Have you completed the Netherlands and don't want to travel too far for a nice weekend away? How about a city trip to Cologne? This German city is easily accessible from all corners of the Netherlands and offers enough fun to fill an entire weekend.
In addition, it is very easy to use the train to Cologne to go. It takes an average of only 3,5 hours from Utrecht Central Station to reach this vibrant city! Cologne is one of the largest cities in Germany and you will notice this immediately upon arrival. In this article we give you five tips for this great city on the water.
1. Discover the old town of Cologne: Altstadt
Besides the fact that Cologne is one of the largest cities in Germany, it is also the oldest major city in the country. This means that you can view and experience more than 2000 years of heritage here. Unfortunately, much of the old town was destroyed during the Second World War, but fortunately you can still see all kinds of beautiful old buildings and picturesque streets in Cologne.
For that you have to be in Altstadt on the west bank of the Rhine. Here you will not only find the old Cathedral and the historic town hall, but also the special St. Martinus Church. These buildings together form the now world-famous skyline of Cologne. Other places not to be missed in Altstadt are the Römerturm and the underground ruins of Roman buildings in the Praetorium.
2. View of the city: climb the Cologne Cathedral
A little more about that Dom; this is one of the 240 churches you can find in Cologne. Twelve of them are large Romanesque cathedrals, including the Cathedral. When you come to Cologne by train, you can see the Cathedral from the train or when you walk out of the station. The cathedral was built in 1248 and has been restored over the years into a striking structure.
When you are in Cologne, it is definitely a must to climb the Cathedral. The no fewer than 509 steps take you upstairs. That's a bit of a climb, but the view you get in return is more than worth it. From the top of the Cathedral you look out over Cologne and can already see where else you are going. More information about Cologne Cathedral and current prices here..
3. Tasty tour of various breweries
If there is anything else Cologne is known for, it is its good beer. In the city you will find several breweries that are worth a visit. If you love beer, it is definitely recommended to visit one or more breweries. Nice to know: there are tours you can book that take you to several breweries.
Of course there is plenty to see and learn everywhere, but above all: to taste! There are a few typical German breweries in the old town where you can also enjoy delicious food. There you will also learn more about why it is customary to confess in Cologne breweries and why you should never order water in such a brewery. In short: be surprised.
4. Take a street art tour or walk in Cologne
There is much more to Cologne than just old historic buildings and beer. It is also the ideal place to discover the coolest street art. You can do so-called street art tours anywhere in the world; also in this German city. But: it might be even more fun to go out yourself and get to know the city from a different side. There are plenty of places where you can find street art.
For example, go to the Ehrenfeld district, a place where many artists live. This results in a neighborhood full of murals and other forms of street art. Deutz, a former industrial district, is also recommended to visit. Other neighborhoods to visit for street art are Mülheimer Viertel, Rheinauhafen and Müngersdorf.
5. Fun at the Cologne Christmas market
If you are in Cologne in November or December, you will be just in time for the now famous Cologne Christmas market. More than 4 million people visit the Christmas markets here every year! There are six Christmas markets you can visit: five in the city center (one of which is right opposite the Cathedral) and one at the harbor. The Christmas market at the Cathedral is the most visited market in all of Germany during this period.
That is the case for good reason: you will find more than 160 stalls, hundreds of lights, pleasant music, delicious food and drinks and of course a great atmosphere. Would you rather go for a smaller market? Then you've come to the right place at the Christmas market on Rudolfplatz. Do you skate at the Christmas markets at the Alter Markt and the Heumarkt and enjoy live music? This is possible at the Christmas market at the Cathedral. In short: book a train to Cologne and enjoy everything the city has to offer.
