Travel to Cologne

Travel to Cologne

From its Roman origins, Cologne (Kln) today is a cosmopolitan city that attracts thousands the world over due to its majestic cathedrals, fine museums and mouthwatering cuisine. With its wide plazas, this modern metropolis is notorious for its vivacious nightlife, particularly during the annual carnival time.

Transportation to Cologne

Trains run to the Hauptbahnhof central train station in Cologne from the Kln-Bonn Konrad Adenauer International Airport that lies midway between Cologne and Bonn. In addition, airport bus number 170 runs every 20 minutes from the airport to the city centre.

By road, Cologne is connected north and south by the A3 autobahn, and east and west by autobahn A4. 17 trains run from Berlin to Cologne each day, a journey that takes 5 hours 30 minutes. The 31 daily trains that arrive from Frankfurt take 2 hours 15 minutes, and the 25 that run from Hamburg take 4 hours 30 minutes to get to Cologne.

What to see

With its two spires and enchanting stained-glass windows, the Dom, the 13th century Gothic cathedral supported by 56 pillars, cuts a very impressive figure that dominates the Cologne skyline. The museum complex, home to paintings of 14th century Dutch and German masters, is between the river Rhine and the Dom cathedral. For an overview of international 20th century major works of art, the Ludwig Museum is the place to visit.

The Imhoff-Stollwerck Museum of Chocolate in the Rheinauhafen is a Mecca for chocoholics. After visiting the citys Botanical Gardens and Zoo that is home to more than 7,000 animals, visitors can experience the unique thrill of the cable car ride that traverses the river Rhine to the Rheinpark.

Day trips

The Poller Wiesen, an assortment of vast, green parks that line the banks of the river Rhine lends itself as a picturesque backdrop for a lovely day out. A short drive east of the city takes you to the Knigsforst, Colognes largest forest. Passing Lorelei, the Rhein Valley and other scenic landscapes makes driving from Cologne to Frankfurt a delightful excursion. As is the visit to nearby Bonn, the city with a medieval old town, the former capital of West Germany, and perhaps best known as the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven.

Activities and leisure

From the well known and popular Gross St. Martin in the Altstadt, to the Sdstadt with the most stylish bars and cafs, to the more relaxed Belgisches Viertel that lies just to the west of the city centre, theres more than enough brilliant nightlife in Cologne to keep even the most active night owl busy. In addition to the concerts, theatre plays, operas and ballet performances that are held almost every evening in the centre of the city. Also,the city'sbreweries serve up fantastic Klsch beer and delectable local cuisine.

Safety issues

Tourists are more vulnerable to petty theft, especially at night and around restaurants, bars and clubs. Therefore, visitors need to be more mindful while on holiday. Taking out travel insurance when visiting Cologne or any other new holiday destination is strongly recommended.