Things to do in Cologne
-
A
Kölner Dom
Cologne's geographical and spiritual heart - and its single-biggest tourist draw - is the magnificent Kölner Dom. With its soaring twin spires, this is the Mt Everest of cathedrals, jam-packed with art and treasures. Its loftiness and dignified ambience leave only the most jaded of visitors untouched.
reviewed
-
B
Documentation Centre
Cologne's Third Reich history is poignantly documented in the Documentation Centre. In the basement of the building was the local Gestapo prison where scores of people were interrogated, tortured and killed. Inscriptions on the basement cell walls offer a gut-wrenching record of the emotional and physical pain endured by inmates.
reviewed
-
C
Päffgen
Busy, loud and boisterous, Päffgen has been pouring Kölsch since 1883 and hasn't lost a step since. In summer you can enjoy the refreshing brew and local specialities beneath starry skies in the beer garden.
reviewed
-
D
Früh Am Dom
This warren of a beer hall near the Dom epitomises Cologne earthiness. Sit inside amid loads of knick-knacks or on the terrace next to a fountain. It's also known for great breakfasts.
reviewed
-
E
Wallraf-Richartz-Museum
A famous collection of paintings from the 13th to the 19th centuries, the Wallraf-Richartz-Museum occupies a postmodern cube designed by the late OM Ungers. Works are presented chronologically, with the oldest on the 1st floor where standouts include brilliant examples from the Cologne School, known for its distinctive use of colour. Upstairs are Dutch and Flemish artists, including Rembrandt and Rubens, Italians such as Canaletto and Spaniards such as Murillo. The 3rd floor focuses on the 19th century, with evocative works by Caspar David Friedrich and Lovis Corinth. Thanks to a permanent loan from Swiss collector Gérard Corboud, there's also a respectable collection of …
reviewed
-
F
Kolumba
The building encases the ruins of the late-Gothic church St Kolumba, layers of foundations going back to Roman times and the Madonna in the Ruins chapel, built on the site in 1950. It's yet another magnificent design by Swiss architect Peter Zumthor, 2009 winner of the Pritzker Prize, the 'architectural Oscar'. Exhibits span the arc of religious artistry from the early days of Christianity to the present. Coptic textiles, Gothic reliquary and medieval painting are juxtaposed with works by Bauhaus legend Andor Weiniger and edgy room installations. The overall effect is contemplative rather than instructive, inspirational rather than historical.
reviewed
-
G
Römisch-Germanisches Museum
Anyone even remotely interested in Roman history should not skip the extraordinary Römisch-Germanisches Museum, adjacent to the Dom. Sculptures and ruins displayed outside are merely the overture to a full symphony of Roman artefacts found along the Rhine. Highlights include the giant Poblicius tomb (AD 30-40), the magnificent 3rd-century Dionysus mosaic around which the museum was built, and astonishingly well-preserved glass items. Insight into daily Roman life is gained from such items as toys, tweezers, lamps and jewellery, the designs of which have changed surprisingly little since.
reviewed
-
H
Museum Ludwig
The distinctive building facade and unorthodox roofline signal that the Museum Ludwig is no ordinary museum. Considered a mecca of postmodern art, it actually presents a survey of all major 20th-century genres. There's plenty of American pop art, including Andy Warhol's Brillo Boxes, alongside a comprehensive Picasso collection and plenty of works by Sigmar Polke. Fans of German expressionism will get their fill here as much as those with a penchant for such Russian avant-gardists as Kasimir Malewitsch and Ljubow Popowa.
reviewed
-
I
Deutsches Sport & Olympia Museum
In a 19th-century customs building near the Schokoladen Museum, the Deutsches Sport & Olympia Museum is an imaginative, if Germany-focused, tribute to the sporting life from antiquity to today. There are exhibits on the 1936 Berlin and 1972 Munich Olympic Games and on such modern-day heroes as Steffi Graf and Michael Schumacher. Interactive displays allow you to experience a bobsled run or a bike race, and on the miniature football field on the rooftop you can kick with a view of the cathedral.
reviewed
-
J
Schokoladen Museum
You don't have to have a sweet tooth to enjoy the Schokoladen Museum, a high-tech temple to the art of chocolate-making. Exhibits on the origin of the 'elixir of the gods', as the Aztecs called it, and the cocoa-growing process are followed by a live-production factory tour and a stop at a chocolate fountain for a sample. Upstairs are departments on the cultural history of chocolate, advertising, and porcelain and other accessories. Stock up on your favourite flavours at the downstairs shop.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
K
Praetorium
The Praetorium is the relics of a Roman governor's palace below the Renaissance Rathaus. The Praetorium will soon be part of a much larger subterranean archaeological museum that's taking shape beneath the Rathausplatz. Visitors will be able to get close-ups of remnants, ruins and foundations of both Roman Cologne and the Jewish quarter in their original locations. A 3-D model in the Praetorium illustrates the project that's expected to open in 2011.
