Cologne: The Old City

Cologne, the fourth largest city in Germany, was founded by the Romans in 38 BC. The city was named after Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium, the name of Emperor Nero's mother. Cologne has continued to grow as a commercial center since the Middle Ages.

Cologne offers you great activities; chocolate is notable for its sports activities, festivals, great Christmas markets, and Roman history. The city is like a three-dimensional history and architecture book. While wandering its beautiful streets, which are sometimes narrow and sometimes wide, it is impossible not to be impressed by the ancient Roman walls, medieval churches, post-war buildings, and post-modern buildings on the Rhine.

1. Cologne Cathedral

When you arrive in Cologne by train, Cologne Cathedral greets you first with its tall tower. Cologne Cathedral is enormous that it is impossible not to see it anyway. Cologne Cathedral was built between 1248 and 1880 and is currently the tallest Catholic cathedral in the world. The cathedral, which attracts thousands of visitors every day, is free to enter. However, if you want to climb the cathedral's tower, you have to pay 3 Euros. Cologne Cathedral is open until 21:00 from May to October and until 19:30 from November - to April. One of the elements that make Cologne Cathedral necessary is that the Shrine of Three Holly Kings is also located here. Cologne Cathedral, considered one of the masterpieces of Gothic architecture, has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1996.

2. Hohenzollern Bridge

The bridge named Hohenzollernbrücke on the Rhine was built between 1907 and 1911 instead of the Cathedral Bridge, which was inadequate due to the increasing traffic density. The bridge, which has a three-arch design, is kept open to both motor vehicle and tram traffic today. There are also safe areas for pedestrians and cyclists to use on the sides of the building.

Walking on the only bridge that survived the bombings during World War II without any damage is considered one of the most beautiful activities to be done in the city.

If you wish, you can stop for a few minutes while you are on the structure and enjoy the view of the Old City. The locks you will see while walking on the bridge have been hung on the railings by couples who want to make their love immortal since 2008.

3. Cologne New Market - Kolner Neumarkt

Neumarkt, located in the south of the historical town of Cologne (Altstadt), is the largest square in Cologne. Huge Christmas markets are set up here at Christmas time. There is also a skating rink during the winter months. Definitely don't miss Neumarkt. In the middle of Cologne Neumark Square, you will see an imposing statue dedicated to the Prussian king, Friedrich Wilhelm III. This monument, which is very important for the city, can be overshadowed by the Christmas markets in Germany. If your trip to Cologne doesn't coincide with the Christmas markets, take a closer look at the statue.

4. Great St. Martin's Church

During the World War II, seventy percent of Cologne's medieval historic town was destroyed. In the post-war period, the few remaining landmark buildings have become the focus of attention of tourists. Great St Martin or Groß St. Martin Church is one of the rare structures that managed to survive the Second World War. Although the gigantic Cologne Cathedral overshadows all the buildings in the city, it cannot overshadow the exciting architecture of the Groß St Martin Church.

5. Cologne Christmas Market

Perhaps Cologne's Christmas market is the biggest and liveliest Christmas market I've ever seen in Germany. It feels unbelievably big and never-ending. The Christmas markets are the kind that will please those who want to drink a spicy mulled wine called "glögg" in cold weather and those who are looking for a snack or a souvenir. 6 Euros if you drink it with the mugs. If you return the mugs, you get your 3 Euros back.

6. Rhine River Cruise

I'm sure that the Rhine River cruise will be much more enjoyable in the summer. But even in winter, Rhine cruises are organized. When I arrived in Cologne, because it was raining, I just took a stroll along the riverbank and looked at the charming houses around the Rhine. But if the weather was sunny, I would definitely take a Rhine cruise. If you visit Cologne in the summer, you should definitely take one of the Rhine River cruises.