Family of 5 Just returned from 9 days in Europe covering Amsterdam, Cologne and Brussels with 3 teens. This was the first time I’ve travelled using an agent like this and was hoping for the best, we were very pleasantly surprised, expectations exceeded. Everything went exactly to plan, the schedule was very busy but that was by design and we feel we saw all the right things given our timeline. The activities were great, tour guides were helpful and having the private tours was such a huge benefit to the other larger groups we saw moving through each city. Every recommendation they gave was helpful, reminders were sent the night before on all the set activities so we didn’t miss anything, every ticket they said was covered in fact was - with no snafu, we got everything we paid for, and any questions I sent during the trip were answered very timely. I never felt like we were on our own. Highly recommend using them to organize your trip, we will be back!
4 Days in Cologne and Germany's Historic Rhineland
4 Day Tour of Cologne
Destinations on this trip: Cologne
Overview
Trip Map
Itinerary
Inclusions
Reviews ★4.9
How Long Is the Cologne City Break Trip and What Does It Cost?
Duration4 days / 3 nights- Best timeJan-Dec
From$895 / person (Flights not included)
- Discover Cologne’s history, stretching back to the Roman Empire, on a private guided walking tour.
- Delight in Cologne’s Kölsch beer culture with a private food and beer tour.
- Wander through Bonn, the former capital of West Germany, and its historic sites.
- Explore Aachen’s Imperial City and its stunning cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Enjoy thrilling rides at Phantasialand and visit the magnificent Brühl Castle.
- Discover Cologne’s history, stretching back to the Roman Empire, on a private guided walking tour.
- Delight in Cologne’s Kölsch beer culture with a private food and beer tour.
- Wander through Bonn, the former capital of West Germany, and its historic sites.
- Explore Aachen’s Imperial City and its stunning cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Enjoy thrilling rides at Phantasialand and visit the magnificent Brühl Castle.
Must see sights
Starting from
$895
per person
Not included Price varies by group size, hotel selection, and travel season.
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Cologne City Break Trip Timeline
Arrival
3 nights
Cologne
Germany
Departure
What Does the Cologne City Break Trip Itinerary Look Like?
Day 1
Arrive Cologne
Day 1
Arrive Cologne
Mid-Day/Afternoon
Old Town
Cologne has a history stretching well back into Roman times, and it is most famous for its massive Gothic Cathedral. While the Altstadt, i.e. the Old Town, is full of small alleyways and historic buildings, many are not in their original form because nearly three quarters of the city was leveled by WWII bombing raids. Indeed, in many ways Cologne feels like a modern city built onto the bones of an ancient city. With that said, there are many sites well-worth seeing, as well as great museums, such as the Romano-Germanic and Ludwig Museums. Taking a walk along the promenade on the Rhine River is also a must.
Explore a tremendous collection of modern art from greats such as Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol.
Show More
Descend into the basement to find the Roman origins of this distinctive church.
Show More
Visit the real-life Willy Wonka Chocolate factory on an island in the Rhine River.
Show More
See Germany's most visited landmark for yourself and then climb a tower that was once the tallest in the world.
Show MoreExplore a tremendous collection of modern art from greats such as Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol.
Show MoreDescend into the basement to find the Roman origins of this distinctive church.
Show MoreVisit the real-life Willy Wonka Chocolate factory on an island in the Rhine River.
Show MoreSee Germany's most visited landmark for yourself and then climb a tower that was once the tallest in the world.
Show MoreExplore a tremendous collection of modern art from greats such as Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol.
Show MoreDay 1
Arrive Cologne
Day 1
Arrive Cologne
To Be Determined:
Private Airport Pickup
Mid-Day/Afternoon:
Old Town
Early Evening/Evening:
Kölsch Beer Culture
Modern Art Museum/Ludwig Museum
Highlight of Old TownExplore a tremendous collection of modern art from greats such as Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol.
