Holiday in Cologne

What makes Cologne special as a destination?

Cologne, the 2,000-year-old metropolis on the Rhine, pulses with Rhineland cheerfulness, cultural diversity, and the unmistakable Cologne way of life. The Cologne Cathedral, at 157 meters the second tallest church in Germany and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996, is the city's landmark: 533 steps lead up to the south tower, from where a magnificent view of the Rhine metropolis can be enjoyed. The Shrine of the Three Kings inside is the largest golden reliquary in the West. The Roman-Germanic Museum right next to the cathedral showcases the famous Dionysus mosaic from the 3rd century, discovered during the construction of the subway. The Museum Ludwig houses one of the most significant collections of modern art in Europe, featuring works by Warhol, Lichtenstein, and Picasso. The Cologne Old Town along the Rhine with its colorful breweries, the historic fish market, and Heumarkt is the social heart of the city. The Cologne Carnival, the fifth season, transforms the city in February into a six-day state of emergency with the Rose Monday parade, costumes, and streams of Kölsch. But even outside the carnival season, Cologne is a lively metropolis: The Belgian Quarter and Ehrenfeld offer trendy cafes, boutiques, and street art. The Cologne brewery culture with its Kölsch — the only beer served in special 0.2-liter glasses — is a UNESCO World Heritage candidate. Früh am Dom, Peters Brauhaus, and Päffgen are institutions. The Hohenzollern Bridge with its thousands of love locks and the Rhine Boulevard offer Rhine romance at sunset.