This European city is said to be just as beautiful as Berlin and Munich but with far less tourists, making the perfect weekend getaway. Sitting on the bank of the Rhine is the old city of Cologne, one of Germany’s oldest and most beautiful cities that has no shortage of attractions for tourists.
Home to endless bars and restaurants, Cologne has a strong museum landscape that makes it the perfect spot for tourists looking to find out more about the historic city.
Thanks to Germany’s more popular cities of Berlin and Munich, Cologne remains fairly laid back and provides a less crowded alternative with the same charm.
Getting to Cologne couldn’t be easier, thanks to its close proximity to Frankfurt and Dusseldorf airports that have direct flights from the UK.
Public transport in Germany has long been praised as being some of the best in Europe, with direct trains from Dusseldorf to Cologne taking around 30 minutes. From Frankfurt, trains can take up to an hour and a half.
The city itself has been designed to be walkable with extensive public transport options. The purchase of a KolnCard allows tourists to explore Cologne for free via public transport, as well as giving travellers 50 percent off many museums, restaurants and more.
There are Ubers in the city, as well as local taxis and scooters to hire. And with so many attractions, exploring is a must for tourists. Cologne Cathedral is one of the most popular attractions in the city, dating back to the 8th Century AD.
With beautiful architecture and stained class windows, the trip up to the top offers fantastic views across the city – though be warned of the 533 stairs you will have to tackle to reach it.
The Hohenzollern Bridge is another popular spot for tourists, home to thousands of “love locks” that have been placed by couples along the railings. It was built in the late 19th century and is now a popular spot for couple’s wanting to celebrate their love by placing a unique padlock along it.
The Cologne Triangle is a viewing deck standing 103 metres above the city, making a perfect spot to get a glimpse of the city’s views at sunset. And with tickets costing just five euros, it’s a must visit for travellers.
Cologne has also gained fame for its chocolate making, with a chocolate museum offering out free samples to tourists. The museum gives tourists an insight into the manufacturing process, with numerous delicious gifts to be bought.
And with hundreds of bars and restaurants to choose from, the city has quickly become a must-visit for those wanting to escape the crowds this summer.
