Cologne is an eclectic place where classic charms meet contemporary edge. Originally a Roman settlement, it’s been refining its beauty for thousands of years. The city celebrates this every year at the Cologne Carnival – an epic six-day party awash with colour. While the event takes place in November, there are attractions and activities galore all year round.
Riverside adventures
The Rhine is the longest river in Europe, and it flows straight through the heart of Cologne. It’s a central part of the city’s identity, with many attractions adorning its banks.
Start downstream at the Cologne Chocolate Museum, indulging your senses on a tour of chocolate-making history. For a more savoury option, the smaller and more rustic Mustard Museum is just behind.
Walk north along the banks, past waterfront parks and blooming gardens, towards the dark green arches of Hohenzollern Bridge. On one side you’ll see the Gothic spires of Cologne Cathedral looming large – on the other the modern KölnTriangle skyscraper will be gleaming in the sunshine. This one landscape provides the perfect contrast between medieval and modern architecture.
The banks of the Rhine are a pleasant place to be at all times of year. Open-air theatres and restaurants burst into action in the summer, and the twinkling lights of the Christmas market make it feel warm and cosy in the winter. Drop into Kölner Zoo to meet the resident elephants, and then drive onwards to the neighbouring city of Düsseldorf.
Old town curiosities
Cologne’s medieval streets pack in thousands of years of history, legend and intrigue. Close to the cathedral, the Heinzelmännchen fountain is carved with mythical gnomes which are said to come out and play under the cover of darkness.
If you’re around the Church of Great Saint Martin, you’ll stumble upon the bronze statues of Tünnes and Schäl – two much-loved puppet characters. Make sure you rub Tünnes’ nose for good luck.
Modern masterpieces
The star of the modern art scene in Cologne is Museum Ludwig, a contemporary gallery stands in the shadows of the cathedral. It’s filled with masterpieces by the likes of Picasso, Matisse and Hockney.
The art spills out into Cologne itself, with bedazzling street art to be found across the city. Pick up an art map from the tourist centre and hunt down the most prized murals covering entire buildings, and original Banksy pieces tucked away in the shadows.
Full-on feasting
Cologne cooks up a storm in the kitchen, with a mix of creative fusion foods and hearty traditional favourites.
Cologne’s Belgian Quarter is the thriving hub of the independent restaurant scene. Here you can slurp up Thai noodles, indulge in French favourites and feast on German classics – all within walking distance of the main urban squares.
Go all out by indulging at the city’s ever-growing list of Michelin-star restaurants. Cologne is the gastronomic Big Kahuna of Germany, where exquisite flavours, settings and service have won close to 20 of the prestigious stars between them. For the feast of a lifetime, head to Restaurant Vendôme on the eastern outskirts of the city. It’s headed up by Joachim Wissler, who has been voted the best chef in Germany.
Cologne is a city which marches to its own beat. Your time will run out before the fun stops – and you’ll soon be back for more. Whether you’re travelling on business or planning a romantic city break, explore it all with a hire car.