The cathedral, Kölsch beer & carnival
Cologne
Köln · Gothic cathedral & Rhine carnival
Dominated by its twin-spired Gothic cathedral, Cologne is a warm, easygoing Rhineland city famous for its own Kölsch beer, riotous pre-Lenten carnival and a 2,000-year Roman past layered beneath the old town.
Top sightsSights
Cologne Cathedral
The soaring Gothic masterpiece and UNESCO site — climb the tower for Rhine views.
Old Town (Altstadt)
Colorful gabled houses, riverside squares and cozy brewery taverns.
Hohenzollern Bridge
A rail bridge draped in thousands of love locks beside the cathedral.
Museum Ludwig
A superb collection of Pop Art, Picasso and modern masters.
Rhine promenade
Stroll or cruise the riverbank lined with cafes and beer gardens.
What to eatFood
Kölsch
The city’s crisp pale beer, served in small 0.2L glasses by "Köbes" waiters.
Halver Hahn
A rye roll with aged Gouda — not the chicken the name suggests.
Himmel un Ääd
"Heaven and earth" — black pudding with mashed potato and apple.
Good to know
- Order Kölsch and it keeps coming until you put a coaster on the glass.
- Carnival peaks in February — expect costumes, parades and closed offices.
- The cathedral is free; the tower climb is 500-plus steps.
Getting there
Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) is a budget-flight hub; the main station sits beside the cathedral with fast trains to all of Germany.
Next city
Frankfurt