Welcome to Cologne, the colourful and historic metropolis in Germany’s Rhineland area! Cologne is among the oldest cities in Germany, with a wealthy historical past that stretches again over two thousand years. From its beautiful Gothic structure, to its vibrant nightlife, and its lovely riverfront, Cologne is an unforgettable vacation spot.
On this information, you’ll discover all the data it’s essential profit from your time visiting Cologne. From prime points of interest to scrumptious native delicacies, we’ll present you one of the best of what this metropolis has to supply. So, let’s get began exploring the attractive metropolis of Cologne!
See additionally: Off The Crushed Observe Tip: Belgian Quarter Cologne
A snapshot of what to anticipate when visiting Cologne
The distinctive flavour to the town of Cologne is commonly put all the way down to the inhabitants, or Kölsche, who take an infinite quantity of pleasure 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 the town have English-speaking guides and data.
For these vacationers who converse German, and want to observe it, the residents have a variety of persistence with these attending to grips with the grammatically troublesome language.
Colognians are very pleasant individuals; welcoming vacationers of all sorts and with all pursuits. Away from the landmarks, many staff of the German rail system (Deutsche Bahn) converse English, in addition to ticket/timetable machines accessible in English modes. Native transport programs, nonetheless, not often cater for the English speaker, with solely the naked necessities of data accessible however this could solely concern these wishing to discover the town away from the extra centralised sights.
These wishing to discover away from the central metropolis ought to plan their journey earlier than leaving, to forestall 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 data of the language. Language isn’t a robust barrier, so this shouldn’t be an excessive amount of of a fear for the typical vacationer, simply strategy a pleasant native and use a smile in your face, your legs and arms. Cologne’s robust facet is its cultural life.
In the event you go to Cologne alone, you gained’t keep alone for lengthy (any time of the yr). You simply have to go to a pub and it gained’t be lengthy, somebody will invite you for a beer!
Get the KölnCard
Uncover Cologne comfortably and cost-effectively with the KölnCard. With free entry to public transport you possibly can journey for twenty-four or 48 hours and obtain reductions of as much as 50% from quite a few companions. The KölnCard is accessible for single individuals or teams.
– Free journey on buses and trains
– As much as 50% low cost at points of interest and museums
– As much as 50% low cost on guided excursions
– As much as 20% low cost at eating places
– As much as 15% low cost on purchasing
Get the cardboard right here.
Cologne Carnival (Fastelovend)
Karneval, the most important festivity in Cologne is the Winter carnival (or Fastelovend) in February. In accordance with 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 the town) to Karnevalsdienstag (Shrove Tuesday).
On Rosenmontag (Shrove Monday) multiple and a half million individuals line Cologne’s streets to look at 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 pals that the Cologne Carnival could be one of the best carnival on the earth. Okay, I do know it’s fairly one thing to say that, as there are lots of nice locations on the market with nice Carnival experiences. However Cologne Carnival is exclusive!
Everybody… actually…Everybody will get dressed up! Individuals 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 in regards to the metropolis and its individuals.
Cologne is known for its Kölsch (beer)
Cologne is understood for its love of beer, sometimes called Kölsch. This top-fermented beer is normally gentle in shade and has a distinctively dry and crisp style, because of its native elements. It’s also served in a particular glass known 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. A few of the hottest embody Reissdorf Kölsch, Gaffel Kölsch, and Sion Kölsch. Many of those conventional beers are served in pubs and eating places all through the town, usually accompanied by a plate of hearty native meals.
To style as many Kölsch as you possibly can, be part of this brewery tour.
Town additionally performs host to numerous beer festivals all year long, together with the well-known Cologne Carnival that we simply talked about. Throughout this time, 1000’s of individuals come to the town for its distinctive mixture of events and parades, in addition to its beer.
Along with conventional Kölsch, Cologne additionally produces numerous craft beers. These embody IPAs, wheat beers, and even bitter beers, which have gotten more and more widespread. There are additionally numerous specialty bars and retailers all through.
See additionally: Conventional Beer and Meals in Cologne
Conventional meals in Cologne
Cologne is an excellent metropolis stuffed with tradition and custom, and that is very true with regards to its meals. Conventional meals in Cologne is a mixture of influences from all around the world, giving it a singular and scrumptious taste.
Probably the most widespread conventional dishes in Cologne is the Kölschbraten. It is a sausage that’s served with both sauerkraut or mashed potatoes. It’s usually served with a facet of apple sauce and is a very fashionable dish for locals and guests alike.
One other conventional dish is the Halver Hahn, which is a rye bread roll crammed with butter, cheese, and onions. It is a very fashionable snack in Cologne and is commonly 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 searching for extra hearty conventional dishes, there may be the “Himmel und Erde”, which is a dish made with mashed potatoes.
High sights in Cologne
Cologne is a lovely metropolis in Germany, crammed with wonderful sights which can be value seeing. Whether or not you’re exploring the town for the primary time or revisiting your favourite spots, listed here are the highest sights in Cologne that you just gained’t need to miss.
Take a look at these Cologne actions accessible on Get Your Information:
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. (In the event you don’t see it, you’ve taken the again exit.) If you’re in good condition, take the 509 stairs to the highest of the south tower. It takes about an hour, so put on snug sneakers, however it’s well worth the hike.
Touring the Cathedral is forbidden throughout Mass. Entry into the cathedral is free however you may be requested for a donation.
- Admission to the tower prices (common/diminished): €6/€3
- Admission to the treasury prices (common/diminished): €6/€3, nonetheless, a mixed ticket granting you admission to the treasury and tower may be bought for (common/diminished): €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 possibly can 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 heart. It’s one of the vital famend live performance halls in Germany and hosts performances by a number of the world’s finest orchestras, choirs, and soloists. The corridor is dwelling to the Gürzenich Orchestra and the Kölner Philharmoniker and has world-class acoustics that make it a terrific place to expertise stay classical music.
Cologne Zoo
The Cologne Zoo is among the oldest zoos in Germany and is dwelling to over 8,000 animals. It’s a terrific place to spend a day with household and pals and is crammed with 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 Commerce Honest. It homes museums, retailers, eating places, and places of work, in addition to a big statement deck with panoramic views of the town. The KölnTriangle is a good spot to soak up the sights of the town and get a glimpse of the encompassing 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 be certain to take the time to discover the town and absorb all of its magnificence.
Journey Dudes
I am positive you’ve got had related experiences I had while touring. You are in a sure place and a fellow traveler, or an area, tip you off on a little-known seaside, bar or lodging. Nice journey suggestions from different vacationers or locals at all times add one thing particular to our travels. That was the inspiration for Journey Dudes.
