Cologne

Located in southwest Germany, Cologne is the fourth-largest city of the country that prides itself in its long but colorful history. But more than being a city of the olden times, it is considered to be an important media center with radio and television stations found in the city. Cologne is indeed the perfect example of how a collision between the past and the future could transform it into a bustling tourism hotspot.

One of the highlights of Cologne is it’s Romanesque churches spread across the city. But one of the most popular among them is the infamous Cologne Cathedral, which is the center of the Catholic Archbishop of Cologne. This cathedral has in fact been inducted into the UNESCO World Heritage List. Indeed, this cathedral, one of the largest churches in the world, is a stunning architecural structure that proves to be one of the most important must-see spot in the city.

With it’s lively and thriving arts scene, the numerous museums that houses ancient works of art raning from paintings to sculptures, are also what makes this city as interesting as it’s history. Several of the most-visited museums in the city are the Museum Ludwig which features important contemporary pieces of art and the Wallraf-Richartz-Museum & Fondation Corboud which is the oldest museum in the city,home to ancient works of art and more. But without a doubt, it’s the city’s Chocolate Museum that somehow honors the country’s chocolate legacy that wins tourists’ hearts every time. It’s modern ship-shaped facade lures visitors in and once they enter the museum, they are greeted by the scent of chocolate in the air.

Of course, Cologne is not just a haven for history nuts, medieval lovers, and art buffs. With the cool weather of Cologne mostly prevalent throughout the year, no tourist visiting Cologne leaves without sampling the beer of choice among the locals, Kölsch. Germany is indeed, also known for its infamous beer festival, Oktoberfest. After you’ve had a sampling of this beer, you can explore the city’s vibrant and fun restaurants, bars, and nightclubs to have a look into the modern culture of the city.

Cologne is a city that is proud of it’s history. It’s architectural wonders that have stood the test of time and modernization are just one of the many attractions that make this city an important part of your Germany tour itinerary.