The Museum of Modern Art is a former collection of Peter Ludwig, a German chocolatier who is said to have had the largest private collection of art until his passing in 1996. Ludwig also helped many other museums by donating or lending them pieces from his collection after WWII. In 1976 Ludwig donated 350 art pieces, then valued at $45 million, to the Wallraf-Richartz Museum. The collection donated was so large that the Ludwig Museum of Modern Art was constructed. The collection ranges from Pop Art to Abstract and Surrealism. It is also said to be the largest collection of works by Pablo Picasso in all of Europe. The Cologne Card provides a 20% discount on entrance.
Church of Great St. Martin
Highlight of Old TownDescend into the basement to find the Roman origins of this distinctive church.
The unusual crossing tower of the Church of Great St. Martin has shaped the Cologne skyline since the middle ages. Built on top of the remains of a Roman warehouse, it actually incorporates the remains. The church was severely damaged during WWII and during the repairs many archeological excavations took place. The reconstruction created a smooth transition from the foundations of the Roman warehouse to the walls of the church aisles. The church is open to the public and the Roman remains may be seen in the basement.
Chocolate Museum
Highlight of Old TownVisit the real-life Willy Wonka Chocolate factory on an island in the Rhine River.
Founded in 1993 by Hans Imhoff and his wife, this museum is dedicated to the history and production of chocolate. The large complex sits on an island in the Rhine. It not only displays the discovery and history of chocolate as it was used by the Mayans and the Aztecs but also includes a walk-through palm house to show the environment in which cocoa beans are grown. The museum is also a working chocolate factory and visitors can see the production of chocolate from start to finish behind glass walls. Visitors even have the opportunity to create a custom bar of chocolate. As one of the most visited museums in the city, the Chocolate Museum is not to be missed. The Cologne Card provides a 25% entry discount.
Old Town
OverviewOld Town
Cologne has a history stretching well back into Roman times, and it is most famous for its massive Gothic Cathedral. While the Altstadt, i.e. the Old Town, is full of small alleyways and historic buildings, many are not in their original form because nearly three quarters of the city was leveled by WWII bombing raids. Indeed, in many ways Cologne feels like a modern city built onto the bones of an ancient city. With that said, there are many sites well-worth seeing, as well as great museums, such as the Romano-Germanic and Ludwig Museums. Taking a walk along the promenade on the Rhine River is also a must.
Cologne Cathedral
Highlight of Old TownSee Germany's most visited landmark for yourself and then climb a tower that was once the tallest in the world.
Construction began in 1248 but was paused in the 1500's and did not continue until the 19th century. Once completed in 1880, it was the tallest building in the world and to this day it has the tallest twin spires of any Gothic church in the world. The towers’ spires reach a height of 157 m (515 ft). The cathedral is as large as it is strong. During WWII the church was struck with 14 aerial bombs; its enormous size made it a good landmark for the Allied aircraft bombers. Although it was badly damaged by these attacks, it remained standing. The cathedral is home to many treasures, such as the high altar which was constructed in 1322 and is made out of solid black marble. Its most celebrated work of art is the Shrine of the Three Kings. The golden structure is believed to hold the remains to the Three Wise Men, whose remnants were brought from Milan in 1164. Those with a strong constitution can climb 533 steps to a viewing platform on the south tower.
Modern Art Museum/Ludwig Museum
Highlight of Old TownExplore a tremendous collection of modern art from greats such as Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol.
The Museum of Modern Art is a former collection of Peter Ludwig, a German chocolatier who is said to have had the largest private collection of art until his passing in 1996. Ludwig also helped many other museums by donating or lending them pieces from his collection after WWII. In 1976 Ludwig donated 350 art pieces, then valued at $45 million, to the Wallraf-Richartz Museum. The collection donated was so large that the Ludwig Museum of Modern Art was constructed. The collection ranges from Pop Art to Abstract and Surrealism. It is also said to be the largest collection of works by Pablo Picasso in all of Europe. The Cologne Card provides a 20% discount on entrance.
Church of Great St. Martin
Highlight of Old TownDescend into the basement to find the Roman origins of this distinctive church.
