Cologne

Like so many of Germany’s endearing cities, Cologne is full of traditional German architecture. You can tour the dozens of museums, galleries, and monuments or spend your time traveling pub to pub. A long winding road known as “The Ring” circles the city and leads travelers through its many districts. While strolling along The Ring, sample the hundreds of shops, bars and restaurants while admiring Cologne’s intriguing city atmosphere. This section provides an overview of some entertaining activities in Cologne and suggests an ideal hotel for your stay.

Activities

For an exhilarating nightlife experience, follow The Ring to Sudstadt. Sudstadt is a section of Cologne that consists primarily of bars, pubs, and theatres. You can sample some of the best cocktails in town at the Fiffi Bar or catch an afternoon play at one of its many theaters such as Theater am Sachsenring. This Cologne burrow is also known for great live music and rock venues.

Phantasialand is Cologne’s only theme park and hosts a variety of thrilling rides and amusements. Restaurants and shops line its wooded walkways, but the park also provides ample picnicking grounds for visitors who wish to bring their own meals. Ironically, most of the rides revolve around American themes, like the Colorado Adventure ride and Hollywood tour. Admission into the park is relatively affordable and entry provides at least one full day of fun-filled entertainment.

The Chocolate Museum is another popular destination for Cologne tourists. The building is made almost entirely out of glass and holds the secrets of the history of chocolate. The Chocolate Museum offers full length tours through its factory and grants visitors the chance to sample a spring made of home-made German chocolate.

The most interesting part of Cologne is probably the Belgian Quarter. It is known for its expensive and beautiful homes, as well as a large array of fine dining experiences. Explore this section’s busy streets to admire homes of some of Germany’s most wealthy inhabitants and catch a glimpse of a star or two.

Best Place to Stay

The Hyatt Regency Cologne Hotel is one of the most luxurious accommodations in the city, boasting visitors like former President Bill Clinton. The rooms are spacious with comfortable furnishings and feature spectacular views of the surrounding city. The Hyatt Regency is located close to the center of town and is a short walk to most tourist attractions, restaurants and nightlife entertainment.