Highlights of Cologne (Koln) and its enchanting Christmas Markets

Few places in Europe make you feel the true spirit of Christmas as powerful as the wonderful city of Cologne. The fourth largest city in Germany is a great vacation destination all year round, but, just before the Holidays season, it should go up to the top of your must-see destinations list. 

From hot cups of mulled wine at every corner to beautifully decorated Christmas stores, Cologne breathes a festive air and it really leaves a mark on the hearts of thousands of tourists from all over the world. 

1. Christmas Markets

Cologne is famous for its beautiful Christmas Markets, opened this year from 26th November to 23rd December 2018 all across the city. Each year, thousands of visitors from all over the world enjoy German tradition delights and sweet treats, buy Christmas decorations, festive clothes and many other arts and crafts products on sale. The scent of mulled wine, baked apples and cinnamon gingerbread fills the air, while carols are sung and children are playing, thus creating a wonderful atmosphere, just perfect for people to stroll along the festively decorated alleys and explore the shopping stands.

The most famous Christmas markets in Cologne are Christmas Market in the Old Town, Cathedral Christmas Market , Neumarkt and Harbour Market.

Read more about Cologne Christmas Markets here: https://www.cologne.de/events/christmas-markets and https://www.christmasmarketsgermany.com/cologne.php

2. Other Things To Do in Cologne

Cologne Cathedral

The symbol of Cologne is the great Cologne Cathedral (https://www.koelner-dom.de/home.html?&L=1). The erection of the The current building started in the 13th century and eventually finished in 1880. This Catholic cathedral, built in Gothic architectural style, has been declared a World Heritage Site in 1996, becoming one of Germany’s most visited churches. In fact, Cologne Cathedral is the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe and has the second-tallest spires (157 m).

From Cologne Cathedral you’ll be able to admire wonderful views over the city and over Cologne’s largest and most popular Christmas market - Cathedral Christmas Market 

Chocolate museum

Cologne Chocolate Museum (https://www.schokoladenmuseum.de/en/) opened its doors in 1993. Loved by children and adults alike, this beautiful Museum presents in a fun manner the history of cocoa and chocolate, through interactive exhibitions, light projections, extent collections of porcelain and silver platters used for the serving of chocolate, historical machines used for the production of chocolate over time, as well as movie projections in the Chocolate Cinema. If possible, take a guided tour to visit this must-see Museum thoroughly.

Do not miss the three meters high chocolate fountain, nor the chocolate workshop, where tourists will discover how chocolate bars are being crafted.

Do not leave this museum without paying a visit to the Museum’s shop, from where you may buy various types of German  chocolate, and to the Museum’s cafeteria, CHOCOLAT Grand Café, offering a variety of chocolate-based cakes, waffles, crepes and thick, delicious hot chocolate. 

3. Where to stay in Cologne

For my last year’s city break in Cologne, I have chosen a modern hotel, next to the Chocolate Museum. Art'otel Cologne (https://artotelcologne.com/) is beautifully decorated and it has large rooms with wonderful room views over Rhine river. Do not hesitate to book a room here when in Cologne.