Category Archives: Tips
The Historic Town Hall of Cologne
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Built by Wilhelm Vernukken, during 1569-1573, the loggia in the town hall of Cologne is a sight to behold. Its façade has a marked Renaissance characteristic and most historians consider its loggia a most typical Renaissance building. Its architecture is appreciated by all as are the sculptures and carvings present.
The town hall was originally built to serve as a connection between the city council and citizenry. Often morning addresses were held here by the council. However today, this link has become very informal. It even has an open façade where fans can boost their idols with their cheering.
A unique sculpture displaying a struggle between the mayor Gryn and the lion adorns the upper floor parapet. It signifies the legend that speaks of a great fight between the locals and the church for the controls of the city.
The town hall tower stands tall with its height of almost 61 metres! It depicts the church’s authority over the state. It was constructed by the guild after their victory over the nobility in 1396. Its construction style like the entire building is late gothic. It has three tetragonal lower floors and two octagonal upper floor boasts. “Platzjabbeck”, is an extremely famous wooden sculpture which takes out its tongue when the clock tower strikes the hour. Though the workmanship on this statue is remarkable, its sight is pretty pathetic. However there are a number of other stone statues present and they are a sight to behold.
The “Piazetta”, a 900 sqm large, 12.60 meter high open space is the centre of the town hall. It features not only a fantastic view of the enormous tower but also another monument by the name of “Wolke” by Hann Trier. The southern area has the administrative wing. The lion courtyard or “Löwenhof” another part of the town hall lies to its north as does the tower. The Hanseatic League hall or “Hansasaal” lies to its west while to its east lie the office rooms and reception hall.
The Hansasaal is one of the oldest rooms in the town hall. It got its name because it used to be used by the Hanseatic League for its meetings. Later the council started using it as a reception hall. The war ravaged much of its beauty however it was later restored to its original gothic design. “Neun guten Helden” or the sculpture of the nine good horses adorns its south wall and is a sight to behold. Other significant artworks present in the room are the eight prophet figures, the impressive council chairs by Melchior von Reidt and the wooden inlay of the doorways.
Remains of the Roman praetorium have also been discovered at this site. Though in an astonishing condition earlier it has now been restored to its previous glory and can be visited.
The Phantasialand in Cologne
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Phantasialand, an out of the world theme park, is located in Bruhl, Germany, and is very close to Cologne. It provides a once in a lifetime experience and is beyond everything you can ever imagine. Men and women of all ages will enjoy themselves immensely. Its various rides will make you catch your breath, while the adrenaline rush will leave you speechless.
You can get there by the ICE International which makes 7 runs a day to Cologne. From Cologne you have to change trains in from track 6 to track 9. The total time for this is 3 hours. Purchase a shuttle bus return ticket and travel to and from the Bruhl station. Once you reach Phantasialand the entry is just € 1.50 per person.
Out of the large number of varied and imaginative rides present here, Tolocan, is one of the best. it is a recent addition and thus is much more thrilling than the others. However, it is not recommended for those weak at heart for it involves special effects with dangerous turns that leave you hanging upside down!
The River Quest is another fascinating ride and features wet rides with steep waterfalls too! It is extremely refreshing on hot summer days.
Another ride worth visiting is Black Mamba. Almost everyone visits this park mainly because of this ride. It is by far the most thrilling roller coaster of the world and features high speed with loops in the track!
For those who won’t be able to bear this intense thrill, there are several shows and presentations which may interest you. One of these is the ‘On Ice Show’ which features a lot of dancing that involve many smooth moves on the ice!
On the whole, Phantasialand is a place where anyone can spend the entire day and say that the time flew by in seconds! Not only this, if you feel that a day is not enough for you, then there are several hotels situated in the vicinity where you can spend the night and rejoin the joys of this theme park the next morning.
The timings of Phantasialand vary from time to time so you might want to check the official website. A day-ticket for adults costs € 47.50, while the price of a day-ticket for children from 4 – 12 years is 17. A ticket for seniors over 60 years of age costs € 17.50.
Parks And Gardens In Cologne
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Cologne is blessed with many green spaces, especially public parks and landscaped gardens. Cologne has 2 park areas encircling the city and nearly the entire town, respectively, which were set aside as public recreation areas after World War I. Most notably are Volksgarten, Rheinpark, Hiroshima-Nagasaki and Stadtgarten parks where thousands of people come together to enjoy the sun, play and barbecue when the weather is fine. All these parks have an associated beer garden. Here are some of the famous parks of Cologne:
City Garden (Stadtgarten) at Venloer Strasse 40, Belgisches Viertel, Cologne, D-50672, Germany, DE
This park dates back to almost 200 years and hosts a number of recreational activities, events and concerts, especially during the summer months. It is open daily from dawn to dusk and the entry is free of charge.
