| Cologne is the oldest city of Germany dating back to | | | | homes to different species of plants, trees, flowers |
| the times of the Romans and even got its name, | | | | from different continents. Perfect time to visit is |
| Colonia, from them since it was a colony of Rome in | | | | during spring, the color is just so beautiful. Another |
| 50 A.D. The Romans also brought christianity to | | | | green area in Cologne is the Rheinpark. From the city |
| Cologne and had been a residence to several bishops. | | | | center, you cross the river and walk to the left side |
| Nowadays, you can still find some remains of Roman | | | | of the bank. The park is well maintained, very clean |
| fortifications, churches and buildings all over the city | | | | and is perfect for family picnic. It even has a |
| like the Roman North Gate, the City Hall, the Roman | | | | playground for kids so even the little ones won't get |
| tower and the City Gates. Though populated by | | | | bored. Close to the park is the Tanzbrunnen, it's a |
| several Roman churches like the Great St. Martin and | | | | fountain with a dancing area in the center thus the |
| St. Gereon churches, Cologne is more famous for its | | | | name Tanzbrunnen, fountain for dancing. This is used |
| landmark, the Cathedral of Cologne, world heritage | | | | as an open-air stage and event hall for concerts. |
| site since 1998. The gothic Cathedral was built in 1248 | | | | Shopping in Cologne is something you don't want to |
| and finally completed in 1880. It houses the Relics of | | | | miss. The Hohe Strasse is the most famous street |
| the Magi since the 13th century that made the city | | | | for shopping in the region and probably in the whole |
| one of the famous pilgrim destinations. | | | | country. This is always full of shoppers no matter |
| Cologne's old town, though destroyed during the war, | | | | what the weather is. But there are also malls, |
| is something worth to visit for its old and colorful | | | | shopping arcades and promenades if you don't want |
| houses, historical buildings and churches and narrow | | | | to be outside all the time. Don't forget to get |
| streets which give one the perfect nostalgia of the | | | | yourself the famous souvenir, the Koelnischwasser - |
| old Cologne. But not only that, most old houses or | | | | the original Eau-de-Cologne. Its formula has been |
| buildings have been used nowadays as restaurants, | | | | produced in the place since 1709 and used by |
| hotels and bars so you can roam around your way | | | | legendary people like Napoleon. Aside from the |
| not getting hungry or thirsty. Especially, not thirsty | | | | regular shopping, Cologne is also famous for the |
| because Cologne has its Koelsch - the Cologne beer. | | | | Christmas Markets. People tour here during cold |
| So for beer lovers, have fun! | | | | season just for these markets. You'll have an array |
| There are so many things you can do in Cologne. | | | | of choices, from decorations to delicacies, plus a |
| Since it is the center of art in the country, you can | | | | taste of gluehwein, a warm wine normally served in |
| visit several museums to your liking. A roundtrip boat | | | | christmas mugs, to keep you warm. |
| tour on the Rhine is also something not to miss. Or a | | | | Annual famous events in Cologne would include the |
| ride on the Rheinseilbahn, a hanging cable cars going | | | | Carnival - a very festive and colorful celebration |
| across the river giving you an opportunity to see the | | | | which is normally held in February. Main highlight is the |
| beautiful panorama of Cologne from the top. There | | | | parade, people and even celebrities in colorful |
| are also trolleys which are trying to look like trains | | | | costumes and floats. Another famous event is the |
| bringing you to the Cologne Zoo or the Chocolate | | | | Koelner Lichter - Cologne Lights, a spectacular show |
| Museum. Though the zoo is not that far from the | | | | of fireworks on the Rhine. This event is attracting up |
| cathedral's area, it's a very nice experience especially | | | | to more than 1 million visitors per year. Koelner |
| for the children to have this ride. You can normally | | | | Lichter is normally in summer, often in July. |
| find these trolleys in front of the southern transept | | | | So if you're planning to visit Cologne, it's ideal of |
| of the cathedral called Roncalliplatz. | | | | course to visit in summer when you have more |
| Adjacent to the zoo are the Flora and the Botanical | | | | probability of having a nice weather. Have fun and |
| Garden. These beautifully landscaped gardens are | | | | enjoy your visit! |