The unusual crossing tower of the Church of Great St. Martin has shaped the Cologne skyline since the middle ages. Built on top of the remains of a Roman warehouse, it actually incorporates the remains. The church was severely damaged during WWII and during the repairs many archeological excavations took place. The reconstruction created a smooth transition from the foundations of the Roman warehouse to the walls of the church aisles. The church is open to the public and the Roman remains may be seen in the basement.
Chocolate Museum
Highlight of Old TownVisit the real-life Willy Wonka Chocolate factory on an island in the Rhine River.
Founded in 1993 by Hans Imhoff and his wife, this museum is dedicated to the history and production of chocolate. The large complex sits on an island in the Rhine. It not only displays the discovery and history of chocolate as it was used by the Mayans and the Aztecs but also includes a walk-through palm house to show the environment in which cocoa beans are grown. The museum is also a working chocolate factory and visitors can see the production of chocolate from start to finish behind glass walls. Visitors even have the opportunity to create a custom bar of chocolate. As one of the most visited museums in the city, the Chocolate Museum is not to be missed. The Cologne Card provides a 25% entry discount.
Old Town
OverviewOld Town
Cologne has a history stretching well back into Roman times, and it is most famous for its massive Gothic Cathedral. While the Altstadt, i.e. the Old Town, is full of small alleyways and historic buildings, many are not in their original form because nearly three quarters of the city was leveled by WWII bombing raids. Indeed, in many ways Cologne feels like a modern city built onto the bones of an ancient city. With that said, there are many sites well-worth seeing, as well as great museums, such as the Romano-Germanic and Ludwig Museums. Taking a walk along the promenade on the Rhine River is also a must.
Cologne Cathedral
Highlight of Old TownSee Germany's most visited landmark for yourself and then climb a tower that was once the tallest in the world.
Construction began in 1248 but was paused in the 1500's and did not continue until the 19th century. Once completed in 1880, it was the tallest building in the world and to this day it has the tallest twin spires of any Gothic church in the world. The towers’ spires reach a height of 157 m (515 ft). The cathedral is as large as it is strong. During WWII the church was struck with 14 aerial bombs; its enormous size made it a good landmark for the Allied aircraft bombers. Although it was badly damaged by these attacks, it remained standing. The cathedral is home to many treasures, such as the high altar which was constructed in 1322 and is made out of solid black marble. Its most celebrated work of art is the Shrine of the Three Kings. The golden structure is believed to hold the remains to the Three Wise Men, whose remnants were brought from Milan in 1164. Those with a strong constitution can climb 533 steps to a viewing platform on the south tower.
Modern Art Museum/Ludwig Museum
Highlight of Old TownExplore a tremendous collection of modern art from greats such as Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol.
The Museum of Modern Art is a former collection of Peter Ludwig, a German chocolatier who is said to have had the largest private collection of art until his passing in 1996. Ludwig also helped many other museums by donating or lending them pieces from his collection after WWII. In 1976 Ludwig donated 350 art pieces, then valued at $45 million, to the Wallraf-Richartz Museum. The collection donated was so large that the Ludwig Museum of Modern Art was constructed. The collection ranges from Pop Art to Abstract and Surrealism. It is also said to be the largest collection of works by Pablo Picasso in all of Europe. The Cologne Card provides a 20% discount on entrance.
Day 2
Cologne
Day 2
Cologne
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Highlights Walking Tour of Cologne
Your private guide will pick you up from your hotel. During this 2-hour walking tour, you will have a chance to get to know many interesting facts about the history of Cologne and visit the biggest highlights of the town. Among the others you will see: Cologne Cathedral, Hohenzollern Bridge, Roncalliplatz, Rheinboulevard, Heumarkt & Alter Markt, Hänneschentheater, Cologne City Hall, Typical Kölsch brewery. After the end of the tour the guide will be happy to give you the recommendations for the rest of your stay in Cologne.
See Germany's most visited landmark for yourself and then climb a tower that was once the tallest in the world.