Botanic Gardens at Amsterdamer Strasse 34, Riehl, Cologne, D-50735, Germany, DE
The gardens stretch to an area of about 25 acres and hosts many important and rare plant collections. Dating back to the middle of the 19th century, the gardens also have a number of glasshouses filled with exotic plants, ponds, fountains, colourful flower borders and a nearby cable car ride. It is open daily from 8 am in the morning to dusk and the entry is free of charge.
Japanese Gardens at Düsseldorfer Strasse, Teil des Carl-Duisberg-Parks, Leverkusen, Cologne, D-51061, Germany, DE
Located at the outskirts of Cologne, the Japanese gardens showcase a array of Japanese features like clipped trees, a teahouse, stone Buddhas and lanterns, ponds, and several brightly coloured bridges. Springs witness blossoming of cherry tress while autumn is beautiful when the maple leaves quickly change to dramatic, fiery colours. It is open daily from dawn to dusk and the entry is free of cost.
City Forest at Dürener Strasse, Lindenthal, Cologne, D-50931, Germany, DE
Cologne’s Stadtwald, lies on the outskirts and encloses a vast area of over 150 acres / 61 hectares. The cite takes pride in its variety of plant species, a boating pond, wildlife reserve and summer beer gardens.
Bask in the festivities of Christmas markets in Cologne
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Christmas is all joy, fun and festivities for Cologne as the city basks in the magic of the festivities organized in the seven Christmas markets which start on the last Monday before Advent. The main Christmas markets in Cologne are Alter Markt, Cathedral X-Mas Market, Harbour Christmas market, Neumarkt, Rudolfplatz and X-mas Market on the rhine.
The celebrations attract millions of tourists during this time who come lured by the items sold at the quaintly designed huts (or “Buden”), christmas music, arts and crafts, toys, mesmerizing decorations and the mouth watering Christmas bakeries.
The Christmas markets charm the kids with the performances of pewter pourers, wreath binders and glassblowers. The aroma of various delicacies like mulled wine, hot chestnuts and gingerbread, cinnamon stars, baked apples and roasted almonds fill your nose. Santa’s visit and the sight of nostalgic roundabouts are a major attraction for children who are also lured by the magic acts, jugglery, medieval musicians, Christmas cribs and intricately decorated trees.
More than 160 stalls offer a large scale of traditional goods and handcrafted gifts. Besides shopping at the Christmas markets, the city also offers an extensive programme including exhibitions, shows, musicals, operas or concerts.
The markets are a great opportunity for indulgence into the typical German culinary delights like the famous “Christstollen” yeast cakes, “Lebkuchen” soft gingerbread cookies and Marzipan almond confections, not to forget the mandatory “Glühwein” a hot spiced wine in mugs to warm chilly hands.
It is advisable to book the Cologne hotels in advance as they get packed during this season of the year. Just in time for Advent, the Cologne Tourist Board publishes a leaflet providing information on all the Christmas markets and their opening times. You can also look for packages including overnight accommodation.
Hotel Im Wasserturm
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Hotel Im Wasserturm
Overview of the Hotel: The hotel features a Michelin-star restaurant and a roof terrace with a view of Cologne Cathedral. It offers rooms that have a unique glass, wood and brick design and are equipped with satellite TV, Wi-Fi and a private bathroom. It has a restaurant offering spectacular views of Cologne from the 11th floor and serving savoury dishes. Drinks and snacks are available in Harry’s Lounge. Light and seasonal dishes that are finger-licking good are served in the W restaurant Housed in a historic water tower in the Old Town of Cologne, the hotel offers all the comforts one can expect.
Amenities at the Hotel: Facilities provided include Restaurant, bar, 24-Hour Front Desk, Newspapers, Garden, Terrace, Non-Smoking Rooms, Elevator, Express Check-In/Check-Out, Safety Deposit Box, Heating, Luggage Storage and Airconditioning. Activities provided include Sauna, Solarium, Spa & Wellness Centre, and Massage. Services provided include Room Service, Meeting/Banquet Facilities, Airport Shuttle, Business Centre, Laundry, Dry Cleaning, and Breakfast in the Room, Ironing Service, Bridal Suite, Currency Exchange, Shoe Shine, Packed Lunches, Fax/Photocopying, and Ticket Service. Wireless Internet Hotspot is available in the entire hotel and costs EUR 13 per 24 hours. Private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed) and costs EUR 25 per day.
