Cologne is a bustling city with plenty to see and do. From world-famous art collections to a gilded medieval reliquary, this 2,000-year-old city on the Rhine River is the cultural hub of western Germany.
A visit to the twin-spired Cologne Cathedral is one of the highlights of a trip here. It’s a landmark of High Gothic architecture and also known for its sweeping Rhine River views.
1. Cathedral
The Gothic cathedral of Cologne is one of the largest church buildings in Europe. Its dual towers dominate the North Rhine Westphalia city.
The cathedral was originally built to house relics of the Three Kings. These bones had been brought back by Frederick Barbarossa from his conquered City of Milan, and Archbishop Rainald von Dassel wanted to build a church that would be large enough to accommodate them.
As a result, the new building was designed in Gothic style, based on the French cathedral of Amiens. It was also meant to be a symbol of the power and dominance of the archbishops.
2. Old Town
Cologne’s lovely Old Town is a great place to explore the city's history. It's a mix of UNESCO-listed historical sites and contemporary museums and architecture.
It's also the place to see one of Europe's best-known cathedrals, Cologne Cathedral. It's a Gothic masterpiece that combines ancient myths, legends, and biblical figures to create a mighty structure.
The 900-year-old building reflects multiple architectural styles from medieval times through to the Renaissance. The main building dates from the 14th century, the tower from the 15th, and the loggia and cloister from the Renaissance era.
The spires of this church stand out in the skyline of Cologne's Old Town, where you can also visit 12 Romanesque churches. These churches are located within a short walking distance of the Cathedral, and offer a beautiful view along the Rhine River.
3. Museums
Cologne is a fascinating town that features a large number of attractions and fun things to do. From relics of the Roman Empire to the birthplace of the Eau de Cologne and some of the world’s greatest collections of art, there’s something for everyone in Cologne.
A trip to Cologne isn’t complete without visiting some of the city’s museums. The Wallraf-Richartz Museum, which is home to one of the largest Impressionist collections in Germany, is a must for art enthusiasts.
4. Museum of Applied Art
The Museum of Applied Art (MAKK) is a decorative arts museum that exhibits a collection of jewelry, ceramics and furniture. It is located in Cologne and aims to preserve European decorative arts history from the Middle Ages to present day.
The museum’s plain, red-brick Schwarz-Bernhard building stands on the site of a former Conventual monastery whose shape is still traced by the ground plan and the square inner courtyard.
The museum houses over one hundred thousand pieces of decorative art from different eras. These include small sculptures, carpets and other decorative objects. It also has collections of jewellery, porcelain and weaponry.
5. Boat Ride
A Rhine River cruise in Cologne is a great way to get the most out of your stay in this historic German city. It's a convenient and easy way to see top sights like the Cologne Cathedral.
- Step aboard a modern sightseeing boat from Cologne's pier and sit back as your cruise sails along the legendary Rhine. Take pictures of top sights including the twin-spired cathedral and the Hohenzollern Bridge, which stretches across the water and features railings packed with padlocks left by romantic couples as an everlasting symbol of love.
- During this one-hour tour, you'll see Cologne's charming Old Town and spot impressive modern buildings like the Lindt chocolate museum. You'll also hear fascinating facts about the city's 2,000-year history from your guide on the trip.
