Dom/Hbf – Lines 5, 16, 18
Heumarkt – Lines 1, 7, 9
Cologne cathedral is entirely deserving of its symbolic status. Not
just because it is an impressive building, but also because it is the
first thing that you will see upon arriving in Cologne. As soon as
you leave the main train station (Hauptbahnhof), it stand before you,
especially imposing as it is at the head of a large expanse of
stepped concrete.
Entry to the cathedral is free, but if you wish to take on the 500+
steps up the tower then it will set you back a few euros. It is well
worth the money, though. Not only are the views at the top
spectacular, but you will really feel like you have earnt the
inevitable slap up meal and glass of Kölsch on your descent. You
see, the steps are not just numerous,
they are also extremely narrow – too narrow to comfortably
accomodation both ascending and descending sweaty tourists, as they
must. There are also very few places were one can stop and catch
one's breath. It is certainly a work-out, and a reasonably-priced
one, at that. If you can't afford a gym membership...
The Kölner Dom is particularly impressive at night. The way that it
is lit makes the enormous structure seem more like a ghostly
apparition than an actual building that took 6 decades to construct
and stands at over 500ft ; once, briefly, the tallest cathedral
in the world. I once forceably dragged a group of friends across
town, who had been enjoying an evening out, just to see the ethereal
spectre in all its glory. They were not disappointed, and later
thanked me for my insistance.
Conveniently, and attractively, the Cathedral is situated within 5
minutes' walk of the Altstadt. So if you enjoy attractive
architecture then this is definitely an area to explore. Both also
back on THE RHINE, so there are plenty of wonderful city-scapes to be
enjoyed.
Other
Nearby Attractions
Museum
Ludwig
Dom/Hbf – Linie 5, 16, 18
A modern art museum with some pleasingly wierd exhibitions (well,
what else would you expect from a museum of modern
art), and an even better gift shop. Expect to spend the best part of
an hour leafing through books filled with nonsensicle doodles,
quietly laughing to yourself at the afficionados surrounding you who
claim to 'get it'.
Römisch-Germanisches
Museum
Dom/Hbf – Linie 5, 16, 18
A surprisingly interesting history museum, with another great gift
shop. Tell me where else in the world I could hope to purchase
hard-back editions of 'Asterix and Obelix', translated into Kölsch –
the local obsolete dialete that only ever surfaces after a few pints
during Karneval season.
'Gaffel
Am Dom' Brewery
Dom/Hbf – Linie 5, 16, 18
Famous as Cologne is for it's local alcholic beverage, kölsch,
expect to bump into quite a few of these breweries. The Gaffel
brewery is convenient due to its location (forming a quasi-triangle
between the cathedral and the Hauptbahnhof), but it does get very
busy. Another noteable brewery can be found in the
VOLKSGARTEN
Flanagans
Flanagans
Heumarkt – Lines 1, 7, 9
Situated on 'Alter Markt', this vibrant Irish pub/club is very
popular with students and can become crowded quite quickly. Still,
the music is diverse and loud, and Guinness is readily available for
those who have already tired of kölsch.
Peter's Brauhaus
Dom/Hbf – Linie 5, 16, 18
Heumarkt – Lines 1, 7, 9
Peter's Brauhaus
Dom/Hbf – Linie 5, 16, 18
Heumarkt – Lines 1, 7, 9
You will see gushing recommendations for Peter's Brauhaus adorning the pages of any travel guide to Cologne. In my opinion, however, you are better off avoiding it. It is true that they do serve good, traditional German food, but because of this they are also constantly very busy and you won't get the service that you want for the price that you pay. There are plenty of other places in the city that
can offer traditional food: more intimate venues, so best try elsewhere first. Peter's Brauhaus are
also liable to keep your change in the assumption that you are a
reasonable person and this is how much you wish to tip. This can
seem a bit of an arrogant attitude to some, especially when the
service is so slap-dash – you will frequently have to catch a
waiter's attention and call them over for service and they are either
not willing/do not have the time to be polite. You will leave
feeling like an irritating tourist who's just been conned and/or laughed at
in the kitchens.
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