Hotel Rules: The Check in time for the hotel is from 14:00 hours and the Check out time is until 12:00 hours. Cancellation and prepayment policies vary by room type. All children under 12 years stay free of charge when using existing bedding. All children under 2 years stay free of charge for cots. There is no capacity for extra beds in the room. Maximum capacity of babycots in a room is 1. Any type of extra bed or baby cot is upon request and needs to be confirmed by the hotel. Pets are allowed. Charges may be applicable. Accepted credit cards are American Express, Visa, Euro/Mastercard, Diners Club, and JCB. The hotel reserves the right to pre-authorise credit cards prior to arrival.
Hotel Room types and Rates:
Deluxe Room
Included in room price: 7 % VAT, 5 % city tax
• Non refundable: € 365
• FREE cancellation: € 345
Deluxe Suite
Included in room price: 7 % VAT, 5 % city tax
• FREE cancellation: € 565
• Non refundable: € 650
Junior Suite
Included in room price: 7 % VAT, 5 % city tax
• Non refundable: € 435
• FREE cancellation: € 305
Maisonette
Included in room price: 7 % VAT, 5 % city tax
• Non refundable: € 400
• FREE cancellation: € 305
Hotel Cristall Köln
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Hotel Cristall Köln
Overview of the Hotel: This hotel provides Free Wi-Fi in the rooms and lobby area, modern furnishings, fitted carpets and facilities that include satellite TV, minibar and free newspapers in the rooms. It also serves a delicious breakfast buffet, every morning at the Hotel Am Dom. The hotel also has a stylish bar, where one can relax with cocktails, wine and German beer. The hotel is conveniently located close to all the city’s main attractions, including the Old Town, the shopping streets and several museums. In addition, the nearby station offers access throughout Cologne and the wider North Rhine-Westphalia area. Situated in the heart of the city, it provides easy access to the cathedral and the main railway station. The exhibition grounds are one S-Bahn stop away.
Amenities at the Hotel: Facilities provided include Bar, 24-Hour Front Desk, Newspapers, Non-Smoking Rooms, Elevator, Safety Deposit Box, Heating, Design Hotel, Luggage Storage, Designated Smoking Area. Services provided include Meeting/Banquet Facilities, Laundry, Dry Cleaning, Ironing Service, and Fax/Photocopying. Wi-fi is available in the entire hotel and is free of charge. No parking available.
Hotel Rules: The Check in time for the hotel is from 14:00 hours and the Check out time is until 07:00-12:00 hours. Cancellation and prepayment policies vary by room type. All children under 6 years stay free of charge when using existing bedding. All children under 2 years stay free of charge for cots. All older children or adults are charged EUR 30 per night per person for extra beds. Maximum capacity of extra beds/babycots in a room is 1. Any type of extra bed or baby cot is upon request and needs to be confirmed by the hotel. Supplements will not be calculated automatically in the total costs and have to be paid separately in the hotel. Pets are not allowed. Accepted credit cards are American Express, Visa, Euro/Mastercard, Diners Club, JCB, and Maestro. The hotel reserves the right to pre-authorise credit cards prior to arrival.
Hotel Room Types and Rates:
Double Room
Included in room price: 7 % VAT, 5 % city tax, Buffet breakfast
• Non refundable
• Breakfast included: € 162
• FREE cancellation
• Breakfast included: € 180
Single Room
Included in room price: 7 % VAT, 5 % city tax, Buffet breakfast
• Non refundable
• Breakfast included: € 126
• FREE cancellation
• Breakfast included: € 140
Comfort Single Room
Included in room price: 7 % VAT, 5 % city tax, Buffet breakfast
• FREE cancellation
• Breakfast included: € 200
Comfort Double Room
Included in room price: 7 % VAT, 5 % city tax, Buffet breakfast
• FREE cancellation
• Breakfast included: € 210
Azimut Hotel Köln
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Azimut Hotel Köln
Overview of the Hotel: This hotel features rooms that are soundproofed, colorful décor, satellite TV, and a desk. Non-smoking rooms and rooms for disabled guests are available. It also provides free internet, modern spa facilities, and rich buffet breakfasts. The hotel also features a well-equipped gym and spa facilities that include a sauna and solarium. Free Wi-Fi is provided in the lobby and strikingly designed bar while its reception is open 24 hours day. It is conveniently located close to Cologne Cathedral, The Koelnmesse Exhibition Centre, Hansaring Underground and S-Bahn (City Rail) Stations and Cologne Central Station. The hotel is close to Köln City Center.
