3 Hours in Cologne - Germany

Itinerary: Cologne & Dusseldorf, Germany (Link: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0Bys9H9hPgFspdDNHYzl2TEJIUzA) 


From ICE station in Frankfurt, I took the train to Cologne, Germany before go to Amsterdam. It took about 1hour 15mins to 1hour 30mins. As I arrived in Koln Hbf, I planned to store my luggage but none of the machines were working. All the machines where you inserted the money were full. I ended up bringing the luggage with me even though it is not convenience. The automatic luggage machine costs €5/day. As you inserted the money, the door will open. As you put your luggage, the machine will automatically conveys an stores the luggage. Then, the receipt will be printed. When you went back, scan the receipt, and the machine will automatically retrieve the luggage.

Automatic Luggage Storage (Copyright @ schnitzelbahn)

Cologne Cathedral (B on MAPS)

As soon as I exited the Koln Hbf (Cologne Train Station), I could see the cologne cathedral. This cathedral is very popular that attracts an average of 20,000 people everyday. There is an average of 20,000 people visited  You can climb one of the tower that I did not do. To climb the tower, enter from the right next to the main entrance and costs €4. I planned to climb Koln triangle tower instead to have  a Cologne Cathedral as the view. The best place to have a great view of the cathedral was from the other side of the river, in front of the Hyatt Regency Hotel.

The Cologne Cathedral View from outside Koln Hbf

The Cologne Cathedral View from Front Side

The Cologne Cathedral View from the Other Side of River

Ludwig Museum

Next to the Cologne Cathedral, the Ludwig Museum is located. I skipped it as I did not have lots of time in Cologne. 

 

Rheinpromenade und Rheingarten (C on MAPS) & Fischmarkt (D on MAPS)

From Cologne Cathedral, I walked to the Rheinpromenade and Rheingarten. The walk is about 5-10 mins. This is located in the old town and just a walk next to the river with a great view. From fischmarkt, the view of the Great St. Martin church can be seen.

Rheinpromenade und Rheingarten (Copyright @ wikimedia)

The View of Great St. Martin Church from Fischmarkt

The View of Great St. Martin Church and Fischmarkt from other side of River

Great St, Martin Church (E on MAPS)

This church is a landmark of Cologne's old town and the second nicest church in Cologne. 

Great St. Martin Church (Copyright @ Rebecca Dominguez)

Great St. Martin Church (Copyright @ Shubert Ciencia)

Great St. Martin Church (Copyright @ Trevor Huxham)

Tünnes und Schäl (F on MAPS)

These are two figures from Hanneschen-Theater. They are the puppet theatre of Cologne. 

Alter Markt (G on MAPS)

Alter Markt means "Old Market" and this place is a central point of Cologne. To get here, just walk from the Fischmarkt thru the Lintgasse road.  In the center of the Alter Markt Square, the Jan Von Werth fountain located.

Hohenzollerbrucke (H on MAPS)

Hohenzollerbrucke is the bridge between the Koln Triangle and Cologne Cathedral. This bridge also called as the "Loved Lock Bridge". The bridge is mainly for the trains and walk.  From this bridge, you can see the Koln triangle and a Reiterstandbild Kaiser Wilheim I statue, a man riding a horse.

Koln Triangle (I on MAPS)

There is an observation deck on top of the building. It costs €3 and open from 10:00 AM to 08:00 PM. I initially planned to go up there, but it was very windy and raining soon so I decided to leave and go to Amsterdam. 

One thing that I missed during my trip to Cologne that a must was to try "Kolsch". Kolsch is a beer made in Cologne. This is very popular and a must if visit Cologne.  To taste this, you need to go to only selected breweries in Cologne about 13 local breweries. While drinking Kolsh, it is famous to eat Halven Hahn or Himmel un Aad. Halven Hahn is a rye roll with cheese while Himmel un Aad is a mashed potato with apple mash.

Kolsch (Copyright @ Sandrabella)

Halver Hahn (Copyright @ Daniella)