
ΤΗINGS TO DO
*** The Old Town of Cologne, located along the Rhine, has a historical charm and to live like the inhabitants, you have to walk in its rustic narrow alleys with the traditional old houses.
*** Do not forget to take a photo at Hahnen Gate.
*** Hohenzollern Bridge is also a great place for photos.
*** The Schnütgen Museum and the Wallraf Richartz Museum deserve your attention.
*** The Botanical Garden of the city is a real paradise! Visit it…
FOOD AND DRINK
The gastronomy of the city is based on meat, sausages, potatoes, puree and boiled vegetables that accompany all dishes. Try Königsberger klopse, Maultaschen, Käsespätzle and schnitzel in traditional restaurants. Of course, accompany all this with beer.
WHERE TO STAY
You can find cheap and expensive hotels in the city center. Prefer hotels near the main train station or next to the old city.
FUN AND SHOPPING
*** It is worth a walk to the Zoo.
*** Phantasialand is a theme park and you will have the opportunity to become children again.
*** If you have time visit «Chiapas – The water ride» and you will not miss! Ιt’s a very nice amusement park
*** It has many shopping options such as Neumarkt Galerie, Neumarkt Passage, Opern Passagen and Magazzino Designer Outlet Cologne.
HOW TO GET AROUND
The most beautiful way to get around the city is by bike, on foot, tram or by bus.
CITIES NEAR COLOGNE
Major cities close to Cologne are Leverkusen (20km), Bonn (33km), Dusseldorf (45km.), Wuppertal (53km), Monchengladbach (63km), Duisburg (72km), Essen (72km) and Dortmund (95km).
