Cologne is the fourth-largest city in Germany and one of the most popular to visit. This is largely thanks to the gargantuan Gothic cathedral that dominates the city's skyline, which has become a symbol for the city. While it may be this landmark that attracts visitors, it is the unique culture and vibe of this German metropole that makes them fall in love with it. The city has developed an artsy culture comparable to that of Berlin, and much like the German capital, the locals here are known for their liberalism and spiritedness. They call it the "kölsche feeling" and it is what makes locals so passionate about their home city and lends Cologne its reputation as one of the best cities to visit in Germany.
The city also has a strong museum landscape with 10 municipal museums and many private ones where visitors can soak up art and history -- a history that dates back as far as 50 A.D. and makes Köln, as the Germans call it, one of the oldest German cities. Over the centuries, the city's central location and position on the Rhein have allowed it to grow, and today just over a million people call this city home. Its central location also makes travelling to Köln easy with the Köln-Bonn Airport only a short train ride from the central station.
Between the architecture, the Rhine River, the lively beer halls and the vibrant night-life, visitors will have no shortage of things to do in Cologne, but some of the highlights that cannot be missed include the following:
The Kölner Dom
The Gothic Cathedral that is the hallmark of this great city greets visitors as they arrive at the main train station. This impressive structure with its twin spires and beautiful stained-glass windows is an absolute must-see for visitors. For a fantastic bird's-eye view of the city, climb to the top of the south tower.
Experience the beer culture
Cologne has a unique beer culture by German standards. Unlike other German beer halls, where beer is consumed in oversized mugs, the local beer "Kölsch" is served in rather petite 200ml glasses. Try one of the big names in the Altstadt: Früh, Gaffel am Dom or Peter's Brauhaus.
The Rhein
Take a boat cruise along the Rhine to see the city from a different perspective, or simply take a walk along the Hohenzollernbrücke, the busiest railway bridge in Europe and one of Europe's many "love-lock" bridges, with an estimated 2 tons of lovers' locks already secured to the bridge.
There are many fun, seasonal events taking place in Köln throughout the year. Carnival (Karneval) season is very important to people in this part of West Germany and especially in Köln, so to take part is a special experience!
Kölner Karneval. Known affectionately as the 5th season in Cologne, the Carnival season officially begins on the 11th of November at 11:11 a.m. with celebrations. If you can, try to visit in the time leading up to Lent, which is when the real party takes place on the streets of the city.
Christmas markets. Several Christmas markets throughout the city add to the magic in the time leading up to Christmas.
Kölner Lichter. Mid-July sees a celebration of fireworks synchronised to music over the Rhine between the Hohenzollern bridge and Zoo bridge.
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