Visiting Cologne, Germany, is an unforgettable experience for several reasons.
The city is home to the breath-taking Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with stunning Gothic architecture that is truly awe-inspiring. With over 2,000 years of history, Cologne offers fascinating museums, Roman ruins, and a vibrant Old Town that tell stories of its rich past.
As a cultural hub, Cologne is a melting pot of influences, featuring a lively arts scene, numerous galleries, and theatres. The renowned Cologne Carnival is a colourful celebration filled with music and joy, showcasing the city’s spirited atmosphere. Food lovers will appreciate the culinary scene, which includes traditional Kölsch beer and local specialties that reflect its diverse flavours.
The city’s vibrant nightlife, with cosy pubs and trendy clubs, makes it a great place to enjoy evenings out. Strolling along the Rhine River offers scenic views, outdoor cafés, and picturesque promenades that enhance the experience. Known for their friendly nature, the locals make visitors feel welcome, adding to the city’s charm.
Cologne beautifully blends history, culture, and modernity, making it a must-visit destination in Germany!
Cologne features a delightful array of Christmas markets, reflecting its status as the fourth largest city in Germany. The most famous is set against the backdrop of the iconic Cologne Cathedral, where its classic red-covered stalls spread out beneath the towering spires, forming a stunning centrepiece of the city skyline. Organizers expect to welcome over 4 million visitors each year to the 150 stalls in Roncalliplatz, surrounded by food stands encircling a stage where performers sing carols and beloved holiday hits.
But that’s just the beginning—there are several other markets to explore, some bustling in the city centre and others tucked away in quieter corners. The current markets on the Neumarkt and the Alter Markt were founded in the 1970s, with the cathedral market opening in the 1990s and most of the other smaller markets emerging since the turn of the century. Interestingly, the market by the historic cathedral isn’t the oldest! Originally, what we now celebrate as Advent or Christmas Markets were month-long events offering toys, nuts, and sweets. Cologne entered the festive scene a bit later, with its first market, the Nicolaimarkt, debuting in 1820 in the old town. However, by 1885, the sheer volume of stalls and lively atmosphere had become overwhelming, leading local authorities to ban the market.
The market truly comes alive at night, adorned with a delicate curtain of twinkling lights and a majestic Christmas tree, creating a magical atmosphere that enchants all who visit.
#1 Smells like… Eau de Cologne
The famous perfume, Eau de Cologne, was initially a medicine against pox! Literally meaning “water from Cologne”, the perfume was developed at the end of the 17th century by Johann Maria Farina, an Italian perfume maker. The brand, 4711, used to be the house number of its founding company, Farina, located in Glockengasse. You can also find there an exhibition which still sells the original fragrance.
#2 Going Bananas
Big Cologne travel tip: Keep an eye out for the banana sign. The famous sprayed banana—a symbol for political and social events as well as for places displaying great art—is a project started in Cologne by artist Thomas Baumgärtel. In the 1980s, Baumgärtel started spray painting bananas on the doors of art galleries in Cologne to bring to light the sudden boom in art spaces. This was later transformed into a whole movement, and the banana became a kind of Michelin Star for art galleries.
#3 Three Wise Men
According to legend, the relics of the Three Wise Men are housed in the golden Shrine of the Three Kings in the Cologne Cathedral. They were transferred there by Frederick I, Holy Roman Emperor in 1164. To honor the Three Kings, the coat of arms of Cologne prominently incorporates three golden crowns.