Show MoreSee Germany's most visited landmark for yourself and then climb a tower that was once the tallest in the world.
Show MoreSee Germany's most visited landmark for yourself and then climb a tower that was once the tallest in the world.
Show MoreDay 2
Cologne
Day 3
Cologne
Day 3
Cologne
Morning to Afternoon
Aachen Excursion
Less than an hour from Cologne by train you'll discover Aachen, a small spa city located snugly next to the border with Belgium and the Netherlands. The city is famous not only for its thermal water, but also for its historical ties to the greatest and first Holy Roman Emperor, Charlemagne. Aachen was the place where he and 31 other Holy Emperors were crowned King of the Romans, although in reality it was mostly Germans that they ruled over. Visitors can explore the Charlemagne Route, visit a spa, enter the jaw-dropping cathedral, or just take in the charming ambience of a city whose story stretches back to Roman times.
Walk through one of the oldest cathedrals in Europe and marvel at the colorful Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
Show More
Experience the thermal springs which first drew settlers to Aachen.
Show More
Smell and taste the sulphurous minerals springs which symbolize the city’s long history of thermal baths.
Show More
See the 14th-century city hall built where the coronation feasts were held, and visit a museum exploring Aachen's past.
Show MoreWalk through one of the oldest cathedrals in Europe and marvel at the colorful Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
Show MoreExperience the thermal springs which first drew settlers to Aachen.
Show MoreSmell and taste the sulphurous minerals springs which symbolize the city’s long history of thermal baths.
Show MoreSee the 14th-century city hall built where the coronation feasts were held, and visit a museum exploring Aachen's past.
Show MoreWalk through one of the oldest cathedrals in Europe and marvel at the colorful Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
Show MoreDay 3
Cologne
Day 4
Depart Cologne
Day 4
Depart Cologne
Morning/Mid-Day
Brühl Excursion
Lying in what at first seems like the industrial suburbs of Cologne, you'll discover the lovely town of Brühl. It is the perfect location for a family day out thanks to the nearby Phantasialand theme park. Also making it worth the 15-minute trip from Cologne's main station is the Brühl Castle, also known as the Augustusburg Palace. This was the sumptuous residence of the prince-archbishops of Cologne and is among the finest examples of Rococo architecture in 18th-century Germany. Just around the corner you'll find a museum paying homage to Brühl's most famous son, the artist Max Ernst, a primary pioneer of the Dada movement and Surrealism who was once married to Peggy Gugenheim.
See a museum dedicated to the Dadaist and surrealist art of Brühl's most famous son.
Show More
Take a imaginative trip around the world in Germany's second largest theme park.
Show More
Visit the beautiful Baroque and Rococo-style palace and gardens of the powerful archbishops of Cologne.
Show MoreSee a museum dedicated to the Dadaist and surrealist art of Brühl's most famous son.
Show MoreTake a imaginative trip around the world in Germany's second largest theme park.
Show MoreVisit the beautiful Baroque and Rococo-style palace and gardens of the powerful archbishops of Cologne.
Show MoreDay 4
Depart Cologne
What's Included in the Cologne City Break Trip Trip?
Pre-Paid Tours and Activities:
- Private Highlights Walking Tour of Cologne
- Private Beer and Food Tour of Cologne
- City Card for Cologne, including discounts to many popular attractions
Pre-Paid Transportation:
- Public Transport Tickets for Cologne
- Private Transfer from Cologne Bonn Airport
- Private Transfer to Airport, and Departure from Cologne
Accommodation:
- 3 nights at a hotel of your choice in Cologne
Go Real Travel Mobile App:
- Itinerary Plan & Reservations Info
- Points of Interest
- Detailed Travel Information
- Maps & Directions
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Explore cities in more detail
Heidelberg
Heidelberg is buried deep in the forests of southwest Germany. Flanking both sides of the Neckar River, Heidelberg's red and white baroque old town looks like something from a book of folktales. On the hillside above the town, you'll see the looming, tumbledown remains of Heidelberg's Gothic-Renaissance castle, Heidelberger Schloss. The subject of strange local legends, Heidelberg Castle was once home to knights, a famous court jester, and even a witch. It is said the first person who pulls out an iron ring embedded in one of the great doors will be the castle's true owner. Surely on your visit, it's worth a try? Across the river, follow in the footsteps of scholars on a hiking trail known as The Philosophers’ Way. Heidelberg University is the oldest in Germany, and its leafy, temple-like campus contributes to the gentle, contemplative atmosphere of the town. A poetic city with the dreamy feel of a watercolor painting, it's no wonder Heidelberg inspired writers like Mark Twain and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The city has even been recognized by UNESCO as a City of Literature. Especially on misty, grey days, Heidelberg has a way of sweeping you up in its romanticism.
