Cologne : The Largest and Fourth Most Populated City in the German Federal State of North Rhine-Westphalia

Cologne is located within the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region revealing the famous Cologne Cathedral- a major tourist attraction site. Cologne offers a wide range of sightseeing activities for tourists traveling from different destinations to see and enjoy local cuisines, indulge in fun and games for example during team escape involving solving puzzles and riddles. Cologne`s versatile, fun, interactive activities are outlined below:

1. Cologne Cathedral

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Cologne Cathedral is a spectacular, giant gothic church over the old city of Cologne, which has unique, sightseeing architectural features that display art to tourists visiting the religious establishment. This cathedral serves as the seat of the Archbishop in the city of Cologne. It also serves as the seat of the administration of the Archdiocese too. It`s free to enter the cathedral and 4 Euro to climb the tower hence the required time is definitely more than three hours as time flies when capturing moments on camera especially for tourists.

2. Heinzelmaennchenbrunnen

Photo by Christine McIntosh

Heinzelmaennchenbrunnen is one place tourists look forward to while sightseeing in Cologne as it`s a historic site which represents the magic gnomes. The gnomes were spotted by a tailors wife who took exception on them and laid peas down on the floor for them to fall over and they never returned. The myth behind these magical creatures is that the secret worked for the people of Cologne during the night. Tourists will get to see the beautiful flowers, the fountain in the courtyard, read the magical story as they relax or eat in the nearby eateries. The guides are very helpful in elaborating the story.

3. Cologne Sightseeing Cruise

Cologne Sightseeing Cruise provides tourists with access to the city`s major attractions by sailing on River Rhine. The sightseeing of the various places across the city can be enjoyed with a freshly tapped glass of Koelsch (local beer).T he cruise takes an hour, which is upgraded to the two-hour nighttime cruise, as the price for boarding the cruise is 13 dollars. Tourists are able to see where couples traditionally leave padlocks. These serve as a token of their love to each other. They also get to see Cologne's ancient town and the Cologne Chocolate Museum.

4. Koelner Zoo

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Koelner zoo located in the heart of Cologne, tourists visiting the area will enjoy the zoo as it has amazing animals and birds of prey. The duration it will take to visit the whole zoo is approximately 4 hours as there are various sites to see such as the aquarium located at the entrance. While sightseeing the place, what one is not to miss is definitely the rainforest as tourists get to enjoy nature at its finest. There are also small gift shops to buy souvenirs and restaurants available in the facility.

5. Museum Ludwig

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Museum Ludwig houses a collection of postmodern art including one of the largest Picasso collections in Europe. Collections in the museum` vary from abstract to Surrealism to pop art. The museum is right next to the Cologne Cathedral where tourists take 2-3 hours sightseeing the majestic art, architectural landscapes laid out. The fantastic pop art exhibition is the highlight of the museum excursion. Expect to find works from the great Rothko, Dali, Picasso and Hockney`. These artworks`are a ‘must see’ for any art lover. Entrance is at 11 euro per adult.

6. The Cologne Christmas Market

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The Cologne Christmas Market is a street market in relation with the celebration of Christmas during the four weeks of Advent. Tourists with families enjoy these sightseeing activities as they enjoy various activities like eating traditional Christmas cookies such as Lebkuchen and Magenbrot (both forms of soft gingerbread), hot mulled wine (with or without a shot of brandy). The Christmas markets in Cologne open their gates sometime before Advent usually the last Monday. This is when millions of tourists delight at the goods on sale at the designed huts. This is a great place to buy souvenirs at a bargain.

7. Cologne Central Station

Photo by Eoghan OLionnain

The Cologne Central Station is a hub in itself as the Central station is clean and organized with helpful staff speaking English helping tourists get to their destinations as they get to enjoy the several snack bars and cafes in the station. The Central station has a very modern look with an ideal sightseeing location for travelers to easily navigate and see various sites of the city. The coin-operated left luggage lockers at Cologne Hauptbahnhof is useful as one puts up small suitcases in each one costing 7 euros.

8. Koln Triangle

Koln triangle is a prominent landmark that gives the city of Cologne a spectacular skyline view. The most appropriate time to visit the tower is on a clear and sunny day when the sun rays are reflecting majestically on this shiny building. The required time to explore is about 1-2 hours as tourists pay 3 euros to go up the tower sightseeing various landmarks of the city like the Cologne cathedral. Panoramic views of Cologne are best seen at the Koln triangle. The Koln triangle closes on Saturday and Sunday.

9. Chocolate Museum

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Located right across the harbor near Cologne’s old town, the Chocolate museum gives tourists a wonderful insight into the production site and history behind the chocolate production. Since the museum is located on the riverbank in Cologne, the place is easily accessible. The museum is good for sightseeing as tourists get to taste and purchase various quality and brands of chocolate. The museum has games like monopoly made out of chocolate, which is enjoyable made of milk and dark chocolate and even grinders with different spices mixed with chocolate. It is a place definitely not to miss.

10. The Great Escape

The great escape game is a very interesting and exciting game for both teenagers and adults. It has games like the circus mortale room and the design and puzzles put together wonderfully, the games are very challenging as it enables persons to think outside the box. The room has so many amazing details, which gives the room a very special atmosphere ideal for groups wanting to have fun. Tourists will definitely enjoy the escape room with a marvelous storyline and great set-up. What makes it stand out is the fact that everything is handmade.

◎ Closing

Cologne is a metropolitan city landmark offering tourists choosing to travel, enjoyable sightseeing activities which are time worthwhile. The cultural beauty of the city is a place ideal for tourists with families and various tour groups and most importantly, the residents are very friendly so tourists will definitely feel welcomed.

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