The architecture of Cologne, the most ancient between the major Germany cities, reflects all its 2000 years history, starting from the Cologne settlement, which was founded here by the Romans, to the present days. It is not only the important historic centre, but also, thanks to one million population, the fourth largest city in Germany. Moreover, thanks to its strategic location in the western part of the country, it became a central Reins port and an important traffic centre with excellent facilities for international exhibitions to be held here. You can get here by any of the express trains, such as ICE, Thalys/Eurostar, City-Night-Express, or by Germanwings, Deutsche BA and Hapag Lloyd Express airplanes, which land at the Cologne – Bonn Airport. Based on this information, it is easy to guess that a lot of exhibitions and international congresses are held here. That is why Cologne offers a good choice of places for accommodation, including 250 hotels.
So what have tourists to do here when they come to Cologne? First, for those who come here for sightseeing, the city has a lot to offer. The main Cologne attraction and its symbol is the Cologne Cathedral – the gothic church with pointed towers, which are so typical for this architectural style. This is the place where the golden shrine with the Magis relics and many other priceless treasures are kept. Nowadays the cathedral is one of the World Heritage sites. Other religious sight is the Twelve Romanesque Churches ensemble – the real masterpieces and good examples of the medieval sacral architecture. Not far from here you may also find many of the citys museums and world-famous attractions, such as Ludwig museum, where contemporary art is represented, Roman-Germanic museum, the Diocesan museum and many others.
Continue your sightseeing programme and visit the Corbo Institution where you will be able to see paintings and sculptures created during different epochs, form the Middle Ages to present times, including the famous impressionist collection. Go to the Rheinau harbour and visit the most “sweet” of the German museums - Imhoff-Stollwerck-Museum, or the Museum of Chocolate. Nearby you will find the interactive German Museum of Sports and Olympic Games aimed at the active ones. Among the attractions that are worth seeing there are also the Old City and the Rhine Garden, historical City Hall, Pretoria and others. And, of course, those who are fond of music can visit Cologne Philharmonics opera and dramatic theaters, cabaret and pop concerts.
If you are tired of cultural sightseeing, there are lots of other things to do here. You can go shopping at one of the many Cologne shopping malls and centers, visit its galleries, and spend your evening at one of the diverse places to eat: from beerhouses where you can try famous Kolsch beer, to the Lerbach hotel restaurant with a good choice of first-rate dishes.
There are also lots of other entertainments, including Cologne Zoo, botanical gardens, Rhine Park with dancing fountains, Green Belt, Rhine rope-way and boat trips. And, of course, one of the famous events is the Cologne Carnival (the fifth season), which always gathers a great amount of viewers.
However, Cologne Carnival is not the only time when the city greets you with happiness and cheerfulness. Thanks to its all-year-round joyful atmosphere, Cologne constantly attracts tourists from all over the world.