Cologne, having been dubbed the "capital of Rhenish joie de vivre" is a vibrant city with a reputation for its fun loving antics and prolific history. The birthplace of eau-de-cologne, it is a dynamic place for history, culture and more importantly: beer. Whether you want to cool down with a pint of Kölsch, a local beer, or take a boat out on the River Rhine and cruise through the sights, Cologne is a city of new experiences. The cities inhabitants, bearing the moniker Kölsche are renowned for their friendly attitude towards tourists and your stay here is sure to be a welcome one.
The city is fondly known for Cologne Carnival, when culture and vibrancy pour out onto the streets for one of the largest street festivals in Europe; an amazing experience for those lucky enough to visit while it’s in full swing.
If you’re thirsting for a day brimming with nature then the Cologne Zoo and Aquarium could be right for you. If opera is music to your ears then pop by the Opera House for a performance and of course, remember to top off your visit with spectacular views by checking out the sights of the cable cars.
Cologne is a higgledy piggledy gallery of architecture through the ages: The skyline of Cologne is dominated by its majestic cathedral. The cathedral nicknamed the Dom. with its towering architecture is reputed to be of the best examples of high gothic in Europe. This edifice is the heart of the city now a UNESCO World Heritage site that for anyone passionate about monuments is a definite bookmarked activity.
Cologne is perfect for a jam-packed day of good old fashioned fun. With a plethora of museums at your fingertips including The Roman-Germanic Museum, The Wallraf-Richartz Museum and Glockengasse 4711 (the birthplace of eau- de-cologne) it offers the opportunity to take in the city and absorb some interesting facts.
With other interesting sights varying from The Iron Market, also known as Eisenmarkt, a replica of the original 13th century market to Wahn Castle, or Schloss Wahn, a palace complete with a collection of stunning oil paintings. If you want to get a look into German culture and history then this could be the city to help give you a bigger picture of Europe.
Cologne, sometimes called the Mayor Art City also has a lot to offer in the form of arts and culture. The Cologne Museum of Applied Art is packed with historic paintings, while the Holography Museum and New Visual Mediums stopper the contemporary gap and match the pace of other major contemporary art galleries in Europe. The Museum of Ludwig and Wallraf Richartz Museum are also worth a visit for arty types looking to get their fix abroad. If its culture that whets your appetite then the Imhoff-Stollwerck Chocolate Museum is a must, combining the yummy confectionary with history, it’s a must see for any budding chocolate connoisseurs out there.
If you want some peace and quiet in the sun then Cologne Botanic Gardens are the perfect pit stop to regain your strength. Whether it’s the scent of cologne or the taste of chocolate on your tongue that draws you to this city, there is a wealth of architecture and history to riffle through. If you want to venture slightly further afield on your trip then the nearby city of Bonn is a popular day visit location as is Dusseldorf. Cologne is undoubtedly a city of gastronomic delights, and the city combines good food and drink, vibrant culture and beautiful sights.
Last Edit by jessicacook on 12/09/2011 EDIT NOW >>