reviewed
-
L
Haus 4711
A classic gift for mum is a bottle of eau de cologne, the not terribly sophisticated but refreshing perfume created - and still being produced - in its namesake city. The most famous brand is called 4711, named after the number of the house where it was invented, which now houses a shop, Haus 4711. Outside, up on the facade, note the cutesy carillon with characters from Prussian lore parading hourly from 9am to 9pm.
reviewed
-
M
Hohe Strasse
Cologne is a fantastic place to shop, with lots of eccentric boutiques, designer stores and trendy second-hand shops, plus the usual selection of chain and department stores. You'll find plenty of the latter along Hohe Strasse - the pedestrianised main shopping street, one of Germany's oldest pedestrianised shopping strips, and its side street, In der Höhle.
reviewed
-
N
La Bodega
It's always fiesta time at this buzzy cantina with its cosy vaulted cellar and romantic courtyard. Gobble up the jamón (smoked ham), stuffed peppers, nut-encrusted goat cheese and other authentic tapas or go the whole nine yards and order a heaping paella. Locals invade for the Monday special: a pound of fat shrimp with four dipping sauces for €15.
reviewed
-
O
Brauhaus Peters
This relative youngster draws a somewhat less raucous crowd knocking back their Kölsch in a web of highly individualistic nooks, including a room lidded by a kaleidoscopic stained-glass ceiling. On Tuesday, insiders invade for the potato pancakes, freshly made and topped with anything from apple compote to smoked salmon.
reviewed
-
P
Bagutta
Leagues of local loyalists keep this knick-knack-filled charmer hopping. Do as they do: ignore the menu and just ask chef Stefan Bierl to put together a 'surprise menu'. With potential items including saffron risotto with scallops or guinea fowl with kohlrabi and chorizo stir-fry, you won't be disappointed.
reviewed
-
Q
Gross St Martin
Winning top honours for most handsome exterior is Gross St Martin, whose ensemble of four slender turrets grouped around a central spire towers above Fischmarkt in the Altstadt. Its striking clover-leaf choir is an architectural feature pioneered by St Maria im Kapitol.
reviewed
-
R
Käthe-Kollwitz-Museum
Inside a bank branch is the Käthe-Kollwitz-Museum, with graphics and sculptures by the acclaimed socialist artist. A highlight is the haunting cycle called Ein Weberaufstand (A Weavers' Revolt, 1897). Enter through the arcade, then take the glass-bubble lift to the 4th floor.
reviewed
-
S
Alter Wartesaal
In a former train station waiting hall, this is a stylish bar-disco- restaurant combo. Themed nights range from the erotic KitKatClub to Depeche Mode parties and '80s nights. The restaurant serves modern German with international touches (mains lunch €7.50 to €12, dinner €17 to €22; open noon to 1am).
reviewed
-
T
Museum Schnütgen
East of the Neumarkt, the newly created Cultural Quarter encompasses an extension of the Museum Schnütgen, a repository of medieval religious art and sculpture. Part of the exhibit will continue to be shown in the beautiful setting of the Romanesque Cäcilienkirche (Cecily Church).
reviewed
Advertisement
-
KD Rhine Pass from Cologne
1 Day (Departs Cologne, Germany)
by Viator
An easy way to start your romantic day on the Rhine: Present your KD ticket onboard any KD ship and enjoy all scheduled day cruises on the Rhine and Moselle riv…Not LP reviewed
from USD$37.62 -
U
Osman 30
The setting alone of this made-to-impress restaurant on the 30th floor of the KölnTurm is spectacular, but fortunately the Mediterranean food can hold its own with the views. Cap your meal with libations served in the wine salon with its stylish white leather armchairs. Reservations essential.
reviewed
-
V
Museum Für Angewandte Kunst
The Museum für Angewandte Kunst consists of a series of period rooms tracing European design from the Middle Ages to today. Keep an eye out for a 15th-century Venetian wedding goblet, a silver service by Henry van de Velde and life-sized animals made of Meissen porcelain.
reviewed
-
W
Fischermann's
This perennial favourite has minimalist décor, all the better so as not to distract you from the delicious crossover cuisine mixing German, Mediterranean and Asian flavours. Regulars often treat the place as a launch pad for a night on the razzle. Nice terrace in summer.
reviewed
-
X
Underground
This complex combines a pub and two concert halls where indie and alternative rock bands hold forth several times a week. Otherwise it's party time with different music nightly (no cover). There's a beer garden in summer. To get here take U3 or U4 to Venloer Strasse/Gürtel.
reviewed
