Welcome to Cologne, the colourful and historic metropolis in Germany’s Rhineland area! Cologne is likely one of the oldest cities in Germany, with a wealthy historical past that stretches again over two thousand years. From its gorgeous Gothic structure, to its vibrant nightlife, and its stunning riverfront, Cologne is an unforgettable vacation spot.
In this information, you’ll discover all the knowledge you might want to profit from your time visiting Cologne. From prime points of interest to scrumptious native delicacies, we’ll present you the perfect of what this metropolis has to supply. So, let’s get began exploring the gorgeous metropolis of Cologne!
See additionally: Off The Beaten Track Tip: Belgian Quarter Cologne
A snapshot of what to anticipate when visiting Cologne
The distinctive flavour to town of Cologne is usually put all the way down to the inhabitants, or Kölsche, who take an infinite quantity of delight of their metropolis. Cologne, like most areas of Germany, has its very personal native dialect of German, although that is unlikely to hinder the typical sight-seeing vacationer, as lots of the landmarks of town have English-speaking guides and knowledge.
For these vacationers who converse German, and want to follow it, the residents have a variety of endurance with these attending to grips with the grammatically tough language.
Colognians are very pleasant individuals; welcoming vacationers of all sorts and with all pursuits. Away from the landmarks, many employees of the German rail system (Deutsche Bahn) converse English, in addition to ticket/timetable machines out there in English modes. Local transport programs, nonetheless, hardly ever cater for the English speaker, with solely the naked necessities of knowledge out there however this could solely concern these wishing to discover town away from the extra centralised sights.
Those wishing to discover away from the central metropolis ought to plan their journey earlier than leaving, to stop minor issues as there’s a lack of English away from the centre of Cologne. Older individuals in Cologne are inclined to have little or no data of English, while businessmen and ladies, in addition to the German youth, all are inclined to have an excellent data of the language. Language is never a powerful barrier, so this shouldn’t be an excessive amount of of a fear for the typical vacationer, simply method a pleasant native and use a smile in your face, your legs and arms. Cologne’s robust aspect is its cultural life.
If you go to Cologne alone, you received’t keep alone for lengthy (any time of the yr). You simply have to go to a pub and it received’t be lengthy, somebody will invite you for a beer!
Get the KölnCard
Discover Cologne comfortably and cost-effectively with the KölnCard. With free entry to public transport you may journey for twenty-four or 48 hours and obtain reductions of as much as 50% from quite a few companions. The KölnCard is obtainable for single individuals or teams.
– Free journey on buses and trains
– Up to 50% low cost at points of interest and museums
– Up to 50% low cost on guided excursions
– Up to twenty% low cost at eating places
– Up to fifteen% low cost on purchasing
Get the cardboard right here.
Cologne Carnival (Fastelovend)
Karneval, the largest festivity in Cologne is the Winter carnival (or Fastelovend) in February. According to the official Cologne tourism web site: “Its spotlight is the road carnival happening from Weiberfastnacht (the Thursday earlier than Ash Wednesday, historically the day on which girls take management of town) to Karnevalsdienstag (Shrove Tuesday).
On Rosenmontag (Shrove Monday) multiple and a half million individuals line Cologne’s streets to observe the parade with the mad triad – the prince, farmer, and virgin – yearly.”
Dates for Cologne Carnival: It begins on the Thursday earlier than the start of Lent annually.
I’m at all times telling associates that the Cologne Carnival is likely to be the perfect carnival on the earth. Ok, I do know it’s fairly one thing to say that, as there are various nice locations on the market with nice Carnival experiences. But Cologne Carnival is exclusive!
Everyone… actually…Everyone will get dressed up! People run round as clowns, cowboys, Indians, self-made costumes & no matter you wish to be! The songs you’ll hear are all in “Kölsch”, the dialect and most of them are about carnival and concerning the metropolis and its individuals.
Cologne is legendary for its Kölsch (beer)
Cologne is understood for its love of beer, sometimes called Kölsch. This top-fermented beer is normally mild in shade and has a distinctively dry and crisp style, due to its native substances. It can also be served in a particular glass referred to as a Kölschstange, which is designed to maintain the beer chilly and carbonated.
Cologne has a wealthy brewing tradition, with dozens of native breweries producing Kölsch and different beers. Some of the most well-liked embody Reissdorf Kölsch, Gaffel Kölsch, and Sion Kölsch. Many of those conventional beers are served in pubs and eating places all through town, usually accompanied by a plate of hearty native meals.