Amenities at the Hotel: Facilities provided include bar, 24-Hour Front Desk, Newspapers, Non-Smoking Rooms, Rooms/Facilities for Disabled Guests, Elevator, Soundproofed Rooms, Heating, Luggage Storage and Airconditioning. Activities provide included Sauna, Fitness Centre, and Solarium. Services provide included Room Service, Meeting/Banquet Facilities, Laundry, Dry Cleaning, and Fax/Photocopying. Wired internet is available in the hotel rooms and is free of charge. Wi-fi is available in public areas and is free of charge. Private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed) and costs EUR 15 per day.
Hotel Rules: The Check in time for the hotel is from 14:00 hours and the Check out time is until 07:00-12:00 hours. Cancellation and prepayment policies vary by room type. All children under 12 years stay free of charge when using existing bedding. All children under 2 years stay free of charge for cots. All older children or adults are charged EUR 30 per night per person for extra beds. Maximum capacity of extra beds/babycots in a room is 1. Any type of extra bed or baby cot is upon request and needs to be confirmed by the hotel. Supplements will not be calculated automatically in the total costs and have to be paid separately in the hotel. Pets are allowed on request. Charges may be applicable. Accepted credit cards are American Express, Visa, Euro/Mastercard, and Maestro. The hotel reserves the right to pre-authorise credit cards prior to arrival.
Hotel Room Types and Rates:
Double or Twin Room
Included in room price: 7 % VAT, 5 % city tax
• FREE cancellation: € 420.35
Single Room
Included in room price: 7 % VAT, 5 % city tax
• FREE cancellation: € 420.35
Köln Hostel, Weltempfänger Hostel
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Köln Hostel, Weltempfänger Hostel
Overview of the Hotel: The hotel provides simple rooms with a private bathroom and lockers, free Wi-Fi and a modern café. It also offers a buffet available every morning in the Weltempfänger Café at affordable prices. One can also hire bicycles at the reception. The hotel is conveniently located in the Ehrenfeld district of Cologne, close to underground ride from Cologne Cathedral and the Piusstraße Underground Station
Amenities at the Hotel: Facilities provided include Bar, Newspapers, Non-Smoking Rooms, Family Rooms, Heating, Luggage Storage, All Public and Private spaces non-smoking. Activities provided include Cycling. Services provided include Bicycle Rental. Wi-fi is available in the entire hotel and is free of charge. Public parking is possible at a location nearby (reservation is not needed) and charges are applicable.
Hotel Rules: The Check in time for the hotel is from 14:00-22:00 hours and the Check out time is until 07:00-12:00 hours. Cancellation and prepayment policies vary by room type. All children under 4 years stay free of charge when using existing bedding. All children under 3 years stay free of charge for cots. There is no capacity for extra beds/cots in the room. Pets are not allowed. Accepted credit cards are Visa, Euro/Mastercard, Maestro and Other. The hotel reserves the right to pre-authorise credit cards prior to arrival.
Hotel Room Types and Rates:
Twin Room
Prices are per room.
Included in room price: 7 % VAT, 5 % city tax
• FREE cancellation: € 59
Single Room
Included in room price: 7 % VAT, 5 % city tax
• FREE cancellation: € 55
Quadruple Room
Included in room price: 7 % VAT, 5 % city tax
• FREE cancellation: € 120
Jugendherberge köln, Hostel Köln
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Jugendherberge köln, Hostel Köln
Overview of the Hotel: This hostel features comfortable accommodations at affordable prices. Its location is such that it provides easy access to all the main attractions of Cologne as well as its cultural venues. Housed in a 7-floor office building, this hostel also offers a buffet breakfast in the Hostel Köln to start ones day of shopping and sightseeing in Cologne. Recently opened in March 2009, the hostel is situated, in a side street between Neumarkt and Rudolfplatz. It is close to Cologne Cathedral and the main railway station as well as 15 different bus and tram lines, allowing guests easy access to all parts of the city, and the whole Rhine-Ruhr region.
Amenities at the Hotel: Facilities provided include Bar, 24-Hour Front Desk, Newspapers, Non-Smoking Rooms, Rooms/Facilities for Disabled Guests, Family Rooms, Elevator, Express Check-In/Check-Out, Safety Deposit Box, Heating, Design Hotel, Luggage Storage, Allergy-Free Room Available, All Public and Private spaces non-smoking, Designated Smoking Area, Sun Terrace. Activities provided include Games Room. Services provided include Meeting/Banquet Facilities, Airport Shuttle, Tour Desk, Fax/Photocopying, Vending Machine (drinks). Wi-fi is available in public areas and is free of charge. Wired internet is available in the hotel rooms and is free of charge. Private parking is possible on site (reservation is needed) and costs EUR 15 per day.