Brussels
It feels as though everything in Brussels is tinted with gold. From the gilded rooftops of the old houses on the Grand Palace to the foil-wrapped bonbons piled in chocolatier windows, Brussels seems to sparkle and wink at you around every corner. Aside from the lustrous architecture and Trappist ales, this shiny city is probably still best known for its iconic street food options: salty, golden fries, and fluffy, honey-colored waffles. While a major political center, home of the EU and NATO, don’t be fooled by Brussels stern ‘Eurocratic’ facade. Brussels revels in cheeky humor and mischief. So much so, Brussel’s beloved mascot, the ‘Manneken Pis’, is a statue of a small child urinating into a fountain. The city takes great pleasure in dressing this statue in festive-themed costumes. It’s no surprise that the artist Magritte, one of the great visual tricksters of the 20th century, called Brussels home. After a few days exploring the city, and taking in its sights and scenes, you’re sure to come away smiling.
Hamburg
Compared to other German cities, Hamburg has a moody, nautical charisma all of its own. Despite being battered throughout history by floods, fires, and bombs, Hamburg has always held its head up high. Resilience is in the air in Hamburg, along with the briny smell of the North Sea. In recent years Hamburg has garnered a reputation for commerce and nightlife. Frequent travelers whisper that Hamburg is Germany’s ‘undiscovered’ city, the place to go for a little business and a lot of fun. Known as Germany’s ‘gateway to the world’, ships dock in Hamburg as they haul cargo up and down the Elbe River. The city thrives as Germany’s primary seaport and has been a center of trade since the middle ages. Its affluence shows in the 19th-century brick warehouses, flourishing restaurant scene, and recently constructed Elbphilharmonie concert hall, which floats majestically in the harbor, part ship and part island. Hamburg is a city for those who like to live large - in a cultured, German kind of way. Attend a performance at the orchestra, cruise on a boat around the Außenalster Lake, or have a night on the Reeperbahn, the Vegas-like strip where the Beatles once performed. Whatever you do in the city, Hamburg will make you look twice and see Germany from a totally different point of view.
Cologne
As you travel through Western Germany, Cologne is a cheerful, fun city to stop for a night or two. Flanking both sides of the Rhine river, Cologne's delightful architectural pastiche reflects the breezy anything-goes attitude of its inhabitants. Like most German cities, Cologne took a hit during WWII, losing some of its old-world buildings and neighborhoods. However, thanks to the endurance of the Cologne Cathedral and iconic Hohenzollern Bridge, the city has kept its identity close to hand. Sometimes quite literally in the form of a glass of sparkling Kölsch local beer. A visit to Cologne should always include paying a call to its eponymous Cathedral. A sensational, Gothic behemoth of a building and a UNESCO Heritage Site, Cologne Cathedral will get you right in the heart, humbling all who enter it. Just outside the cathedral, the Hohenzollern Bridge spans the Rhine, with three iron truss arches looping over the river like the bounces of a skimming stone. After wandering the riverside, if you're looking for some indulgence, Cologne's Chocolate Museum is an eternally popular choice. Maybe you'll be under the influence of the cocoa, but at the end of a day in Cologne, life can seem pretty sweet.