To style as many Kölsch as you may, be part of this brewery tour.
The metropolis additionally performs host to various beer festivals all year long, together with the well-known Cologne Carnival that we simply talked about. During this time, 1000’s of individuals come to town for its distinctive mixture of events and parades, in addition to its beer.
In addition to conventional Kölsch, Cologne additionally produces various craft beers. These embody IPAs, wheat beers, and even bitter beers, which have gotten more and more widespread. There are additionally various specialty bars and outlets all through.
See additionally: Traditional Beer and Food in Cologne
Traditional meals in Cologne
Cologne is a superb metropolis filled with tradition and custom, and that is very true in terms of its meals. Traditional meals in Cologne is a mixture of influences from all around the world, giving it a singular and scrumptious taste.
One of the most well-liked conventional dishes in Cologne is the Kölschbraten. This is a sausage that’s served with both sauerkraut or mashed potatoes. It is usually served with a aspect of apple sauce and is a very talked-about dish for locals and guests alike.
Another conventional dish is the Halver Hahn, which is a rye bread roll full of butter, cheese, and onions. This is a very talked-about snack in Cologne and is usually served in pubs or cafes.
Cologne can also be recognized for its quite a few beers and ales, which are sometimes served with conventional German meals reminiscent of sausages, pretzels, and sauerkraut.
For these in search of extra hearty conventional dishes, there may be the “Himmel und Erde”, which is a dish made with mashed potatoes.
Top sights in Cologne
Cologne is a wonderful metropolis in Germany, full of superb sights which can be value seeing. Whether you’re exploring town for the primary time or revisiting your favourite spots, listed here are the highest sights in Cologne that you just received’t wish to miss.
Check out these Cologne actions out there on Get Your Guide:
The Cologne Cathedral, protected by the UNESCO
Protected by UNESCO, Cologne’s Dom is the primary sight you’ll discover when taking the principle exit from the central station. (If you don’t see it, you’ve taken the again exit.) If you might be in fine condition, take the 509 stairs to the highest of the south tower. It takes about an hour, so put on comfy footwear, but it surely’s definitely worth the hike.
Touring the Cathedral is forbidden throughout Mass. Entry into the cathedral is free however you can be requested for a donation.
- Admission to the tower prices (common/lowered): €6/€3
- Admission to the treasury prices (common/lowered): €6/€3, nonetheless, a mixed ticket granting you admission to the treasury and tower may be bought for (common/lowered): €9/€4.50.
Römisch-Germanisches Museum
The Römisch-Germanisches Museum is a museum devoted to archaeology and the historical past of Cologne. It’s one of many oldest museums in Germany and was based in 1912. Inside, you may discover collections of stone monuments, mosaics, and cash from the Roman interval. There are additionally sections devoted to medieval and trendy artwork, together with a sculpture park.
Kölner Philharmonie
The Kölner Philharmonie is a live performance corridor positioned within the metropolis middle. It’s one of the crucial famend live performance halls in Germany and hosts performances by among the world’s finest orchestras, choirs, and soloists. The corridor is house to the Gürzenich Orchestra and the Kölner Philharmoniker and has world-class acoustics that make it an ideal place to expertise reside classical music.
Cologne Zoo
The Cologne Zoo is likely one of the oldest zoos in Germany and is house to over 8,000 animals. It’s an ideal place to spend a day with household and associates and is full of fascinating reveals and points of interest. Highlights embody the favored elephant and giraffe enclosure, the aquarium, and the tropical home.
KölnTriangle
The KölnTriangle is a contemporary complicated positioned within the Cologne Trade Fair. It homes museums, outlets, eating places, and places of work, in addition to a big commentary deck with panoramic views of town. The KölnTriangle is a good spot to soak up the sights of town and get a glimpse of the encircling space.
These are just some of the highest sights in Cologne. From historic landmarks to trendy points of interest, there’s something for everybody to discover. So ensure to take the time to discover town and soak up all of its magnificence.
Travel Dudes
I’m certain you have had related experiences I had while touring. You’re in a sure place and a fellow traveler, or an area, tip you off on a little-known seaside, bar or lodging. Great journey suggestions from different vacationers or locals at all times add one thing particular to our travels. That was the inspiration for Travel Dudes.