Hotel Rules: The Check in time for the hotel is from 14:00 hours and the Check out time is until 07:00-12:00 hours. Cancellation and prepayment policies vary by room type. All children under 6 years stay free of charge when using existing bedding. All children from 6 to 12 years are charged 50 % of the room stays per night per person for extra beds. Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 4. Any type of extra bed or baby cot is upon request and needs to be confirmed by the hotel. Supplements will not be calculated automatically in the total costs and have to be paid separately in the hotel. Pets are not allowed. Accepted credit cards are Visa, Euro/Mastercard, and Maestro. The hotel reserves the right to pre-authorise credit cards prior to arrival.
Hotel Room Types and Rates:
Double Room
Included in room price: 7 % VAT, 5 % city tax, Buffet breakfast
• FREE cancellation
• Breakfast included: € 349
Single Room
Included in room price: 7 % VAT, 5 % city tax, Buffet breakfast
• FREE cancellation
• Breakfast included: € 299
Triple Room
Included in room price: 7 % VAT, 5 % city tax, Buffet breakfast
• FREE cancellation
• Breakfast included: € 186
Quadruple Room
Included in room price: 7 % VAT, 5 % city tax, Buffet breakfast
• FREE cancellation
• Breakfast included: € 328
Maritim Hotel Köln
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Maritim Hotel Köln
Overview of the Hotel: The hotel is located at the heart of Cologne at the Deutzer Brücke Bridge. Cologne Hauptbahnhof main train station and Cologne’s Catedral is minutes away from the hotel. There are as many as 454 air-conditioned rooms, well-furnished and equipped with a Television, a safe and a mini-bar. The attached bathrooms are stylish and provide toiletries. Daily buffet breakfast is offered in the Rôtisserie restaurant at the hotel. The Bellevue restaurant offers a wide range of authentic dishes for lunch and dinner. The piano bar and the pub offer different cocktails. The hotel spa area includes a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, solarium and a fitness room.
Amenities at the Hotel: The hotel has a Restaurant, Bar, 24-Hour Front Desk, Newspapers, Terrace, Non-Smoking Rooms, Elevator, Safety Deposit Box, Heating, Luggage Storage, Shops in Hotel, Air-conditioning, Designated Smoking Area, Sauna, Fitness Centre, Solarium, Massage, Turkish/Steam Bath, Indoor Swimming Pool. Other services include Room Service, Meeting/Banquet Facilities, Business Centre, Babysitting/Child Services, Laundry, Dry Cleaning, Barber/Beauty Shop, and Breakfast in the Room, Ironing Service, Bridal Suite, Currency Exchange, Shoe Shine, Packed Lunches, and Fax/Photocopying. Wireless Internet Hotspot is available in the hotel rooms and charges are applicable. Public parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed) and costs EUR 17 per day.
Hotel Rules: The check in time for the hotel is from 15:00 hours and the check out time is until 12:00 hours. Cancellation and prepayment policies vary by room type. All children under 6 years stay free of charge when using existing bedding. All children under 2 years stay free of charge for cots. All children from 7 to 12 years are charged EUR 20 per night for extra beds. One older child or adult is charged EUR 30 per night in an extra bed. Maximum capacity of extra beds/baby cots in a room is 1. Pets are allowed. Charges may be applicable. When booking more than 5 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply. Accepted credit cards are American Express, Visa, Euro/MasterCard, Diners Club, JCB, Maestro, and Bankcard. The hotel reserves the right to pre-authorize credit cards prior to arrival.
Hotel Room Types and Rates:
Classic Double or Twin Room
Prices are per room
Included in room price: 7 % VAT, 5 % city tax
• Non refundable: € 359.24
• FREE cancellation: € 172.77
Classic Single Room
Prices are per room
Included in room price: 7 % VAT, 5 % city tax
• Non refundable: € 135.
• FREE cancellation: € 183.31
Junior Suite
Prices are per room
Included in room price: 7 % VAT, 5 % city tax
• Non refundable: € 214.91
• FREE cancellation: € 272.86
Comfort Single Room
Prices are per room
Included in room price: 7 % VAT, 5 % city tax
• Non refundable: € 167.51
• FREE cancellation: € 199.11
Superior Single Room
Prices are per room
Included in room price: 7 % VAT, 5 % city tax
• Non refundable: € 172.77
• FREE cancellation: € 214.91
Comfort Double or Twin Room
Prices are per room
Included in room price: 7 % VAT, 5 % city tax
• Non refundable: € 193.84
• FREE cancellation: € 188.58
Superior Double or Twin Room
Prices are per room
Included in room price: 7 % VAT, 5 % city tax
• Non refundable: € 210
• FREE cancellation: € 220.18