Guide: all countries » Germany » Cologne » Extraordinary weekend

How to spend top weekend in Cologne - ideas on extraordinary attractions and sites

Kranhauser Without a doubt, Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) remains one of the most popular and frequently visited landmarks in the city, and so every day thousands of visitors come to see the beautiful church. However, not everyone knows that there is a very interesting place near the cathedral, on Brüsseler Platz. This is a small square that is a popular meeting spot for hipsters during warmer months. They come there to meet like-minded fellows and enjoy favorite drinks. By the way, the drinks are not necessarily alcoholic ones as the local youth likes Club-Mate soda. So, if you are young, want to get new acquaintances and like soda, head to Brüsseler Platz.
Excursion over cultural sights of Cologne - 'must visit' points of interest
You will find many priceless historical and architectural monuments in Cologne. Every tourist should not forget to visit them. We encourage you to pay your attention on the ensemble of 12 … Open
The next secret place will be also liked by fans of noisy parties. This is the secret club Steken. It is called secret because there are no neon signs near its entrance, so it’s not that easy to find it. If you manage to do that, you will enjoy an evening in a cozy place with lively and informal atmosphere. Once a week, the club hosts jazz parties. By the way, Steken is also famous for quite cheap drinks and snacks.
If you prefer visiting elegant places, the party-bar Arty Farty could satisfy you. The venue is a combination of a classic bar, where visitors can enjoy a delicious exotic cocktail, and an art gallery that regularly hosts various interesting events. You never know exactly what you’re going to get in Arty Farty, a vibrant party or another interesting exhibition. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
Your active city break in Cologne. Attractions, recreation and entertainment - best places to spend your day and night here
Cycling around the city is very popular among travellers. Rent-A-Bike is considered the most famous bike rental service. Here you are allowed to rent a bike starting from a few hours till … Open
When you’re in a mood for something interesting and romantic, head to Hohenzollernbrücke. This bridge is a popular local landmark, which is liked by both travelers and locals. However, the bridge has a secret – you will see endless padlocks of different shape and size attached to it. According to experienced travelers, this bridge can make wishes come true. In order to make that happen, simply purchase a padlock from one of local vendors, attach it to the bridge, make a wish and throw the key to the Rhine. Your wish will come true.
Cologne Cathedral - Kolner Dom Is shopping your most favorite pastime? Then wait till Saturday and head to the Trödel flea market. You can hardly find a better place to purchase interesting souvenirs in Cologne. It is possible to buy nearly anything at this market – antique German china, hunting trophies and even books in different languages. It is better to visit the market as early as possible. Experienced travelers walk among its rows already on 8 a.m., searching for unique items.
Advices to travellers: what you should know while being in Cologne
1. Tourists are recommended to purchase WelcomeCard, which gives you the right to get reduced fares in public transport. In addition to this, owners of the card receive a discount when … Open
Gourmet travelers will also find suitable places to visit in Cologne. They are welcome at numerous premium restaurants of the city. Cologne is famous for its outstanding street food, so some popular dishes, which are sold in bright stalls and carts, cannot be found in any other city in Germany. Simply make a walk on central streets of Cologne and you will see stalls that offer potato pancakes with apple jam, roasted chestnuts, fragrant donuts and other popular street food.
Cologne When you’re done exploring all secret landmarks in Cologne, take a tram 18 and head to the neighboring town of Brühl bei Köln. It is famous for its secluded and charming atmosphere. Travelers will find unique historic landmarks and picturesque places perfect for walking in that town. Moreover, one of the biggest amusement parks in the country, Phantasialand, is located in Brühl. The park is a great destination for fans of extreme.
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Reference information
Map of all Michelin restaurants
Michelin-starred restaurants in Cologne
♥   Restaurant 'Gruber’s Restaurant' KÖLN. Type - Austrian. 1 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Restaurant 'Himmel un Äd' Köln. Type - Modern cuisine. 1.1 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Restaurant 'Heising und Adelmann' KÖLN. Type - International. 1.1 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Restaurant 'Le Moissonnier' Köln. Type - Creative French. 1.3 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Restaurant 'Pure White Foodclub' Köln. Type - Grills|Seafood. 1.4 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Map of all castles
Survived castles around Cologne
♥   Castle 'Schloss Burg near Solingen' , 25.8 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Palais Schaumburg' , 26.9 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Ehreshoven Castle' , 27.2 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Godesburg Festung' , 31.4 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Hückeswagen Castle' , 35.5 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Map of all art museums
Art galleries in Cologne and around
♥   Art museum 'Museum Ludwig' Cologne, 0.2 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Art museum 'Museum für Angewandte Kunst (Cologne)' Cologne, 0.2 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Art museum 'Wallraf-Richartz Museum' Cologne, 0.4 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Art museum 'Schnütgen Museum' Cologne, 0.8 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Art museum 'Käthe Kollwitz Museum' Cologne, 0.9 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Map of all palaces
Public palaces near Cologne
♥   Palace 'Schloss Benrath' Düsseldorf, 25.2 km from the center. On the map   Photo

Visiting neighbours of Cologne for exclusive entertainment

Dusseldorf
Dusseldorf keeps many secrets that only some experienced tourists and frequent guests of the city are aware of. While exploring picturesque streets of the city, it is so pleasant to drink a bit of delicious balm in one of the old cafes, feed friendly sheep in a peaceful ... Open »
Maastricht
Maastricht is the least “Dutch” city in the Netherlands. Close proximity to Belgium and Germany has made a significant impact, so Maastricht differs in nearly everything when compared to other Dutch cities. It is clearly seen in architecture, gastronomic habits, ... Open »
Luxembourg
Small Luxembourg is not hard to explore by foot. Actually, you only need a few hours to see all main landmarks, so it feels that it’s nearly impossible to find something exciting and interesting. However, a mere walk on picturesque streets of the city can be very ... Open »
Antwerpen
If during a vacation in Antwerp you want to stay away from noisy tourist sites, head to the bay. Not many travellers know about this picturesque place, so the bay area is not crowded, especially in the morning, when one can hardly see any passersby. Despite that, this ... Open »
Dordrecht
Have you visited all “must-see” landmarks in Dordrecht and checked all popular antiquity shops? Now it is time to make your vacation in this city even more exciting and try unusual entertainments, such as exploring the hidden areas, admiring the panorama from a ... Open »
Rotterdam
Many say that Rotterdam is not the best city for “historic discoveries”, and that’s a mistake! Indeed, modern buildings dominate the city skyline, but Rotterdam has a true “historic treasure” – the picturesque neighborhood of Kralingen. It’s an amazing ... Open »
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