COLOGNE

AN OLD GERMAN GEM

Cologne, known in German as Köln, is the fourth largest city in Germany, located in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. It's one of the oldest cities in Germany, with a history that stretches back over 2,000 years. The city was established by the Romans in 50 AD, and is renowned for its giant cathedral, cultural scene, music and arts.

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Carnival in Cologne, known locally as "Kölner Karneval," is one of the largest and most famous carnival celebrations in Germany and Europe. It's a festival full of traditions, parades, music, dancing, and costumes that deeply reflects the culture and humor of the Rhineland. The festivities attract millions of visitors from around the world to Cologne each year.

Visit Cologne during Carnival (End of Feb - Start of March)

Visit the Old Town

Cologne's Old Town (Altstadt) is a picturesque area known for its historic charm, vibrant atmosphere, and cultural significance. Nestled along the banks of the Rhine River, the Old Town is the heart of Cologne and a place where the past and present blend seamlessly. Despite significant damage during World War II, the Old Town has preserved or reconstructed many of its medieval buildings, including historic houses, narrow alleys, and ancient city walls. The Old Town is home to several charming squares, such as the Alter Markt and Heumarkt, bustling with cafes, restaurants, and bars. Cologne's Old Town features several beautiful Romanesque churches like Groß St. Martin and St. Maria im Kapitol.

The Kölner Dom stands as a monumental piece of Gothic architecture and is the most significant landmark in Cologne. Construction of the Kölner Dom began in 1248 but was not completed until 1880, spanning over six centuries. The cathedral was built to house the relics of the Three Wise Men, making it an important pilgrimage site as well as a spiritual center for the Roman Catholic Church. One of the most striking features of the Kölner Dom is its pair of spires which reach a height of approximately 157 meters (515 feet), making it one of the tallest cathedrals in the world.

Go inside one of Europe's largest cathedrals: The Kölner Dom

Go on a Cologne brewery tour & beer tasting

Experience Cologne’s renowned brewing culture up close and personal with a brewery tour. You can expect to learn about Cologne’s most interesting, hilarious and weird legends and fun facts while enjoying the delicious local beer: Kölsch. This tour covers some of the most traditional breweries Cologne has to offer, such as the 700-year-old Brauhaus Sion, and younger breweries, such as Cologne's largest: Früh am Dom. The tour costs €23.50, includes 3 tasting beers, and takes around 2 hours.

Stroll through the Cologne Zoo

Established in 1860, it is one of the country's oldest and most popular zoos. It is home to over 10,000 animals from more than 850 species, making it one of the most biodiverse zoos in the world. It provides a comprehensive representation of global wildlife, featuring animals from every continent. The zoo is dedicated to conservation, education, and research, aiming to promote awareness and understanding of the natural world and the need to protect it. This is the only reason that I would consider recommending going to a zoo.

Visit the Chocolate Museum

Founded in 1993, the museum offers a comprehensive journey through the history of chocolate, starting from its origins with the ancient Maya and Aztec civilizations, through to its introduction to Europe and its evolution into the chocolate we know and love today. The museum is partnered with Lindt, a renowned Swiss chocolate maker. One of the highlights of the museum is the live production line where visitors can see the chocolate-making process firsthand, as well as a tropical greenhouse where cocoa trees are grown, providing insight into the growth and harvesting of cocoa beans. This part of the exhibit emphasizes the importance of sustainable cultivation practices and the origins of cocoa.

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