Amsterdam
A waterside metropolis with a low-key vibe, a visit to Amsterdam is as fun and freewheeling as a fixed-gear bicycle. This is the city where you can let it all go. The streets of Amsterdam chime with bicycle bells and the laughter of people making their way between bars. Yellow wheels of cheese line shop windows, and in springtime, market stalls are abundant with the famous Dutch tulips. Younger than other cities in the Netherlands, Amsterdam sprang to life in the 17th century, when it became flush with trade from the Dutch colonies. From the gable tipped houses standing shoulder-to-shoulder on the canals to the Rembrandt paintings hanging on the walls of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam is strewn with relics from the Dutch Golden Age. Whether you rent a bicycle, float down a canal, or just sip on an amber-colored lager and watch the world go by, Amsterdam makes a lasting impression from start to finish.
Frankfurt
Dubbed ‘Mainhatten’ for its glass highrises, financial prowess, and proximity to the Main River, Frankfurt offers a fascinating glimpse into the ‘engine room’ of Europe’s economy with an unexpected twist. Among the glass and steel buildings, the old-worldly Römerberg square will give you a double-take. The square’s 15th-century half-timbered houses, old statues, and church spires contrast dramatically against the modern 21st-century skyscrapers beyond. If you visit at Christmas, the Römerberg is truly special, aglow with the light of the tallest Christmas tree in Germany. The square fills with stalls selling handicrafts, and the air is scented with hot apple wine, honey, and cinnamon. Delve deeper into Frankfurt and you’ll find a substantial museum district, the Museumsufer (Museum Embankment). This area features a cluster of twelve museums on either side of Main River. This includes the Städel, home to Tischbein’s famous painting of renowned writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, one of Frankfurt’s most prestigious sons. The more time you spend in Frankfurt, the more you’ll discover a highly cultured city lurking beneath its glass facades. If you have the time, Frankfurt is certainly worth a second look.
Heidelberg
Heidelberg is buried deep in the forests of southwest Germany. Flanking both sides of the Neckar River, Heidelberg's red and white baroque old town looks like something from a book of folktales. On the hillside above the town, you'll see the looming, tumbledown remains of Heidelberg's Gothic-Renaissance castle, Heidelberger Schloss. The subject of strange local legends, Heidelberg Castle was once home to knights, a famous court jester, and even a witch. It is said the first person who pulls out an iron ring embedded in one of the great doors will be the castle's true owner. Surely on your visit, it's worth a try? Across the river, follow in the footsteps of scholars on a hiking trail known as The Philosophers’ Way. Heidelberg University is the oldest in Germany, and its leafy, temple-like campus contributes to the gentle, contemplative atmosphere of the town. A poetic city with the dreamy feel of a watercolor painting, it's no wonder Heidelberg inspired writers like Mark Twain and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The city has even been recognized by UNESCO as a City of Literature. Especially on misty, grey days, Heidelberg has a way of sweeping you up in its romanticism.
Brussels
It feels as though everything in Brussels is tinted with gold. From the gilded rooftops of the old houses on the Grand Palace to the foil-wrapped bonbons piled in chocolatier windows, Brussels seems to sparkle and wink at you around every corner. Aside from the lustrous architecture and Trappist ales, this shiny city is probably still best known for its iconic street food options: salty, golden fries, and fluffy, honey-colored waffles. While a major political center, home of the EU and NATO, don’t be fooled by Brussels stern ‘Eurocratic’ facade. Brussels revels in cheeky humor and mischief. So much so, Brussel’s beloved mascot, the ‘Manneken Pis’, is a statue of a small child urinating into a fountain. The city takes great pleasure in dressing this statue in festive-themed costumes. It’s no surprise that the artist Magritte, one of the great visual tricksters of the 20th century, called Brussels home. After a few days exploring the city, and taking in its sights and scenes, you’re sure to come away smiling.
