TUIfly.com - Willkommen an Bord

Oliver Scheid, Customer

Medieval churches, world famous museums, breweries or carnival: Cologne has flair and offers something for everyone. Around the Dom, visitors from all over the world mix with cheerful locals. Tip: after climbing the Dom, head for "Klüngel and Kölsch" at the Früh Brewery, right next to the Cathedral.

If zest for life had a home it would be in Cologne. The Rheinländers are a cheerful and relaxed people. The fact that they know how to celebrate is not only demonstrated during the annual Carnival in winter but also on Christopher Street Day in July. Year round there is action in the quaint brewery houses and the many trendy bars of Cologne. By the way, the breweries have a long tradition in the Dom city. Tip: the Dom Brewery with brewery museum.

Art and entertainment: The art and culture scene is rich. The Ludwig Museum with its comprehensive Picasso collection is one of the most renowned art galleries. Cologne’s sweetest temptation is the Chocolate Museum: it is located on the Rhine peninsula and displays the history of chocolate from the cocoa bean to the delicious praline. Music in particular is one of the most important features of the city. The concert halls of the Philharmonie or the E Werk Event Centre are always sold out, as are the small live music clubs. The Beethoven Festival at the Beethoven Hall in Bonn attracts national and international visitors every year.

Sightseeing & Excursions: The sheer size of the Cologne Dom (Cathedral) leaves you in awe. Cologne’s most famous emblem worldwide is 157 metres high! The Dom is considered a highlight of Gothic church architecture and was listed by UNESCO in 1996 as being of significant cultural heritage. Also worth seeing is the Zeughaus: the city’s former arsenal was built during the 16th century on the remains of the Roman city wall. Look out for the Renaissance portal with the city’s code of arms. Don’t miss: a ride on the excursion steam boat on the Rhine and a visit to the German Museum in Bonn, which displays contemporary German research and technology.

Shopping: In the shadow of the Dom the shopping streets wind their way through the beautiful old part of town. Hohe Straße and Schildergasse are the major shopping streets with many department stores, shoe shops, cosmetic stores and boutiques. Smaller, trendy shops are located in the streets around St. Aposteln. The Neumarkt Gallery is a covered shopping mall. Cafes, bars and restaurants complement the range of interesting shops.