Cosmo Culture in Cologne, Germany - 24-Hour Travel Guide
classic street signage
views from the Dom
the Dom at night
Overview - Cologne is a small city compared to other major German metropolises, but the city packs a cultural punch, from food to art to fashion.
Breakfast - Most hotels have a complimentary breakfast so save your coins and enjoy before you leave for the day.
Morning - The dominating factor in Cologne’s skyline is the Dom, the massive cathedral and one of the largest in Europe. Climb the 509 stairs to check out the view from the top of the tower, or admire the stained glass and heavy gothic interior down below. Get a combined ticket for the treasury and the tower – the treasury is well worth a look with all the exquisite items on display. Next door in the Dom’s shadow is Museum Ludwig, a modern art hall. With excellent permanent exhibitions and a healthy rotation of installations, this should be a must see, especially for Andy Warhol lovers.
Lunch - Renowned for wine all across Germany, Fischer’s (Hohenstaufenring 53) is a grape-lover’s paradise.
Afternoon - Shop until you drop. From the Galleria department store to chains like H&M, Cologne has excellent shopping and the main boulevard stretching out from the Dom is not as crowded as other cities. Specifically, if you like cologne, check out its history and pick up a classic scent at ‘Glockengasse No. 4711’, the home of the world’s oldest fragrance company.
Dinner - Farmer's is a steakhouse with several branches in Cologne – try the one off Hohe Straße (near the Dom).
After Dark - Früh am Dom (Am Hof 12 – 14) is just south of the cathedral and is a place to join locals in enjoying a few glasses of Kölsch, the beer brewed locally here in Cologne.
Sleep - Enjoy the peace and quiet just across the river at the Hotel Ilbertz Garni (Mindener Str. 6) – the view of the Dom at night from here is wonderful.
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