Hamburg
Compared to other German cities, Hamburg has a moody, nautical charisma all of its own. Despite being battered throughout history by floods, fires, and bombs, Hamburg has always held its head up high. Resilience is in the air in Hamburg, along with the briny smell of the North Sea. In recent years Hamburg has garnered a reputation for commerce and nightlife. Frequent travelers whisper that Hamburg is Germany’s ‘undiscovered’ city, the place to go for a little business and a lot of fun. Known as Germany’s ‘gateway to the world’, ships dock in Hamburg as they haul cargo up and down the Elbe River. The city thrives as Germany’s primary seaport and has been a center of trade since the middle ages. Its affluence shows in the 19th-century brick warehouses, flourishing restaurant scene, and recently constructed Elbphilharmonie concert hall, which floats majestically in the harbor, part ship and part island. Hamburg is a city for those who like to live large - in a cultured, German kind of way. Attend a performance at the orchestra, cruise on a boat around the Außenalster Lake, or have a night on the Reeperbahn, the Vegas-like strip where the Beatles once performed. Whatever you do in the city, Hamburg will make you look twice and see Germany from a totally different point of view.
Cologne
As you travel through Western Germany, Cologne is a cheerful, fun city to stop for a night or two. Flanking both sides of the Rhine river, Cologne's delightful architectural pastiche reflects the breezy anything-goes attitude of its inhabitants. Like most German cities, Cologne took a hit during WWII, losing some of its old-world buildings and neighborhoods. However, thanks to the endurance of the Cologne Cathedral and iconic Hohenzollern Bridge, the city has kept its identity close to hand. Sometimes quite literally in the form of a glass of sparkling Kölsch local beer. A visit to Cologne should always include paying a call to its eponymous Cathedral. A sensational, Gothic behemoth of a building and a UNESCO Heritage Site, Cologne Cathedral will get you right in the heart, humbling all who enter it. Just outside the cathedral, the Hohenzollern Bridge spans the Rhine, with three iron truss arches looping over the river like the bounces of a skimming stone. After wandering the riverside, if you're looking for some indulgence, Cologne's Chocolate Museum is an eternally popular choice. Maybe you'll be under the influence of the cocoa, but at the end of a day in Cologne, life can seem pretty sweet.
Amsterdam
A waterside metropolis with a low-key vibe, a visit to Amsterdam is as fun and freewheeling as a fixed-gear bicycle. This is the city where you can let it all go. The streets of Amsterdam chime with bicycle bells and the laughter of people making their way between bars. Yellow wheels of cheese line shop windows, and in springtime, market stalls are abundant with the famous Dutch tulips. Younger than other cities in the Netherlands, Amsterdam sprang to life in the 17th century, when it became flush with trade from the Dutch colonies. From the gable tipped houses standing shoulder-to-shoulder on the canals to the Rembrandt paintings hanging on the walls of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam is strewn with relics from the Dutch Golden Age. Whether you rent a bicycle, float down a canal, or just sip on an amber-colored lager and watch the world go by, Amsterdam makes a lasting impression from start to finish.
Frankfurt
Dubbed ‘Mainhatten’ for its glass highrises, financial prowess, and proximity to the Main River, Frankfurt offers a fascinating glimpse into the ‘engine room’ of Europe’s economy with an unexpected twist. Among the glass and steel buildings, the old-worldly Römerberg square will give you a double-take. The square’s 15th-century half-timbered houses, old statues, and church spires contrast dramatically against the modern 21st-century skyscrapers beyond. If you visit at Christmas, the Römerberg is truly special, aglow with the light of the tallest Christmas tree in Germany. The square fills with stalls selling handicrafts, and the air is scented with hot apple wine, honey, and cinnamon. Delve deeper into Frankfurt and you’ll find a substantial museum district, the Museumsufer (Museum Embankment). This area features a cluster of twelve museums on either side of Main River. This includes the Städel, home to Tischbein’s famous painting of renowned writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, one of Frankfurt’s most prestigious sons. The more time you spend in Frankfurt, the more you’ll discover a highly cultured city lurking beneath its glass facades. If you have the time, Frankfurt is certainly worth a second look.
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