Welcome to Cologne
The world feels at home in Cologne, where people meet for a Kölsch, a chat or simply a laugh. Life in Cologne is vivacious.
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Take a trip through 2000 years of history and visit cultural monuments from the Roman Empire to modern times.
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Cologne provides over 250 hotels with a total capacity of more than 26,000 beds.
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"Drinking a Kölsch is more than just drinking a beer: it´s like drinking an entire culture." (NYT, 5/07)
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Enjoy the world-famous traditional Cologne Carnival and several top events throughout the year.
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Prime location in the heart of Europe and exemplary infrastructure also a multitude of highly specialised modern economy.
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Cologne’s Schildergasse is the most-visited shopping street in Germany.
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Eau de Cologne
Carnival
The historic Farina-house is situated opposite the Town Hall. In the world's oldest fragrance factory you can see where the fascinating history of Eau de Cologne and modern fragrances began. 
Sunday, 17-01-2021,
Cologne in one day
You only have one day to discover the Cathedral City on the Rhine and to immerse yourself in Cologne’s zest for life? We have some suggestions that will allow you to discover the most important and interesting sides of the city and at the end of the day to be able to say in your best impression of the local dialect, "Hey Kölle, do bes en Jeföhl!" (“Hey Cologne, you’re a feeling!”).
Impressive landmark
The city tour begins at the city’s landmark – the Cologne Cathedral. At almost 160 metres high, it towers over the houses and acts as an orientation point for tourists and locals alike. Join one of the Cathedral tours that takes place several times a day, or climb the 509 steps to the top of the tower, passing by the powerful church bell, called “Dicker Pitter” in the Cologne dialect, and enjoy the extensive view over the city and the Rhine.
Cologne’s zest for life
Right next to the Cathedral is the historic centre of the city with its old, colourful houses that take you back to a time long gone. Meet Tünnes und Schäl, two figures that represent the original Kölsch inhabitants, and marvel at the historic town hall and tower. For a breather with a bit of oomph, head to one of the many breweries like Peter’s Brauhaus or the traditional Früh am Dom where you can try some typical Cologne dishes such as “Himmel un Aed” or “Halve Hahn”.
A portion of culture
Art is on the agenda for the afternoon – and in Cologne there is plenty on offer. Visit the modern art exhibition at the Ludwig Museum or the permanent exhibition of art from the Middle Ages right up to the Impressionist period in the Wallraf-Richartz Museum. You can gain an insight into the city’s omnipresent Roman past at the Roman-Germanic Museum. If sweet things are more up your street, head down to the Chocolate Museum at the Rheinauhafen.
Coffee break
If you’re craving coffee by this time, make for Café Reichard for a wonderful view of the Cathedral along with a piece of cake. This traditional coffee house with its authentic atmosphere has been around for over 150 years directly on the Cathedral square. If you’d rather go shopping, you can shop till you drop on Hohe Straße, Schildergasse, Mittelstraße and Ehrenstraße.
Nightlife
Following an eventful day, while away the evening hours in one of the city’s traditional breweries or dive headfirst into Cologne’s nightlife on Zülpicher Straße or around Friesenplatz.
City Map: Your Walk
Find out more: Sightseeing
The twelve Romanic churches are amongst the cultural highlights of Cologne, alongside the Cathedral and the museums. The guided tours of the Romanic churches are a major attraction for visitors throughout the year. more
In addition to the twelve Romanesque churches, Cologne boasts five Baroque buildings and many churches from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This selection introduces just a few of the other churches, though all are worth paying a visit. more
During World War II approximately 72 percent of the city area of Cologne was destroyed. The city centre, full of rubble, resembled a horrible battlefield - the picturesque part of the Old Town was destroyed nearly completely and had to be rebuild in drudgingly precious work. more
For several years now, love locks have been considered one of Cologne’s most charming traditions. As proof of their love, couples fix padlocks to the railings on the Hohenzollern Bridge; to ensure everlasting love, they then throw the key into the Rhein river below. more
With the Severinstor, the Eigelsteintor and the Hahnentor, three of the total of twelve city gates from the mediaeval city fortifications (1180 - 1220) have been preserved and are still used today for various purposes. The city hall was built in 1330, with the Renaissance arcade. more
The Römisch-Germanisches Museum gives an impressive account of the history of the Romans along the Rhine. The foundations of the residence of the city's Roman governor were uncovered under the Rathaus (city hall) and the Roman Tower is an excellent example for the Roman fortifications. more
The Rheinauhafen with it's extraordinary "crane houses" represents the modern side of Cologne. But their are also the Rheinparkhallen, the Arena, the Weltstadthaus and much more impressive monuments. more
You only have a couple of hours in Cologne? Or you want a whistle-stop tour of the main sights? Our circuit around the Cathedral and historic centre is perfect. more