Cologne

Cologne is just a three-hour drive from Rotterdam. Which is perfect for a weekend away for us. Our plan was to visit Cologne in March, but COVID-19 happened so our plans fell through. Fast forward a few months and we could travel again so we planned our weekend away for the end of August. Cologne is the fourth-largest city in Germany and the largest on the Rhine River. Straddling the Rhine in Western Germany, Cologne is home to over a million people so it is no small town.

The highlights we saw

There are many things to do in Cologne but even with a day can you get to know the city on a general level. It’s an easy-to-navigate destination, perfect for a weekend break, with loads to see and do, and a rich history to explore.

Cologne hohenzollern bridge and love locks

This famous railway bridge is inundated with lover’s locks. The locks have been hung on the bridge since 2008. To symbolize the everlasting nature of a couple’s love, the key of the locket is dropped over the edge, tumbling far below into the waters of the river Rhine. The padlocks have added over 2 tons of weight to the bridge, causing local officials to question how long the practice can be sustained.

River bank

Cologne is divided by the Rhine which gives you the opportunity to stroll along the river and enjoy the scenery. Strolling along the Rhine gives an amazing view of the skyline of Cologne. The riverbank has a streak of restaurants and cafes, which gives you the opportunity to people watch. The riverbank is the point of departure for many river cruises that go from Cologne to Dusseldorf or Bonn. Many boats are also party boat cruises with DJ’s and dancing.

Fish Market

In World War II almost all of Cologne is destroyed. The city centre, full of rubble, resembled a horrible battlefield . The picturesque part of the Old Town was destroyed nearly completely and had to be rebuilt in drudgingly precious work. A stroll through the narrow, cobble-stoned alleys will take you back to times long ago.

Church of Great St. Martin

The Great Saint Martin Church foundations (circa 960 AD) rest on remnants of a Roman chapel. The chapel was built on an island in the Rhine that contained several old warehouses. The chapel turned into a church and has later been transformed into a Benedictine monastery. Now it shows multiple exhibitions with art and jewels.

Cologne Cathedral

The Cologne cathedral can you see from nearly every point in the city centre. The magnificent Cologne Cathedral hovers above the roofs and chimneys of the city and has a foundation that was laid in 1248. It was even the first thing we saw while entering our hotel room.

Chocolade museum Lindt

Who doesn’t love chocolate? Most people like chocolate. Some absolutely love it and some don’t. We love chocolate so we could not miss a visit to the chocolate museum in Cologne. The museum shows the history, process of making chocolate and some changing exhibitions.

Where to stay?

Just a few minutes’ walk from the city in a spectacular building is 25hours Hotel The Circle situated. The hotel has a retro-futurism design. The hotel houses not only 207 hotel rooms but also working spaces, a sauna, the Monkey Bar and the restaurant NENI. We stayed in an Extra Large room that had an awesome bathtub in the middle of the room. And not to forget and an amazing view of the Cologne Cathedral.

Where to eat?

NENI

NENI is one of those hidden gems. The restaurant does not only serve amazing food but also has awesome decor. The restaurant is located at the top of 25hours Hotel The Circle which provides an amazing view of the city. NENI is a genuine family business. The name consists of the initials of Nuriel, Elior, Nadiv, and Ilan, which are the four sons of virtuoso chef Haya Molcho.

Coyacan

If you love Mexican food you will probably also love this place. Coyoacan has a lovely atmosphere, good food and even better drinks. The food and drinks are inspired by the “joie de vivre” of South America, or as they call it – SUNAMERICA.