The ultimate guide to Cologne

Famed for its cathedral, Kölsch beer and love of carnival, this sociable city by the Rhine makes for a vibrant city break

Famed for its cathedral, Kölsch beer and love of carnival, this sociable city by the Rhine makes for a vibrant city break.

Planning your trip

For a city trip in Europe, Cologne is the ultimate all-rounder. Its calling-card, of course, is its vast Gothic cathedral, which towers above the Old Town – artfully reconstructed after World War II’s devastation. Today, it’s a place of quaint cobbles and historic breweries, along with some outstanding art museums. To really get a sense of the city, though, you’ll need to spend time in its veedels (neighbourhoods) – boutique-hopping in the Belgian Quarter, perhaps, or sampling Südstadt’s food scene. Ready to get underway? The London to Cologne train journey is easy with Eurostar; you just need to change in Brussels.

Sights and attractions

Whatever your ideal city break, a stay in Cologne delivers. For Byzantine treasures, Pop Art-icons and more, hop between the Old Town’s museums, or explore an edgier side of the city in neighbourhoods like Ehrenfeld, known for its graffiti, coffee bars and soaring Central Mosque.

Cathedral in Cologne

No trip to Cologne is complete without a visit to the granddaddy of cathedrals – Kölner Dom – the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe, with its soaring twin spires. Incarnations of churches in this spot date back to the 4th century. Climb the 533 steps up to the base of the steeple, marvel at the medieval stained-glass windows and craftsmanship of the carved oak stalls, and see the bejewelled Shrine of the Three Kings, said to hold the remains of the kings who followed the star to Bethlehem.

Museums in Cologne

Culture-seekers should make a beeline for Wallraf-Richartz-Museum’s modern cube structure. It’s one of the three major museums in the city holding European art from the 13th to the 19th centuries, including the 'Mona Lisa of Cologne’ – Stefan Lochner's Madonna of the Rose Bower. Meanwhile, Museum Ludwig features modern works by big hitters Andy Warhol, Picasso, Dali and David Hockney, among countless others. The El-De Haus, the former Gestapo headquarters, has a more sombre look at the area’s recent history, while a walk or cruise along the river Rhine offers a laid-back perspective of the city.

Best places to eat and drink in Cologne

Local restaurants serve up Halve Hahn (a traditional sandwich with open-faced rye, gouda cheese and raw onion), Himmel un Ääd (mash with apple puree, onions, bacon and fried black pudding) and Hämmche (pig leg with sauerkraut and hot mustard). Wash it down at the many brauhauses lining the Rhine, pouring hoppy glasses of Kölsch. Chocolate lovers should head to Schokoladenmuseum (aka the Chocolate Museum of Cologne), where visitors can learn about the five-thousand-year history of cocoa, sample plenty of sweet treats and create their own bar in the workshop.

How to get to Cologne

Thalys is becoming Eurostar, so from now on you can find direct trains to Cologne from France and book all your tickets in one place, on eurostar.com.

Practical info

Address: Trankgasse 11, 50667

Finding your way: See map to orientate yourself when you arrive.

Phone number: +49 221 1411055

Facilities: Car park, bike park, luggage lockers, free wifi

Lost and found: If you’ve lost something on your journey please see the advice here.

Public transport: On Eurostar’s trains across Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Germany you can buy your ticket for public transport at the Eurostar Café, at the same price as buying a single ticket at the ticket desk. Search for details of your onward journey using public transport.

Connecting trains: Check timetables in real time for your connecting trains

Airport connections: Cologne Bonn Airport