Is Cologne Worth Visiting?

Cologne is a city with a fascinating history situated in the West of Germany.

This is a beautiful city filled with incredible landmarks, tasty restaurants, and vibrant culture.

However, if you are planning your next euro trip, you might ask, is Cologne worth visiting?

This city has many things that make it worthwhile visiting, including the Cologne Cathedral, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most stunning Gothic cathedrals in all of Europe.

There are also several museums for tourists to visit in Cologne and a vibrant culinary scene to enjoy, with traditional German options and lots of international cuisines.

If you are considering visiting Cologne, you are probably wondering what are some things to know before going and questioning if Cologne is worth visiting.

Here are a few things to know before visiting this beautiful German city.

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Reasons To Visit Cologne: The Pros

Cologne is a two-thousand-year-old city and a stunning example of Gothic architecture. There are so many great reasons to visit Cologne, here are some of the pros.

Iconic Landmarks

A huge draw for tourists to Cologne is the array of iconic landmarks across the city.

The Cologne Cathedral is the most popular of these landmarks and it is one of the most visited attractions in all of Germany.

Visiting the Cologne Cathedral is a truly remarkable experience. Located in the heart of the city, the cathedral will stun you with its immense size and jaw-dropping architecture.

The architecture of this building is extremely impressive and once you see it, you will understand why it took over 600 years to build and why it has been awarded the notoriety of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

During a visit here, you can go inside and climb to the top of one of the cathedral’s towers.

There are also plenty of other historic and cultural landmarks to visit during your time in Cologne.

These include a trip to the medieval Old Town, the Great St. Martin Church, and the Hohenzollern Bridge.

History And Culture

Another great reason to visit Cologne is the fascinating history surrounding the city. This is a city that dates back to Roman times and today it has a lively cultural scene.

The city is filled with galleries, and museums and hosts several cultural events throughout the year.

The Roman influence can still be seen in Cologne today, mainly through the 12 large Romanesque churches throughout the city and in the art on show throughout the city’s galleries.

The museum scene is extraordinary in the city of Cologne which is home to several internationally renowned museums.

If you are interested in medieval times, you can visit the Wallraf-Richartz-Museum which boasts fascinating medieval paintings.

On the other hand, you can marvel at the Museum Ludwig which houses the largest collection of Pop Art outside of the United States.

The Culinary Scene

Cologne is known for its diverse culinary scene where you will find a bit of everything you can think of.

A great place to enjoy this is the Belgian District in Cologne. Here you can find an array of bars and restaurants and it’s a great way to spend a fun evening eating and drinking.

This is a particularly popular spot over the weekend, for that reason, it’s important to make a reservation in advance.

There are lots of local specialties that you must try during your time here. These include Kölsch beer, which is the local beer of Cologne.

In terms of food, you must try the local dish of Cologne, Rheinischer Sauerbraten.

This marinated beef dish has been cooked in red wine and is usually served with a side of potato dumplings.

If you prefer something casual, street food is also a great option in Cologne. There are several food markets across the city and you can get cheap and delicious meals and snacks in a couple of minutes here.

Some of the most popular things you should try at Cologne street food stalls include Currywurst and Döner Kebabs.

If you are visiting during the winter, you can enjoy tasty treats and snacks at the Cologne Christmas markets. 

The chocolate museum is also a great place to visit in Cologne for some tasty treats. Here you can enjoy some delicious chocolate while seeing behind the scenes of the chocolate-making process.

It’s Easily Accessible

A huge bonus for Cologne is the fact that it is so easily accessed on mainland Europe.

It is very well-connected to all other major cities in Germany which makes it a great base to begin your German vacation. From here, you can take a high-speed train to several other destinations.

Within the city itself, it has an extensive public transportation network making it extremely easy to get around, especially if you buy a Köln Card which you can buy in advance of your trip here.

It is also well connected to the rest of Europe through its busy airport. From here, you can visit several other spots throughout Europe.

You Can Relax Along The Rhine River

Another great reason to visit Cologne is to see the beauty of the Rhine river and its surrounding area.

This may not be something you have thought of, but it is an area with lots of activities and beautiful nature.

Some of the activities you can enjoy here include relaxing river cruises which are a great way to see the city from a different perspective and enjoy some sightseeing while chilling out.

Another way to enjoy the Rhine river area is by taking a walk along the promenade. This is a popular activity with locals in Cologne and once you get there, you will see why.

There is a very relaxed and easy-going atmosphere along the promenade and there are several cafes, restaurants, and bars lining the path for you to choose from.

During the summer, you can find several public swimming pools open along the banks of the Rhine river to enjoy.

Reasons To Visit Cologne: The Cons

Although the pros may seem to outweigh the cons, there are a couple of things to know when traveling to Cologne, as these particular cons may influence your German travel plans.

The Crowds

As is the case with many major cities in Europe, during the peak season there are large crowds in Cologne.

Cologne is a popular tourist spot both with international and German tourists and this leads to overcrowding, especially during summer months.

To avoid getting stuck in long queues and waiting extended periods of time to visit attractions, it is important to book your tour and activities in advance.

It Can Be Expensive

In comparison to a lot of other major cities in Europe and some other German cities, Cologne can be quite expensive.

This is most noticeable when it comes to accommodation and dining out.

If you are on a budget, you will need to plan ahead of time where you will eat and where you will stay to avoid paying the premium price for things.

If you wish to keep costs down, it’s a good idea to stick to food markets for your meals as this is much cheaper than visiting restaurants.

The Final Verdict: So Is Cologne Worth Visiting?

So is Cologne nice, and is Cologne worth visiting? Absolutely!

Cologne is not top of many people’s lists to visit. However, it definitely should be. It is a city filled with art, architecture, and history and filled with delicious food.

Imagine taking a stroll along the promenade with some street food, before stopping into one of the cafes along the river for a delicious coffee or local beer.

Doesn’t that sound just perfect?

From the vast array of museums and beautiful churches to the delicious food and drinks, there are plenty of things to see and do in Cologne.

So is Cologne worth visiting? Yes indeed.

It is the perfect spot for a 1-2 day vacation to relax, explore and enjoy everything that Germany has to offer.

Visiting Germany soon? Read one of the following blog posts:

• Munich itinerary
• Berlin itinerary
• Frankfurt itinerary