Cologne is a cosmopolitan, cultural, festive, and trendy city. This major city of the Rhineland region has plenty to offer: an impressive cathedral, numerous museums, great walks, and a vibrant nightlife. And it’s just 4 hours, 24 minutes from Paris by Eurostar!
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1. For its cathedral
Germany's most visited monument and the country's second tallest church, Cologne Cathedral is an unconventional landmark. As you leave the station, it rises up in front of you like a welcome sign.
Get up close to this grande dame and admire her Gothic architecture. Inside, Germany's longest nave awaits. It's a cathedral of superlatives!
2. For its cologne
Trick question: where does cologne come from? From Cologne, of course! Just opposite the Town Hall, Farina has been producing the world's most famous fragrance for over 300 years.
Visit the fragrance museum to discover the fascinating history of this famous eau and treat yourself to the precious elixir. What could be more classy than having cologne from Cologne?
3. For its carnival
Taking part in the Cologne Carnival is an unforgettable experience. It's the biggest in Germany, and the atmosphere is wild. You need to shout "Alaaf!" as the bands and floats pass by, to be showered in caramels and other sweets in return.
The festivities begin with “ladies day”, when women cut off men’s ties. For over a week in February, the whole town unites in celebration!
4. For its traditional beer
Köln (Cologne in German) is famous for its Kirchen (churches), its Karneval (carnival), its Kölnisch Wasser (eau de cologne fragrance) and its Kölsch! Was ist das?
It’s a traditional golden beer brewed near Cologne. Try it at the Brauhaus Sion brewery (Unter Taschenmacher 5-7), which has been serving it since 1318. And don't forget to sample the local specialities.
5. For its museums
There are over 40 of them! Featuring chocolate, contemporary art, design, antiques, the Middle Ages, fragrance... there's something for everyone.
Our favourite? The Museum Ludwig, located behind the cathedral, boasts the largest collection of pop art outside the United States, and the world’s third largest collection of Picassos!
6. For its Belgian quarter
It's “THE place to be”. It's a haunt for hipsters, artists, and students. The Belgisches Viertel, or Belgian Quarter, is centred around Avenue Hohenzollernring, where designer boutiques stand side-by-side with trendy cafés and artists' studios.
Take a stroll around and feel the dynamism and creativity of the people of Cologne.
7. For its nightlife
The city's university is one of the biggest in Europe... and all those students have to be kept entertained. There are restaurants, bars, and clubs galore!
Where are the best spots for a great night out? The Latin Quarter (Kwartier Lätang) for students, Rue Aachener for thirty-somethings, and Brüsseler Platz, where everyone meets for a drink in the early evening.
8. For cruises on the Rhine
What would Cologne be without the Rhine? Beautiful, strong, and majestic, the river is part of the scenery!
After wandering through the narrow streets of the old town, take a stroll along the quays of the Rhine before boarding a boat for a cruise on the river. It's a great way to take it easy and admire Cologne from a different viewpoint, with architectural works from the past and present.