Cologne Travel Guide 

Things to see and do in Cologne

Cologne is a cultural and artistic centre, with stunning architecture, fascinating museums and art galleries. Here are some of the main attractions in Cologne:

Cologne Cathedral
With its twin 157-metre high towers, Cologne Cathedral towers over Cologne's Old Town. As well as the building itself, the Cathedral Treasury displays a stunning collection of religious and liturgical artefacts, sculptures and grave goods dating from the 4th to the 20th century.

Rhine River Boats
The Rhine is an integral part of Cologne, and a riverboat tour is a perfect way to get a feel for what the city has to offer.

Chocolate Museum
The Chocolate Museum is a paradise for the sweet-toothed, with a series of lively, hands-on exhibitions charting the history of chocolate.

Ludwig Museum
The Ludwig Museum houses an internationally-renowned collection of modern art, with works by Picasso, Dali, Miro, Magritte and more on show.

Romanesque Churches
Within the Medieval city walls, twelve stunning churches stand in the heart of the city. A stunning display of Medieval architecture.

Old Town
Cologne's Old Town is a network of narrow streets and alleyways, with a large variety of cafes, restaurants and shops in between the charming and brightly-coloured houses.

Shopping in Cologne

Cologne attracts shoppers from far and wide, and offers a wide range of shops from high street fashion to exclusive designer outlets:

Schildergasse
Schildergasse connects Hohe Strasse and Neumarkt. It offers fashion and shoe shops, cosmetics, perfume, and a good variety of restaurants>

Neumarkt Passage arcade
A shopping arcade with a range of high-quality specialist stores located both inside and outside the arcade. This is the ideal place to stop off for a bite to eat.

Apostelnstrasse
Apostelnstrasse is a shopping street in the heart of Cologne. You'll find a whole variety of shops here, including high quality jewellers and goldsmiths.

Eating out in Cologne

Cologne offers numerous bars, cafes and restaurants serving a wide range of dishes. Here are some of the highlights:

Em Krützche
This charming building in the old town alongside the Rhine houses a traditional restaurant serving classical and Rhenish cuisine.

"Zur Tant" and "Hütter's Piccolo" restaurants
A listed half-timbered building on the banks of the Rhine with beautiful views and a terrace. The bistro offers homemade cooking, while the restaurant menu features gourmet cuisine.

Park Plaza
A well-appointed, modern establishment offering outstanding service and serving both regional and international dishes. There is also a spa area on the roof terrace.