Uncover these 8 interesting things to do while on a trip to Germany’s hidden gem, Cologne

The city of Cologne in western Germany is a city where history, art and culture all come together harmoniously along the great river of Rhine. Cologne is often undone by Berlin or Munich, it is waiting to be discovered as one of the most genuine and lovely spots in Germany. Having a history of more than 2,000 years, this city is a magnificent combination of Gothic cathedrals, Roman ruins, beauty of the river and modern multicolored world that fascinates every sort of tourist.

Cologne also has a local soul, the warmth of locality and the richness of old traditions and new innovations, in addition to fantastic architecture and the finest world museums. It is a city of contradictions: the old medieval churches and the smooth art galleries, old bridges and the new cafes, old breweries with their old recipes and the new nightlife.

Cologne is a European city that can be seen as a journey into the essence of the old city, and it is either a big or a small experience that thrills those who are passionate about art and erroneous about history.

You can start your visit to this delightful and significant hidden Germany destination with the following list of exciting and meaningful activities to consider: –

1. Visit the Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom)

The Cologne Cathedral stands tall with its twin spires puncturing the clouds and is one of the most spectacular architectural pieces in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Gothic masterpiece is a work of faith, perseverance and artistic excellence and was built in more than half a millennia.

Enter and you will be welcomed by a beautiful display of stained-glass windows, elaborate stone carvings and the much-aggrandized Shrine of the Three Kings, supposedly containing the remains of the Biblical Magi. It is also possible to take the 533 steps up to the south tower of the cathedral and have a view of the city and the meandering Rhine below.

Be it due to religious reasons, the architecture or just to enjoy the spectacle of its magnitude, this cathedral is the heart and soul of Cologne and it is a place that one cannot but visit.

2. Explore the Old Town

Explore the Old Town (Altstadt), where history is made with every step on the cobblestone. This is the lovely neighbor, which is located on the picturesque shores of the Rhine river- it is full of colorful old constructions, old-fashioned breweries, and small streets which smack of the middle ages.

Take a walk at the waterfront prominence and have a drink at one of the numerous waterside cafes as boats pass by. See Great St. Martin Church with its tower of Romanesque splendour dominating the horizon, and enjoy Heumarkt and Alter Markt, two of the most picturesque of the Cologne squares.

Do not forget to take a sip of the Kolsch, the beer of Cologne, which is prepared only in this part of the world, and is poured out in large, slender glasses in the tavern-houses here, called Brauhaus. In this case, each drink would be a bite of tradition.

3. Indulge in Chocolatey Delights at the Chocolate Museum

The Chocolate Museum (Schokoladenmuseum) seems to be a dream of all people with sweet teeth. This interactive museum is situated right on the riverfront and it is a tasty trip through the history, growing, and manufacturing of chocolate.

You will discover the process of cocoa bean: how it grows on the farms of tropical areas, how it is processed in the factories and even how the liquid chocolate is run through a great golden fountain. There are also interactive workshops that you can do in the museum in which you can create your own chocolate bars and sample new confections prepared by the master chocolatiers.

Finish off your trip by visiting the Lindt Cafe where you can have a cup of hot chocolate having a beautiful view of the Rhine which is an ideal place to relax and have a cup of hot chocolate to all the travelers.

4. Admire Art at the Museum Ludwig

Museum Ludwig is a heaven that harbors the lovers of modern art and is just a few steps away from the cathedral. The museum houses the masterpieces of Picasso, Warhol, Lichtenstein and Ernst among the finest examples of 20th -21 st century art in Europe.

The galleries combine the bright pop art, German Expressionism, surrealism and abstractions, and gather a path of development of modern art. The museum is also characterized by thought provoking contemporary exhibits that argue the manner in which we perceive art and society.

Although not an expert in art, the atmosphere here is welcoming, it is a place where one can go and explore, meditate, and be inspired by the strength of creativity.

5. Take a Rhine River Cruise

A visit to Cologne is never complete without the Rhine River which is the blood of the city. Board a leisurely river cruise and see the face of Cologne in an entirely different light.

You will pass through medieval bridges, ancient fortresses and waving vineyards as you imbibe the city skyline topped with spires of the cathedral. Most of the cruises provide dinner or sunset tours, which make the riverbanks sparkling with golden colours and making the experience very romantic and quiet.

To have an even longer journey, you can continue to cruise northward to Dusseldorf or southward to Koblenz, where castles and fairy-tale sceneries are lining the banks of the Rhine Valley, a stretch of the UNESCO world heritage in itself.

6. Sample Local Delicacies at the Cologne Food Market 

The food culture in Cologne is a colorful blend of old and new, and the best way to explore it is in one of the local food markets. Go to the Wochenmarkt am Rudolfplatz or Kolner Stadtmarkt and have a look at the shopping, dining and chatting locals.

In this case you can taste fresh bread, smelly cheeses, art sausages and delicious pastries – all of them are prepared using local products. Sample a serving of Himmel un Aad (Heaven and Earth), which is a classic meal of mashed potatoes, apple sauce and black pudding that cajoles the spirit of the Cologne food.

You would want to wash your meal with a cold glass of Kolsch beer, and you will realize why food is so much a part of the city culture.

7. Experience Cologne’s Nightlife

When the night sets in, Cologne is a city that never sleeps. It has an exciting nightlife comprising both classic and contemporary styles: intimate pubs in the Old Town, and rooftop bars with elegant views of the Rhine.

Go to the Zulpicher Strasse and find student-friendly bars and live music, or promote the Belgian Quarter, whereby trendy lounges, cocktail bars, and jazz clubs keep the city entertaining.

The Bootshaus nightclub is also world-famous and it is one of the best electronic places to dance around. Regardless of your style, the night life of Cologne is something you will not miss at all; it is warm, friendly and never-ending.

8. Attend a Cologne Carnival Celebration

When you pay a visit in the month of February you will have an event of a lifetime: the Cologne Carnival (Kolner Karneval). It is also referred to as the fifth season and one of the largest and most boisterous street festivals in Europe.

The city turns into a riot of colors and music, when people wear fancy costumes, take part in the parades, and dance in the streets, listening to the brass bands and to the marching music. It is an electric atmosphere, and laughter, confetti and joyful chaos are all around.

The Rosenmontag Parade, the main event of the festival, with gigantic floats, candy-throwers, and an atmosphere that spreads like a virus and makes everyone a participant in the game, cannot be missed.

Final Thoughts

Cologne may not necessarily be at the top of the German tourist list all the time, but that is what is so special about it. It is a city that is not so much trying to impress you, but it is embracing you with open arms and with true warmth. You can be in awe of the splendor of its cathedral, enjoy the chocolates on the Rhine, or have a glass of Kolsch with new friends; Cologne is asking you to relax, linger and enjoy your company a little longer.

Cologne is a secret in the world that is in search of the next big thing, timeless, soulful, and wonderfully alive.