Embark on a journey through the vibrant city of Cologne, Germany, with this comprehensive guide to its hidden gems and iconic landmarks. From historic architecture to lush gardens, this two-part series reveals 18 insider tips to enhance your visit. Whether you're a history buff, a shopping enthusiast, or an adventure seeker, Cologne has something to offer for every traveler. Dive into the first installment and prepare to be captivated by the city's charm and culture.
Upon arriving in Cologne, make your first stop at the tourist office, conveniently located near the Cologne Cathedral on Unter Fettenhennen street. Here, you can gather valuable information to kickstart your exploration of the city's treasures.
The Cologne City Hall, with its origins dating back to 1330, is a testament to the city's rich history. The Renaissance arcade from the 16th century and the 15th-century tower were later additions to the original structure. Despite suffering significant damage during World War II, the city hall was meticulously reconstructed by 1972 and stands proudly at Alter Markt.
Cologne's medieval fortifications, built between 1180 and 1220, originally featured twelve city gates. Today, three of these gates—Severinstor, Eigelsteintor, and Hahnentor—remain intact and serve various modern purposes. The smaller Ulrepforte and restored sections of the city walls can be found along the Sachsenring circular boulevard. Each gate is conveniently accessible via a nearby U-Bahn station.
Opposite the opera in Glockengasse lies the new Gothic headquarters of the renowned "Eau de Cologne" manufacturer, 4711. The building features a carillon that chimes every hour. The number "4711" was assigned during the French occupation in 1795 when a systematic house-numbering approach was implemented, numbering private houses from 1 to 7,404.
Designed in 1863 by Peter Josef Lenné and Joseph Maria Olbrich, the Cologne gardens were later enhanced with a botanical garden in 1914. Although devastated during World War II, the gardens have been fully restored and now boast approximately 12,000 plant species. Adjacent to the gardens is the Cologne Zoo, a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.
Cologne Cathedral, with its towering spires reaching 157 meters, has been the city's most famous landmark for centuries and is Germany's most well-known architectural monument. The construction of the largest German cathedral spanned an astonishing 632 years. For more information and images of Cologne Cathedral, visit Cologne Cathedral.
Cologne stands out among German cities for its twelve large Roman collegiate, monastery, and convent churches within the medieval city wall boundaries. These churches are among the most significant in Western Europe.
Cologne boasts several shopping passages, but two stand out: the Neumarkt Passage at Neumarkt and the Olivandenhof, nestled between Neumarkt and Breite Strasse. These glittering worlds offer a variety of stores, eateries, taverns, and pubs—a perfect spot for a leisurely break. Additionally, the Schildergasse, Germany's most visited shopping mile, begins at Neumarkt, attracting 17,760 people hourly.
Just outside Cologne, Phantasialand is an amusement park that promises a day filled with fun and adventure. From the old Berlin steam roundabout to the wild-water course and Space-Center, it draws millions of visitors annually. Open daily from April 1st to October 31st, Phantasialand is a wonderland for children and adults alike.
For more information and pictures of Cologne, Germany, visit Smart Travel Germany.
Stay tuned for the second part of this series, where we will delve into the top bars and restaurants in Cologne. Prepare to indulge in the city's vibrant culinary scene!
Best regards, Marcus Hochstadt © Copyright Smart Travel Germany All Rights Reserved
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