Cologne

Is steeped in more than 2,000 years of history, which emanates from its alleyways and monuments. Its heart, the cathedral, is situated directly on the banks of the River Rhine, and is the undisputed symbol of the city, and perhaps the entire nation.

Cologne’s historic centre, on the left bank of the Rhine, is characterised by beautiful coloured buildings, tightly squeezed together and overlooking streets with a medieval flavour.

Amongst its most iconic buildings is the Rathaus Town Hall, located on Hohe Strasse and the twelve large Roman churches which, grouped in a semicircle, surround the old city centre.

 

 

With its successful blend of old and new, Cologne is an established shopping destination and a bustling and friendly metropolis. To understand this, all that is needed is a visit to the new “Rheinauhafen” quarter (literally: port on the fields of the Rhine), facing the river between the Chocolate Museum (“Schokoladenmuseum”) and the southern bridge (“Südbrücke”); its three spectacular buildings in the shape of cranes, suspended in mid-air over the dock, are now an unmistakable feature of the city. From here you can visit Veddel, traditional quarters with a bohemian atmosphere, where you can lose yourself among art galleries and charming cafes and finish your visit with a Kölsch, Cologne’s traditional beer with a bitter flavour.