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Hohenzollernbrücke Bridge -

Two of Cologne's truly iconic structures are the cathedral and Hohenzollernbrücke Bridge. Accessible to rail and pedestrian traffic, Hohenzollernbrücke is one of the most recognized bridges in Germany spanning the Rhine River.

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Cologne Cathedral -

Cologne's mighty cathedral is a renowned monument of German Catholicism and Gothic architecture. Construction began in 1248 and at the time was considered the most ambitious building project of the Middle Ages. At 157 m (515 ft), the cathedral is currently the tallest twin-spired church in the world. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

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Interior treasures -

The cathedral's interior is crammed with treasures. The most revered artifact is the gilded 12th-century Shrine of the Three Kings created by local goldsmiths. It is the largest reliquary in the Western world.

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St. Petersglocke -

The cathedral has 11 church bells, four of which are medieval. The colossal St. Petersglocke is the second largest (horizontally mounted) freely swinging operating bell in the world.

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Farina Fragrance Museum -

The Johann Maria Farina is the world's oldest eau de Cologne and perfume factory and is where the Fragrance Museum is located. Here you can sniff out the history behind one of the most celebrated scents in the world, originally mixed by Italian-born perfumier Johann Maria Farina in 1709.

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Historic Cologne -

Cologne's historic core is set around Great St. Martin Church, which looms over a collection of traditional townhouses with colorful facades. Many serve as bars and restaurants that overlook well-maintained gardens.

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Great St. Martin Church -

Cologne is famous for its 12 great Romanesque churches, a collection that includes Great St. Martin Church. The present church is built on foundations that date back to circa 960 CE. What you see today is largely restored after the building suffered severe damage during the Second World War.

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Cologne City Hall -

The standout architectural feature of Cologne's City Hall is its remarkable Renaissance style loggia of 1573. In fact, this is Germany's oldest city hall with a documented history spanning some 900 years.

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Historic facade -

The main building dates back the 14th century, while the tower is dated back to the early 15th century. Four times daily a glockenspiel is played by the tower's bells.

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Wallraf–Richartz Museum -

Cologne's cultural clout extends to some amazing museums. The Wallraf–Richartz Museum houses an art gallery with a collection of fine art from the medieval period to the early 20th century. Standout exhibits include 'Triptych with Adoration of the Shepherds' painted circa 1515 by Flemish artist Jan de Beer.

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Wallraf–Richartz Museum -

'Langlois Bridge at Arles' by Vincent van Gogh was painted during the artist's stay in Arles, France. It's another Wallraf–Richartz Museum crowd-pleaser. 

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Museum Ludwig -

The Ludwig Museum focuses more on modern and contemporary painting. Typical of the collections is 'Centrifugal Memory, 1923' by Swiss-born German artist Paul Klee.

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Museum Ludwig -

The Ludwig is noted for its many works by Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Roy Lichtenstein. Pictured is Lichtenstein's sculpture 'Blonde.'

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NS Documentation Center of the City of Cologne -

As with many cities in Germany, Cologne commemorates the victims of National Socialism with its own unique memorial. NS Documentation Center of the City of Cologne is housed in a building that once served as the headquarters of the Cologne Gestapo. A combination memorial site, interactive museum, and research facility, its most chilling exhibit is the underground cellblock where numerous prisoners were held captive, many of whom would later die at the hands of their Nazi captors.

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Cologne Zoological Gardens -

Cologne's Zoo is an enchanting visitor attraction. Over 10,000 animals of more than 850 species call this place home. The zoo is world renowned for its in-the-wild conservation efforts conducted in tandem with Cologne University.

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Flora Botanical Garden -

Set adjacent to the zoo is the tranquil Flora Botanical Garden. The estate is a blaze of color in spring, but a delight to explore year-round.

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Cologne Cable Car -

For inspiring skyline views take flight using the Cologne Cable Car. The service connects the two banks of the Rhine at the height of Cologne's Zoo Bridge and affords Instagram close-ups of the Old Town and the magnificent cathedral.

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Colonius -

For an even greater point of view, head for the top of Colonius, the Cologne telecommunications tower. There's a café and restaurant up there, too.

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Cologne Chocolate Museum -

Cologne looks after chocoholics with an enticing museum dedicated to the world's most popular candy. The exhibits chronicle the entire history of chocolate and how it's made, from bean to the finished packaged product. And yes, there's all sorts of choccy treats on sale to satisfy even the sweetest of teeth.

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Romano-Germanic Museum -

The collections at the engaging Romano-Germanic Museum effectively chronicle the Roman settlement of Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium, on which modern Cologne is built. But the city's rich archaeological heritage from the Paleolithic period to the early Middle Ages is also imaginatively documented.

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Romano-Germanic Museum -

The museum's highlight is the remarkable Dionysus mosaic, dated back to 220-230 CE. Pictured is a detail.

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Roman Tomb -

A Cologne visitor attraction often overlooked is a remarkably well-preserved Roman family tomb hidden under the city's streets. The subterranean burial chamber (hypogaeum) dates back to the 2nd century and can be reached by taking tram line 1 towards Köln-Weiden. Descend at Weiden Römergrab.

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Museum of Applied Art -

The contemporary-styled Museum of Applied Art has in its collections exemplary pieces of jewelry, fine porcelain, furniture, weaponry and architectural exhibits ranging from the 10th century to the present. Watch out too for their funky temporary exhibitions.

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Rhine River cruise -

For an alternative perspective of the city, embark on a one-hour sightseeing river cruise. Better still, opt for the longer Rhine River cruise to Königswinter.

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Königswinter -

A river excursion to Königswinter takes in the evocative ruins of the medieval Drachenfels Castle and the distant skyline of Bonn.

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Brühl -

Alternatively, waiting to be explored 15 km (9 mi) south of Cologne is the picturesque town of Brühl. The destination is celebrated for the beautiful Augustusburg and Falkenlust Palaces, both listed as a combined UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Augustusburg Palace -

Augustusburg represents one of the first examples of Rococo architecture in Germany. Completed in 1768, the palace stands in its own magnificent gardens.

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Falkenlust Palace -

More hunting lodge than palace, Falkenlust nonetheless catches the eye for its dainty proportions and charming outlook.

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Altenberg Cathedral -

Also waiting for you 6 km (3.5 mi) from Cologne is another ecclesiastical head turner: Altenberg Cathedral, which was consecrated in 1276.

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Love padlocks -

And what better way to end a day's sightseeing in Cologne than back on Hohenzollernbrücke Bridge. Remember to bring your love padlock. There are over 500,000 of them attached to Hohenzollernbrücke's railings!

Sources: (Google Arts & Culture) (Sacred Destinations) (Carrement Belle Parfums) (Schlösser Brühl) 

See also: The world's most remarkable bridges

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