1. Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom)
• Explore the stunning Gothic architecture and, if you’re up for it, climb the tower for a panoramic view of the city.
2. Old Town (Altstadt)
• Stroll through the charming cobblestone streets, visit the colorful houses, and enjoy the cozy cafes and shops.
3. Cologne’s Beer Culture
• Try a Kölsch, the local beer, at one of the traditional pubs in the Old Town, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the city’s beer culture.
4. Museum Ludwig
• Art lovers will appreciate this museum, home to an impressive collection of modern art, including works by Picasso, Warhol, and Lichtenstein.
5. Rhine River Cruise
• Take a boat tour along the Rhine for a scenic way to see the city and its landmarks from the water.
6. Belgian Quarter (Belgisches Viertel)
• A trendy area with stylish boutiques, cool cafes, and vibrant street art. A great spot to spend an afternoon.
7. Chocolate Museum (Schokoladenmuseum)
• A sweet stop for chocolate lovers, where you can learn about the history of chocolate and enjoy some delicious treats.
1. Königsallee (The Kö)
• One of the most famous shopping streets in Europe, perfect for a stroll along luxury boutiques, restaurants, and cafes.
2. Old Town (Altstadt)
• Explore the historic Old Town, known for its narrow streets filled with charming pubs, bars, and restaurants. Don’t forget to try the famous Altbier (Sidenote: it's actually disgusting. Kölsch is much better).
3. Rheinuferpromenade (Rhine River Promenade)
• Walk along the Rhine River and enjoy stunning views of the river, city skyline, and Old Town. There are also plenty of cafes and bars to relax in.
4. Benrath Palace (Schloss Benrath)
• A beautiful Baroque palace with a stunning park, perfect for a relaxing day in nature.
5. Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen (K20 and K21)
• Art lovers should visit these two museums, which showcase impressive collections of modern and contemporary art.
1. Bonn
(Approx. 30 minutes by train)
• Visit the birthplace of Beethoven, the beautiful Poppelsdorf Palace, and the stunning Bonn Minster.
2. Monschau
(Approx. 1.5 hours by car)
• A picturesque town in the Eifel region known for its half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, and scenic views.
3. Burg Eltz (Eltz Castle)
(Approx. 1.5 hours by car)
• One of Germany’s most famous castles, located in a picturesque valley. It’s an iconic, fairy-tale castle, rich in history, and surrounded by nature.
4. Schloss Drachenburg (Drachenburg Castle)
(Approx. 45 minutes by train from Cologne or 1 hour by ferry)
• A beautiful 19th-century castle on the Drachenfels mountain near Königswinter. Enjoy the magnificent views of the Rhine Valley and explore the castle’s impressive interior.
5. Strasbourg, France
(Approx 3 hours by train from Cologne)
• If you have some more time, visit the place where Anna studied, one of the most picturesque cities in all of Western Europe! Feel free to contact Anna for her very long list of must-dos for Strasbourg.