Cologne City Guide - Sightseeing

Sightseeing is concentrated around the Dom (cathedral) with two major museums adjacent and a third less than 100m (328ft) away. Also very close by is the most attractive part of Cologne, the heart of the Altstadt (Old Town) beside the river Rhine, which becomes an attraction in its own right when the weather is warm.

Dotted around the city centre are 12 superb examples of Romanesque churches. The Dom precincts are deliberately bare and open in order to give the best possible views of the city's pride and joy. In winter, however, this area can be bitterly cold and desolate; it is best to come in December when the colourful and vibrant Christmas markets use the Dom as a dramatic backdrop and bring it to life.

In the colder months, the northern ‘sightseeing boundary' is the church of Santa Ursula (five minutes from the Dom) while a 10- to 15-minute walk in the opposite direction following the river brings you to the southernmost sight, the Imhoff-Stollwerck chocolate museum. Don't miss a visit to either. Summer sightseeing extends north to the zoo, botanical garden and cable car, around 2km (1.2 miles) along the river from the Dom.

Cologne Tourist Board (Kölntourismus)
Opposite the cathedral entrance, Unter Fettenhennen 19
Tel: (0221) 30400.
Website: www.koeln.de/tourismus  

This is the main tourist office in the city. There is also an office at the airport, Terminal 2, arrivals level and at the Kölnmesse when trade fairs are on. Rooms can be booked at the main office and at the airport office.

If you intend visiting most of the sites, it may be worth investing in the Köln Welcome Card which gives reduced-price admission to most attractions and excursions as well as free travel on all public transport. The card is available from the tourist office.