Christmas Festivities in Cologne, Germany - 24-Hour Travel Guide
The Market at "Der Dom"
The Lindt Chocolate Museum
Soak up the atmosphere
Overview - Köln (Cologne). Founded by the Romans, Köln is one of the oldest cities in Germany. During World War II, the city lost over 20,000 of its civilians to air raids, so to see the City that stands before us today as vibrant and as friendly as it is, is a testament to the German people. A place I will always come back to.
Breakfast - You will find that most of the Hotels in Köln will provide a complimentary breakfast with your stay. Take advantage of this; fill up with a hot breakfast, as it can be very cold here at this time of the year. The hotel I last stayed in provided a full hot breakfast and a massive buffet of all the fruits, yoghurts and cereals you could imagine. It really is a great idea to give a free breakfast, if you are impressed with the service and the food, then you are likely to go back to your Hotel for a meal during your stay
Morning -
Now we venture out into the brisk air to stroll around some of the markets. On the last count there were 13 Christmas markets in Cologne, so depending on which area of the City you are staying in you can chose between; The "Düxer Advent", The Medieval Xmas Mart – across from the Chocolate factory!!, The Rudulfplatz, Der Altermarkt – In front of the town hall and many many more.
The Markets really will take your breath away, the atmosphere is one of the best I have ever experienced and the people are simply wonderful. Stop and sample some of the local treats available widely throughout the Markets.
Lunch - I would recommend going to one of the Brauhäuser for your lunch, these are Brewery Pubs that you will find scattered around the city. Most likely the largest and busiest establishments I have ever been to, I don’t envy the waiters working here! While here I’d recommend trying some of the local sausages or wurst, absolutely gorgeous with some mashed potato, or maybe try a home-made Oxtail soup, this will warm you up and keep your energy going for the afternoon. Make sure you partake of a glass of Kölsh while you’re here!
Afternoon -
For the afternoon, we’re going to head indoors for a while. Both adults and children alike will love our next stop. The Chocolate Factory!! Situated on a small island off the bank of the River Rhine, The Aroma of chocolate will hit you before you even walk through the door. This is a magical place to spend your afternoon.
Take a trip through the history of chocolate, find out where it all started, how it was first used, where the process came from and above all, sample some of the end results.
After a couple of hours wandering through the amazing exhibits, spend another easy hour in the chocolate shop… wow, did I spend a fortune in here!!
Dinner -
I can guarantee you, that if you enjoy a good steak, then you are about to have the best meal of your life. We’re going to an Argentinean Restaurant called “El Gaucho”, based at Barbarossaplatz 4a, D-50674 Cologne. Any local should be able to give you directions here or if you fancy taking the weight off then hop in a Taxi (rates are pretty reasonable).
The Steaks here are out of this world, choose from Rump Steak, Fillet Steak, Rib eye & Sirloin Steak, along with a huge selection of soups, salads, desserts and cheeses. I tell people about this place anytime anyone asks where to get a good Steak! It’s a basement Restaurant with a fabulous atmosphere, some nights you will even be serenaded at your table by traditional Argentinean musicians
After Dark -
After dinner take a walk to work off all that fine food and take a stroll to the best Christmas Market in Cologne. This Market is situated beneath the Cathedral or “Der Dom” as its known locally. The Cathedral will be lit up at this stage and below its towering spires is the Dom Christmas Market, this has a huge stage which hosts entertainment by local musicians every night, mainly blues and Jazz from what I’ve noticed!
Watch the Carol singers, have a hot liqueur or mulled wine and soak up the amazing atmosphere. I really cannot stress how much fun Köln is, especially at this time of the year. You’re sure to have a great time here no matter how long you plan on staying for.