Cologne is the cultural hub of Germany’s north-west. It suffered during Second World War bombings, but the modern, urban side of the city is every bit as interesting as the twee, time warp that is the old town. With plenty of contemporary art and a well-regarded food scene, there is plenty to keep visitors busy, and in order to make your experience even more excited during IMM Cologne 2020, FOOGO blog will be showing you an exciting Design Guide.
WHERE TO STAY
HYATT REGENCY COLOGNE
Hyatt Regency Cologne has a very good location, it’s on the right bank of the River Rhine at Hohenzollern Bridge. This hotel offers rooms and suites with views of the old city and Cologne Cathedral, gourmet cuisine, and a free spa area with large indoor pool.
HOTEL IM WASSERTURM
This hotel is wonderfully unusual, is a converted historic water tower in the centre of Cologne’s Old Town. Im Wasserturm has a chic contemporary interior design throughout spacious rooms, fabulous rooftop bar, and restaurant, breakfast garden, and spa.
HOPPER HOTEL ST. ANTONIUS
Hooper Hotel St. Antonius is the ideal hotel if you want a restful stay away from the noise or traffic. This hotel occupies a historical building near the centre of Cologne, within easy walking distance of the Old Town, Cologne Cathedral and other main cultural sights.
EXCELSIOR HOTEL ERNST
Excelsior Hotel Ernst opened in 1863, the hotel has a long history as the city’s most luxurious hotel. This 5-star hotel it’s perfectly situated and offers luxurious accommodation, a Michelin star restaurant and live music at the Piano Bar.
WHERE TO EAT
GLASHAUS RESTAURANT AND BAR
Glashaus Restaurant is the ideal place if you want to relax. The glass front affords guests a phenomenal view of the river Rhine and Cologne Cathedral. Inside, expect to be indulged with regional and international specialities.
L’ESCALIER
This restaurant is small, cosy and intimate but it offers fine, modern, classically based cuisine in the form of two evening menus – Innovation and Tradition – and also two lunchtime – the Brasserie and Mittags-Gourmet set menus.
HANSE STUBE
The Hanse Stube is well-known for its elegance, the friendly atmosphere, and their classic cuisine. This restaurant offers its guests a first-class experience with their exacting standards and creativity in the kitchen and, its mahogany boarding, and cosy corner tables.
WHAT TO VISIT
COLOGNE’S OLD TOWN
Cologne’s Old down has countless monuments and fountains that adorn the area, along with its Archaeological Zone and the many ancient ruins and artefacts. There you will find yourself traversing countless quaint alleys lined with traditional old houses, many now home to boutique shops, galleries, cafes, and restaurants.
ST GEREON’S CHURCH
The Romanesque St. Gereon’s Church is the most unusual church, it has a visually appealing architecture that includes highlights such as its unique long choir and its several medieval murals, mosaics and ancient relics.
COLOGNE CATHEDRAL
The Cathedral of St. Peter and St.Mary is located in the left bank of the Rhine is the Cologne’s landmark. A true masterpiece of high Gothic architecture and one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. It was started in 1248 and was considered the most ambitious architecture project of the middle ages.
AUGUSTBURG PALACE
The Augustburg Palace is located 15km south of Cologne, in a small town called Brühl. Besides its unique architectural style, the Augustburg Palace is surrounded by one of the most dazzling and colourful gardens in the city.
LUDWIG MUSEUM
If you are an art lover then you need to visit the Ludwig Museum. One of the city’s newer architecture, this excellent gallery focuses on contemporary and modern painting and covers a wide range of European art!