Transformed by extensive regeneration and investment, Cologne is a leading business hub in Germany’s Rhineland region. An amalgamation of the historical and the contemporary, the city is a diverse and increasingly metropolitan destination with plenty to offer those embarking on a business trip to Cologne. With our guide to the top 11 things to do in Cologne your corporate visit will encompass the very best aspects of the city.
11. Old Town
Quaint cobbled streets, charming rustic architecture, and tall, colourful townhouses: the touristic appeal of Cologne’s Old Town is undeniable. Year-round visitors and locals alike flock to the Alter Markt, formerly the main market area of the city. Lined with cafes and restaurants, the square is focal point of city social life; the perfect place to enjoy a pint of the local Kölsch beer and admire the scenery. Of particular note is the impressive Jan von Werth statue and fountain dating back to 1884. The monument features ornate reliefs detailing the legend of Jan and Griet (Griet, a young woman, refused Jan’s romantic interest due to his poor wealth, then was filled with regret when Jan returned from war a successful General) – a fascinating example of German history and folklore.
10. Botanical Garden
Less synonymous with the city’s medieval-market-square reputation, but still high on the list of what to see in Cologne, the Botanical Garden is the perfect venue for indulging in some ‘R&R’ while on a business trip to Cologne. Established in the nineteenth century in Cologne’s Riehl district, the garden is oldest park in the city and boasts a grand central glass palace inspired by London’s Crystal Palace. The park features a range of gardens which pay homage to various horticultural styles, including an Italian Renaissance garden, English landscape gardens and a Mediterranean garden. Boasting 10,000 beautifully arranged plant species, as well as tropical rainforest cultivations in its greenhouses, a trip to the Botanical Garden should feature on anyone’s list of things to do in Cologne.
9. KölnTriangle
One remarkable aspect of Cologne is its lack of skyscrapers. Tall, gleaming glass structures are usually a key indicator of a city’s business renown – but Cologne is a little different. The World Heritage status of Cologne Cathedral means there are restrictions regarding the number, and height, of buildings that can populate the city’s skyline. For this reason, architects have had to get inventive when proposing designs for Cologne buildings – and the KölnTriangle is a perfect example. Standing at just 103.2 metres tall, the building features a distinctive cylindrical design and is popular for its observation deck which provides excellent panoramic views across the Rhine.
8. Melaten Cemetery
Cologne’s central cemetery, Melaten Cemetery, may seem an odd addition to our list of things to do in Cologne. However, the expansive park is one of the most peaceful sanctuaries the city has to offer and is teeming with historical landmarks and artefacts. Open from 7am/8am, depending on the season, for a full 12 hours, the cemetery features over 55,000 ornate graves – including those of some of the city’s most famous former residents – and plenty of relaxing seating areas to find your thoughts between business appointments.
7. Cologne Chocolate Museum
Residing within a striking contemporary structure along the banks of the Rhine, the Cologne Chocolate Museum (or Imhoff-Schokoladenmuseum) has been bringing smiles to visitors’ faces since it opened in 1993. Featuring a tropical greenhouse and detailed exhibitions showcasing the five-thousand-year history of the world’s affinity with the cocoa plant, the museum is a must-see for chocolate-lovers. In the famed ‘production room’ visitors can see chocolate being made first hand and sample some fresh from the production line! Finish your trip at the Chocolat Grand Café and indulge in some of the city’s finest chocolate creations.
6. Cologne Cathedral
The aforementioned Cologne Cathedral is Cologne’s most iconic landmark and one of its most visited. Celebrated as one of the world’s finest examples of Gothic architecture, the cathedral is also the tallest twin-spired church in the world. Construction on the cathedral began in 1248 and wasn’t fully completed until 1880. Covering 8,000 square metres, there is much to appreciate in this colossal structure, including a magnificent altarpiece triptych – The Adoration of the Magi – created in the fifteenth century. When it comes to what to see in Cologne, the Cathedral is an absolute must.
5. Hiroshima-Nagasaki Park
Hiroshima-Nagasaki Park is a particularly poignant place due to its many associations with the Second World War. Today a beautiful park for all to enjoy, the area was once a site of destruction – filled with the war-time rubble of the city's many destroyed buildings and streets. Named by the Cologne Peace Forum in remembrance of the nuclear bombings carried out in Japan, the attribution is doubly meaningful in light of Cologne’s membership of the Hiroshima-Nagasaki Alliance: an international alliance of cities against nuclear weapons. Of all things to do in Cologne, a trip to Hiroshima-Nagasaki Park is one of the most thought-provoking.
4. Rhine River Cruise
What better way to take in the sights of Cologne than via a Rhine river cruise? The longest river in Germany, the Rhine has plenty to offer, even along the relatively short stretch of water flowing through Cologne. With phenomenal views of the distinctive Hohenzollern Bridge, modern Rheinauhafen district, and the tree-lined Rheinpark Park, a cruise along the river provides countless photography opportunities and a memorable tour of the city from a unique perspective.
3. Brewery hopping
For beer enthusiasts, Cologne is something of a Mecca. With many historic breweries dotted throughout the city serving a wide range of beers, including the city’s unique Kölsch beer, it would be rude not to stop in to at least one of the city’s breweries. A particular favourite of ours is the Gaffel am Dom brewery, featuring a traditional wood-panelled beer hall, hearty cuisine and generous servings of beer all round. The venue also hosts events throughout the year, with quizzes, parties, live music and even cinema screenings taking place on a regular basis – so be sure to take a look during your business trip to Cologne.
2. Belgian Quarter
So called because so many of the district streets are named after Belgian cities and provinces, the Belgian Quarter is one of the most popular areas of Cologne. Associated with the arts, a vibrant night-life and its variety of high-end fashion stores, the quarter should be on any business traveller’s list of things to do in Cologne. See the work of upcoming local artists at KUNst&So, or browse the many boutiques to find a perfect purchase – we recommend men’s fashion store Monsieur Courbet and the female focussed Boutique Belgique to browse the best fashion pieces on offer.
1. Church of Great St. Martin
Less imposing than the city's cathedral but no less grand, the Church of Great St. Martin has a fascinating history. Its foundations, dating back to 960AD, were discovered to have been constructed atop Roman warehouses dating back to the first century. Having undergone many modifications and redevelopments throughout history as to reflect the architectural styles of the time, the church was tragically bombed in the Second World War. Thankfully, the city decided to completely restore the church and its interior to emulate the lost Rhenish architecture. The structure stands as a monument to Cologne's resilience through the ages and is a spectacular sight - rightfully topping off our list what to see in Cologne.
With your itinerary of things to do in Cologne sorted, now is the time to book your perfect Cologne accommodation. Read about the very best serviced apartments in Cologne and start your journey today.
