Cologne has a unique beer culture, fantastic art scene, is home to one of the most recognisable religious buildings in the world and with its old town having a slightly different feel than many other German cities, it is a great city to get an alternative taste of Germany.
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Along with its dominating structure, the Cologne Cathedral is well worth exploring inside: marvel at its unparalleled stained glass windows, the remains of the 3 wise men and the fantastic panoramic views over the city for those willing to climb the 533 stairs up. What’s more is that the cathedral is not the only impressive place of worship, there are in fact 12 Romanesque churches which successfully balance their historic elements with modern alterations as well as the rebuilt Roonstraße Synagogue.
Cologne’s exceptional museums and galleries make it an internationally renowned centre of art that rivals that of the capital from its modern pop art and contemporary pieces in the Museum Ludwig to its extensive collection of medieval Cologne paintings housed in the Wallraf-Richartz-Museum and Foundation Corboud. If you have a sweet tooth, then the one-of-a-kind Chocolate Museum is a must visit for you. With the beautiful botanical gardens and impressive sculpture garden, there is plenty to explore both in- and outdoors in this superb city.
Head to one of its breweries within the city or with the highest concentration of pubs with in Germany, there are plenty of options to sample its fine Kölsch beer: some of the best can be found around the Old Market Square. Or grab a coffee and cake in one of the superb cafes as Cologne seem to have mastered this typical German afternoon pastime.
Cologne is a picturesque city set on the River Rhine so take a boat ride before walking across the Hohenzollern Bridge full of thousands of padlocks symbolising each couples’ lasting love. Prefer to see it from above, then go up to the Koln Triangle or take a cable ride for fabulous birds eye view.
* prices based on cheapest quotes made in Skyscanner.net throughout 2018