Things to do in Cologne

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Cologne

For many inhabitants still associate Cologne with Gothic buildings and other ancient attributes of an excursion city. But this delusion has been irrelevant for decades. Now Cologne is a developed metropolis and the third largest city in Germany, which has its own culture that has developed over centuries and a number of unique features. Features make Cologne an interesting place, including for tourists.

See Cologne Cathedral

The main attraction of the city - Cologne Cathedral - is depicted on every second postcard from views of this picturesque city. Its creation began in the XIII century and continued with various interruptions for more than 6 centuries. It was finally completed only in 1880. This"long-term construction" influenced the appearance of the cathedral - it combines several architectural styles from different eras at once, but the main style is considered to be Gothic. During World War II, the city was badly damaged by Allied bombing, but the Cologne Cathedral miraculously survived. Now it is the undisputed leader in tourist visits.

Cologne Cathedral

Drink lemonade on Brussels street

Inconspicuous in appearance Brusselsstra?e and the adjacent square of the same name is the main hangout for Cologne's informal youth. Brightly dressed young people are happy to pose for tourists and willingly talk about the city. Instead of alcohol, which is forbidden to drink on the streets in Germany, in their hands you can see various bottles of carbonated water, which you can choose and buy in any store nearby. An interesting fact is that almost all soda is locally produced.

Get to a nightclub during the day

Almost all nightclubs in Germany are open from 10 pm to 5 am, but in Cologne there are a number of places where there are daytime activities. It is not easy to get on them, since, most often, these are meetings “for friends”, but if the guide in Cologne turns out to be one of the “friends”, there is a great chance to see the other side of the typical German club parties. If you are lucky, then such a meeting will be a closed presentation - for example, an album of some local hip-hop artist or a book by a popular German writer.

Evaluate local museums

Museum complexes in Cologne are extensive - exist even separate excursion programs that are dedicated exclusively to local museums. Among the famous exhibition venues, it is worth noting the Perfume Museum, aka the Cologne Museum - after all, it was in Cologne that the legendary fragrance was invented and sold all over the world. It is worth going to the Chocolate Museum with children, or all those who cannot imagine life without a sweet treat. At the Walraf-Richartz Museum the originals of works by Rembrandt, Rubens and Van Gogh are kept.

Perfume Museum

Go to Trodel

Cologne Trodel flea market is an example of how unique things and real values may not be sold in luxury boutiques, and in the middle of the street in the most ordinary trade tent. Sellers are allowed to display their goods only on Saturdays, and by 8 am a rather impressive crowd of potential buyers gathers here. Among the sellers there are people from the former USSR, so even Russian is in use on Trodel, and when two fellow countrymen meet, the possibility of bargaining increases.

Try street food

If in Berlin an attempt to buy a traditional German sausage in a hot sauce on the street may end up with food poisoning or an upset stomach, but in Cologne, street food is under the special protection of sanitary services. Tourists can buy with peace of mind both sausages and dishes prepared in the local tradition. Such a dish, for example, is applesauce stuffed. Another traditional Cologne treat is roasted chestnuts, but you should try them with caution - the taste is very specific.

Find a Sculpture Park

Your full Sculpture Park is also in Cologne. They first learned about it in 1997, and to this day, unusual installations are arranged here. The main concept of the park is cooperation with contemporary sculptors from all over the world who are ready to provide their creations for a long time. As a rule, a contract with each author is concluded for a year, but the last exposition was an exception - the exhibition opened in 2013 will change its exhibits only in 2015. The entrance to the park is absolutely free.

Sculpture Park

Take a trip to Bruhl

The small town Bruhl is a 10-minute drive from Cologne. Fans of German painting come here for one purpose - to visit the Max Ernst Museum, and the rest of the city's guests in the summer are visitors to a amusement park located in the suburbs. The city is also curious with old streets, cozy beer and idealistic landscapes of provincial Germany.

Book a river trip

Large shipping company"Cologne-Dusseldorf", whose ships arrange tourists excursions along the Rhine on the territory of two German cities, known to many visitors to Cologne. Such ships also host parties, banquets and even collective viewing of football matches - it all depends on the client's wishes.

River Rhine

Take a funicular ride

For those who do not want to swim on the famous German river, a cable car ride is suitable, no longer along the Rhine, but over it. From a height of more than 50 meters above ground level, a view of several city attractions opens at once. Interestingly, many curious tourists use the funicular in the summer to reach the outdoor pool, which has a fenced-in area for nudists.

Cologne Cable Car

Enter the Rheinpark Festival

Cultural the events of the Rhine Park, or in German - Rheinpark, are known far beyond the borders of Germany. Of course, many come here to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the big city, but on the days when the dance floor of the park receives famous musicians, it will not work. Events can attract up to several thousand spectators who come here from all over Europe.

Try Cologne

Cologne is a special kind of low alcohol beer that you can try in restaurants and bars in Cologne. Traditionally, it is served in small mugs that look like laboratory beakers. Having tasted this drink, you can safely order a second mug with a classic German sausage.
you won't be able to rest. Events can attract up to several thousand spectators who come here from all over Europe.

Try Cologne

Cologns is a special kind of low-alcohol beer that you can try in restaurants and bars in Cologne. Traditionally, it is served in small mugs that look like laboratory beakers. Having tasted this drink, you can safely order a second mug with a classic German sausage.
it is served in small mugs that look like laboratory beakers. Having tasted this drink, you can safely order a second mug with a classic German sausage.
it is served in small mugs that look like laboratory beakers. Having tasted this drink, you can safely order a second mug with a classic German sausage.

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Topic: Things to do in Cologne.

Author: Kelly Costine

Things to do in Cologne (Topic)