10 Best Historical Sites To Visit In Cologne

10 Best Historical sites to visit in Cologne

Chocolate museum by Moyan Brenn from Wikimedia Commons

Do you want to learn about Cologne’s history over the ages? Cologne has a number of historical sites, such as time-honoured buildings, monuments, palaces, and parks, where you can learn about the city’s glorious past. These historical landmarks and museums will take you on a journey through Cologne’s rich past.

If you want to learn more about Cologne’s history, we recommend taking a superb guided tour that covers the key historical landmarks. Check the opening and closing times for each as well so that you can plan your time accordingly. Make sure to look over the entire list of historical locations in Cologne for a memorable vacation!

Let us see Cologne’s history through these major historical sites – monuments and landmarks:

1. Gorge at the Cologne Chocolate Museum

The Schokoladenmuseum could not fail to amaze Willy Wonka, with its lush forest, Lindt chocolate fountain, and the opportunity to build your own chocolate bar. Before indulging in some delicious delicacies, learn about the history of chocolate, from the Aztecs to European royalty and beyond. The massive chocolate shop is the stuff of fantasies, and you may, indeed, test before you purchase.

2. Craft your own perfume at Dufthaus 4711

You can’t go to Cologne without making your own. The House of 4711, where world-renowned colognes have been made since 1792, is unquestionably the place to do it. Take a guided tour of the brand’s main store on Glockengasse and stop for a smell at the Original Eau de Cologne fragrance fountain. You may then learn how to understand the various elements before designing your own smell.

3. Shop in the Belgian Quarter

The Belgian Quarter, located away from the traditional shopping boulevards, is the location to find more unusual, one-of-a-kind goods. Young fashion designers and local jewellers compete for space here, and you may even have something custom created.

In the centre of Cologne, there are also fashionable taverns, restaurants, and cafés where you can take in the beauty of old Brussels. Refresh with a slim glass of Kölsch, a pale, hoppy beer created only in the city.

4. Sip glühwein at the Christmas market

Every winter, the dazzling lights and red-roofed buden (huts) of Cologne’s lively Christmas market, set against the backdrop of the cathedral, illuminate the centre of Old Town Cologne.

As you examine the holiday crafts on display, inhale the spicy scents of mulled wine and gingerbread. You may also see wreath binders and glassblowers at work. In addition, there are six more Christmas markets in the town centre, each with its distinct theme.

5. Cruise along the Rhine River

Rhine River by Argenteria1995 from Wikimedia Commons

The view of Cologne Old Town from the river is one of the nicest. Choose from a variety of boat trips along the Rhine, ranging from night cruises to a Sunday brunch excursion. Book a harbour cruise with a guided tour for a quick overview; you’ll sail by the cathedral, the Chocolate Museum, and the German Sports and Olympics Museum before arriving at Rodenkirchen, a former fishing community. Excursions from Cologne to Dusseldorf are also available from a number of firms.

6. Meander through the Old Town

Meander River by Mike Cline from Wikimedia Commons

Wandering the small streets of Cologne Old Town will reveal several surprises, like the Farina Fragrance Museum and the bizarre Pixies’ Fountain. Explore this historic neighbourhood’s church and stately city hall. Make a point of stopping for a craft Kölsch beer and a typical Halve Hahn sandwich (a split rye roll with gouda cheese, pickles and onions).

7. Marvel at Pop art in Museum Ludwig

Museum Ludwig Koeln – Suedansicht by Raimond Spekking from Wikimedia Commons

Museum Ludwig, which holds Europe’s most extensive collection of Pop art, as well as abstract and surrealist items, will astound modern-art enthusiasts. Expect paintings by Andy Warhol, Mark Rothko, and Jackson Pollock, as well as a massive showcase of Picasso’s art.

The architecture of the structure itself is worth contemplation. After perusing the galleries, make your way to the third-floor rooftop terrace for a spectacular view of the cathedral.

8. Stroll through the Flora and Botanical Garden

Botanical Gardens by Alexander Grebenkov from Wikimedia Commons

Every year, almost a million people visit the Flora and Botanical Garden in the Riehl area, and it’s simple to understand why. You’ll feel like you’re in the heart of a jungle as you roam over 11.5ha (28 acres) of gardens and tropical greenhouses, which are home to 10,000 plant varieties. The glass castle at the estate’s centre is worth a visit on its own.

9. Ride rollercoasters at Phantasialand

Taron Phantasialand by Tobiasi from Wikimedia Commons

The Wallraf-Richartz Museum takes you on a journey through 700 years of art history, from Rembrandt to Rodin. This gallery serves as a prelude to the modern art on display in the Ludwig by displaying older European masterpieces ranging from the medieval period to Van Gogh’s expressionist paintings. The museum’s pièce de résistance is Stefan Lochner’s Madonna of the Rose Bower.

10. Ponder Renaissance masterpieces at the Wallraf-Richartz Museum

The Three Kings are responsible for the existence of Cologne in the current world. The Shrine of the Three Kings, located inside the city’s gothic cathedral, is supposed to contain the bones of the Three Wise Men from the Bible, which drew visitors to town throughout the Middle Ages.

The priests concluded that a cathedral would be necessary to adequately contain the shrine. Members of the public are permitted to process beside the ossuary (bone box) and pay their respects on January 6 (Epiphany in the Church calendar).

Cologne is recognized for its upbeat attitude and party atmosphere. The city is a matter of the heart, a feeling, and an unwaveringly optimistic mental attitude. Cologne Carnival, kölsch beer, and, of course, the cathedral is at the heart of this perspective.